Leadership and Writing, Part 2

In January my husband took a leadership training class. Two of the things they listed as being essential for a leader were having someone you trust completely and knowing yourself.

The very next day I read Cherie's post about Live What You Believe which struck a similar cord with me.

So, I am sharing my thoughts on trust and self in writing. I discuss Trust in the first part.

Self

When I was a teenager I read the What I Wish I'd Known In Highschool books by John Bytheway. One of the things he discussed is that self-esteem is a myth. It does not exist. I found this discussion fascinating because I was struggling with low-self-esteem.

What John Bytheway suggests instead - is that we should respect ourselves. We should have self respect. I can't remember all the details but this concept changed my life. It was then that I realized that nobody's opinion of me (save myself and God's) mattered and started a journey of self discovery. This is when I started 'settling into my own skin.' It was not until college that I really became 'comfortable in my own skin.'

No I have a strong sense of self that stands up to most bombardments. It does not mean that I don't change. My self is flawed and when I find a flaw I work on removing it. But it means that I understand the core of who I am and I stay true to it.

So a great lesson for life - but how does that apply to writing?

My Self = My Writing

Because we as writers put so much of our personality and who we are into our writing - we must know ourselves before our writing can truly be great. Our self and our perception of our self affects our voice, the content of our writing, and the overall tone of a piece.

Do you have a strong sense of self? How has it helped you in your writing?

Leadership and Writing, Part 1

Earlier this month my husband took a leadership training class. Two of the things they listed as being essential for a leader were having someone you trust completely and knowing yourself.

The very next day I read Cherie's post about Live What You Believe which struck a similar cord with me.

So, I would like to share my thoughts on trust and self as it relates to writing :)

And because I have a lot to say - I am going to make it a series.

Trust

Let's start with trust. Have you ever completely trusted someone? I am a very trusting (read: naive, sheltered, gullible) person. I trust before I distrust except in extreme circumstances.

But I can honestly say that there is only one person I trust complete. First I have to preface this by saying I trust God and Christ more than anything or anyone. But what I am talking about is a person who is in my life who is less than perfect. So who is this person I trust completely?

My husband.

Part of the reason why I trust him so much - is that he is always honest with me. Sure he teases me and pulls my leg a lot (he has fun with the whole gullible thing) - but when it really counts he gives it to me straight. No matter what.

Once I told him about a story idea and he gave me a look and said. "That a stupid idea." Okay - so to be fair he said it much nicer but that was the gist of it. I was like "Oh." But he was right. And I am glad he was honest with me so that I could stop wasting my time on a bad idea. Even better - he has helped me so much with my current WIP. His feedback (and patient listening) has helped me smooth out a lot of plotting issues.

Another reason I trust my husband so much is he respects me, and I can respect him. Through a pattern of interaction he has constantly showed me respect and never done anything that would lessen my respect for him. For example, he loves that I am writing again. And in return for his interest and support - I am showing and interest in football of all things. I am also trying very hard to support him in all his goals and hobbies.

Do you have someone you trust when it comes to your writing? How do you trust them? What do you think builds the foundation of trust between two people.