Dear Writer
**This is just a little inspirational post for all my writers out there -- regardless of age, genre, or publication history. After all, who doesn't need a little encouragement every once in a while?**
Dear Writer thinking your story isn't good enough:
Stop. This could be the very story that changes someone's life -- prevents them from giving up. It could be the only reason someone has one day to keep on living. I've read many books that have changed my world view and made me feel better after a bad day.
Dear Writer thinking you aren't talented or creative enough:
Stop. Talent and creativity are both subjective. Many people enjoy reading Stephen King and others think he's a talent-less hack. You'll only get better if you continue writing -- and you'll find a formula that works for you.
Dear Writer fearing it's all been written before:
Stop. Sure, it's true everything's been done before -- from fantasy to science fiction to romance. But that doesn't mean your story isn't worthwhile or special. You bring your own experiences, beliefs, and imagination to the table. No one else could write a story exactly like yours -- not even a twin. Your story deserves a champion -- someone who will fight for it.
Dear Writer suffering from a plethora of rejections:
Stop. Yes, rejection hurts. But rejection is necessary to find success. Remember: every "No" gets you a little closer to your magical "Yes". (And it only takes one yes to change your life. Seriously -- a thousand rejections won't matter to one agent who likes your story.)
Dear Writer saddened and discouraged by the success of other writers:
Stop. Comparing yourself to others is dangerous. They aren't you, and you aren't them. You don't know what obstacles they faced while trying to get published. Your time will come -- I promise. And just because they're successful now doesn't mean you can't be successful later. There's always room for more writers in the world. Art keeps the planet spinning -- it's as vital as oxygen. We can all succeed and be happy with our careers.
Dear Writer thinking your story is too complicated to write:
Stop. Take a break and take a breathe. If you've got writer's block, brainstorm a few ideas on paper. Mix it up and do something crazy in your story -- kill a character if you need to. Plotting out a clear beginning, middle, and end before you write can be very helpful and prevent you from getting stuck. Every story comes with its own unique set of challenges. Remember you're not alone -- every writer gets discouraged with their story and feels like giving up from time to time. The pros know this phase won't last -- that you can conquer all your problems, and you will.
In conclusion:
When there are a million reasons to quit, find one to keep going. Writing is a long, challenging road -- from writing the first draft to getting published -- but you can do it. If you weren't meant to be a writer, you wouldn't be here with your ideas and vivid imagination.
Never doubt yourself. That's akin to death in this profession.
So keep at it, writer. Your work is valuable and you have something to offer to the world. Never forget that.
You will find the right audience and the right agent one day -- people who get you and love your story. It's inevitable. But don't quit before you get there.
May we all find the strength to hold on.
Sincerely,
Dana
Dear Writer thinking your story isn't good enough:
Stop. This could be the very story that changes someone's life -- prevents them from giving up. It could be the only reason someone has one day to keep on living. I've read many books that have changed my world view and made me feel better after a bad day.
Dear Writer thinking you aren't talented or creative enough:
Stop. Talent and creativity are both subjective. Many people enjoy reading Stephen King and others think he's a talent-less hack. You'll only get better if you continue writing -- and you'll find a formula that works for you.
Dear Writer fearing it's all been written before:
Stop. Sure, it's true everything's been done before -- from fantasy to science fiction to romance. But that doesn't mean your story isn't worthwhile or special. You bring your own experiences, beliefs, and imagination to the table. No one else could write a story exactly like yours -- not even a twin. Your story deserves a champion -- someone who will fight for it.
Dear Writer suffering from a plethora of rejections:
Stop. Yes, rejection hurts. But rejection is necessary to find success. Remember: every "No" gets you a little closer to your magical "Yes". (And it only takes one yes to change your life. Seriously -- a thousand rejections won't matter to one agent who likes your story.)
Dear Writer saddened and discouraged by the success of other writers:
Stop. Comparing yourself to others is dangerous. They aren't you, and you aren't them. You don't know what obstacles they faced while trying to get published. Your time will come -- I promise. And just because they're successful now doesn't mean you can't be successful later. There's always room for more writers in the world. Art keeps the planet spinning -- it's as vital as oxygen. We can all succeed and be happy with our careers.
Dear Writer thinking your story is too complicated to write:
Stop. Take a break and take a breathe. If you've got writer's block, brainstorm a few ideas on paper. Mix it up and do something crazy in your story -- kill a character if you need to. Plotting out a clear beginning, middle, and end before you write can be very helpful and prevent you from getting stuck. Every story comes with its own unique set of challenges. Remember you're not alone -- every writer gets discouraged with their story and feels like giving up from time to time. The pros know this phase won't last -- that you can conquer all your problems, and you will.
In conclusion:
When there are a million reasons to quit, find one to keep going. Writing is a long, challenging road -- from writing the first draft to getting published -- but you can do it. If you weren't meant to be a writer, you wouldn't be here with your ideas and vivid imagination.
Never doubt yourself. That's akin to death in this profession.
So keep at it, writer. Your work is valuable and you have something to offer to the world. Never forget that.
You will find the right audience and the right agent one day -- people who get you and love your story. It's inevitable. But don't quit before you get there.
May we all find the strength to hold on.
Sincerely,
Dana
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