When I was busy obsessing over the statistics, I failed to recognise that every number represented an actual, real-life person who was choosing to spend time reading my stories.
When I was busy obsessing over the statistics, I failed to recognise that every number represented an actual, real-life person who was choosing to spend time reading my stories.
I got caught in the trap that writers who rely on their work for a living fall into. I wanted to be known for my beautiful prose and stories, just like the author whose words I’d stumbled on.
Every opportunity and ‘win’ you’ve had so far is a jumping off platform for your next big win. The more you keep daring to roll the dice, the further ahead you’ll progress along the board.
Sooner or later, we have to put our foot down and just do the damn thing. We have to make a decision to leave behind the things that hold us back and push forward.
Here’s what I know about the comparison game: there are no winners. While you’re comparing yourself to that writer, they’re probably comparing themselves to someone else. The result is two individuals who feel deflated and less-than.
I’m sure there are places of pain in your heart—places where the sun hasn’t shined, places that are deep and are dark. Places begging to be seen or heard or understood. Here’s how you write about those places and that pain.
Self-Belief isn’t a nicotine patch that you slap on once and expect to be cured from the addiction to your deprecating thoughts. It’s a day by day thing.