Numero Uno - You spend little or no time actually writing. Sure, you always think about writing and you always talk to other people about what you’re writing. But if you need less than two hands to count your weekly word count, you’re not a writer.
Number Two - You think being published equals success. Sure, that can be a goal. But I’m willing to bet some of the best, most interesting writing in the world is unpublished. Set goals for yourself, and stop counting on others to validate you.
Number Three - You always start talking about your writing by saying “This isn’t very good so…” This is my biggest pet peeve. I understand being nervous and struggling with criticism. But by saying your work isn’t good before anyone ever hears or reads it, what kind of expectations are you setting for yourself? Let them be their own judge and let the chips fall where they may.
Number Four - You copy other writers verbatim. There’s nothing wrong with trying to imitate somebody’s style. It’s actually a good idea until you’re confident in your own voice. Plus, you’ll never really imitate a Hemingway or a Faulkner, but what you come up with will sound different and be uniquely yours. But if you take actual sentences and just start stitching them together, you’re nothing more than a Frankenstein.
Number Five - You quit on your stories after one rejection. Show your writing to a hundred people, and you’ll get a hundred different opinions. One person isn’t going to make or break you. If you believe in something, show it to as many people as possible. Someone will like it. Some may love it.
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Left by Top 5 - Group Writing Project Day 4 on May 11th, 2007