I’ve been writing for a long time. I’ve written novels for just under 20 years though I’ve officially published for 14. By now, a lot of people know I write books, and when I’m introduced to someone new and they learn I write books, I can talk it off the cuff with no problem. It’s part of my nature now.

But that also means that I have friends and family who think my writing is just another part of me, no different than feeding chickens, gardening, and going to the gym. No, they don’t come to events, and more don’t read the books than do.

Don’t get me wrong. . .I have noble and loyal readers who mean the world to me. However, I don’t see or hear from them every day.

That means it’s totally up to me to show up to work. I have to love putting words in order. I have to love studying craft. I have to make appearances. I have to keep my social media, newsletters, and website updated. I have to want to do this as if nobody else is there for me.

A lot of fledgling writers need atta-boys and atta-girls to keep going. Sorry, but that isn’t going to work. You simply have to love writing to remain in this business. Whether you are writing as a hobbyist, as a wanna-be with hope, or a published author, the burden is on you and only you.

All the blame and all the glory is yours. Embrace the control and cherish the satisfaction and quit watching how everyone else is doing. Own your journey.