When President Abraham Lincoln signed the emancipation proclamation, all slaves in America were given their freedom. They could go anywhere and do anything. Interestingly, not many left the plantations where they had been enslaved. Why? They didn’t know how to be free.

These free black Americans had become so accustomed to living in literal or virtual shackles, when they were removed, they didn’t have a clue about what to do. They opted to place themselves back into the shackles they’d been set free from.

Last week, we learned about our freedom as writers American writers. Hopefully that was an eye opener for you. But now what do you do with that newly discovered freedom?  Here are a few facts about being free.

It’s not always comfortable.  Before you were liberated, you could blame your lack of forward progress on others. The agent. The editor. The guard dog at the publishing company. For the liberated writer, it’s all on you. No, you can’t type set your story and run it through the presses. But whether or not you pursue your dream is solely your own responsibility. That’s challenging. Frustrating and even frightening at times.

Freedom is unforgiving. When you walk in freedom as a writer, you reap what you sow. You can choose to watch a movie rather than writing that scene. You get nothing to show for your time. You can opt out of getting an appointment with an editor at a conference. No one will hold a gun to your head, but you’ll go home without a contract. It’s completely up to you.

Freedom is not a spectator sport. It requires active participation. You have to grab your flag of literary freedom and charge up the hill. You and you alone can sound victory in your dream.

It is a precious gift to be free to write in the year 2012.  Many have carried the torch before you, lighting the path. Now it’s up to you to carry the torch, lighting your own way to success, and illuminating the road for those who will follow. Will you carry the torch?

 ***

Reba J. Hoffman is a natural encourager and Member Care Coach at My Book Therapy. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Counseling and is the founder of Magellan Life Coaching (www.magellanlifecoaching.com). She is the author of Dare to Dream, a Writer’s Journal published by My Book Therapy. She also publishes a motivational and encouraging blog, FindingTrue North. Contact Reba at reba@magellanlifecoaching.com.