Dear Professional Valerie, 

I'm a big fan of yours. I'd like to start writing -- officially. But when I tried to start a new blog today on my very old laptop, it was slow and all the websites want money and I got discouraged very quickly. I have a blog from a long time ago that is already set up and has been sitting there patiently waiting for me. Do you think it's okay that I use it? It's almost 10 years old, but I gotta get all these words and thoughts in my head out. 

Sincerely Yours, Amateur Valerie 

 

Dear Amateur Valerie, You should absolutely start writing! I hear you have many people in your corner cheering you on. How wonderful. It's been my experience that encouragement and support from those who love and care about you is invaluable. Do YOU think it's okay to use an old blog? You're the writer. You own the blog. You own your life. You may do whatever you damn well please. Best of luck and be sure to mention me in the Acknowledgements Section of your first book. 

Very Truly Yours, Professional Valerie 

 

 Dear Professional Valerie, You're absolutely right. I do own all of that. Thanks for the reminder. You seem smart and confident. How do I get those things? They appear at times and at other times are nowhere to be found. What's your secret?

 Sincerely Yours, Amateur Valerie

 

 Dear Val, May I call you that? I think we are going to be great friends and you seem like a nickname type person. If I knew how to answer your question succinctly and if I had figured out how to make it sustainable, I'd likely be already be a best-selling author and motivational speaker. My best advice is to be yourself. Even when you don't feel smart or confident. Actually, ESPECIALLY when you don't feel smart and/or confident. 

 

Very Truly Yours, Professional Valerie 

 

 Dear Pro Valerie, I'm not sure if I'm a nickname person. I might have to think on that. In the meantime, sure, call me Val. May I call you Pro Valerie? Sincerely Yours, Val 

 

Dear Val, Good call. I like the sound of "Pro Valerie." When you can articulate your thoughts about nicknames, I'm here. Sounds like you like to think and ponder a bit before you talk. 

Very Truly Yours, Pro Valerie 

 

 Dear Pro Valerie, 

You hit the nail on the head. I do enjoy a good pondering and do spend quite a bit of time in my thoughts. Sometimes it gets me into trouble and I overthink. Oddly enough, the opposite is also true and sometimes I don't think AT ALL and what's in my head just comes out of my mouth. That also gets me into trouble. Fortunately, I look good when I'm in trouble and can often talk my way out of it and/or through it. I get that from my dad.

 --Val

 

 Dear Val, 

There's that confidence! I knew it was there. Sometimes you just have to dig for it. Also, you sound a bit sassy. Has anyone ever told you that?

 --Pro Valerie 

 

Dear Pro Valerie, 

Why, yes. I have heard that a couple of times throughout my life. It's getting more pronounced as I get older. I like it. This conversation seems to be going well and you've been a big help already. Do I have your permission to share it on my blog? Albeit, my very old and chronically neglected, and possibly out-of-style and not quite retro, blog? 

--Val 

 

Dear Val, 

Of course you do. That's nice of you to ask. Just remember, you own everything that has happened to you. I read that from a famous writer. I can't remember which one. 

--Pro Valerie 

 

Dear Pro Valerie, 

Another excellent reminder. Good think I contacted you. I'll hit publish on this in a bit and then go hide. I always forget how terrifying "putting yourself and your art and talent out there" is. Does it get easier with practice and repetition? Lie to me if you must. 

--Val 

 

Dear Val, 

It absolutely does and does not get easier. It's a both/and. Just like many things in life. YES. Hit "publish" and pat yourself on the back. That's an important part of the writing process. Let me know how it goes. Talk to you soon. 

--Pro Valerie 

 P.S. Happy New Year and welcome to 2023! You're going to like it here. I promise.