Novel Writing Made Less Impossible And Then There's the Haters ...

Years ago, I used to belong to a prominent multi-level marketing (MLM) company. I kinda dug it because we believed in not just financial, but personal growth through positive input.

Of course, when people found out about my activity, they did their best to make sure my ambition never rose above the top of the sidewalk. "You'll never make it." "You're wasting your time." "I'll join once you become a success." A number of us in the creative field get the same kind of emotional abuse as the MLM members and we get it on a regular basis. I heard a story long ago about crab fishermen. If you catch a single crab, you better nail down the lid on that basket because the animal's only goal will be to climb up the side and escape. However, if you get TWO or more crabs, you can toss the lid over the side of the boat because if one crab attempts to liberate himself, the others will drop everything to pull the rogue back down with them. Haters are just like that. Some people will support you without reservation. Love the heck out of them because they are outnumbered. But there are others who believe that happiness is a Zero Sum concept, that there's only so much to go around and if you have some, they don't. You will be told you can't write a book. You'll be told you can't write. You'll be told you'll never become a best-selling author. You'll be told you'll never make a living from your work. I'm here to tell you that I'll teach you to write a novel, you can write well, you might not but who cares, you might not but who cares? Over the years, I've hears all that crap and more. I used to let it get to me. Then I built up my skillset and worked at my craft. Now I'm #fueledbyspite. I love it when someone tells me I'll never make it (I am) or no one will read my work (they are) or listen to my advice on writing (how ya doin'?). You'll develop a thick skin with some practice. Unfortunately, your "loved ones" will be the main people who think they're helping by giving you the negative input. Do it anyway. Learn to smile through the unwanted advice and thank them for their time and concern. It's never easy, but you will learn to do it because you will be walking the walk, not just talking about it. You will be writing your novel and getting people to read it.

Your comments are welcome, as always. I can take it.

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