3 Things Every Writer Should Stop Doing Immediately

Writing.

It’s one of the most difficult heartachey types of careers you can pursue. The glamor, fame, and financial richness is lacking, to say the least. But that feeling of fulfilled satisfaction and passion that comes along with the job is absolutely priceless. And a true writer would have it no other way.

As the quote says: if it was easy, everyone would do it. While it takes a certain kind of insanity and determination to write, it doesn’t come without its dark moments. Here are some of those negative things every writer should stop doing immediately:

1- DON’T DWELL OVER PAST MISTAKES

If anything, be happy you made them. Nothing makes you stronger than mistakes, after all. So you regret the lack of research on a certain subject? Or you published a book before it was ready? Or you found a typo in your first published book? Unless you have a time machine (if you do, can I borrow it?), it doesn’t help to obsess over it. Instead, think of what you can do in the future. Go ahead and make your changes, release a new edition, and throw a party along with tips. You know what that will get you? Respect and readership.

“It was a mistake that set the world in motion. Never be afraid of making a mistake.”

-Paulo Coelho

2- DON’T LET FEAR CONTROL YOU

One of the common character traits writers tend to share is being afraid. But who doesn’t fear failure? Who isn’t afraid of being eaten alive by the masses of readers who will undoubtedly hate our work? The difference of those who make it and those who don’t is in not giving in to that fear. You will just never know if you don’t finish your manuscript. Be prepared to make mistakes. If you play it safe and never take a risk, you’ll miss out on that rewarding feeling of being a writer.

“Don’t be afraid of your fears. They’re not there to scare you. They’re there to let you know that something is worth it.”

– C. JoyBell C.

3- DON’T BE EMBARRASSED OVER YOUR WRITING STATUS 

When people ask what you do, and you say you’re a writer, keep your chin up and smile. Do not offer defensive excuses like: “but I haven’t published yet,” “I’ve only published short stories or articles,” or “I’m only a self-published author.” Repeat after me: I’m a writer. If you sit, type, and come up with sets of coherent strings of words from your head because they make you feel complete, you’re a writer. Regardless of any stress that come along with it. No matter what phase of writing you’re in. No matter your choice of publication—which by the way, these days there is no difference in quality or prestige—you’re a writer. And no one can take that away from you.

“A writer is a writer not because she writes well and easily, because she has amazing talent, because everything she does is golden. In my view a writer is a writer because even when there is no hope, even when nothing you do shows any sign of promise, you keep writing anyway.”

-Junot Diaz

Be proud. Embrace your creativity (and insanity), and write, baby. Write!

by

S. Katherine Anthony