Article by Wendy McCance
Picture for a moment a great artist. What draws a person to the artists painting? What makes you stop and stare and think about what the artist is trying to convey? A great piece of art has heart. You can feel a vibration emanating from the piece. You can see into the artists soul, if ever so slightly. Picture a musician or a writer and the moment the words of their song or thoughts written on a page grabs at you and creates an impression you just can’t shake.
To be great at any artistic pursuit, you must let your guard down and be honest down to your core. A dancer can only be as great as the feelings they portray in their movements. As a writer, I am only able to leave an impression on those who read my words when I am brave enough to open up and share my deepest moments, even if they might be my darkest memories. It’s those private feelings we put the highest wall around that are the most relatable. They leave the most intense impression when we are brave enough to share those thoughts and feelings with the world.
Why is it so hard to get to those places and allow ourselves to open up on such an intimate level? We are all human and we have all had experiences that others can relate to. Those who can express their feelings and open themselves up to everyone around them are the ones who provide others with the biggest gift. They acknowledge what so many can’t face and stretch out a hand to help others who are battling their own demons know that they are not alone.
Look at the paintings, read the stories, hum along to the music and be enamored with the dancing of those who are fearless enough to share the beauty of the human experience without fear, judgement or insecurities. These are the people who live comfortably in their skin and want to teach others how to get to the same place in their own life. These are the people who have let us in and agree that there are many struggles and that we all face them. These are the people who have flaws but show them for they are part of the beauty that makes them who they are.
In this one life that you are given, do not waste time on worry. Do not fear showing others who you are, where you have been and where you dream of going. You will never live a genuine life until you can let the walls that hold you in down and allow the sunshine in your heart out to warm those who surround you.
To be brilliant in your artistic pursuit, let the walls fall away and expose yourself for who you really are. The best part of you is the vulnerable person who resides behind the facade you present to the world. It is the person that people are most happy to see, get to know and aspire to be just like.
Wendy McCance
To contact Wendy McCance about a writing or social media assignment, interview or speaking engagement, please email her at: [email protected]
Latest posts by Wendy McCance (see all)
- Redecorating the Kitchen - November 25, 2015
- Are You an Emotional Reader? - November 8, 2015
- A Change in Perspective - November 7, 2015
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Wendy,
I struggle with my inner self always. One part of me wants to speak out and the other part wants me to hush up. One part wants me to write - the other part wants me to keep quiet. One part wants to be courageous and open up but the other wants me to be a coward and cow down behind societal inhibitions. Every day I wake up with the fear- have I been found out ? Are my secrets out in the open.
You are right - everyone wants to know the real me- not the facaded me.
Hi Susie, when I first started my blog, friends asked how I could be so brave and open up the way I did. Honestly, I had gotten to the point where I just didn’t care anymore. Meaning, I just wanted to be who I was. If people embraced it, great, if not, then they weren’t people I would want as friends. Because, how can you know what true friendship feels like if you can’t be accepted for who you are? I also loved blogging because I was a bit of a chicken. It’s easier to say what’s on your mind behind a screen than in front of a group of people. It’s amazing how after you get used to saying your truth how it carries over into how open you are with people in person. Ultimately, it’s a learning process that takes time, but is worth the effort.
Wendy,
Just an update. I know I have let you know that I consider you one of my first teachers in the blog world, to which I am new. I am into week 2 of your advice. So far no replies. May be the fact that I am not a native English speaker is working against me. Any suggestions ?
It takes time and practice crafting a good letter. When I send out emails to potential prospects, I will send out a minimum of 60 at a time. I will generally get around 10 replies, 3 possibilities and 1 appointment if I am lucky. It’s all a numbers game. The more people you connect to, the better the chance of a job opportunity.
Wendy,
A further update. I have shamelessly been applying hither and thither. I registered on guru.com, Elance, odesk, PPH and freelance. No response so far. On PPH, there is a system called posting an hourlie. That is trying to sell what you have. And I don’t know how to write my sell nor do I know what to sell. Also I have no portfolio. So I am now directing people to my blog.
I have said that I can write resumes, job descriptions, research proposals, consent forms, theses, dissertations etc.. but no one seems to believe me or they don’t think I can do it or may be the way I bid is not right.
Anyway, no response that way either.
As a part of my marketing myself, I send a message text to an old colleague and he has asked to meet me tomorrow to write a research proposal for him- so that is some thing, isn’t it ? That will be voluntary work, by the way.
Can you advise me on what products to sell- I can write about any thing I feel, given the chance ?
What should I say I can write about ?
About LinkedIn, I tried to log in once and they said, I am highly restricted and am blocked out. As far as I remember haven’t done anything at all.
So nothing really good to report right ? How are things going for you ?
Thank you for your time.
Susie
Hi Susie, I have never used the online writing sites to get business so unfortunately, I have no suggestions other than to read this article: http://www.searchingforthehappiness.com/freelance-writers-guide-making-money/ A writer quest posted this article on this site and it has some great tips. As far as what types of writing you can market and about getting clips, look for places you can guest post to get clips of your work, or if you have a blog, use those articles as your clips. I send potential clients to this site to see what I know and how I write. It has worked out well. Offer to write what you know you can do well. For instance, I get asked to ghostwrite books frequently and I turn it down. I don’t have that type of background and am uninterested in learning about it.
Dear Wendy,
You have been more helpful than you can imagine. I went to the Kevin Casey article and read it through, making notes as is usual with me. Then I went to the site and did the test; now awaiting the results.
Does Kevin Casey have a blog ?
I would love to follow.
Thank you so much and bless you again.
Susie
You can follow Kevin at: https://www.remoteriverman.com
Wendy,
As we approach the weekend I want to give you another update.
I applied to Writer’s content as Kevin advised and also to Scripted. Both are awaiting moderation.
In the meanwhile I have got myself a writing job with a company which needs daily articles at a fixed price. They need all documents formatted using Mendeley. I wasn’t very familiar with the use of that software; but my daughter helped me and so I have just completed my first article with them today. Doesn’t pay much in $ but it is something to start off on my resume, right.
And you were so right, we need to send as many emails as we can and network. Never mind the rejections. Keep going. I did and I landed one job. Fingers crossed, they will like it and pay me or it is an effort wasted for me. If you would like to see it, I would love to hear your critique.
The other thing is I have an offer from one of the job boards to write a part of a project report for a student which I need to give in tomorrow.
I hope if I get some money, I will be able to invest in some books on writing, enroll in a writing course online and also in a printer for my computer.
About Linkedin: somehow I don’t like LinkedIn. I am not so sure about the online community there and I feel I might meet some people from whom I prefer to hide. I know that is not a good attitude for a freelance writer but believe me I have gone through a lot. I want to prove that I am capable of doing something before I go all out on LinkedIn.
So two jobs + one voluntary for the church newsletter. Good progress, don’t you think for someone who just started off on this writing journey on the 8th of August this year and just chanced to read your post.
Wish me luck and a happy weekend to you,
Anjum
Fantastic!!! Yes, definitely you are off to an amazing start. If LinkedIn isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to what social media platforms to use and if they prefer to connect in person, by phone or online. You’ll find your way. Just trust your instincts and do what feels best for you. Congrats again!! Thrilled for you.