1. There is no rush. This is not a race. It’s not about who “gets there” first.
2. You can learn a lot from those more experienced than you. Don’t get frustrated. Get curious.
3. You will learn something important from every mistake you make. So don’t be afraid of making them.
4. You don’t have to be “the best.” You only have to be “your” best.
5. In every rejection, there is something to be learned, and something you can do better next time.
6. Every writer starts at the bottom and has to work their way up.
7. Every writer also starts with an idea and has to work hard to turn it into a story.
8. All writers progress through their respective journeys in their own way at their own pace. Take your time.
9. Perfectionism doesn’t get a book written.
10. Comparing yourself to other writers is a waste of energy.
11. Working toward your writing goals technically only requires a minimal amount of effort one day at a time.
12. You. Got. This.
Meg is the creator of Novelty Revisions, dedicated to helping writers put their ideas into words. She is a staff writer with The Cheat Sheet, a freelance editor and writer, and a 10-time NaNoWriMo winner. Follow Meg on Twitter for tweets about writing, food and nerdy things.
Thanks Meg. I always find a special nugget of advice from your posts. The 4th point resonates with me because I am still a “newbie” to the writing world after seven months.
Thanks, Meg.
Thanks Meg. You always have gems I can immediately start using:) Erica