| Writing is my chosen career, but it can be difficult at | | | | write books and articles that help others.3. I will work |
| times. As a health writer I know I must have reliable | | | | hard to distill information and make it readable.4. I will |
| resources. I spend hours on the Internet, play telephone | | | | reveal myself in everything I write.5. I will learn and |
| tag with people I want to interview, and read health | | | | grow from reviews.6. I will listen carefully to readers' |
| information constantly. My approach to writing is simple: | | | | comments and suggestions.7. I will be patient with |
| The more I write the better I will become.I have been a | | | | myself.8. I will trust my writing instincts.9. I will let |
| freelance nonfiction writer for 28 years. These years | | | | creativeness lead me to new projects.10. I will find joy |
| have taught me patience. If I get stuck on something I | | | | in everything I write.These are my writing affirmations. |
| know I will get unstuck. It's just a matter of time. Years | | | | What are yours? Making a list of writing affirmations |
| of writing have taught me how to pace myself and I | | | | can energize you, keep you going, and help you |
| am grateful for this skill. I have also learned how to roll | | | | rediscover your career. Though there are exceptions, |
| with the punches.When I first started writing every | | | | most writers do not write for the money, we write |
| word was important -- cast in stone. If an editor | | | | because we love doing it. We wouldn't do anything |
| wanted to change a word or phrase I became | | | | else.Copyright 2006 by Harriet Hodgson |
| defensive. Thank goodness I have gotten over that. | | | | Hodgson is a member of the Association of Health |
| Now I focus on the quality of the product. I work hard, I | | | | Care Journalists and the Association for Death |
| enjoy working hard, and I enjoy every aspect of | | | | Education and Counseling. Twenty-five of her books |
| writing, even revisions.Still, like every writer I feel down | | | | have been published. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through |
| if I receive a rejection letter or comment. What do I | | | | Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, |
| do? I review my writing affirmations. These | | | | MD, is available from A five-star review of the book is |
| affirmations grew from thoughts in my mind to | | | | posted on Amazon. Another review is posted on the |
| thoughts on paper. Coming up with these affirmations | | | | American Hospice Foundation Website under the |
| helped me to learn more about myself and my work.1. I | | | | "School Corner" heading. |
| will use the word skills that were given to me.2. I will | | | | |