Juli Alexander - Inepter

Do one thing every day that scares you.
--Eleanor Roosevelt

When I first stumbled upon this quote, I thought the former first lady was nuts. Why would I want to do things that scare me? There have been times in my life when just about everything scared me.

Sure, I knew what she really meant was that I should challenge myself. Some challenges can be terrifying--moving to a new city, starting a new job...

When I first started writing, showing my work to anyone at all was terrifying. Having someone critique my work was almost painful. I was a shy child. Like really, really shy. The kind of shy where even when I tried to talk, I couldn't summon enough volume to be heard by other kids. Speaking to a group of more than five continued to challenge me even in high school. Now, I speak to large groups at writers' conferences and work functions. I enjoy teaching and training.

How did I get to this point? By challenging myself. By taking Eleanor Roosevelt's advice. Doing something every day, or at least ever week, that scares me.

Many writers end up contributing words and expressions to our language. What word would you like to contribute? What does it mean, and how would you use it in a sentence?

I would like to contribute the word inepter. More inept. In Investigating the Hottie, Amanda bemoans her social ineptitude when she meets Will, the hottie she has to investigate.

"Thanks." This isn’t so bad. But why did he have to be so good looking? Hottie was an understatement. Since I found him attractive, I’d become even more socially inept. Inepter even. They’d have to invent a new word just to describe me.

Another reason for my choice contribution? Like Amanda, I often feel socially inept. In a group of writers contributing words and expressions to our language, I wouldn't dare compete without adding a dash of humility and a pinch of humor.

If I were a superhero, I would be Wonder Woman. No, she doesn't have the best gadgets. I mean, her bracelets are awesome, but a rope? Okay, not just a rope but the Lasso of Truth. I would be Wonder Woman because I loved her as child. I'd choose to be her because of nostalgia. My sister and I loved watching Wonder Woman. When I see the under-dressed superhero, I think of those afternoons when we stared at the television and dreamed of growing up and saving the world.