Ingredients for a successful writer:
When we think of writers, we think of many things, often including the items listed, save the last one.
When I say a writer needs an ego, I refer not to the psychological or philosophical, but instead to the term we are familiar with: one's self-worth. Some people might think of this as the 'jackass' definition (as in, "wow, what a jackass"), and to a certain extent that plays a factor. On more than one occasion I have been called conceited, egotistical, selfish, and (yes) a jackass. And the people calling me these things were right, and when appropriate I apologized. Reflecting on myself, however, I do believe that a healthy dose of ego helps a writer to survive, perhaps even to flourish.
When you look at the things writing entails, nearly every step requires the author to be confident, to have faith that what he is writing is worthwhile, and that it is better than the next person's book. Most of the time these beliefs probably are not true, but when actual involved in the act of writing it needs to be. To write a book, to work with an editor, to seek publication or to self-publish, to advertise, to accept criticism, to move forward with plans for another book--these are all the things that don't just require a little confidence, they can at times require blind faith bordering on religious zeal. How do you know your book is even worth your time? You don't, but you have to believe it is. Is it going to move a single copy, other than the one your mom bought? In reality you won't sell as well as you hoped, but you'll keep pushing. You've been turned down again by a publisher? Too bad, they don't know what they're missing. You're going to publish yourself, because you already know that what you wrote is that good.
All of this encapsulates what is is I'm trying to say about a writer's ego: that it's a good thing, that it's healthy, and that it's necessary.
Yes, writers can be humble. Many of them are, especially when the dust settles and they can look around at what they have done and then recognize each and every person that got them there, even if "there" is just local recognition or accolades amongst dear friends. In the moment of creation though, a writer is the god of his universe. He is alpha and omega, light and darkness, heaven and earth. A writer cannot be questioned in his domain. His ego drives him to create, to believe in his creation, to safeguard it against all those who would harm it.
So the next time someone calls you a jackass, you can just thank them and tell them when the book will be available to purchase.
A.C. Harrison
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- Inspiration
- Motivation
- Persistence
- Organization
- Perspective
- Language proficiency
- An understanding of literature
- Ego?
When we think of writers, we think of many things, often including the items listed, save the last one.
When I say a writer needs an ego, I refer not to the psychological or philosophical, but instead to the term we are familiar with: one's self-worth. Some people might think of this as the 'jackass' definition (as in, "wow, what a jackass"), and to a certain extent that plays a factor. On more than one occasion I have been called conceited, egotistical, selfish, and (yes) a jackass. And the people calling me these things were right, and when appropriate I apologized. Reflecting on myself, however, I do believe that a healthy dose of ego helps a writer to survive, perhaps even to flourish.
When you look at the things writing entails, nearly every step requires the author to be confident, to have faith that what he is writing is worthwhile, and that it is better than the next person's book. Most of the time these beliefs probably are not true, but when actual involved in the act of writing it needs to be. To write a book, to work with an editor, to seek publication or to self-publish, to advertise, to accept criticism, to move forward with plans for another book--these are all the things that don't just require a little confidence, they can at times require blind faith bordering on religious zeal. How do you know your book is even worth your time? You don't, but you have to believe it is. Is it going to move a single copy, other than the one your mom bought? In reality you won't sell as well as you hoped, but you'll keep pushing. You've been turned down again by a publisher? Too bad, they don't know what they're missing. You're going to publish yourself, because you already know that what you wrote is that good.
All of this encapsulates what is is I'm trying to say about a writer's ego: that it's a good thing, that it's healthy, and that it's necessary.
Yes, writers can be humble. Many of them are, especially when the dust settles and they can look around at what they have done and then recognize each and every person that got them there, even if "there" is just local recognition or accolades amongst dear friends. In the moment of creation though, a writer is the god of his universe. He is alpha and omega, light and darkness, heaven and earth. A writer cannot be questioned in his domain. His ego drives him to create, to believe in his creation, to safeguard it against all those who would harm it.
So the next time someone calls you a jackass, you can just thank them and tell them when the book will be available to purchase.
A.C. Harrison
Support indie authors! Like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.
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