Just Liu it!

Thoughts on reaching for whatever the f*ck we want!

Whatever it is your heart desires, please go for it, it's yours to have. -Gloria Estefan

Dear Writers,

This post is inspired by Alysa Liu and Amber Glenn!

By now, I’m sure you know Alysa’s story. At 16, the skater retired. The sport she loved was no longer fun. She was stressed out. Two years later, she returned, but with conditions:

She wanted to skate to the music she loved.

And wear the clothes she loved.

And perform the choreography that moved HER.

And she did it. She won the Gold! Because SHE PLAYED. And had fun. She put her heart first. She didn’t care if she won. She skated for JOY. And boy, were we joyful.

Look at this skater! This is how we all should feel when we are creating!

We saw that same spirit in Amber’s amazing performance. Even though medals were out of reach, this artist performed for herself. And she SOARED.

But it is her skate in the post competition gala that I will revisit. It was absolutely riveting.

So how can we do that, too? How can we put FUN first? Like Alysa and Amber (and all of the Olympians): how can we use writing as a form of self expression?

This is probably the theme I write most about: Write what makes you happy. Write what you HAVE to write—whether you sell it or not. Write what brings you to your desk and computer. What makes you smile. What you cannot wait to read.

I’ve been revising my “reach” novel, and that has been my mindset. I sit down every day to delight myself. To enjoy myself. To have a good time.

If you are not having fun….here is my advice:

When you sit down to write, GO FOR IT. Go big. Go bold. Say what you want to say. This is the source of the joy I want to hold onto. When I saw these young women exhuberantly dancing, I thought: that’s what I want to bring. That’s what I want to be known for.

Friends, this week, like Alysa and Amber, I put everything into my story. I also got to meet with some amazing readers. And I got to see friends. As I listened to what my friends are writing, it felt like this, which is the other mandatory thing I need to succeed:

After everything I went through last week (thank you for your kind words), this was exactly what I needed. Because to be our best, we all need reassurance. And support. And HUGS!!!! (Many hugs!!!) We will take bigger chances when we feel the support and confidence of community.

Are you ready to LIU it?????

What does your main character consider a triumph???? What do YOU consider a triumph? What do they need to get there? Who do they take with them?

What is the ONE THING you want to say to the world?

Today, I say: lift each other up! Higher! And even higher!

Today, let’s reach out to each other and send virtual hugs. Disappointments happen all the time. But they are overcome when we all stick together.

I am grateful for this community!

If you need accountability and community: this starts soon:

Have a great week!

xo Sarah