I have said it before and I will say it again. Freelance writing is hard work!
It involves countless hours of grinding and pounding away at your craft. Pumping out stories no matter what else is actually happening in your life.
You don’t feel like writing today?
Too bad!
Get back to work.
That is just the nature of this beast. Hard work and long hours with very little pay in return.
That is fine.
I would guess that most writers did not sign up because of the fantastic working conditions, bountiful pay, and superior benefits package. We knew what we were getting into.
No… you are here because writing is your passion. It brings something beautiful into your life and refreshes your soul.
For many of us, it is our very lifeline.
That is not a dramatic exaggeration either. It is the truth. We have the need to bring our words to life with each passing day.
Not everyone will understand this passion, however.
If you have been writing for a while now, you have probably met some of these people.
They will ask you what it is that you do for a living. When you respond to their question and let them know that you are a writer, you are met in return with a smug smile. Worse yet, an overt rolling of the eyes.
Some of these geniuses will even take it a step further and tell you how wonderful you have it.
“It must be nice to sit at home and do nothing all day.”
I have had these exact words thrown in my direction. These individuals do not see what we do as “real work.” Invalidation at its worst!
Can you relate?
The odds are pretty high that you can. Worse yet, many writers will take these words and actions directly to heart and leave the field entirely.
Why is that?
The truth is that many in the writing community live with the dark cloud of Imposter Syndrome hanging over their head. They doubt whether or not their writing is any good in the first place.
Is that you?
Has self-doubt chipped away and led you to believe that you are fooling yourself with this “writing thing.”
If you answered in the affirmative, let me tell you a little secret.
That is most of us!
You are in very good company.
Considering this, it is not surprising that when someone’s thoughtless words or actions trigger these doubts, giving up is the response. It is sad but true. I have seen it too many times.
Here is something else I know, however.
Most people do not understand writers and the community.
Unless they are part of it…they just don’t get it.
To rely on these people for any form of external validation is a huge mistake. Like looking for a needle in a haystack.
You are good enough. You just don’t know it yet!
Let me give you a personal example to hopefully make my point.
I am blessed to have a supportive family. My wife puts up with the countless hours I spend in my writing den with very few complaints. As supportive as my wife is, she still does not fully get it though. Casual interruptions are pretty common in my house. She does not understand that when I am in the “zone” each disruption will set me back hours. In truth, I may not be able to fully return to my piece until the following day.
She tries, but she just does not get it.
I bet you do though.
The writing community is very unique. We all have a multitude of things in common. Our experiences in the field are quite similar in many ways. In the end, we all want to improve our writing and reach an audience.
To truly make a difference in this world.
With such lofty expectations, it is no wonder that many of us feel as if we are falling short sometimes. That is perfectly normal.
Don’t let that define you.
Look for your inner validation and rely on support from others in the community who share in your struggles.
Ignore the cynics and naysayers. They will always be there snickering in the background.
Put your pen to paper and keep writing.
That is the way forward!
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