FORWARD
This came about as a journal to myself. This is a series of tough love lessons that helped me on my own journey as an author.
It is written in second person, because I am the “you” referred to in these posts.
WARNING: This series is not intended for those with a sensitive disposition, there are several other excellent sources that are less blunt. Instead, I have published this for fellow authors like myself, who need to be called out for their possible hubris and sometimes thick-headed nature.
This series was written from a place of love for myself, but sometimes that means pointing out my own faults with a laser focus. I have done my best to illuminate the core issues I struggled with as an author, and by publishing this series, I hope that others will be able to avoid some of the pitfalls I fell into myself.
But let us get one thing clear from the start. If you are not arrogant enough to think that others will love what you write, then why bother?
Now while you give that a ponder, I assert that this riddle is the exact reason for writers having a constant yoyo of emotional experiences. Either, you are high on the world, knowing the words are coming forth in a torrent and will land you on the next “best book of the century list,” or you are at rock bottom thinking, “not one person will ever want to read this drivel.”
Allow me to give you the answer to this quandary — it does not matter. If readers buy and love your story, great. If readers never see your story, great. If you allow the whims of others to guide your course, your journey promises to be a perilous path of uncertainty and depression. If on the other hand, you can learn to master your own dragons and gain perspective, your journey will become a calm stroll through the woods, with the occasional surprise. There is no avoiding the unexpected, but there is no reason it need bother you.
If you find my writing style off putting, or the content uninspiring, close this browser tab and read something else. If on the other hand, you are ready to hear the hard truths — that you likely already suspect — keep reading.
You have been warned.
