“Screw what everyone else says. You are when you…

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The biggest mistake writers make is believing they don’t need a brand. Wrong. This is a common fallacy and, quite frankly, ridiculous. Everyone has a brand. One way or another, you are making an impression on your audience.

I found that when you stop seeking public approval, something interesting happens: People will be deeply attracted to your work. They won’t be able to help it.

Real artists risk failure every time they release their work into the world. If your words are going to matter, you will have to do the same. You will have to let go. Until you do, you’re not creating art. You’re just screwing around.

I had spent years helping other people find their voices. I wasn’t sure I’d recognize my own voice when it came. And truth is, I didn’t. I needed people to tell me when I hit my sweet spot. When I struck a nerve. I needed help. I needed feedback. When I started writing every day without excuse, I didn’t know if my material was resonating with

But that’s not true, is it? You walked into the store to buy something, and you just chased away the person who could help you. Why? Because we don’t trust salespeople. Likewise, when you’re first starting out, your audience doesn’t trust you. Not yet. Why should they? There’s no relationship, no trust built.

But here’s the thing: You have to choose your priorities, or they will choose you.

A writing career happens iteratively, over time. You don’t need to take a giant leap. You just need to take the next step. Publishing a book begins not with a manuscript but with a baby step, with practicing in public.

This is scary. Trust me, I know. When I first started seeking out patrons, I was hesitant to start networking with other people who could help me. It felt sleazy. I didn’t like the idea of promoting myself. Instead, I did what I knew: I offered to interview people I wanted to connect with. I would reach out on Twitter, Facebook, or via email, and