On Writing · Thinking Out Loud

Learning to Step Out of My Comfort Zone (Because You Inspire Me)

Sumyanna

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I just wanted to take a moment to say  THANK YOU.

 

For all of you who have followed my journey, shared a few steps, lifted me up when I was feeling down, sharing words of encouragement, sharing a little love – thank you.  I have been rather quiet (or at least quieter than normal) this past month and I feel I have you to blame 🙂

 

Even though I wrote as a teenager, I had stopped for well over twenty years.  Then, at least two years ago, I started writing again.  I started my first blog and it just didn’t fit right with me, but over time I had the courage to start another (this one) which I am just in love with.  A lot of it has to do with those of you who stop on by and share your stories with me as well as your kindness.

 

Your welcoming souls made me feel at home here. Not long ago, I would have never considered myself a writer, but it has been my passion. So I wrote and I shared and I grew. At some point, I finally grew comfortable with thinking I was a writer and I realized more than ever… it an essential part of who I am. I cannot even imagine that there was ever a point when my voice was silent, but I am grateful it is silent no more.

 

Now, I have not done anything monumental, but I did do something that is tremendously huge for me. I took the courage and prepared a book manuscript for the Emily Dickinson First Book Award. I submitted it on Saturday and won’t hear anything back until the end of April.

 

It is not that I am assured a win, but it is more about growing as a person to finally believe in yourself enough to try. I am seriously proud of my achievement and I have to admit it was one tough job because for some crazy reason I have written massive amounts of poetry in these last two years.

 

Essentially, the book is a collection of mostly Portaits Poetry interspersed with some of my other favorite poems (inspiration, nature, etc). I was able to bring the volume down to 73 poems that I hope are my best. If things don’t work out – I really do think I will (at some point) pursue getting it published, but that is definitely a thought for later.  I am way too pooped to think of it now!

 

Just wanted to thank you for being the wind beneath my wings in so many ways. You guys are just amazing and I could not be prouder to be in your company, considered a friend and a fellow poet.

 

Thank you,

Sumyanna

 

Beautiful image courtesy of Pixabay.com

Published by Sumyanna

Writer of poetry and seeker of knowledge. I hope to inspire and be inspired by my words and the world around me.

23 thoughts on “Learning to Step Out of My Comfort Zone (Because You Inspire Me)”

    1. Thank you dear Seema. I do hope so, but also don’t want to get my hopes up either. No matter, I am really glad that I tried. It was a huge step for me 🙂

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    1. Thanks. It was not easy. I thought it wouldn’t be such a big deal, but when I had to click submit, I felt nauseous 🙂 I guess it was a pretty big step, but I’m glad I did it. Even if nothing happens, I feel really happy with what I put together. I will let you know 🙂

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  3. Hi Sumyanna, well done on getting going and choosing the poems, It was a wonderful letter, and I’m sure it will be a wonderful collection. Best wishes and blessings, Charles.

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        1. That is one thing I won’t look forward to. This competition asked for 48 to 80 poems. I thought I would get 80, but wanted to only put in those I thought were best and fit the theme.

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          1. I think then 78 is fine, if they publish they will surely publish all 78. 60 is a usual amount as one gets 60 poems plus a title page onto one piece of printed paper in this way,two sheets adds to the cost, so most publishers would not want this.

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          2. It’s good to know Charles. I have not tried to be in print before, so I absolutely know nothing. In time, perhaps 🙂 You are a wonderful source of knowledge!

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          3. I used to work in a printing and publishing house, so o know how they think, and why poetry books are often thin. Though it has not helped me to get into print, but I think this has more to do with my slightly negative self image, rather than any problem with the publishing houses.

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          4. Wow – I did not know that. So sad that poetry does not have its proper place. I have always loved poetry, but it just isn’t celebrated as it once was. No worries – I know you will work on that 🙂

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          5. I think actually poetry slowly but surely is making a comeback. Here near Cape Town there is a yearly poetry festival that is now well established, and very well attended. There also several reading evenings a week, called “off the wall, and more and more people are attending and reading their work. There are also several slam venues, and new publications and publisher are popping up. One of the art galleries, which is also a published (David Krut projects), is now pushing poetry, and has organised a string of poetry book launched at their gallery. I see also more and more poetry blogs, are appearing all the time on the internet. So maybe we are writing at a very good and interesting time.

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          6. Perhaps that is true. I don’t really have much to compare it to, I have not been as active over the years (wow, has that changed!) I think it is wonderful that you have so many outlets there. I am sure there are some here. I will just have to find out. Growth! That gallery project sounds so amazing. Wow. I do hope that it does spread. We need its beauty now, more than ever.

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          7. Yes, beauty is something we need, and I think many are seeking it out, but in many different ways. So I think poetry will grow through that. I have many followers who are cookery people and non poets – that would not have happened few years back. 🙂

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  6. How delightful and brave you are. A new adventure begins a new chapter started. It’s absolutely wonderful to hear. Your poetry and prose are always delightful. I look forward constantly to hearing your voice. Whatever happens, rest assured your work is delightful and I’m thrilled your here to share it with us. I certainly look forward to reading it.

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    1. We always hope so. I am wanting to take my Portraits Poems a bit more seriously now – get better at it, if I can. I think it is a good thing, a move forward perhaps. Either way, I am happy. Thank you so much for your kind comments. I truly appreciate it.

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  7. Good luck and I admire you for taking on this venture! It takes courage to put your words on the internet and it is another leap submitting them for a contest. My biggest downfall is dealing with criticism but to accomplish anything, risks and challenges are just part of the journey, and I feel, will make you stronger. I wish you the best and your bravery inspires me! ❤Anne

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    1. A lot of things in life teach us not to try, but I worry more about if I did not than if I did. If I try and I don’t make it – it won’t kill me (at least I hope not!) If I don’t try, I would never know whether I could do it or not. It is hard to believe in yourself that much – but you must, because no one else is going to do it for you 🙂

      I’ve had plenty of criticism, but I think I’ve learned to listen to that voice inside myself more. I’ve been told I write horribly by people, but at the end of the day – they are also people who are not writing at all, so who knows if they know what they are talking about 🙂 At the end of the day, I do it because I love it and I also love the end result. I can only hope that others feel the same.

      Thank you so very much for your kind words!

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