The right brain/left brain conundrum: Do you hold yourself back?
The following is an excerpt from an article in which Dian Curtis
Regan, a prolific writer of children’s and YA material of all
kinds, offers some advice to newbies. The article is “Ask the
Author: Dian Curtis Reagan” by Jon Bard of Children’s Book
Insider (check out his newsletter). “I recently decided that I
wanted to write and illustrate a book for children. My main
problem is wondering where to start. I feel that I have a solid
idea, but I become paralyzed when I actually try to write. What
would you suggest a first time author do to overcome those
fears?” The Answer (Bolding mine): “Feeling “paralyzed” when you
try to write means that your left brain is overriding your right
brain. Your logical side is saying, “This is a ridiculous idea.
I can’t write a book.” One way to get around this is to approach
writing in a playful manner. Don’t think, “Oh my gosh, I’m
writing a book.” Play with the story idea. Singsong the lines.
Play a “what if” gam