Real Writers Aren't Afraid to Take Risks

For me, this summer has been all about taking risks -- some of them worked out well, some of them, not so well. Whatever the outcome has been for me though, I don't regret any of the new things I've tried.

This position as a Lead Writer for RE/MAX Platinum was a risk of sorts. I've been writing for years, but this is my first go-round as a lead business writer, and I've already learned so much. I'm about to take another risk in the next couple of weeks trying something completely new -- I'll be attending Fresh Meat Night at Rollerama II in Brighton to try out to become a member of the new Brighton Derby Dollz Roller Derby team.

In case you're unfamiliar with it, roller derby is a full contact skate sport that combines speed racing and glitzy persona with the potential to get the ever-lovin' snot beat out of you. The sport has been growing in steady popularity with the 2009 film Whip It starring Ellen Page and Drew Barrymore. Every skater picks their own special derby name that captures their persona. I've been thinking of a few for myself, and if I make the team, I'll let you know what I picked. My grandmother was a derby skater in Detroit years and years ago, so I guess it's sort of in my blood. I put on a pair of skates last weekend with a friend, and that was the first time in about 10 years, but I found that it was just like riding a bike. Derby, however, is a completely new thing for me.

Since we're talking about the concept of trying new things and not letting our fears get the best of us, I thought I would make this week's blogger tip one of emphasizing the element of risk taking in your writing. Judy Reeves, an author who has written two books on writing and is a featured columnist and workshop leader, has some interesting things to say about taking risks in your writing here. 

She reminds us why it's so important to take those risks, because only in doing so do we find our own inner-truth to share:

"You may stop writing what you're working on, or it may deviate off into some safer territory, meaningless details or worse, generalities. You may feel restless and want something - a cup of coffee, a cigarette (and you don't even smoke), something to eat, anything to alter the direction of the writing and the way you feel," she writes. 

"Taking risks means telling the truth, whatever your truth is."

Writing is just like all other things in life: If you cease to take risks, you really cease to discover purpose. Without purpose, writing becomes a pointless exercise. 

So fear not, bloggers. Don't be afraid to wrestle with those ideas head on, just like you'd do in a roller derby match. You never know what kinds of new ideas you discover.