Writers aren’t generally known as the happiest lot. As a recent Guardian survey of some top writers shows, even the best ones don’t particularly enjoy it all that much. And in case you think this is a new development, an 1842 letter from Edgar Allen Poe to his publisher recently surfaced in which he was found apologizing for drinking so much and begging for money.
But believe it or not, writing and happiness can, in fact, go together. Here are ten ways for a writer to stay positive:
1. Enjoy the present.
Writers are dreamers, and dreamers tend to daydream about the future while concocting wildly optimistic scenarios that involve bestsellerdom, riches, and interviews with Ryan Seacrest. In doing so they forget to enjoy the present. I call this the “if only” game. You know how it goes: if only I could find an agent, then I’ll be happy. When you have an agent, then it becomes: if only I could get published, then I’ll be happy. And so on. The only way to stay sane in the business is to enjoy every step as you’re actually experiencing it. Happiness is not around the bend. It’s found in the present. Because writing is pretty great — otherwise why are you doing it?
2. Maintain your integrity.
With frustration comes temptation. It’s tempting to try and beat the system, whether that’s by having someone else write your query, lying to the people you work with, or, you know, concocting the occasional fake memoir. This may even work in the short term, but unless you are Satan incarnate (and I hope you’re not) it will steadily chip away at your happiness and confidence, and your heart will shrivel and blacken into something they show kids in health class to scare them away from smoking. Don’t do it.
3. Recognize the forces that are outside of your control.
While it’s tempting to think that it’s all your fault if your book doesn’t sell, or your agent’s fault or the industry’s fault or the fault of a public that just doesn’t recognize your genius, a lot of times it’s just luck not going your way. Chance is BIG in this business. Huge. Gambling has nothing on the incredibly delicate and complex calculus that results in a book taking off. Bow before the whims of fate, because chance is more powerful than you and your agent combined.
4. Don’t neglect your friends and family.
No book is worth losing a friend, losing a spouse, losing crucial time with your children. Hear me? NO book is worth it. Not one. Not a bestseller, not a passion project, nothing. Friends and family first. THEN writing. Writing is not an excuse to neglect your friends and family. Unless you don’t like them very much.
5. Don’t Quit Your Day Job.
Quitting a job you need to pay the bills in order to write a novel is like selling your house and putting the proceeds into a lottery ticket. You don’t have to quit your job to write. There is time in the day. You may have to sacrifice your relaxation time or sleep time or reality television habit, but there is time. You just have to do it.
6. Keep up with publishing industry news.
It may seem counterintuitive to follow the news of a business in which layoffs currently constitute the bulk of headlines. But it behooves you to keep yourself informed. You’ll be happier (and more successful) if you know what you’re doing.
7. Reach out to fellow writers.
No one knows how hard it is to write other than other people who have tried to do it themselves. Their company is golden. If you’re reading this it means you have an Internet connection. Reach out and touch a writer. And plus, the Internet allows you to reach out to writers without smelling anyone’s coffee breath.
8. Park your jealousy at the door.
Writing can turn ordinary people into raving lunatics when they start to believe that another author’s success is undeserved. Do not begrudge other writers their success. They’ve earned it. Even if they suck.
9. Be thankful for what you have.
If you have the time to write you’re doing pretty well. There are millions of starving people around the world, and they’re not writing because they’re starving. If you’re writing: you’re doing just fine. Appreciate it.
10. Keep writing.
Didn’t find an agent? Keep writing. Book didn’t sell? Keep writing. Book sold? Keep writing. OMG an asteroid is going to crash into Earth and enshroud the planet in ten feet of ash? Keep writing. People will need something to read in the resulting permanent winter.
Need help with your book? Iām available for manuscript edits, query critiques, and consultations! And if you like this post, check out my guide to writing a novel.
Art: Moses and the Ten Commandments by Rembrandt
Yat-Yee says
Nathan, you’re really digging this positivity thing, aren’t you? š
Thanks for these practical tips. I especially like:
About to lose a friend? Stop writing and pay attention to what’s really important.
Asteroid coming? Keep writing.
Dara says
I’m so going to print this off and put it in my study š
Thanks for these ten commandments!
