An important reminder for writers

You're not a writer after you sell a hundred copies. That mountain of rejections doesn't define you. You're not a writer once the world knows your name either. You're a writer if you write. Even if you don't write for a while, you're still a writer. You're not an aspiring writer. You are a writer. … Continue reading An important reminder for writers

Writing is hard…

Writing is hard and complex because it's as subjective as it gets. Sometimes, someone will see the magic in what you wrote. Other times, no one will quite understand what's on the page. It's okay either way. But it's difficult for writers to see it like that. Sour reviews or rejections can make one almost … Continue reading Writing is hard…

Need some writer inspiration?

You may feel down or like you're getting so much rejection lately, but let me remind you: not everyone can create worlds from nothing. Not everyone can write words down in a strange way that makes others turn their heads and smile. Not everyone can create adventures with such particular details. No one else can … Continue reading Need some writer inspiration?

A writer’s journey (part eight) – blogging, more research, and twitter

It has been a while since I’ve written one of these. I’ve been meaning to, but my busy schedule took control for a little bit. I have three topics in the title, because I’ve seen the most growth in these areas. Let’s go one by one. Blogging As I mentioned here before, my blog has … Continue reading A writer’s journey (part eight) – blogging, more research, and twitter

How many rejections is too many?

A while back, I was on a live stream with Anna Akana when she did something that surprised me. Instead of saying "aw man" or so when I mentioned how many rejections I have gotten, she got excited. She said it was good for me. After the rejections made a mountain on my desk, they … Continue reading How many rejections is too many?

Why do I want to know about their failures?

During author interviews, many people ask about the final product. They ask about where the book idea came from or how the writer became a writer. But I'd rather know more about how the writer failed. Did any characters disappear in later drafts? Did any scenes get cut? If so, which? Why? Were any scenes added? … Continue reading Why do I want to know about their failures?

A writer’s inner fight

There are deadlines for my deadlinesShould I set another one?Print the page out and mark it upIs one word the difference betweenAcceptance and rejection? A house or a home?A school or a dictatorship?What's the difference betweenNinety-nine words and a hundred?Should I edit this another day? The deadline was thirty days awayNow it's six or sevenI … Continue reading A writer’s inner fight

Your rejection

The first time I realized something is wrong with me— No. Hold up. Is it wrong of me to say that? When you break me into pieces over something I created, can I— No. I’ll start over. Reset. Words on pages have always been my passion. No matter if I write it or not, it’s … Continue reading Your rejection

Late bloomers unite

Another friend jumps up and down while I sit chained to a seat. Another one. It happens so much now that I have a blurred image of how it happens. One friend sends question marks my way, shocked she could even win. Another jumps off the bed and runs toward me with an acceptance email … Continue reading Late bloomers unite

Proud writer moment

After piles of rejection letters and critical advice, it's nice to get accepted every once in a while. Every writer should feel appreciated for the wonderful creative stories they have made. Last week, my flash fiction piece—"The Forgotten"—got accepted by Friday Flash Fiction. This makes me one step closer to being a published author. You … Continue reading Proud writer moment