You Are Not Your Writing

An important lesson a professional writer must learn is this powerful truth: You are not your writing.

You Vs. Your Writing

You must learn to separate your self-identity from your writing. You have to learn that because if you don't, you're going to be one miserable writer. People who don't understand this truth are those who get crushed by rejection and bad reviews.

I know some writers who reel from one nasty comment to another. If they read some good review, they're ecstatic. If they read a bad one, they're in the pits of despair.

If your writing gets rejected by an agent, an editor, or a reader, that does not mean that you have been rejected, but a lot of people think it does.

Separation

Learning that you are not your writing is necessary in order to survive this fierce business. If you cave at the first sign of rejection, i.e., not placing in a contest, not getting a positive response from an agent or editor, then you might need to rethink your aspirations.

Rejection – from publishing professionals and from readers – is a huge part of being a professional writer whether you're published by a traditional publishing company or you're indie published.There will be peaks and valleys. Success is a long road. Learn positive ways to deal with the valleys.

Takeaway Truth

The sooner you learn that you are not your writing, the happier and more productive you'll be.