24 Truths About Being a Writer

Writer, know thyself!

1. Your writing will mature (mature should not be mistaken for get better).
2. You will receive a rejection letter once in your life (it will actually be more than once, much more, but I wanted to break the news to you gently).
3. You will be asked to write outside your genre/comfort zone and the criticism you receive from it will cause you to doubt your talent.
4. You will eventually write something that you will regret.
5. You will be envious of a hot new fad writer whose name you won't remember in 20 years.
6. Your friends will think one of your characters was modeled on them and will reevaluate your friendship based on how the character is treated in the story.
7. The content of your writing will isolate you once in a while.
8. Your opinions of writers whose work you dislike will change once you get to know them.
9. You're going to run into someone who absolutely despises your work.
10. You're going to regret letting an editor pressure you into chopping down what you consider to be a perfect story.
11. You're going to read one book in a genre that holds no interest for you that you actually enjoy.
12. Some people are going to think you’re a talentless hack, and other people are going to think you’re a genius. Either take both camps or neither one seriously.
13. You're never going to finish all your stories. Despite your best efforts.
14. Someone’s opinion of your work will tear out your soul and you’re going to need a hug from your mom, significant other, or a really good friend.
15. You're going to bullshit your way through at least one writing assignment and pray that you sound like you know what you're talking about.
16. You're going to get lost in the middle of a story you’re writing and meander through the plot until you find your direction again.
17. You're going to reenact a scene from your story all alone in your room when no one else is around.
18. You're going to write the most raw and unapologetic story ever that will make you cringe in five years.
19. You're never going to stop looking for yourself.
20. You’re a writer, so stop trying so hard to be famous, expecting success to happen so quickly (or at all), and getting down on yourself so often.
21. You’re going to be ashamed to tell people you’re a writer. Break that habit and walk with your head held high.
22. You’re going to talk s**t about other writers. Quit it. Yes, Stevie King, I’m looking at you. Put your pea shooter away.
23. You’re going to become a hermit. Take a walk outside.
24. You're going to fall in love with your stories, characters, ideas, and speculative elements and one day you might really figure out how to love yourself the same way.

Sally forth and be writeful.

Comments