The Ten Stupid Things Writers Do to Mess Up Their Lives
Originally published in Etude magazine
Spring 2006
Ah, the fine art of self-sabotage.
Consider me the Dr. Laura of writing. (I’m not talking politics here; I’m talking attitude.) Just like the shrill, conservative radio show call-in shrink you love to hate – author of such enlightened volumes as The Ten Stupid Things Women Do to Mess Up Their Lives (having a career being one of them) — I will show you no mercy. I will confront you with your own folly. I will force you to take the responsibility you are so quick to off-load on others: bad editors, unruly children, unsympathetic partners, the people in your writing group who just don’t understand what you’re trying to do
Discouraged? Dismayed? Disheartened? De- or re-jected? Get a grip. You’ll get no sympathy from me. Writers are renowned for acts of self-sabotage, from extended experiments in procrastination to epic bouts of self-pity. You chose this ridiculous profession — or it chose you – so quit whining.
Face it: You need more than good ideas and literary talent. You need to learn to stop shooting yourself in the foot. Here are ten stupid things writers do to mess up their lives. Whichever apply to you – and I know several will –- it’s time to get smart about your writing life and stop undermining your best efforts.