“I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of (wo)man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.” Jack London (my parentheses!)
I have this quotation on my notice board in my office for a number of reasons. Firstly, I became aware of it in the last James Bond movie which marked the regrettable demise of Daniel Craig in the lead role, a sad moment, and secondly, it epitomises both my attitude to life and to my writing: make it as bright as it can be, strive for the best, don’t be afraid to try new things and live life to the full.
Sometimes, however, it can be difficult to try fresh things in different places with new people. There can often be imposter syndrome; that little nagging voice in your head that dampens your fire with negativity – you can’t do this, your writing isn’t any good, who do you think you are? Recognise this? Don’t listen! If trepidation is holding you back, don’t let it, feel the fear and do it anyway!
Be ashes not dust!