For when a bad critique comes

There are some critiques we get as writers that make us feel worthless. They come at random times and sometimes when we least expect it. In those moments, we’re vulnerable.

So, here’s some quotes to remind us why we are here and why we’re still fighting for our voice to be heard.

• “You have been assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved.” – Unknown
• “Because my path is different doesn’t mean I’m lost.” – Gerard Abrams
• “I think new writers are too worried that it has all been said before. Sure it has, but not by you.” – Asha Dornfest

• “Just because you aren’t making progress as fast as you think you should does not mean you aren’t making progress. Keep going.” – Allison Fallon
• “Life will only change when you become more committed to your dreams than you are to your comfort zone.” – Billy Cox
• “We don’t grow when things are easy. We grow when we face challenges.” – Joyce Meyer

• “If you find yourself asking yourself (and your friends) ‘Am I really a writer? Am I really an artists?’ chances are you are. The counterfeit innovator is wildly self confident. The real one is scared to death.” – Steven Pressfield
• “When all else fails, write what your heart tells you. You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.” – Mark Twain
• “If I waited for perfection I would never write.” – Margaret Atwood

• “I’m writing a first draft and reminding myself that I’m simply shoveling sand into a box so that later I can build castles.” – Shannon Hale
• “They told me I couldn’t. That’s why I did.” – Unknown  
• “The only writer to whom you should compare yourself if the writer you were yesterday.” – David Schloser

• “There are some things you can only learn in a storm.” – Joel Osteen
• “Your story is unique & so so different & not worthy of comparison.” – Unknown
• “A crappy first draft is worth so much more than a perfect book that has never been written.” – Unknown

• “It doesn’t matter how slow you go as long as you don’t stop.” – Confucius