Don’t let the turkeys get you down
Have you ever meet a freelance writer who, in just a few words, can make you feel like an utter failure? Do you find yourself doubting your writing abilities when you’re around this person? Then head over to freelance writer and author Allison Winn Scotch’s blog to read her post about sizing up the competition.
Allison’s absolutely right. One thing I always tell new writers is to pick your mentors carefully. When you’re starting out, it can be very discouraging to hear more established writers flippantly comment about how easy it is for them to get work. Well, pay them no mind. Just as Allison says, how this writer does or doesn’t get work has no bearing on your work. Focus on yourself. Learn what you can from established writers who understand there’s always room next to them at the table. Stay away from anyone who makes you feel like you’re lacking or who seems to have something to prove to the world. Pop psych tip of the day: the only person who can make you feel bad is you. [db]
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Oct 24, 2006 Advice, Self improvement
Wow, is God communicating to me through some powerful females or what! I read Allison’s blog earlier today and left a post on Allison’s blog stating that today was just the day I needed to read the advice she gave and now you post something here? Okay, God, okay, I won’t let the forum posters get to me!
Oh, this is so true (the pop psych tip)! I remember George Lucas saying something like “the only barriers we have are those in our heads” (I don’t remember the exact quote).
My advice is: if you truly believe in yourself then filter all the critics very carefully, not always are they unbiased, filter all the advice you get. Some will help you improve your craft, while others can break you.
My problem is the opposite…most of the freelancers I meet are a bunch of whiners, which is frankly more discouraging.
Thanks for the shout-out, Diana! Robert- there are definitely some whiners out there, but most of us are industrious, determined workers, so don’t let the whiny ones influence you.
I only have whine with accountants.