On her website, artist and writer Keri Smith generated a lot of blog noise with her list of 10 ways an artist can feel miserable (h/t to agent Rachelle Gardner for referencing the post).
I thought the list perfectly applicable to writers, and wanted to see what you think. I’ve changed the wording slightly to reflect the writing life:
1. Constantly compare yourself to other writers.
2. Talk to your family about what you do and expect them to cheer you on.
3. Base the success of your entire career on one book.
4. Stick with what you know.
5. Undervalue your expertise.
6. Let money dictate what you do.
7. Bow to societal pressures.
8. Only do work that your family will love.
9. Do everything your editor asks you to do.
10. Set unachievable, overwhelming goals — to be accomplished by tomorrow.
So what do you think? Any of these resonate? Anything you’d add?