Cause Example: A writer doesn’t accept a speaking engagement because it’s too far away.
Cause Example: A writer doesn’t accept a signing gig because they are too nervous.
Cause Example: A writer doesn’t submit to a contest because they don’t believe in entry fees.
Cause Example: A writer doesn’t go to a conference for fear of looking too novice.
Cause Example: A writer doesn’t submit a manuscript to agents for fear of not being ready.
Cause Example: A writer doesn’t give out free review copies because of the cost.

Cause and effect means something happens as the result of something else happening. If there is no cause, there is no effect. In the above examples, one could argue that there isn’t enough effect to warrant the cause for those writers.

Social media abounds with excuses on why we do not do things, with a sideways hint that we are right and others are wrong in their decision-making. Frankly, I believe in live and let live, where we make our own decision and do not seek validation for it . . . and we do not justify or condemn others’ decisions, that last part deserving of another editorial for another day.

Hope’s suggestion… make a decision, learn from it, and move on to the other decisions you need to make. Do NOT ask around for people to pat you on the head and tell you that you were right. You will experience your biggest growth by learning to be your own best advocate. If your weakness is that you need people to tell you that you are right, then you’ll never step out on your own and blaze a trail. You’ll rarely grow.

The causal examples mentioned above take place more times than not. More writers choose those paths than choose the opposite, and we just never see or hear about them. The underlying reasons being too shy, too fearful, and too worried what others will think. Writers are afraid of criticism. Writers are afraid of making a wrong decision. They are afraid of being wrong.

As a result, they sit in place. There is little to no effect. The effect is no effect.

I’ve judged many contests where a solid third of the submissions were just bad. I’ve been asked to read green manuscripts and have given feedback to include why the story isn’t working. I’ve listened to public readings from published works that were not fully developed.

I admire those people more than the ones who are hiding away and not actively seeking improvement, seeking rejection, and seeking criticism. Those who seek feedback are those excited about writing. They want to be better and are willing to take the bumps and bruises it takes to get there.

Effect Example: A writer drives the two hours to a speaking engagement, but they are also contacted two weeks later by someone who wants to hire them to speak at a bigger venue.

Effect Example: A writer accepted the signing gig, and someone buys their whole series. Later they are invited to be interviewed for a broad-reaching publication.

Effect Example: A writer spends the $10 for entry fee, places second, and is contacted by an agent who wants to read more.

Effect Example: A writer attends the conference, happens to eat lunch with a publisher who is looking for the writer’s genre and would be happy to read their first few chapters.

Effect Example: A writer polishes their manuscript best they can and submits to a dozen agents. Feedback says they need more depth to the protagonist but the plot is lovely. Edits ensue.

Effect Example: A writer pays the money to send out 25 review copies. A reviewer has lunch with a friend who is already published and mentions the book. The friend invites the writer to speak to their public relations person who has connections with cable television.

You just never know. Life and success are not always predictable. Those not willing to get knocked down are taking the long, slow, life-robbing route to ever being published, being seen, or being successful.

are to take the knocks. Dare to walk through a storm instead of just waiting for the sunshine. There’s so much truth to the myriad of sayings about storms making you stronger.