Hater’s Gonna Hate

Writing is a long game.

Taking a blank page and turning it into a published work is a challenge.

It requires storytelling talent, but a commitment to growth, learning, and resilience is even more important.

Once you go public with your writing, there’s a high probability that you will be faced with the voices of naysayers, negative commenters, and the daunting shadow of imposter syndrome.

But I want to tell you something…

This is the very forge from which true writers are made.

Making your writing your profession.

Writing for a living isn’t easy.

With the proliferation of AI technology, everyone now thinks they’re an amazing writer.

The truth is they are learning with a crutch that will permanently disable them. You will use it as a tool to enable your voice to reach new heights.

Because you, my friend, aren’t going to take the easy way out.

You are going to develop patience, endurance, and a vision beyond immediate gratification.

You will do what they will not. You will become a master of the art and craft of writing. They will one day copy you.

In the end, you will be a professional, weaving words into stories.

This long game of writing is a game of repetition and evolution.

And it’s a game you’re going to win.

There will always be people out there who doubt you or hate on your work.

Whenever you put your thoughts out in the world in your writing, you are exposing a piece of yourself to the world — a world that is not always kind or encouraging.

Haters and critics are an inevitable part of your journey. They will come bearing skepticism and, sometimes, outright disdain for your work.

It’s crucial to recognize these voices for what they often are: external manifestations of our inner fears of inadequacy.

Here’s the thing though — they are handing you a gift.

The challenge will not be in silencing the dissent, but to listen and learn from the small pieces of constructive criticism they might hold, and tuning out the negativity that offers no pathway to growth.

Negativity shouldn’t be a demotivator.

It’s imperative that you don’t take this negativity personally.

These people don’t know anything about you other than what you’ve put on the page. They don’t have enough information about who you are as a person to make a value judgment on your self-worth.

This negativity should be used as a catalyst for introspection and improvement, yet another tool to be used on your path to writing greatness.

It’s an invitation to reassess, refine, and reaffirm your commitment to your craft.

Every piece of feedback, every harsh criticism, holds within it the potential to evolve.

The key is to sift through the noise and find the kernels of truth within the negativity.

Focus on learning your craft.

Writing well is a lifelong commitment to learning.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t get started writing today. Learning to become a master at the art of writing is very much an “On the Job Training” kind of process.

You will learn by doing, by studying, and by taking the constructive criticism you receive and capitalizing on it.

Through this, you will hone your ability to tell stories that resonate, to debate with clarity and persuasion, and to touch the hearts and minds of your readers.

This mastery is not achieved in a day, a month, or even a year. It’s a pursuit that spans your entire writing life.

But each word written, each piece published, is a step in the right direction.

Here are 5 things to remember:

1. Embrace patience and perseverance: Understand that becoming a proficient writer is a life-long journey. Dedicate yourself to this, knowing that each piece you write contributes to your growth.
2. Seek constructive criticism: Actively seek out feedback on your work. Learn to differentiate between constructive criticism that can help you evolve and baseless negativity meant to tear you down. Use the valuable feedback to refine your skills.
3. Become a lifelong learner: Make a commitment to learning about your craft. From the basics of creating a narrative to the advanced process of being delicately persuasive, always look for ways to expand your knowledge and understanding.
4. Respond to negativity with growth: Use negative feedback as a catalyst for self-improvement. Analyze critiques for any truth they may contain and use the insight to strengthen your writing.
5. Practice, practice, practice: Writing is a skill honed through doing. Write consistently, experiment with your style and voice, and challenge yourself daily. You will miss every shot you don’t take, so shoot your shot.

Make a legacy.

The true measure of your success will not be found in immediate acclaim or criticism of your work.

It will be found in the legacy you leave behind.

In 100 years, people might very well be quoting you in their own work as they begin their journeys if you stick to your guns and make an impression.

Embrace the long game of writing. Let the doubts, the criticisms, and the negativity act as fuel for your engine to succeed instead of a roadblock slowing you down.

With each word you write, you’re carving out a niche of one, a niche of you, in the vast expanse of human thought and creativity.

Thanks for reading!

Hi, I'm Joe. I help creators share their unique voices simply and effectively. Here's how I can help you:

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