Writing fiction to crickets

Many people would take one look at my fiction writing stats after several weeks and get annoyed.

They may even regard such information as a good reason to quit.

It has crossed my mind a few times.

My fiction stories are currently getting one or two likes per post.

I'm not fussed, though.

It's practice. I don't want people to read my worst writing as I am learning.

Poor results held me back many times before. I'd get in my head.

But I also realised recently that whatever I've put my mind to, including:

• Building an illustration career in my twenties from scratch

• Being a coach and non-fiction writer in my thirties…

…Resulted in me being top of my field (like top 100) in both careers.

Again, I'm not bragging (Okay, maybe a teensy weensy bit).

BUT I want to show you that you CAN be in the top 1% regardless of initial poor results, or that sense you don't have it in you, or that the market's too saturated, or WHATEVER.

It's all doable with commitment.

But you won't stay committed to the craft in question for long enough if you can't get through those ego-poking moments when results don't align with your expectations.

They rarely do, especially when you want it most.

Most people believe other people's reactions determine their worth.

Like if their post fails, they conclude they are a 'failure.'

One story gets crickets, and suddenly they're questioning everything:

"Maybe I'm just not cut out for this. Maybe I should quit."

That's your ego talking. And the ego is fuelled through beliefs like these:

Other people have the power to reduce my worth.

Sound familiar?

That's a lie.

When I question whether that's actually true, I see it's not true.

My worth isn't at risk because a story got 12 views instead of 1,200.

It's just information, and not a verdict on my value.

Without buying into that false belief, I'm not bothered by the lack of interest. I keep writing and publishing anyway.

That's how I joined the top 100 on Medium.com, for example. I just kept going regardless.

Ask yourself this today…

When you feel uncomfortable about something, like a post that flopped, a pitch that got ignored, or a project nobody noticed, ask this:

"Is my worth actually at risk here, or is this just useful information?"

Sit with that.

You'll probably realise your worth was never in danger, and this situation is actually preferred…

…As long as you don't stick out your pouty lip and quit.

Christmas is nearly here. And you know what that means: social gatherings, weird family dynamics, and all the fun stuff that can stress you if you allow it to.

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This is significant for both your content creation and your family gatherings.

When your thoughts calm down, your nervous system follows. You show up to holiday events (and life) without that background hum of anxiety.

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This ends Friday, December 19th, at 5pm ET sharp.

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Alex