BarbS. says
Nice, Nathan. Definitely a keeper. Thanks!
BookEnds, LLC says
One of the best posts I’ve seen in a long time. This should be on every writer’s board.
–jessica faust
Vegas Linda Lou says
Excellent post, Nathan! And these commandments can be applied to everyone, not just writers.
Thank you for all the work you put into maintaining such an interesting and informative blog.
Ink says
And when Permanent Winter arrives books and manuscript pages will make great kindling. Survival of the wordiest.
Vancouver Dame says
Nathan, this is the best blog post this week, and you say it so well. I plan to post the ‘Ten Commandments’ in my writing spot to keep me in focus when doubt creeps in. I like the tenacity that you encourage, and the way you don’t condescend to your readers like some writing blogs do. There’s a very good reason that you have a great following – you give back to us, the readers.
I liked the link to the E.A. Poe article, one of my early favorite authors. It must be that sensitive, creative nature in writers that brings out the worst in us when things get us down. Thanks for giving us the 10 reasons we should believe in ourselves. Hope you have a great Thursday.
Peter Gajdics says
Mr. Bransford: I have to say that aside from being wildly informative, your site manages to always put a smile on my face. You are witty beyond belief. Thank you for all you do to help writers.
thumbtack4k says
I’m about to graduate college and every day for me has been a struggle lately because I keep getting pounded with news about publishing and journalism going under or dying out or whatever everyone is saying now. I find that I’ve been beating myself up a lot about things I can’t control like getting ignored when I send out a resume or submissions. Things like this really brighten my day and give me some hope.. or at least make me stop berating myself. Thank you for your posts! I’ve been reading for a while and not introducing myself even though you said I should so…
My name is Lisa Kilian. I am a soon to be alumnus of the University of North Texas. I love everything about writing, literature, and publishing. I was heartbroken when John Updike died but when I read the obit in the New York Times, it made me get up and start getting ready for my life in the publishing industry.
Thomas Burchfield says
Thanks, Nathan.
An addendum to maintaining integrity; whether your pursuing high-minded literature or the next genre bestseller, always be sure it’s a book *you* would want to read. Don’t bother chasing the marketplace; they may want vampires this fall, but by next spring, it may be mummies.
JohnO says
Another fine post, N. I’m digging “Up with Positivity Week” here on the NBLA blog.
But as usual, I want recompense for feeding you your news peg!
selestial-owg says
Love, love, LOVE this post!
Thank you š
Anonymous says
Nathan, you’re a peach.
Lisa Mantchev says
Yes, yes, a thousand times YES.
David says
Those are wonderful, Nathan.
What? Mummies?! Thanks, Thomas Burchfield! Wait! The Vampire Werewolf Zombie Mummy Wars! Wow! That’s it! (Oops. I’ve run out of exclamation marks.)
Robert A Meacham says
Nathan,
Your tips are spot on. I have experienced the time thing but have not been de-railed by selfishness. Balancing time with family , friends, work, and then writing, makes for a healty life. One thing I have discovered, and you said it well, is to keep writing.
Brian F. says
Brilliant.
Anonymous says
Yat-Yee,
Or write that ass – asteroid – right into the next scene!!??
lotusgirl says
Positivity looks GREAT on you. Everyone needs to read these 10Cs.
Anonymous says
Nathan,
In a VERY tough personal week,
Thank You for presenting
Positivity Week.
(whew)
(word verification was gonshi:
translation gone she or otherwise a gonner who is also female)
Jen P says
"Maybe itās similar to the idea that some people want to have a wedding and some people want to get married."
I love it. So true. Thank you for an uplifting week. And Marley & Me out in Germany today – positive posts AND puppies all in one week!
T. Anne says
Geez Nathan, you’ve thought of the upside to a permanent winter! You really are on a roll!
Purple Potato Chip says
Nathan–The only one I disagree with is the last part of #8. People whose writing sucks have not “earned” success if it is given to them. Sorry.
Otherwise, these are great.
Anne Whitfield - author says
Very well said.
Sometimes while striving we do lose sight of other things.
Thanks for the reminder.
Marie says
And one more:
Read.
When I start dreading the empty page, I read. Reading something amazing reminds me why I torment myself so.
