I saw this in a Facebook post and thought it was so appropriate that I had to share. The author is unknown, so I can’t give proper writing credit, but it was shared on Tamara Saviano’s FB page.
1. Keep your eyes on your own paper. Do not ever, ever, ever, ever compare yourself to other artists/writers.
2. Do not talk to your family about what you do and expect them to cheer you on. This has nothing to do with family approval.
3. Do not base the success of your entire career on one project.
4. Do not stick with what you know. Get outside your comfort zone as often as possible.Â
5. Value your expertise. Really.
6. Do not let money dictate what you do.Â
7. Do not bow to societal pressures.
8. Do not do work just because you think your friends would love or approve.
9. Never give investors and patrons creative input. Either they believe in you or they don’t.
10. Do not set unachievable/overwhelming goals to be accomplished by tomorrow. Procrastination is a good friend to artists. You need time to dream.
I could relate to all of these, but particularly loved the ones about getting outside my comfort zone as often as possible and taking time to dream.
How about you? Did any of these resonate with you?
Excellent reminders, Jan. 🙂 Thanks for sharing… xo
My pleasure! Thanks for stopping by, Bette.
Jan, terrific advice and thank you so much for sharing! Many of these resonate with me and I particularly like the last one for giving me permission to procrastinate and DREAM! 😀😀 Yeah!
YES!! Me too! I’ve always been a dreamer and to receive permission is awesome. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by, Annika!
I love everything about this! Such good, good advice. Jan, thank you so much for sharing this.
My pleasure, Marlena! Thanks so much for stopping by. Hugs!
Excellent advice, sister. And it is so true. If we try to compare ourselves to someone else, we are only creating feelings that will not only hinder, but harm us. Thank you for stopping by! I love you!
Jan, the one I live by is #1. When I first started writing a very wise writer told me never to compare my work with anyone else’s. She said others will always write better than me and I will always write better than some. Jealousy can kill you faster than anything. Keep your eyes on your own work and don’t worry about what anyone else is doing.
These are all great reminders, Jan. It’s so easy to overlook them when we get caught up in writing.
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for dropping by, Mae! Hugs1
Absolutely. I am constantly writing, either for myself or purely to get my work out there. As I say write for yourself first and foremost, and worry about what other people think about it later.
Great advice, Tom! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment.
I am happy you enjoyed the post, John. And you are right about the feedback. I critique with my sister and we brainstorm back and forth as we write, but I think that is different from what you are referring to. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment!
I so loved this post and am glad you shared it, Jan. I always advise writers not to show their work to anyone until they have at least the first draft finished. All too often, good meaning folks give authors feedback that is a death knell to a story.
This is a comprehensive list for being so succinct, Jan. I most needed to read to #2. My parents think I walk on water, but my kids… meh. It’s not their thing. It’s an important reminder that every reader’s tastes are different and we can’t possibly please them all. 🙂
So true, Diana. I’m happy that at least one of the suggestions resonated with you. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment! I appreciate you!
Wonderful suggestions. Thanks for sharing them.
Thanks, Craig. I’m happy you stopped by!
That is so true, Staci. We do have to reach for the stars and do whatever it takes to get us as close as possible to them. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
#10 really spoke to me. I’m always setting crazy goals. But I kind of fell like I have to reach for the stars if I expect to get off the ground.
Such a bunch of great advise. It is good to be reminded and feel grounded again.
My favourites are the same as yours.
miriam
I agree, Miriam. It’s good to feel grounded. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment today! Hugs!
Such great advice! Thank you for this reminder, Jan. I think of e.e. cummings and James Joyce. Both defied literary expectations and became great writers. Most of us can’t begin to walk in their shoes, but we can find our own style and hopefully create something beautiful. ♥
So very true, Gwen. I completely agree! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment today. Hugs!