Write Things: On the power of the stories we tell ourselves

Hello writers,

I'm going to share with you one of the most important ideas I can. 

Here it is. 

Idea: On mindset

As writers, each of you are uniquely equipped to make your dreams come true.

In order to do so, you must first be conscious of this ability. 

The stories that you believe to be true about yourself, your pasts, and your future have a direct impact on how you feel, think, and act in the present. 

Your beliefs are your stories. 

Most people live their lives without ever being conscious of the fact that their beliefs are stories that they are choosing to tell themselves. 

Most will not question where they came from, why they act as if these stories are true, and the impact these stories are having on their present, on them right now.

You can choose what you believe to be true. As a writer, you have the ability to invent new stories, new beliefs, that coincide with what is most important to you. 

This topic is far larger than can be contained in this newsletter, but for today, I just want to leave you with that concept. 

How different would your 'now' feel if you changed some of your stories? 

Maybe a teacher's criticism of your writing simply meant that they had different tastes than you and that many other readers might love your stories? 

What if it was an opportunity to consider one reader's perspective, one that you could choose to listen to and then act upon or ignore? Nothing more? 

What if the three writing contests you entered and did not win were not signs that you will never make it as a writer but instead, a series of speed bumps which will help prepare you for future criticism and rejection when you become a famous author? 

Most importantly - how would changing stories like these affect your passion, enthusiasm, optimism, and faith in your dreams?

How would changing these stories change your life right now?

Inspiration:  Quick-Write "My favourite future" 

Set a timer for four minutes and write whatever comes to mind from the pompt above. 

This might lend itself to a personal piece or maybe you write this from a character's perspective. 

As always, I'd love to hear what you wrote! Reply to this email or send it to trevor@ihelpyouwritethings.com. I personally reply to each one received before next Thursday. 

Invitation: To rewrite

Choose a moment in your life that has caused you to doubt your future, lose faith in your dreams or your belief in your abilities. 

Set a timer for 15-30 minutes and attempt to retell that moment, focusing on the details or facts as you can recall them and your feeling. 

Then, rewrite the story you told yourself about what this moment meant or said about your value, potential, or dreams.  

Instead of an ending, make it a speed bump or, better yet, an opportunity. 

Instead of a defining moment, perhaps it is now best viewed as a disagreement or one person's opinion. 

That's it from me. If you have any questions just reply to this email. I love discussing this topic - it changed my life and I want to help others do the same. 

In fact, my Writer's Detox Retreat is designed to help 'clean' and rewrite these very stories. 

And I've got one room left. 

Happy creating, writers.

Sincerely, 

Trevor Martens