Make Your Own Luck

Many believe writing is a gift you are born with

You either have it or you don't.

Utter nonsense.

~~~

We're born naked and screaming.

We have to learn to talk, roll over, crawl, walk, run.

We have to learn math, to read, to write.

We LEARN the craft of writing.

~~~

Writing may come easier to some than others

But it doesn't mean one should throw in the towel if it isn't simple for you

Some artists learn on their own,

Others take lessons.

Same with music, singing, song writing and playing instruments

Those are skills and they are LEARNED.

~~~

So never let anyone tell you that you CAN'T write.

How good your writing skills become

Will be determined by your desire,

Your willingness to pursue means to learn the craft,

And your dedication to doing it.

~~~

And just like with all things,

You will be your own version of talent.

Picasso wasn't Rembrandt

But they are both masters of very valuable art.

You may not become a Hemmingway or Stephen King,

But you will be your version of YOU,

And that will be meaninful to your readership

However large or small.

~~~

Keep writing.

Use outlines and other plotting tools.

Or whatever other tips, methods, tools it takes

Never stop going.

Always keep writing.

~~~

And when you launch your works,

Don't let criticism crush you.

Take the parts of CONSTRUCTIVE criticism,

Ignore destructive criticisms that do nothing

To improve your writing

Or help you move forward.

~~~

Remember...

You ARE a writer because YOU chose to be

Now find your style

Enjoy your journey, wherever it takes you.

Never doubt yourself,

Just keep going

~~~

Good luck to you

and remember,

you make your own luck. ❤

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I wrote this piece because in the many writing groups I'm in (non-Vocal groups thank goodness), I see a lot of harsh, unnecessary comments and criticisms. It is my hope that everyone who lands on Vocal gets told that their words matter. That their style of weaving words doesn't have to match the style of another to be considered good. That writing is subjective -- it's an art, and therefore, other than punctuation, grammar, and plagiarism rules, every person has a writer locked away inside them. All you have to do is embrace that inner writer and work with it until it becomes what you want it to be.