Coming out of the Writer's Closet

Risk is the price you need to pay for the big dream you have inside.

Today is a cool day for me. 5 years ago today I opened this account on Facebook. Now, you might not thing that's a big deal. But here's why it is for me.

It's that day I came out of my writer's closet.

In 2012 I'd been blogging for years, and had attended my first writers retreat. I knew I wanted to not only write, but publish books. That was my secret goal.
And it was a secret. I didn't tell hardly a soul. Because, who was I to dream that big? Who was I to think I had something to say that anyone else would want to read?

The answer was me. A doubting, scared, excited me.

I sat up well past my bedtime five years ago, setting up this profile--my author profile. I added my picture and a quote for my first cover photo: "The pen is the tongue of the mind." Cervantes. I was ready.

It was time to come out of the safety of the shadows of secret dreams. (is that not the cheesiest line ever? True. But cheesy).

So, about 2:30 in the morning, five years ago, I hit Publish and took my first step out of the writers closet. It was exciting, and represented an act of brave commitment to my dream.

Then I waited two weeks to invite anyone to be my friend.

Why? Because it meant stepping totally out from the darkness into the light. It meant showing everybody this dream that I had, and admitting I was either stupid or arrogant enough to pursue it.

Of course I was neither. But, what would people think? I'd like to think I was the brave soul that soldiered through life not caring about the opinions of others. But they matter, some not so much, some not at all, and some a great deal. Especially those I care about. And I was just about to announce to my friends and family--those I care about--that Michelle wants to write words for the world.

Creating this profile meant that I not only committed to my dream of publishing, but that I was willing to do it publicly. If I fail, everyone would know. And, honestly, I thought I probably would fail. I mean, what are the chances that a regular person like me could not only finish writing an entire book, but get one published by a traditional publisher? And who likes failing in public?
I did. And I didn’t.

Ann Acton was the first person I invited to be my friend. And, after five years, she still is 🙂

In the past five years I have traditionally published two books with two different publishers and another one set for release in a few months; self-published two books; spoken to thousands of women in large and small groups; taught at writers conferences and retreats; served on conference committees, co-chaired a conference and am now chairing a writers conference; written seven books and have three in the works and ideas for a dozen more.

I have had and left a literary agent; been rejected and called gimmicky; been accepted and called brilliant; cried in the middle of a writers conference hallway; quit writing; unquit writing; done TV and radio interviews; joined in critique groups where my words were bathed in red ink, and have done the same to others; and more.

It has been a full, wonderful, difficult, exhilarating, heartbreaking, and unforgettable journey. And I've done it all with my friends. I cannot tell you how vital it is to have that--to have you.

If you have a closet dream--whether it's writing or anything else--I encourage you to walk into the light with it. Yes it's scary. You might be mocked by some for doing it. (I had someone very close to me tell me, after I published my first inspirational nonfiction, that I was a fraud with no original ideas, that my book wasn't doing any good and he wasn't the only one who thought so. Ouch. Deep ouch.) You will be praised for doing it.

But that's not why you shouldn't or should come out of your dreamer closet.
You should do it because fear doesn't breed joyful success. Or sometimes any success.

Risk is the price you need to pay for the big dream you have inside.

I'm so glad I came out of my writer's closet five years ago today. That risk introduced me to experiences I never would have had. Hard and wonderful things. And has allowed me to meet so many amazing people. Many of you people here.

That risk--that choice--has changed my life.
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If you're a closet dreamer, I can promise you that December 2nd is a lucky to day to step into the light with that dream. You'll find opportunities, improve yourself, enjoy a robust support group of friends, and have joy in magnifying your talents and pursing your goals and dreams.
Join me in the light. It's nice weather out here.