If One Writes, There's No Failure
Embrace your inner wordsmith, because here's a dash of tough love and a sprinkle of ruthless honesty, all served with a side of scorching sarcasm.
Writing, my dear creative souls, ain't no walk in the park, and neither are we. We've been grinding away at it for what feels like an eternity, through the tumultuous halls of academia, the untamed wilds of the internet, and even the occasional field trip to the local Starbucks.
It's a well-known fact that writers are a bunch of hypersensitive vegetables (ahem, sensitive plants). To a fault, they can take a single rejection and whip it into a grand melodrama rivaling a Wagner opera. One minute you're basking in the warm embrace of a publishing deal, the next you're crying in the street over a revise-and-resubmit. Or maybe you just gave up on that beautifully crafted plate of sushi because one form rejection showed up in your inbox. (Seriously, do not check your email during dinner with friends.)
Let's set the record straight: writing is as subjective as a box of chocolates left in the sun. There isn't a piece out there that everyone will love and appreciate, and scraping for external validation will only lead to heartache. So why not please yourself instead?
We've spent years observing and analyzing the writing habits of some of the most successful, prolific writers out there. The common denominator isn't publication or awards; it's that they write what they love––and that's what you need to do, too.
By redefining success to mean enjoyment, you'll write more, and you'll be happier for it. Plus, you might just end up with that perfect poem or novel that you'll never stop smiling about.
Remember that sweetie pie we co-wrote, the one that was rejected 10 times before finally finding a home? It's the little masterpiece that continues to bring us joy, proving that sometimes it's not about the destination; it's about the journey.
Enrollment for our lovely and incendiary Carterhaugh Writers Society is now open for the month of June! Come join us, and let's sprinkle some success dust all over your writing life. And if you need some extra motivation, we've got a few strategies up our messy little sleeves:
- Focus on internal success, and let go of those ridiculous expectations.
- Find your passion and lean into it, baby.
- Build yourself a supportive network of fellow writers, and avoid giving up on that sushi.
- Take control of your creative empire, and experiment until your heart's content.
- Persevere through the epic failures and vicious rejections, and stay adaptable as you grow.
Now, get out there and write till the cows come home, or until you find something that genuinely delights your accordance. And remember: no one can make you feel like a hack but yourself. And maybe a couple of nasty rejection letters. But even then, we've got a bonfire and some Gothic metal waiting for you.
- Embracing education-and-self-development, writers can learn to value internal success and let go of external validation, leading to personal-growth and a more enjoyable writing journey.
- By focusing on personal-growth, writers can find their passion, build a supportive network, and take control of their creative empire, fostering resilience and perseverance in the face of rejection and failure.
