How to Be Happy as a Writer
This week, let’s make ourselves a pact. I’ll stop comparing myself to other writers – and so will you.
writing encouragement
Playing The “Too Many Drafts” Game (in which Everyone is a Winner)
Do you know this game? If you’re a writer, you do: It’s where you write a draft, but it’s not right, so you put it aside and try again. And again.
If this describes you, congratulations! You’re a writer. And there’s hope for your draft.
Just Keep Writing (even when it hurts)
So I wrote today for the first time since my dad died. It was not, shall we say, a *good* experience.
Writing Fatigue (and what to do about it)
This month is not about producing something publishable. It’s about teaching yourself to just keep writing, to ignore the inner editor, and to let yourself just spill words onto the page.
Your Trajectory Is Not Fixed
Here’s a lie I’ll bet you’ve been told: “You have to figure out what you want to do before it’s too late.”
An Uncomfortable Truth (About Writing)
Fellow writer, this will not feel good to read, but it is VERY IMPORTANT.
Keep Going (Just Like Pixar)
Two of my favorite go-to videos when I’m feeling down about writing. Take a few minutes and watch. Your heart will thank you.
You Can Do This
Bad Crap is happening. No matter where any of us fall on the political spectrum, we can see that. It’s frightening. It hijacks imagination and energy, leaving only fear. So what’s a creator to do?
(And Yet More) Beating Writer’s Block
Writer’s block can be summed up in two ways: Being afraid to write because we think it sucks, and not knowing what to write next.
No One Can Tell Your Story But You
Writing is a strange thing, filled with emotional roller-coasters and storms and deserts. Who would ever put themselves willingly through this? Well, you (and me). Why? Because you have something to say. The only person who can tell your story is you.
A Million Discarded Words
It strikes me that today is a day for encouragement. May this post speed you on your way.
How to Find Confidence
It’s like some kind of old-timey riddle: name a thing we all wish we had, yet hate when we see it in other people?
Yup, you guessed it: confidence.
Dealing With the Word “No”
Each time you get a “no,” it can really feel like that was it – the end. You will get another chance. I’m going to share two really simple (though challenging) things that kept me going through all the “no’s,” until I finally had my “yes.”
How (And When) to Handle Critics
Lemme tell ya something: you are never going to make everyone happy.
Hope
“It is never too late to be what you might have been.”
– George Eliot
“Freedom From Writing-Guilt” Day
This post is incredibly powerful, at least to me. If you write, then you want to read this: No more “you’re doing it wrong” for me, thanks.
Encouragement!
This one’s from Jim Butcher, who wrote the Dresden files. It’s longer, but it’s his personal experience, and I think it’s absolutely perfect: