Beyond the Writing Rules

Why Your Creative Instincts Matter More

All my life I have been conflicted

I have always had a strong pull to be myself. Even as a teenager, that time when we can be very easily swayed, I was listening to country music and musicals (before either of those things were even a little bit cool - I’m old!). I was never scared to do the things I enjoyed, but, at the same time, I did like to fit in, so was desperate for the latest outfits and the same trainers my friends had.

I’m sure I’m not alone in having this inner conflict.

When I started my own business over 20 years ago, I read everything I could, I attended webinars and tried to learn from the experts. After all I had been a teacher, so had never even worked in a business environment, I had a lot to learn.

Over the years though, I lost my own voice in the “should”s and “have to”s.

I was lost

When my business moved back towards writing, I realised just how far down the rabbit warren I had fallen.

I believed that I had to use certain buzz words in order to gain traction, that SEO was the most important feature of my blogs and that my business colours had to tell a certain story. In reality none of it felt like me anymore.

Then I reclaimed my identity.

I am a writer and a teacher, that’s who I am. I am a Yorkshire lass who has lived in the midlands for almost a quarter of a century. I am a wife and mum and I love reading, writing, forests and mountains. The colours that I lean towards are blues and greens. Natural palettes have always soothed me.

It doesn’t matter how many experts tried to tell me I had to be a superwoman and use reds or oranges in my branding, and power poses, in order to stand out. I tried it, but it didn’t feel like me.

The thing is, I have never wanted to stand out in that way. I am happy blending in and sitting in my quiet world, supporting people and creating joy with my words.

I may have been told at an audition for Disney 20+ years ago that I am Tigger height, but my personality is more Eeyore or Wol. I like slow, calm, gentle energy. I need peace and steadiness in my life not chaos and attention seeking.