When the doubts set in, and other artistic pursuits seem easier.

Smile, Nod, and Keep on Writing.

When you feel the sting of every imperfect sentence and line in a story.

Smile, Nod, and Keep on Writing.

When you’re tired. When you can’t muster the will. When a voice in your head says you can take off one night.

Smile, Nod, and Keep on Writing.

When someone insults your writing and tries to rip away a piece of you.

Smile, Nod, and Keep on Writing.

When you hear of someone else’s failure, and think “he couldn’t, how can I?”

Smile, Nod, and Keep on Writing.

When you’re afraid of offending someone with the fictional actions of fictional characters.

Smile, Nod, and Keep on Writing.

When you read a book and compare it to your work. And yours falls short.

Smile, Nod, and Keep on Writing.

When the world offers such distraction. A shiny new story, or a different project to do.

Smile, Nod, and Keep on Writing.

When the world shows how cruel it can be to new artists. When the world shows how little it understands us. When non-artists decide they know more about the craft than you. When an internet critic’s only goal is to make you feel terrible. When the voices of naysayers grow to a fever pitch. Say it with me:

Smile, Nod, and Keep on Writing.

Because only you can do it. And it’s hard, and it takes discipline. But you are a storyteller.

And we live in a world of stories.  

—

Special thanks to: Bob Gerkin, Collin Pearman, Dylan Alexander, Jerry Banfield, Michael The Comic Nerd,  Pulsatilla Pratensis, and Thomas J. West.

Did you like the article? Dislike? Tell me about it in the comments. I would love to hear your opinions! If interested in specific articles, or want to write as a guest, you can message me at scifibrandonscott@gmail.com. If you want to help keep this blog going, consider becoming my patron at https://www.patreon.com/coolerbs. Thanks for reading!