 | I’ve noticed a disturbing trend online. It seems far too often many writers are posting on social media how they feel inadequate, they’re no good at the craft, or some even say they don’t feel like a real writer. |
Let me say something from the onset. If you write something, whether it be an essay, a short story, poetry, or a novel, and one person reads it, you’re a writer. Period. It even applies if you’re the person that reads what you wrote. You may not (YET) be a published author who sells hundreds, thousands, or even millions of copies, but don’t let your level of success determine your self-worth.
Let me repeat if you write, you’re a writer. Period.
For movie fans out there, you may be familiar with the line from The Usual Suspects, “The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.” Well, by the same token, I think it can be said, “The greatest trick a writer ever pulled was convincing themselves they’re not really a writer.” Countless successful careers were derailed before they even began because a writer gave up before their journey commenced. They didn’t get early success, or maybe they wrote for a long time and never, “made it.” So they quit, moved on, stopped following their passion. I implore you, don’t fall prey to negative thoughts and let a lack of confidence lead to unfulfilled dreams. Only one person CAN keep you from reaching your full potential. And the flip side is that same person WILL be the reason you ultimately succeed.
We determine our destiny, not the other way around.
If you’ve been trying to put ink to paper, or fingers to a keyboard for very long, you realize how difficult the craft can be no matter where you are in the process. During my own writing journey, I’ve come to understand how incredibly fortunate I am to have the opportunity to write. In fact, if you’ve completed a book, you must recognize you’ve done something most people who’ve lived through the course of history never accomplished. You took a dream, crafted it, and through hard work and perseverance molded that creative thought into something tangible. Dare I say it became something beyond an idea, you created a reality for your words to come alive. Congratulate yourself for seeing that dream through. Celebrate the fact you conceived something that will outlive you. One of my favorite sayings growing up was, “Life’s a journey, not a destination.” No matter where you are on the writing journey you’re not alone, there are other scribes just like you. And until we write our final letter, and close our last book, the destination is not reached. There are always new words to put down, and exciting adventures to dream up.
Oh, and before someone ask why I’m writing this to you, the truth is this blog is for ME. I just decided to share it with you.
Never quit.
Keep writing.
Period.
Let me repeat if you write, you’re a writer. Period.
For movie fans out there, you may be familiar with the line from The Usual Suspects, “The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.” Well, by the same token, I think it can be said, “The greatest trick a writer ever pulled was convincing themselves they’re not really a writer.” Countless successful careers were derailed before they even began because a writer gave up before their journey commenced. They didn’t get early success, or maybe they wrote for a long time and never, “made it.” So they quit, moved on, stopped following their passion. I implore you, don’t fall prey to negative thoughts and let a lack of confidence lead to unfulfilled dreams. Only one person CAN keep you from reaching your full potential. And the flip side is that same person WILL be the reason you ultimately succeed.
We determine our destiny, not the other way around.
If you’ve been trying to put ink to paper, or fingers to a keyboard for very long, you realize how difficult the craft can be no matter where you are in the process. During my own writing journey, I’ve come to understand how incredibly fortunate I am to have the opportunity to write. In fact, if you’ve completed a book, you must recognize you’ve done something most people who’ve lived through the course of history never accomplished. You took a dream, crafted it, and through hard work and perseverance molded that creative thought into something tangible. Dare I say it became something beyond an idea, you created a reality for your words to come alive. Congratulate yourself for seeing that dream through. Celebrate the fact you conceived something that will outlive you. One of my favorite sayings growing up was, “Life’s a journey, not a destination.” No matter where you are on the writing journey you’re not alone, there are other scribes just like you. And until we write our final letter, and close our last book, the destination is not reached. There are always new words to put down, and exciting adventures to dream up.
Oh, and before someone ask why I’m writing this to you, the truth is this blog is for ME. I just decided to share it with you.
Never quit.
Keep writing.
Period.
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