I have failed great more often as a writer than I have succeeded. When I look back (I’m looking at you, 2004), I can see that some of my novels should never have been published. I’m grateful now that I publish under a nom de plume.
But I’ve failed more than with my published books: I have failed much more with my drafts, my unfinished manuscripts, my rejections.
The Universality of Failure
Failure is an inescapable part of life’s journey. From childhood through our college years, we all encounter failures. One common rite of passage is learning how to write effectively. However, reading books or seeking online advice won’t ease this process. We must confront our failures head-on to improve as writers. And I don’t mean just fiction writing, I mean all writing.
I recall once writing a report for a client, and my boss handed it back to me covered in red corrections. I made the changes, and sent it back to him. He made more changes, which I incorporated, and then it was scrapped completely when the project was suddenly cancelled.
Failure as a Catalyst
Just like any skill, writing develops over time. It involves countless hours of practice, revision, and, yes, failure. Every writer experiences messy drafts, sentences that need reworking, and moments of frustration. These are not signs of incompetence but integral steps in the writing process. Embracing failure as a tool for growth is essential.
Not a Reflection of Your Inadequacy
Failure in writing should not equate to inadequacy or low grades. It should be viewed as a natural phase of the creative process. Writers need to understand that all writers, even accomplished ones, encounter failures. This shift in perspective empowers students to persevere and enjoy writing despite initial setbacks.
As a writer, you must sometimes have to navigate your way through other people’s inadequacies. I once digitally submitted a manuscript to a publisher on request. He printed every page, hand wrote changes on it, and faxed all 163 pages back to me (yes, that long ago, but at least itvwasca fax printer combo, not a dedicated fax machine). Not just the pages with changes, but every single page.
There was one sentence rewrite and nine spelling and grammar corrections. That’s it. In 163 pages. I was forced to navigate my way through his inadequacies with digital files. He ultimately rejected the manuscript. That failure taught me a lot about the writing industry.
Normalizing Failure
In your writing career, failure should be normalized. When writers recognize that failure is a common aspect of writing, they become more comfortable taking creative risks. Fear of failure should not hinder your exploration of ideas and expressions.
Failure as a Learning Opportunity
Failure is an integral part of everyday learning. When you face writing challenges, be encouraged to seek solutions independently. This fosters critical thinking and self-reliance, skills that extend beyond writing into other areas of life.
Failure in writing is not a dead end; it’s a pathway to improvement. It teaches writers to persevere, learn from their mistakes, and refine their skills. Success often emerges from the lessons learned through failure, making it an invaluable aspect of a writer’s journey.
Embracing Failure in a Changing Landscape
In today’s rapidly evolving digital age, where writing modes and platforms are in constant flux, writers must navigate transitions, adapt to new forms of expression, and endure failures along the way. Don’t be like fax guy: adapt. Failure becomes a trusted companion in this journey, propelling writers forward, inspiring them to “fail better,” and ultimately achieving greatness in their craft.
Failure is not something to be feared in the world of writing. Instead, it should be welcomed as a necessary companion on the path to creative growth. By acknowledging and learning from failures, writers can develop resilience, enhance their skills, and embark on a journey of continuous improvement. Success often arises from the ashes of failure, making it an essential element of a writer’s life.
Later, friend…
P.S. photograph by Pixabay
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