No guts, no story
Elke Govertsen
Superpowers: Community building + Content. People strategy + Culture. Board member. Influence. Creative. Engaging. Experience/ event design, facilitation, and keynote speaker. Pattern spotter. Dot connector. Writer.
I hit the brakes when I saw the wooden sight-- small, vinyl block letters, the letter Y askew.
It read, "No guts, no story"
It wasn't advertising a business, nor giving direction, the sign was simply a sign, and frankly the sign I needed.
I am writing a book, and one of the chapters is titled "Guts"* that is arguably the strongest in the entire memoir. This chapter is one of the high bars that seem to keep me from calling the book done, because not every chapter is that tight, finished, clear.
So I have guts. Do I have the story? Perhaps like the sign, my Y is askew too.
Why am I writing this book? Why did I step away from a full time, C Suite job to write it? Why me? Why my story?
I have been spinning my wheels in revision. In part, because writing the first draft was painful, hard, raw, loaded with emotion and grief. To go back into that battle requires me dusting off the armor I was very happy to take off.
领英推荐
So back to my why. I am writing this book because it is even more painful to hold it inside. Because of the moments of flow and magic and right-wordedness that happened. Because as I reread it, I find myself wanting to meet the writer and be her friend-- with her guts and vulnerability and wordsmithing. Because that is really nice way to feel about yourself.
So now, Y straight on my sign, I am back in the story, without armor this time.
Story over glory all day long. Guts for days.
_____________________________________
For book updates and other musings: https://elke.substack.com
*"Guts" was previously published in the anthology "We leave the flowers where they are"
Founder of Eqogo
2 年I’ve been inspired since the day I met you and feel this book will help many know what strength looks like when wrapped in heart and candor. Hi friend.
Writer, Storyteller, & Brand Evangelist
2 年I think I know exactly where you saw this sign and it stopped me dead in my tracks too. So beautifully put. I can't wait to read your book. Blessed to know the writer and be her friend ???? Cheering you on endlessly. You've got this.