As a writer, the Ides of March have always had a special significance to me because for me, this is the day when I can laugh in the faces of all the naysayers in my life.
Ordinarily, I try to keep an optimistic outlook about my writing. I do my best not to complain about writing or the publishing process, because really, I have no right to complain about it. No one forced me into writing; I chose it all by myself. If I feel the need to complain about it then I’ll have to deal with that all-important question: why am I even doing this in the first place?
But even when I’m at my most optimistic, I still have to face a wet blanket every so often. These are the people who pester me with stupid questions like: “Do you think you’ll actually ‘make it’ as a writer? Why don’t you stop this insanity and get a real job?” To which I respond: “This is a real job. Back off, Brutus.” Sometimes the naysayers even come in the form of supposed allies who ask questions like: “So, how’s the book coming?” when they really mean: “Are you going to get published before me?” To which I reply again: “Go soak your head, Brutus.”
Because we don’t need negative energy in our lives. We don’t need any more conflict than that which we already create on the page ourselves. And to those writers out there who get soaked by wet blankets but manage to shake the water off: you are my heroes. Write on!
Call me Gabi (pronounced gah-BEE). I'm a writer, freelance teacher, and a lover of books and words. I'm also the instigator of DIY MFA. iggi's my sidekick, but he thinks he's the brains behind this operation.
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Comments on this post
I love this post. I am trying to eliminate a negative person/competitive person in my life right now. I thought we were working together as writers, but I was doing all the work and she was subtly undermining me as a writer. I found a perfect writing partner and we mesh very well because we really want to see each other succeed in this business.
Thanks for sharing!!
15. March - 12:17 pmThis is so true. Life is too short to deal with folks who don't support you.
15. March - 2:29 pmI love it! Yep, if we listened to the naysayers, it would zap every ounce of joy. I have enough confidence problems on my own, thank you very much.
15. March - 6:09 pmLove it Gabi! Negativity is not welcome in our world!
15. March - 8:32 pmWell said!
16. March - 1:28 amYou go girl! Our confidence may sometimes be on shaky ground or tested, but we have a frame work and a game plan and we move forward with purpose.
16. March - 4:23 amYep, write on!