Writing from the Heart
  • Home
  • My Story
  • My Writing
    • Published Articles
    • Favorite Writing Books
  • My Blog
  • Contact Me

What Were You Thinking?

10/21/2013

2 Comments

 
Picture
Have you ever wished you could see the world through someone else’s eyes? You know, put yourself in their shoes, so to speak? Well, that’s what I’m doing this week.  

Most of the time, I write about my own life experiences. But every now and then, I spot someone with an inspiring story and I just want to help them share it. It’s called ghostwriting. (Sounds kind of mysterious, doesn’t it?)   

It can be a challenge, putting myself in someone else’s shoes. After all, how do you describe someone else’s thoughts, feelings and memories? I once wrote a story for a man that had fallen through the ice while fishing and was rescued by a mysterious bystander. My biggest challenge was making the story sound like he was telling it – not me. But I’d only gone ice fishing once in my life – and I’m definitely not a man! I found myself asking, “So then what were you thinking?” throughout the entire interview.

But ghostwriting can also be very rewarding. How often do we get the chance to peek inside someone else’s heart and life? Writing other people's stories also helps me keep the right perspective when it comes to my writing. It’s not about me.

So, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to work on a story I’m writing for a friend of mine. You might say I’m kicking off my shoes and squeezing into hers. And that’s not easy. Her feet are two sizes smaller than mine. 

In the meantime, I thought I’d share a story I wrote a couple of years ago for another friend, Michelle Smyth. She’s the mother of a child with special needs who unexpectedly found her purpose in life through her son’s autism diagnosis. I think she has an inspiring story. As it turned out, the nice folks at Chicken Soup for the Soul thought so too. Her story was published in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Find Your Happiness back in October 2011. Click here to read My Detour to Destiny. I think you’ll enjoy it!

*Photo taken from www.freedigitalphotos.net -"Portrait Of A Thoughtful Teen Blonde Girl" by stockimages

2 Comments
Denise Valuk
10/21/2013 11:51:17 pm

Thank you for your encouraging words this morning! I have been struggling for several months over a "ghostwritten" story I want to query for, but have not had the courage. I worry it's too bizarre or that the person won't want to talk to me or that the editors will think it's the worst story ever, etc...... You are doing a fabulous job, Keep up the great work!

Reply
Sheri
10/22/2013 02:12:42 am

Hey Denise - it's great to hear from you! Oh boy, I can SO relate to those worries you're describing. Sometimes I really have to give myself a mental "kick in the pants" to move forward. (Well, that - plus a little prayer for boldness!) I understand your fear. It's not easy to step out of that comfort zone, is it? Tell you what. If you promise to write that query, I'll promise to be praying for 'ya. Deal?

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Like me on Facebook!
    Follow Blog via Email

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner


    Archives

    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    May 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013

    Categories

    All
    Attitude
    Contentment
    Farm Memories
    Fear
    Friendship
    Glimpses Of God
    Gratitude
    Guest Posts
    Guest Posts
    Lessons From My Kids
    Marriage
    MS
    Parenting/Motherhood
    Patience
    School Visits
    Writing Journey

    Picture

    I am a member of COMPEL Training

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.