Creating art is heart-pounding and daring when you put it on display. Whether art, dance, or writing, to take what you’ve practiced long and hard to accomplish, takes intense courage to present it and make it subject to criticism and praise.

“To create one’s world in any of the arts takes courage.” – Georgia O’Keeffe

Some writers have more natural talent than others. A lot of that is a vivid imagination while a lot of that is hidden practice the public never sees. Writers who have published have lived these stories for years in most cases. To go from talent to publication take guts, diligence, and endurance.

“Talent is only the starting point.” – Irving Berlin

You do not want to be like anyone else. You want to have your own voice, your own style, your own name. To be like someone else is to cheat or fall short of being the best you. Dare to be unique.

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique.” – Martha Graham

There is no such thing as perfection. We are human, and to be human is to be defective. Do the best you can and let that be your satisfaction.

“Have no fear of perfection – you’ll never reach it.” – Salvador Dali

In summation, there is a dynamic energy in creation. It takes a proactive, directed effort over a long period of time. Talent, in any field, is never enough to carry you. You work hard at the craft, the marketing, and the long term goal of earning a living. It’s a balance of skills, and you never stop growing at getting better at each one. Perfection isn’t in the equation. It’s hard work more than anything else, and the courage to do that work.