“I’m hearing from lots of aspiring writers, and I just want to remind you that what you see is oftentimes a highlight reel. What someone reveals on social media can still be sincere, but it is curated. Nothing is overnight. Nothing is guaranteed.

I 100% understand how the dream of being a bestseller, etc…is fuel, but it shouldn’t be the reason propelling your craft. If you think you deserve all those things, AWESOME. A touch of self-aware narcissism can be damn good armor considering how soul-scraping this journey is .

But I hope you write not for the promise of bright lights, but because your story illuminates a corner of your soul. I hope you trust your voice more than you trust your critics and nay-sayers.”