The other night I was listening to an online video interview with author Natalie Goldberg. This phrase caught me, and I couldn’t help but pause. I love it when I hear something phrased slightly differently than how I’ve heard it before. “Dive in.” “Go for it.” “Dig in deep.” These are all things Goldberg might have said, but instead, she chose the fabulous combination of words go into it.
There’s something about those three words as they apply to the writing life. Of course, the first part of the quote is just as important. “You just follow what you love…” Ahhh, such sweet-sounding words!
It sounds so simple doesn’t it? But is it really?
I think the answer is this: “It can be simple, but not always.” Or, as a wise woman once told me regarding finding true love: “It’s all about timing.” So it is with the writing life, and finding that which we love, and having the chance to go into it. First, we have to find what we love, and that can be tricky enough. In order to do that, we must know ourselves — really know ourselves. Some people discover their true selves earlier than others.
And then we have the task of finding a way to go into it. Sometimes, obstacles block our path. Other times we’re not quite ready. Still other times, we don’t have all the tools we need to really go into it as we’d like.
But then we begin to study our craft, and position ourselves, and network, and one fine day, things begin to fall together and it seems like something of a miracle — and it is. But it’s also a matter of our time having finally arrived. All that work, each small step, has led to something, and that something is now in view.
I feel like that’s happening right now to my good friend Mary of Play Off the Page. After years of trying to find her true path, her longtime dream of becoming a playwright is closer than ever. She’s actually produced some scripts and involved friends who have traveled a distance to be part of her debut readings. This weekend, one of her works will be featured in a public event in northern North Dakota. After years of seeking, she’s finally ready to go into it! And I’m heading to the performance this weekend to celebrate with her in person. (Mary, I’ll grab the Dove chocolates on the way out the door, don’t worry!)
Likewise, my own true path is becoming clearer each passing day. Though I have to hold off a bit longer in sharing more, right now I’m really close to a jumping-off point and getting ready to fully go into it. It’s an exciting time full of expectant energy.
So hang on. If you’re someone who can’t quite get to where you need to be in order go in full blast, be patient with yourself. It will happen. Keep the faith, turn fully in the direction of your goal, and just continue believing in yourself and the writing you know you’re meant to do.
Q4U: Have you ever felt yourself “going into it” with a particular project; a project you feel you were born to assume?
Yes, Roxane, and it’s a feeling that’s really strange and new. There are some things about it that are downright weird. The other day I was talkin to a nice man in a library, and when he found out I was a contracted historical novelist, he said “Who are you?” in a very impressed voice. I said “No one.” And that’s how it will always be. If people want to divide the world into someones and no ones, I’m with the no ones. Always an happily.
I love that quote! Natalie Goldberg is fantastic.
I don’t think I’ve discovered any one project I was born to assume. (Unless marrying my wonderful hubby counts!) In terms of writing… just practicing and writing and going into what comes to my imagination each day. 🙂
Rosslyn, yes, I can relate. And I also agree! I remember a time when I was at the mall with my young kids, looking a fright, hair in ponytail, a bit stressed, and I came upon a really nice poster board announcing an author visit and book signing, and it was ME who was to deliver this. It was such a strange moment of seeing these two sides of my life at the time. And even though it was exciting to have reached this goal, I knew that my REAL life was the more haggardly version. And on some deep level I was okay with that.
Laura, yes, marrying your wonderful hubby counts. What a treasure! And I love how you approach each day as a “going into it” day!
Thank you for honoring me and my work in your post. I’m going into it, full speed. I am fully embracing my path, opening my arms wide ready to see what will happen next. See you soon! Mmm Dove chocolate.
Wow, yay for Mary! How fun for you as well to experience and celebrate her achievement. I can’t wait to hear your news Roxane!
I think perhaps, those are words to live by indeed, go into it… great message!
Going into Motherhood felt like much this way to me 🙂 I am just staying open to what that next “project” may look like for me to go into 🙂
Mary, yes, your embrace has been panning out. So glad we named our “one word” so we had something to work toward! My pursue is working well too!
Vicky, I love the correlation you made with motherhood. You’re so right! If we go into it in that realm, there are many beneficiaries. The challenge I think will be learning when to let go. 🙂
Roxane,
What a delightful and encouraging post! I am so excited for Mary as she “embraces” and for you as you “pursue.” You both give such hope to someone who finds themself still lost in the woods. (Maybe that is why my words were rest and refinement??Hmmm….)
Have an awesome weekend!
ps. Roxane, I can hardly wait for you to share your news!
Hi Roxane! I’ve missed you! Sorry I’ve been such a lousy blog friend lately. I’m so excited to hear your news.
I think the last year has been kind of a gathering and growing year for me. Part of me wonders if I went into before I was really ready and now I have to decide exactly what I want from my writing life. But writing lately has been EXCELLENT. I really love it again, which is the main thing.
I hope you are doing well!