The Journey of a Not-So-Successful Writer
Follow the journey of a not-so-successful writer
I don’t know what to say when it comes to my writing.
I can’t say I am mediocre, nor can I say I am professional. In simpler terms, I am neither here nor there.
In the realm of writing, success is often portrayed as achieving literary acclaim, bestseller status, or widespread recognition. Certainly, I am not there, nor do I have a network of subscriptions that can rank me among the level of widespread recognition.
In between real flop and true success, there exists a vast middle ground occupied by writers who navigate a unique path, neither reaching the pinnacle of success nor sinking into the depths of failure.
This challenging and often uncharted journey of a not-so-successful writer, one who resides in a realm between mediocrity and professionalism, and whose outcomes defy conventional definitions of success and failure, is where I and perhaps many of you are treading.
We are a bunch of not-so-successful writers embarking on a journey that veers away from the traditional notions of literary achievement. Rather than chasing accolades and external validation, we embrace the process of finding fulfillment in the act of writing itself. We understand that the measure of success lies not solely in recognition but in personal growth and creative exploration.
One of the defining characteristics of a not-so-successful writer is encountering a myriad of rejections, leaving the writer grappling with doubt and uncertainty. Yet, like a cockroach, we persist, understanding that rejection is not a definitive judgment of our talent or worth. Instead, it becomes fuel to refine our craft and to find other alternative avenues for sharing our stories.
Substack has been the perfect platform for people like us, with no worries about rejections from publications to publish our stories. We only have to build our own publication from scratch and own the process of building our own network of subscribers and readers.
We have failed so many times that we have cultivated a character of resilience, using setbacks as stepping stones towards improvement. We are open to constructive criticism, recognizing its potential to sharpen our skills and writing style. With each failure, we learn to bounce back stronger, honing our minds and developing a unique voice that sets us apart from the rest.
I may not be able to tell mesmerising stories like JK Rowling, but I can craft my random thoughts into words. I may not be able to write engaging plots, but I am free to experiment with different topics and writing technics.
Unlike professional writers bound by contracts and deadlines, we, the not-so-successful writers, revel in the freedom to experiment and write whatever we want. We can explore various genres, styles, and formats, unburdened by commercial expectations. By allowing our creativity to roam unhindered, we often stumble upon unexpected topics that might not conform to market trends but resonate deeply with our niche audience.
Rather than defining success solely by numbers or statistics, we seek personal fulfillment and connection with our small cell of readers. We celebrate small victories—those heartfelt comments from readers touched by our words, or the satisfaction of publishing a post.
I don’t have the joy of many paid subscribers. My happiness lies in the journey as a not-so-successful writer, of writing itself, finding solace and purpose in the act of creation. My consistent writing is a testament to my resilience, dedication, and unwavering passion for the craft.
In a realm between mediocrity and professionalism, the journey of a not-so-successful writer defies the simplistic definitions of failure or success. It is a journey characterized by personal growth, creative exploration, and the pursuit of authenticity.
As a not-so-successful writer, I don’t have widespread acclaim, but it is my strong belief that they will leave an indelible mark on the lives of those who encounter it. It is in these quiet moments of connection that writing has the power to ignite change, foster empathy, and spark meaningful conversations.
Like many articles I have written, this story may not be widely celebrated, but it is a gentle reminder that you and I, the not-so-successful writers, also possess the power to touch the hearts and minds of those who read.
Keep writing, my friends, even if no one is reading because the markers for success in our journey go beyond conventional measures and reside in the voyage itself—the relentless pursuit of honing our craft, the unwavering dedication to writing, and the transformative changes we make through our words on ourselves and others.
If this rings a bell to you, do consider sharing it with your readers too.
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Thank you for expressing yourself here. You make some excellent points for all writers here on Substack.
I agree with you completely on this. Most writers, including myself, fall into the category of which you speak.
It’s always reassuring that messages like yours reach those who might otherwise give up, thinking they’re alone in their pursuit of some recognition.