Has it ever happened to you that you wrote something really cool and nobody noticed?
I guess this is more of a thing on social media, but it appears in creative writing as well. There are many positions in theatre, TV, and film where you apply by submitting your work. Only the thing is, that work will never be performed anywhere, it's just to get to know you. You are expected to write new things when being accepted into the position (whatever it is).
If there is a part of you that sees that and feels bad for the work that would "go to nothing", you're not alone.
But I guess that is the difference between the pro and the amateur. It's not about the quality of the work, but why you do it and how you see it.
Anything you write, ever, is never wasted.
It always serves either your self-expression at the time, or an expression of an idea, or it is a way to hone a skill.
In other words, the real power of your inner artist and your creativity is not what you have written so far.
It is your ability to write more.
Always.
I guess that's the difference between an amateur and a pro (note that doesn't mean one is inferior or superior to the other, it just highlights the difference between them and makes it easier to choose which one you would rather be):
The pro is the one that keeps going.
The pro understands that all writing is worth pursuing because absolutely anytime you write something, it will make you a better writer.
The pro knows that no project is ever your final one. You are in a continuous process of creation. Finished projects are just the footsteps you leave behind on your journey.
The pro writes. No matter what happens, the pro writes.
Because the pro keeps going.
It's never about the final product. It's not about this one project that will once and for all make you a writer or prove you can do it or anything like that.
Even though sometimes, it may look like it was this one project that completely launched someone's career or made them into the writer they are known to be. But behind that big one-time change, there is always a process, a long journey. It's just that sometimes, we don't see it.
At the end of the day, the writing life is about writing itself.
It's not about what you have done so far. It's about what you are doing right now. What project you are working on. Once you finish one, you can always start another one.
All of this is not intended to make you feel pressured into hustling. It's more about recognising that what makes you a writer is not some external proof of what you have or have not done.
It's about your ability in this very moment to work with where you are and create from that place.
Just like I mentioned in the post about "being a writer" versus "just writing". If you missed it, find it here:
What does it mean to "be a writer"
Stay creative,
Katja
Thank you for being here.
If you're a writer who'd love some personalised support with your project, check out my 1:1 offerings: https://www.katjacerne.si/work-with-me
If you want to dive into the craft of compelling plot twists, I invite you to check out the Plot Twist Magic workshop: https://www.katjacerne.si/plot-twist-magic
And if you'd like to join me in deep dives into various aspects of the writing craft, join me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@katjacernewriting
See you next week!
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