Look To Your Writers

If you’re a writer, it seems it’s getting harder to become noticed in the world of prose.

Often times, it gets overlooked online if it isn’t in physical form. You go to a bookstore to read or buy books, to hold and put on tables or shelves. You can’t exactly do that with online writing. It just feels good to have something in your hands that’s written, and I get that so so much. I can’t necessarily say that’s why perhaps us writers online get unnoticed (it could also be very much a popularity standpoint or a career aspect), but it’s the same sense as with any small time creator. So many creators get lost who have tremendous talent, but it seems that unless you’re a big name, have money, or are just generally popular among fandom or websites, it’s sometimes very hard to get a foot in the door.

Right now, I am working on several fan-fictions and two original things on the side. But it will and does take time, as it does for most artistic talents. And while that may be a downfall, it is also a reminder that I’m doing most of my writing for free and am just one person. Honestly, if I could crank out stuff every week, I would. But sometimes I just don’t have the energy or the motivation to do so. Sometimes writer’s block happens, and sometimes life in general just happens. But I still write because it is my passion.

It’s always nice to have an audience. It’s always nice to have feedback, connectivity, and positive outcomes. I feel like sometimes written works are often lost in communities. People want things right away, and that’s just human nature. Not for nothing, I love art and fanartists/original artists. I commend them just as much as I commend freelance writers, if not more. But if we are honest, their content is more than likely to get picked up and noticed than those in prose.

Encouragement and comments are always welcome no matter what platform your creativity is on. It’s nice to know that you have engagement, a following. It’s nice to know that you’re making an impact whether it’s in a serious manner, or fun and witty. Ask any writer, musician, artist, or even youtuber you know that has a following. What drives them is their passion and the excitement of others.

One of the things I hear a lot from new creators is their fear of being rejected. So much potential can be lost because people are afraid to start. They’re afraid they won’t live up to the standards everyone else is setting for themselves or for other creators. They want to be just as good; not seeing their own potential, talent, and what they’re good at. If I never put my foot out there to write terrible fanfiction back in 2009-2013, I wouldn’t be where I am in my writing today. I was afraid when I began. I got horrific reviews, got yelled at, was told to stop writing. But I didn’t; I found new platforms. I grew, created, and strived to be better for myself and my talent.

So create, and don’t set a huge and impossible pedestal for yourself. Do what you love first above all else. Even if you’re afraid to take that first step.

Promise me that in whatever you do, whatever you create, you won’t stop. The world needs so much more creative potential. Don’t let anything or anyone intimidate you otherwise.

You can do it. Just believe in your passion first.