For me as a new writer, I love seeing my words in print. The endless learning process of how to structure a sentence properly, and tweak the grammar to near perfection, while annoying at times, nevertheless, has proven to be one the of simplest aspects of writing skills I’ve undertaken this past year.
The most difficult thing for me, about what it takes to be a writer, by far, has been and continues to be, silencing the ‘political correctness critic’ sitting on my shoulder, or perhaps, the ones surrounding me in my daily life.
The well-meaning spouse, sibling, friend, co-worker, employer, clergyman, community leader, or any of the sundry others who may read something I’ve written and react with a word of caution, a raised eye-brow, rhetoric, invoke ‘tolerance’, quilt, or sometimes down right tell you “I don’t think you should…” Think how that sounds… What would people think…say, or react?”
I find myself after writing an honest and powerful piece, second guessing myself and going back, tampering with what I’ve written, changing the tone, or the language to be more acceptable. I see their discomfort, a cringe, reaction, an intake of breath, or widening of the eyes, and through my inexperience, I let them manipulate me to change my words, to cow-tow to political correctness, to sooth their ruffled feathers.
But, here’s the thing …
I may be new at writing, a neophyte, inexperienced in the craft, but this I know for sure: If I am ever to be successful as a writer, especially in my eyes, my words must be authentic. Writing should evoke emotions. Sometimes the emotions will run the gamut from good, to bad, ecstatic to horror. Real life is much the same way.
There will be times my writing runs the gamut from good to bad to excellent (my prayer), but one thing I promise from this post onward, my words will be authentic, like it or not.
So, screw political correctness.
COW PASTURE CHRONICLES 
I agree. We are so busy trying to be correct in some way or other that we miss the big picture.
LikeLike
JeanElaine – great post! This part is my favorite:"I may be new at writing, a neophyte, inexperienced in the craft, but this I know for sure: If I am ever to be successful as a writer, especially in my eyes, my words must be authentic."Writing is a strange combination of vulnerability and power. Finding the balance is a challenging but critical part of the journey. I'm looking forward to meeting the whole you on the pages of your debut novel.Ashley
LikeLike
Came over from LinkedIn. I like your spirit.Just to let you know:Two of my books are in the Kindle Free Book Promotion, "Digging Deep: A Writer Uncovers His Marriages" and "Unexpected Love and Other Stories." Through Tuesday, January 17th you can download them on your Kindle and Kindle App for FREE! As I write this I am thrilled that they are ranked 3rd and 13th respectively in their categories on Kindle Books. Help me out and download them on your Kindle or Kindle App for FREE to propel them to #1! It doesn't cost you anything. Here are the direct links for "buying" the books: http://amzn.to/yl6osf and http://amzn.to/zEoplj . (If you don't have an e-reader, you can down load the Kindle App from the Kindle site onto your computer or smart phone, and then download the books from there, and read them on your computer or smart phone). If you want information and excerpts from these books, go to my website, http://www.BoydLemon-Writer.com . Thank you for your help. Boyd
LikeLike
Go get-em sister. Thanks for the chuckle, you never fail to bring a smile. I could say more but you know where I stand, right behind you. Cheering all the way. Sometimes nothing works better than a good ole, "what the f@#%." Dance to your own tune, or write.
LikeLike