So I was watching Super Soul Sunday on the OWN network yesterday. Does anyone else watch it? I’m kind of obsessed. I miss my Oprah everyday but I enjoy her on Super Soul Sunday so much more than when she was on the talk show. Every show is about bettering yourself. I’m even doing the 21 Day Meditation Challenge with Oprah and Deepak Chopra! I really dig this bettering yourself stuff.
Anyway, yesterday Oprah was talking to Dr. Brene Brown who I was not familiar with prior to the episode. (First of all, Brene is a cool character name to keep in the ol’ back pocket) Dr. Brown has written a few books with the latest titled Daring Greatly (love that) and she became somewhat famous for her Ted Talk on vulnerability which you can see here. Very interesting stuff.
One thing that they discussed during the show was that “vulnerability was the cornerstone of courage”. So in order to be truly courageous, to really put yourself out there in the world, was to be vulnerable. I found that so interesting and what an important lesson for all the writers out there. In order to become successful, you have to become vulnerable. I think it’s so hard to do but probably some of the best advice I had heard in a long time.
Do you agree that you have to be vulnerable to be a better writer? How do you think being vulnerable has helped you? Has anyone read Dr. Brown’s work and if so, have you found it applicable to your writing life?
Write on!
Megan Taraszkiewicz 
Hey Megan! I can’t say I watch Super Soul Sunday, since work has me for sixteen hours most Sundays. I did used to watch Oprah on occasion with my mom, though.
I agree with you that writers have to have a certain level of vulnerability. I think our prose will ring true if we stick our necks out and pen our weaknesses, heinous desires, and losses. We can’t hide behind our characters; our sense of self always has a place in what we write. I also think that we put a lot of our esteem on the line just querying publishers.
I think being through my own losses has opened me up to a greater range of writing topics and insights. I know I can’t be thankful for many of my losses, but I’m glad I can let them shape my writing.
So sorry that I did not see your post until today. I usually get an email about new posts but I never saw this one. I agree with what you post. Being a writer, in and of itself, is a very vulnerable position. You put everything out there on the line and invite others to view and critique your work, which is oftentimes your innermost feelings, desires and beliefs. Talk about vulnerability! I think the takeaway is that in order to be truly great and courageous, you have to take that leap and be vulnerable. I know a lot of writers probably feel like some of their work is not good enough or too this or too that and they tuck it away for nobody to see. They may be passing on the opportunity to be great. I just thought it was an important point to put out there. Thank you for commenting and, seriously, try and catch some Super Soul Sunday on a dvr or something. Not sure if it is online anywhere. It’s good stuff!