The Worst Advice!
What's the worst advice you've ever received?
What was the worst advice you’ve ever received? Did it impact your career? A relationship? Or did you recognize the advice as garbage straight-away and saved yourself the damage?
The worst advice I ever received was from a peer in a library writing group.
This particular group met every first and third Wednesday of the month, which gave me more than enough time to write short stories in between.
I’d scribble them on paper towels, napkins and other bits of discarded paper during my breaks at the coffee shop. The ideas were so vibrant and raw that I could barely wait to write them down. And I’d go to group excited to share them.
Unfortunately, there’s always someone who thinks they can manage your time and talents better than you.
“It’s such a shame that you waste your time on these other stories, when you should be focusing on your novel to finish it.” He said.
I was mortified. I felt a hot spotlight of scrutiny focus on me in the group. I’d thought I was writing to entertain my friends but instead I was embarrassing myself with frivolous side quests.
For the next few years that man’s words echoed in the back of my mind anytime inspiration struck that wasn’t directly focused on my book. I tried to ignore it…. But the judgement from someone I’d trusted had poisoned the well of creativity. My productivity slowed to a snails pace. I questioned my instincts.
It took a long time for that toxic opinion to filter its way out of my subconscious. Overtime I learned that focusing on one story was NOT a healthy method for me. In my creative process, side projects satisfy an itch, that in turn keeps me focused and practiced to work on the larger projects. (Think runners who run to train for races. You can’t run a marathon everyday without getting burnt out. You need to take those side trails to keep the spirit of play in your practice.)
And that writing peer who so graciously supplied their opinion… hasn’t published a damn thing.
The moral of the story? Take advice with a grain of salt, protect your peace, and follow where the muse takes you.
Everyone has an opinion about you… but that isn’t your business.
You have bigger shit to do.
Now get out there and be prolific, despite the naysayers and know-it-alls!
Happy Creating!
Your Friend,
Ann
What I’m Reading:
Writing Down The Bones - Natalie Goldberg
Extreme Prejudice - Dharma Kelleher
Favorite Podasts:
Buried Bones with Katie Winkler Dawson and Paule Holes
Ghosted with RozHernandez
Current Food Obsession:
Dutch Bro’s Iced “Golden Eagle” (‘Merica) with cold foam and raw sugar on top.
Photo Writing Prompt:
Write for Ten Minutes. Scribble down anything that comes to mind. Don’t try to make perfection before it leaves the pen. Let the words flow. Take in the colors, the lines, the textures. Can you smell the loam? Do the ferns cast shadows? Is the light warm or cold? Step into the photo.
As always… you can buy my books, Summoning Spruce and Life Pushing Through, anywhere books are sold or directly from my website!
Follow me on Instagram: @treesifyouplease
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I love this process that you shared. Also, Ghosted with RozHernandez is excellent.