I’ve connected with enough writers and other creatives that I know many of us doubt the work we do. It varies from the kind of art we’re creating, the subject, the time we’re devoting to it, or the work we do to promote it. Generally speaking, these are all variations of the question “Is it worth it?”

I suspect that for most of us, if you sat us in a room and grilled us under hot lights, we’d answer “Yes.” Of course we would. But that doesn’t mean doubt isn’t poking its finger into our brains occasionally.

For me, it’s been a rough 18 months, where the doubt was amplified by compounding stresses. Neither are unfamiliar sensations, and while I have mechanisms to cope, it’s been a lot. The writing has taken a backseat. In some cases, it’s gotten out of the car completely.

Recently, the universe seemed to give me a sign. Four of ’em, actually.

1. The son of an author I loved as a kid emailed. I’d written a post about his mother, posing a philosophical question about taking inspiration from a book and putting it into your own work. He was communicating her blessing. I’m pretty much geeking out about this one.
2. A friend who owns a bookstore asked when he’d be able to put my book on his shelves.
3. A colleague stopped me in the hallway and asked for an update on my books.
4. A friend stopped by my desk and also asked for an update.

This all happened within a week. I suspect my smile grew larger each time as I recognized my good fortune.

I don’t share these examples to brag, though I am proud that my work has elicited responses like this. I share them for those creators second-guessing the work they do. While I love the idea that the universe, or the Muse, sends us signs, I did contribute by putting myself out there. They didn’t happen only because of magic. Sigh. So, let’s take another look at the interactions I described above.

1. The author’s son. I’ve written over 100 posts about my journey. That, plus the other time I’ve spent on this website, equates to hundreds of hours I could have been doing something else. This site isn’t driving thousands of people to it and it’s not making money, but because I’ve done this work, someone visited and informed the son of an author I admire.
2. The bookstore owner. As much as I love writing, I’m often reluctant to talk about it. For one, it can be a very personal thing; for another, non-creators just don’t….understand what drives us. Finding other creators provides us an outlet for ideas, frustrations, and everything else we experience. But these friendships can also result in business connections, whether it’s someone you want to commission for an illustration or someone who wants to sell your book.
3. The colleague. Because I talk about writing in various places – Facebook and LinkedIn, at work, this website – people are drawn to ask questions. This particular colleague was intrigued by my book’s title TWO years ago, and it’s stuck enough with him that he’s still seeking updates.
4. The friend. Finally, if there’s one thing I appreciate about return to office (RTO), it’s those casual, spontaneous conversations, especially the ones where friends catch up and we talk about projects. Equally importantly for myself, I love the follow-up questions I get from my cube neighbors when they’ve overheard that I’m writing books.

You’ve probably picked up the recurring theme here: as a creator, good things happen when you put yourself out there. Yes, I know that’s hard/daunting/scary. Yes, it’s still art if you’re creating it a locked room but never sharing it. But when you share that private portion of yourself, when you talk about the process and connect with others because of it, you can be inspired in ways that the locked room cannot match.

When you feel the universe has given you a sign, take that as the motivation you’d been otherwise struggling to find. When it gives you FOUR signs, well, get off your frickin’ butt and start creating again, dammit (he said with all affection).

I’m still putting myself out there. You should, too. Good luck with your writing!

Mike

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© Michael Wallevand, August 2023