12 Things I Learnt About Being a Writer in 2021...

After the challenges of 2021 I thought I'd share some of the writerly conclusions I came to.?And I suspect some of them will resonate no matter what you do for a living. Some of these insights (let's go with insights) are brand new whereas others are lessons I seemingly STILL haven’t learnt.

- I’ll Never Stop Improving My Writing Skills

With practice writers get better. Plus the world is overflowing with advice and opportunities to help us improve what we do.?This fills me with joy.

- I Genuinely Need Down Time to Mentally Refuel and Be My Creative Best

Holiday breaks.?Not just some vague construct or a “nice to have” but a stone cold necessity for those involved in creative graft.?And what I really learnt last year is that if I don’t protect my down time it just doesn’t happen.?Yes, I’m a slow learner.

- A Writing Career is A Slow Moving Creature

Nobody tells you that when you start out but it’s true.?For most folks it’s a marathon rather than a sprint.?The key to a successful writing career is boringly simple – one step in front of the other, turn up, write as much as you can, have a clear, do-able writing goal, ask for advice when you need it.?(I’m going to print that out and put it up in my office.)

- Need to Separate Creative Child Time From Rational, Analytical Machine Time

I am both of course.?But I spent so much time in RAM mode last year I’ve realised that CC just doesn’t get enough of a look in.?Spending more time in a pure creative, playful state is so beneficial to my work.?So more of that in 2022? Yes, please.

- People STILL Think Writers Flourish During Lockdowns.

The myth of writers being solitary creatures in dark rooms is really hard to dispel!?Yes, some writers adore being isolated from others (God bless 'em) and yes, the work is usually solitary but the person doing it is a human being so, y’know, not immune to separation anxiety and uncertainties triggered by a global pandemic.?

- Disappointment is The Writer’s Constant Companion

No matter where you are in your writing career or matter how experienced or brilliant you are.?This is just part of the gig – things are always going to go your way. So my advice? Accept that factoid and find a healthy way to deal with it.

- Giving in to Bitterness is Pointless.

God knows there are plenty of reasons to get bitter – idiots and people less talented than you misjudge your work,?competitions aren’t fair,?idiots and people less talented than you win things and are given opportunities,?outside forces have derailed your writing dream, maybe your type of writing isn’t in favour at the mo – whichever particular worm is gnawing at you - we need to take it in hand. Bitterness and resentment will not serve you and can get in the way of your creativity.?Unless you’re writing a story about a bitter writer - in which case fill your boots and PLEASE let me know when it’s published.?

- Some People Are Just Jerks

It’s kind of pointless getting upset or offended by critics, thoughtless comments, nasty, abusive posts on social media, OTT irate, indignant emails and just mean-spirited bullshit.?Hard not to, of course, when you’re a sensitive, creative type but this is where I landed on this after last year revealled some spectacular jerkery.? Some people are just jerks – they’ve probably always been jerks and will probably keep being jerks, hanging out with their jerk friends.??There’s nothing to be done with these people so…shrug and ignore.?

- I Really Need to Get Better at Saying No

Honestly, I know all the reasons why – but I still catching myself saying yes when I want to say no.?Cue time needlessly diverted away from what I want to do. That’s time needlessly diverted away from moving towards my writing goal.?I’m sure many of you know exactly what I mean.

- Time Blocking and Deadlines Are My Friends

I kind of already knew this but it was confirmed again in 2021. I bet they will be your friends too.

- Developing Resilience and Self-Belief is Vital

As mentioned above a writer’s journey will inevitably feature its fair share of rejection and disappointment but there’s only one person who can pull you up by your bootstraps and shout – no, I refuse to give up – and unfortunately that’s you.??Craft is important, skills are important but attitude is right up there sitting alongside.

- Community is King & Queen

A support network is so useful to our motivation as our work progresses and also when the work is out there.?Having some cheerleaders around you through your process (good parts and bad) and when the work is done is invaluable.?So who are we surrounding ourselves with? Ideally the people we choose to have around us are supportive, positive, bold and inspiring. We can’t control who is around us all of the time but we can certainly control the other writers we choose to engage with.?

Forge on good people!

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