Robena Grant says
I love these writer’s commandments.
Thank you.
Brian Buckley says
Amen to #9. When writers complain about how hard writing is, they’re really just venting. Writing is hard compared to, say, eating potato chips, but if writing is the toughest thing in your life right now, I think you’re doing okay.
Nathan Bransford says
Purple Potato Chip-
Yes, they do. Chances are they worked just as hard at it as any other writer. If they happen to catch on with the reading public: good for them. Even if you personally think they suck.
Success isn’t “given” to anyone in this business.
Satan Incarnate says
How did you know I read your blog?
Also, would you be interested in repping my memoir?
adrcremer says
Nathan,
Positivity week is saving my life here in Minnesota, where March (and sometimes April) lead you to believe that asteroid did hit somewhere and we truly are stuck in permanent winter.
Now I know I should keep writing.
Thanks!
Anonymous says
Good answer Nathan. I was about to be not so diplomatic to the snack food
-Alex
Kiersten says
Yeah, I learned the whole be happy now thing back when I was desperately querying and then almost died (the near death was not related to the querying, fortunately). Not having an agent kind of paled in relation to not seeing my kids grow up.
And then, hey, got an agent a couple of months later anyway ; ) Plus I still get to see my kids grow up. Things work out.
Lisa Schroeder says
Amen!!!
Awesome list – people get so caught up in it all and I love your reminders to keep it all in perspective.
Now, I have to get back to work, because I still have that damn, I mean wonderful paycheck-giving, day job.
Dawn says
It’s amazing that whenever I come here, I find something I NEED to read, know, and learn.
Thanks.
Jo says
Bless you!
Lucy says
This is a fantastic checklist for any artist. You’ve got to find a way to be happy in the now~ awesome!
Dawn says
But just to add a note: I don’t like most of my family. *wink*
Heidi says
AMEN!! I’m happiest when I’m writing, which is why I do it.
Not that there aren’t times I’d like to drink and beg for money…
And you just about lost me on the giving up reality shows.
Mary Cunningham says
I’m speechless! You’ve nailed it.
https://www.cynthiasattic.blogspot.com
Susan Gabriel says
Just found this blog from someone posting a link on Twitter. This is a really, really good post. Well-written, clever, witty. I will visit again. Thanks!
Stephanie Faris says
Okay, but if an asteroid is heading to earth, I’m going to take a break from writing…
Ann Victor says
The asteroid is my favourite!
Sarah says
I’d like to add my thanks to the rest; this week’s positivity has motivated me to de-lurk, as I missed the last opportunity. Keep up the inspiration and valuable information!
Justus M. Bowman says
“They’ve earned it. Even if they suck.”
Ha ha. This is quite funny, but you have a point too.
Mira says
These are really good, Nathan.
I’m going to re-read them from time to time for the reminder.
And I’m not just saying that. This is a good list.
David says
Nathan,
Delightful post–and I’ve been surprised all week that you have come up with such authentically positive points.
I’d add another positive thing: having family and friends who support your writing, give honest criticism, and then happily read your revisions. And who hang in there a long, long time.
ryan field says
Well done, Sir.
MaLanie1971 says
Thank you Nathan, I needed to hear this. As I have forgotten my “be totally present and in the now” mantras.
Oddly enough before reading your Ten Commandments, I just posted on my blog about my obsession with my book.
I was poking fun at myself on my blog but the truth is that my little inner voice has been whispering MaLanie, slow down take care of your family first and enjoy the writing experience.
Thank you again, and by the way your blog has been extremely helpful to me.
Jackee says
Thanks for this beautiful list, Nathan. You are awesome and I think you’ve made all our day!
Hurray for positivity.
L.C. Gant says
Wow, Nathan! This might very well be your best blogging week ever. Each post has been better than the last.
Considering you aren’t a writer yourself (at least, not that I know of), you’ve got the craft of writing down to a science. Every one of these commandments is spot-on.
I love this post. I’m linking to it on my blog today. Then I’m printing it out and posting it on my wall. I think the publishing world would be a much happier place if every writer knew this list by heart. Thanks for sharing!
P.S. Can we have Positivity Week again? Like, really soon? Once a month, maybe?