Post History

Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/25985
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/25985
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

Here's the thing. You don't write to be admired. You write because there is something burning inside you to be said. The question to your friends is not, do you like it? Do you think it's good? Did I do a good job? The question is, do you get it yet? Do you understand what I am saying?

If not, that does not mean there is anything wrong with you. I just means you have not learned enough about writing and storytelling yet to get your message across. Yes, you may feel frustrated that you have not managed to get your idea across to them yet. But that is beside the point. The point is that the thing inside you is still burning to be said, so time to get to work and figure out how to say it. Because if you are really going to be a writer, it will keep burning until you actually get people to hear it.

If there isn't something inside you burning to be said, though, don't write. Or at least, don't write for the public. Writing is not an efficient means to get people to like you or admire you. In fact, it is a lonely profession. If you want an artistic accomplishment that will help your social life, learn to play the guitar. Everyone loves a musician.

Don't write. It is a stupid way to make a living and a stupid way to have a social life. Don't write unless the thing burning in your head to be said cannot be snuffed out in any other way.

And if you can't snuff it out in any other way, then it does not matter what your friends think of you. It only matters that they hear you.

Original score: 0