Comments on: Losing Your Comfort Zone

By: RustyNeurons

RustyNeurons — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 10:37:53 +0000

Hi, I am not too sure what was the thought behind writing this article but it works extremely well as an inspirational post. I loved it.

I always had apprehensions and still do, about trying out new things. But, I have promised myself I am going to, even if it means getting into unfamiliar territory.

BTW, I was wondering if you are the same Lori in Critique Circle.

By: Lori

Lori — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:55:12 +0000

Chantal, you of all people have reached beyond the comfort zone! I've enjoyed you blog immensely, and I bet the richness in your writing has come from your experiences.

By: Chantal

Chantal — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:38:10 +0000

I gave up my job and moved abroad, thinking I'm a trailing spouse and what the heck am I doing. But it's led to more opportunities than I ever would have had at home. Taking risks is worth it sometimes–even if they seem to be for someone else's career instead.

By: Lori

Lori — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:39:39 +0000

Joseph, I totally agree. Curiosity makes a better writer (and a more interesting person).

Devon, exactly. I wouldn't have had the experience of learning about qualitative risk engineering (and believe me, there's not much I retained there!), nursing, sales, finance, emergeny physician topics, accounting software, life settlements, hotel insurance....better yet, clients see the versatility and aren't afraid to let me take on their topics.

Cheryl and Wendy, so true. Sitting at a computer all day is the best way to suck the very life out of a person. :)

By: Joseph Hayes

Joseph Hayes — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:38:31 +0000

Very interesting synchronicity … the Loop playwright's group is amid discussion about the "write what you know" flaptrap (hmm, look up flaptrap), and I guess we all agree that "write what you want to know" is a much better way to live. I agree with Devon; if something grabs my interest, I'm going to assume that there's a bunch of readers who will also take notice. Considering my whole writing career is purely accidental, I don't hold much by following rules.

By: Wendy

Wendy — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:55:44 +0000

My Traveling consists of the mundane; going to the grocery store, going to the post office, etc. For some reason, some of my best ideas spark during these trips. Like when I'm comparing bread choices.

It's funny how that works. Some people can get them while sitting in front of the computer, so they can quickly jot the ideas down. I have to go to somewhere boring to get them. My little notebook and pencil have become an extension of me. If I forget them or lose them- I feel naked.

There are a few topics, like math, that I just can't do justice like others can. I don't worry about it. I just focus on what I can do.

By: Cheryl B

Cheryl B — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:27:57 +0000

Amen, sisters! ;>)

My writing ideas may be developed while sitting at the computer, but rarely do they appear there. They come from wondering about other people – especially their stories – about how things work, about "what if's." I'm not sure I've used this curiosity to "enhance my career," but it sure makes life more fun.

At the top of my list for expanding my world would be volunteering and reading non-fiction and good fiction. Travel's good, too. Went to the Badlands last week – Did one little river really do all that? Hm-m-m!

By: Devon ellington

Devon ellington — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:22:17 +0000

One of the reasons I freelance is that I can follow anything that interests me and get paid for it. That's the way I've lived my life.

I don't operate by "I Know" and niche myself into a prison. I live by "I want to learn."