1. Just because people you know are keeping pace with their writing, publishing, and seem to be doing fine doesn’t mean you’re required to do the same.

2. You may have deadlines, but sometimes deadlines have to move when you can’t.

3. If your heart’s not in a particular project right now, it’s OK to set it aside while you focus on something else.

4. Anyone who expects you to be on top of your game all the time isn’t worth impressing.

5. It’s acceptable not to be exceptional right now. The minimum is still an achievement.

6. Your usual best might not be what you’re capable of right now. That’s OK. The best you can do right now is the only “best” you need to reach for.

7. If you’re having a hard time, speak up. Be honest. Say you’re struggling. It’s OK to not be OK.

8. You don’t have to be “the next so-and-so.” If writing the story you want to write right now is what’s going to help you deal, then write that story.

9. There is no rush. Good stories, the ones that come from the heart, the ones that truly mean something, take time.

10. Find strength in your words. And pass them on. You never know who might need to hear them.

Meg is the creator of Novelty Revisions, dedicated to helping writers put their ideas into words. She is an editor and writer, and a 12-time NaNoWriMo winner. Follow Meg on Twitter for tweets about writing, food, and Star Wars.

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