When Emotions are a Writer's Antagonist

 When

Emotions

are

a

Writer's

Antagonist

I recently had a close call with my thumb drive. It contained the main file I was working on. A magnet attached to a flash light meant for repairs nearly ruined it. This sent me into an emotional rage that spilled all over my day like oil a rocky coast. I blame my lack of caution.

Stories. Specifically ones a writer has written to their fullest are like our children. They're precious. We want constructive criticism and understanding of our message. And we understand when someone doesn't like it.

But that second paragraph you just read isn't what I'm getting at in this post. Art is a life choice and one that can't be forgotten or given up entirely. The talent to write, paint and sculpt is discovered by you. Its not given by God. And that life choice takes its toll along the journey to publication. I have been a poor manager of my emotions for a long time. I can't really give pro advice but what I can say is don't quit.

Quitting is the hangman's noose that doesn't kill you. It allows you to dangle until that knife in your pocket touches your fingertips and is either used or allowed to rust from time.

The salt applied firmly to your emotions as a writer is seeing others succeed. Its seeing thousands of writers gang up on as single writer that doesn't fit their narrative. There is no reason to be jealous because you are on your own journey. There is no reason for bullying in the writing community neither and please don't join in. Walk your own path and battle your own dragon because at days end and your last breath is being drawn, those people won't be their to show you up. Those people that don't march to your drum or someone elses will be carrying on without you.

You have to find allies to battle this antagonist. Family and friends are needed. Embrace them whether they get it or not. Embrace your writing friends because they will understand your emotions most. Never give anyone reason to isolate you upon a mountain top. 

And finally, give yourself a break from creating worlds. From beginning and ending lives with a flick of a pen or tap of a key. Breaks are the back rubs gifted by your ideal lover.