Comments on: Close Encounters with the Dark and Scary

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:46:40 +0000

@Melissa, if you need a buddy, I’m here! Together we can cheer each other forward!

By: Melissa Donovan

Melissa Donovan — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 07:52:47 +0000

I'm way late to this post after being offline for the better part of a week but I still wanted to commend you for pushing through the doubt. Reading this made me realize that one of my goals this year is to take more risks and I thank you for that Karen. Melissa Donovan´s last blog post..Why Proofreading Matters

By: ScreenwritingforHollywood

ScreenwritingforHollywood — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 07:30:07 +0000

The "and?" and the "and so?" were powerful words said to me once as well when I was going on and on about all my life concerns. It really alleviates a lot of needless worry. ScreenwritingforHollywood´s last blog post..Golden Globe Awards Winners 2009

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:03:16 +0000

@Andrew, I think it’s so wonderful that you are not willing to take the easy route. You have a contract, you have comfort and yet you are taking the path to keep challenging yourself. Any ideas about where you may go next? I am very excited for you!

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:01:35 +0000

@Bill, I am so glad you shared your feelings as it validates how even after success, that little voice still comes. I hope that you will let me know when #4 is published so I can buy and spread the word. You are a writer and by sharing your feelings, you have helped those of us who are on the journey to publish that first book. Thanks Bill!

By: Andrew

Andrew — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:51:36 +0000

Thanks Karen. Moving to Korea was certainly a rewarding experience, and I am glad that I did it. But whilst it was a wonderful growth experience for me in the first couple of years, Nevertheless, after three and a half years, I have been 'comfortable' in Korea for a couple of years now, and I feel that I am now in something of a 'comfort rut' again. This is one of the reasons why I don't think I will renew my contract again when it comes up for renewal later this year. By that time, I will have lived in Korea for four (good) years, and I feel that it will be time for me to move on and grow in a new challenge. Andrew´s last blog post..Employee rights and responsibilities part 8 - No one should be held in slavery

By: Bill Welter

Bill Welter — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 23:11:04 +0000

Karen,
Nice post!
I’ve written three books and still fell like I’m not a “real” writer. You cemented my intention for a fourth. Gotta go and write.
Bill

By: Roland Hesz

Roland Hesz — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:32:01 +0000

Karen, if the voice ever comes your way, just send it to me.
I have experienced your skills first hand and I will tell of the voice anytime.

And yes, fear should not hold you back – although, sometimes you should take time and assess risk, like before you confidently step on the rotten bridge that arches over a 300m deep chasm in the Andes.
Our mind is very risk-averse, and balks at every change, newness, chance of failure.

And curious about these projects, they sound interesting.

Roland Hesz´s last blog post..A Fistful of Dollars

By: Jamie Grove - How Not To Write

Jamie Grove - How Not To Write — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:54:47 +0000

“If you are 100% comfortable and confident you are probably not taking a risk.”

I’ll go you one better, Karen. If you are 100% comfortable and confident, you are just one step away from having it all taken away. Risk is what keeps us alive and moving, but it’s also around us all the time. If you feel like you’re living a risk free life, you’re actually living a complacent life and soon enough something will come along and remind you of that…

It’s better to embrace risk, to welcome it and make it part of your life. I’m not talking roll the dice to see whether you live or die, but moderate risks that keep you moving. Otherwise, you forget what to do when change comes instead of action being second nature.

Great post!

Jamie Grove – How Not To Write´s last blog post..What To Do When Old Stories Refuse To Go Away

By: Evelyn Lim

Evelyn Lim — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 08:16:09 +0000

Sure, it may sound scary to try something new. However, we learn (and therefore grow) the most when we put ourselves in a place of discomfort. You will be taking little risk in yours since you are venturing into an area that you have some knowledge on and there is a market out there. More often than not, I find bloggers producing ebooks on topics without first doing some form of customer research. Evelyn Lim´s last blog post..Ideas For Soul Growth In 2009