You’re a Bad-Ass Author . . . and Other Truths to Memorize

Need some motivation for those days you’re not feeling the author life? Here’s ten things to remember on your bad days.

Photo credit: Canva Images

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Truth #1: You won’t always be on page one.

The writing process can be so emotionally draining at times, and some days, when we’re faced with the blank page of doom, it can be hard to remember that we’ve survived page one before. Remember that. Hell, look at some of your other page ones if you need a deeper reminder.

Truth #2: You don’t need to be perfect today.

We all have those days when we feel like nothing we write is ever quite good enough, but that’s not the reality. Here’s the truth: you will have brilliant days, and you will have hard days. But on none of those days are you ever expected to be the best author in the world. Perfection shouldn’t be the goal—being perfect is a job for robots.

Truth #3: No matter how hard today is, you are not alone in your struggles.

One thing that’s great about the author community is that there’s millions of us hanging about. Some of us might be ahead of you, behind you, or somewhere between there. But, if anything is true, it is this: we all understand what it’s like to struggle with your words or with feeling confident in what you’ve accomplished. You’re going to get there, and we’re here to cheer you on to your goals.

Truth #4: You do not have to be as good as _____.

Whoever it is you’re comparing yourself to, you will have a much easier time if you stop doing that. You’re not expected to be anybody but who you are, and trying to be someone else will water down the beautiful and creative person you were meant to be. Look in the mirror. Smile. And say, “I’m a bad m — — f — — — — !” Because you are. (Watch the video if you need more motivation.)