Joan Hall, a friend made through blogging, has published an e-book entitled Dare to Dream, The Incredible Journey of Writing. It is an amazing compilation of not only inspiration and motivation for the writer but also encouragement. But first, a little about Joan.
I met Joan Hall through her former blog, Reflections of His Grace, and quickly became aware that Joan had a gift. Not only is Joan a good writer, she becomes a friend quickly and an encourager of others.
Recently, Joan decided to devote her writing life to her long-time dream to write a novel, and now blogs at Joan Hall Writes. Dare to Dream combines encouraging quotes from other writers, photographs (some of which are Joan’s — she’s a good photographer, too), and most importantly Joan’s personal experiences to chronicle the journey of a writer.
I have read it several times now — it’s a short book, 28 pages total — but its contents are empowering and uplifting such that I find myself reaching between its covers for encouragement when things seem to be going no where for me in my writing.
Joan has captured the essence of the writer’s life in a few short pages. However, it isn’t the length that is important. The importance is bound together by what Joan has chosen to share with us, other writers.
I urge you to visit Joan’s blog and see what she’s sharing there. While you’re looking around, be sure to subscribe by email and you’ll receive a free copy of Dare to Dream.
Following is my favorite quote from the book as well as the page I continue to return to for encouragement:
“If you hear a voice within you say, ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.”
(Vincent van Gogh)
“One of my favorite quotes regarding self-doubt is from artist Vincent van Gogh. He spoke of painting, but it equally applies to writing or any other form of creativity.
“I am often my own worst critic. Many times, I hear those inner voices speaking negative comments.
. . .
“If I’m not careful, waves of doubt will overcome me. Van Gogh painted to silence his voices of doubt. When I hear those inner voices of self-doubt invade, I write.“You too can rise above the waves of doubt.”
(Excerpt from Dare to Dream, p. 15)
A must read ~ and an inspiring post 😉
Thank you so much for your kind words. It is my hope that my little book will encourage other writers.
Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment. And thanks again for the RT’s today! Much appreciated.
Self doubt is a constant for me as a writer. Thanks for this post. I will check out Joan’s website.
Kathy – self-doubt can be a killer, but we need not allow it to be. Thanks for your comment.
Kathy, you’re not alone in that category! Many of us suffer from self-doubt. Glad you’ll be checking out Joan’s site — it’s a good one for writers of all stages.
I will be more than happy to visit Joan’s blog! Thank you!
Hi Sandy – hope to “see” you there. 🙂
Sandy, thanks for visiting Joan’s blog. You won’t be sorry. 🙂
Reblogged this on Wyndy Dee and commented::)
Thank you, WyndyDee!
Thanks, Wyndy Dee for the reblog! 🙂
Your book sounds lovely, Joan. I will share with the Women’s Writing Circle. Your philosophy – dare to dream . . . silence the inner critic (and here, I would add, silence the outside critics who would sabotage your writing) . . . is so very important if we want to find our voices as writers. Thank you, Sherrey, for this post.
Thank you for your kind words, Susan. Yes, those outside critics can also do a lot of damage.
Susan, thank you for visiting and sharing Joan’s book with your circle. And you’re welcome — it was my pleasure to support Joan in this way.
Sherrey – this is so kind of you. You too have a gift for writing and have certainly encouraged me. I’m thankful that we’ve “met” through the world of blogging and hope to meet you in person some day.
Blessings!
Joan, reading your book was pure joy and inspiration! To be allowed to review and post my review on my blog was my pleasure. I wish you well in the future with your writing and that novel you dream of. So glad too that we’ve “met” and it would be lovely to do so in person one day.
Blessings, dear friend!
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