You Can Just Write

Do you remember the moment you realized you were a grown-up? Maybe it was when you moved out on your own or bought a car.

Somewhere on our journey, we all had the revelation that we could do what we wanted.

Stay out late. Eat cake for breakfast. No one could stop us.

And just like that, we moved into an entirely new part of our lives.

I want you to hold on to that sense of empowerment as I say something bold:

You can just write.

You don’t have to justify it, monetize it, or have it critiqued. You can write well, learn how to craft novels, and write millions of words. No one can stop you.

Now I’m not condoning throwing your life away. You still need money. The dishes must be done. Please feed your children some chicken nuggets every once in a while.

But when you have the time and passion strikes you – you can just write.

Let me ask you something else: How many people have asked you when you’re going to publish? Have you finished that draft yet?

Sometimes they mean well but they’re defining your creativity in a results-driven world. They can’t see your skills in structuring a novel or understanding character arcs. So they base success on tangible proof – a book in their hand. A completed project. A successful career.

This is not how creativity is measured — or at least it shouldn’t be.

I’m not saying this to discourage you from publishing — far from it. If being a published author is your goal, then I’m your biggest fan.

What I’m saying is something that no one else has probably said to you — You don’t have to.

You can finish as many drafts as you want and then do absolutely nothing but enjoy them.

Or don’t finish them at all.

Your stories, worlds, characters, and skills belong to you.

You are not required to present them to the world in an effort to validate your creative endeavors.

What’s that you say? You can’t waste all this time and not do anything with your work.

First of all, it’s not a waste if you enjoy it. Secondly, of course you can.

You’re a grown-up, remember?

Still not convinced? Well, let’s examine this problem like adults – with a healthy dose of sarcasm.

We’re coming to you live from inside capitalism to bring you today’s false narratives.

If you’re going to be successful at something, it must be a career.

This message is brought to you by internet gurus and boring people.

Plenty of people have talents and interests outside their professions. Just because you’re an excellent basketball player doesn’t mean you have to play in the NBA. You can learn new skills, pursue any interest (legal ones, preferably), and explore all kinds of hobbies without turning them into a life altering career. People do it every day. You can do it too — for no reason at all.

If you’re going to do anything, then it must make money.

Ah, hustle culture. I won’t lie – I’m a hustler myself. My adult life has been a string of various endeavors that all required hustle – this website included.

What I can’t get behind is the concept that every moment of every waking hour should be spent in the pursuit of money.

That anything worth doing has to turn a profit. And that someone’s joy can be boiled down to a sum.

Don’t misunderstand – I both spiritually and financially support the fine women of Etsy who sell smutty book accessories that make me giggle. But when selling what we love becomes a requirement of doing what we love – we’ve crossed a threshold from which there is no return

The lovely women of Etsy aren’t selling me a candle that smells like book boyfriends. They’re selling joy. They’re providing a sense of community and connection with my fellow book girlies. That value transcends any amount of money I could give them.

Your stories can’t be exchanged for currency. Writing them is an experience that money can't buy. Whether you decide to publish or not, please understand the value of what you possess and don't give away your joy in the name of profits.

It’s time to hear a word from our sponsors, the publishing industry.

Publishers would like you to know that you won’t get anywhere without a thicker skin.

If you want to be a serious writer, you have to endure the system they’ve designed for you. So toughen up and prepare to have your work torn apart. That’s the only way you’ll get exactly what they’ve told you that you want.

I don’t know about you, but when I’m lost in my writing, the very last thing I’m thinking about is whether I’m going to publish the story.

And yet – I’m a grown-up. I know that feedback and rejection are a part of life.

But I’m also a grown-up. I don’t have to do anything I don’t want to do. I certainly don’t have to throw my most gut wrenching writing on the internet for other people to pick apart.

I don’t have to – and neither do you.

Certainly not for a shot in the dark. Not for a slim chance of fame and fortune. And not to prove you’re a “serious writer”.

Again, I don’t say this to discourage you. Feedback is good. You should seek it, learn from it, and take it in stride. What I am discouraging is the critique culture that’s become a mean girls flashback. You do not – I repeat – you do not have to endanger your mental health or self esteem to validate your work. You do not have to accept every criticism or rearrange your work to suit the opinion of every commenter that crawls out of social media.

You’re building a story from the ground up. There will be naysayers and doubters – the haters will always hate – but that’s all they can do. You can do something vastly more important.

Breaking news – It turns out you can just write. You don’t have to do anything more than that. Or you can do everything. You’re a grown-up and literally no one can stop you.

Creator's note:

If you're looking for ways to improve those joy-bringing writing skills, I have guides, beat sheets and story grids. Or if you just liked this article and want to be around the same vibes -- bookmark this page and join me on social media. There's plenty more joy where this came from.