Create With Purpose Part 3: Exploration & Action by Kirsten McNeill

Let’s welcome back Kirsten McNeill as she shares with us “Create With Purpose Part 3: Exploration & Action” Enjoy!

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Hello Writer’s Fun Zone! 

Last month, I shared Part 2 of my six-part series called Reflection & Clarity. Today, I bring you Part 3: Exploration & Action

Writers are creative beings. You live for cultivating new ideas and sharing your stories through the written word.

You’re eager to connect with readers and teach them lessons you’ve learned about the world.

When you are a writer, anything is possible because there’s potential to create so many different worlds and characters.

Despite the expansive properties of being a creative writer, you still find yourself trapped in a box.

You’ve chosen a specific genre for yourself and you only write novels, not poetry or short stories.

You’ve established yourself as one type of author, and because marketing has told you that it’s easier to focus on one genre, you’re afraid to branch out to something new.

If you feel trapped in this box but are eager to be free, I’m here to offer you encouragement to break away.

What makes you who you are?

Aside from being a writer, you can be defined by many things. You have several hobbies, unique stories of your past, possibly a part- or full-time job, and maybe you’re a parent.

Do these labels hold you back?

As soon as you tell someone a title you hold or something you’re interested in, it comes with certain expectations.

People make assumptions about your skills and what your day looks like based on what they’ve been exposed to and what they know about the world.

This can put a lot of pressure on you as a writer if people are comparing you to the likes of Stephen King or J.K. Rowling.

“Oh, you must write every day!”

“Can you put me in your next book?”

“What’s taking you so long to write a sequel?”

Labels put you in a box, and you feel like you have to meet the expectations of what others set for you.

You’re a writer therefore you must always have creative ideas.

You’re a parent therefore you must always put your children before yourself.

You work a full-time job therefore you must always give 110% of your energy to your work.

You enjoy crocheting therefore you must always have a project on the go.

It’s a human habit to generalize what it means to be a writer, a parent, a worker, an artist.

Especially when someone is not defined by the same things that you are, it is harder for them to understand you on a personal level (more so strangers than people who have known you for years).

Explore Because it’s Fun; Take Action on What Matters Most

It’s time for you to redefine your labels and create your own meaning behind them. What is true for one writer is not the same for you, so avoid comparing yourself to the progress and skill levels of others.

What expectations are you putting on yourself?

What are your goals throughout your writing journey?

What makes you happy?

Explore anything you want in your writing journey because it’s fun.

New genres, different character types, challenging social norms in your themes, multiple characters points of views, new ways of marketing, etc.

Not everything you try has to stay in your routine. 

You need to experiment because you’re curious if what you’re currently doing is the most satisfying for you or the most helpful in reaching your goals.

Try everything once, otherwise how will you know what you enjoy writing most or what marketing strategies work best?

Once you’ve had a chance to explore, take continuous action on a few key things that matter most to you.

What fills you with sunflower sunshine and aligns with your true purpose as a writer?

You can evolve and change your mind as often as you please, especially as you enter new seasons of your life.

You are not the same writer you were five years ago and you won’t be the same in another five years, so take time for trial and error and try what you’ve always wanted to try.

Purpose Can Equal No Purpose

Sometimes an activity’s purpose is to have no purpose at all. Not everything you write needs to have a polished result.

Drafts get abandoned and profiles get created for characters who won’t actually make it into a book.

They have no purpose in the end, but at the same time that gives it a purpose in helping you practice your writing skills and learning where your strengths are.

Explore without judgement on yourself or worrying what labels others will put on you.

Take action on the activities that light up your heart and make you feel whole.

Most importantly, never forget that you are worthy.

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ABOUT KIRSTEN MCNEILL

Kirsten McNeill is a Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach, Podcaster, and Self-Published Writer. Her mission with Worthy Writers Coaching is to align you with your creative identity through practical writing schedules and exploring your identity. Connect to your sunflower confidence to publish and share your stories with an empowered mindset.

Receive 50% off 1 90-min coaching session with Kirsten when you subscribe to the Worthy Writers Confidence Newsletter.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/confident.kirsten

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/theworthywritersnook

Create With Purpose Part 2: Reflection & Clarity.

Podcast Recommendation: Inspired Action for Writers & Coaches With Chris Williams.