Things Writers Want to Hear

When a writer's head hits the pillow at night and they journey off to Sleepyland on their magical unicorn, here's a short list of what they hear in their dreams:

Things from big name authors  . . .
- "I think my current WIP is a steaming pile of literary
   manure compared to yours."
- "Your writing makes me want to weep and/or beat
   the snot out of you."
- "I'm afraid you're going to steal my readers."

Things from aspiring writers . . .
- "I wish I could write like you."
- "You make great story telling look so effortless."
- "Could you give me some writerly advice?"

Things from publishers . . .
- "Six figures? No, no, no. Let's make it seven."
- "Whatever your next idea is, just write it and we'll buy it."
- "Ninety percent of our marketing budget will be spent on your latest release."

It's dreams like these that keep a writer clutching their pillow long after the alarm has gone off. But why? Why do these remarks make authors feel so good? Because we're sick and twisted rotten little sinners who crave a good pride stroking. Eew. I felt dirty just typing that. Too bad it's the truth.

It might be because of the nature of the writing venue, the fear of a public flogging, or it could just be that writers are needy creatures. Whatever, there's no denying pride is an issue that's easier dealt with sooner rather than later. How? By keeping your nose in a book: The Book. God's Word.

It's only when your self-worth comes from the Creator that you quit craving the strokes of the created.

And the best way to do that is to find out exactly what God thinks of you every day. Before you write a word, dig into The Word.