encouragement

April 2024: Growing Up

I believe the mature artist is willing to admit they are the eternal student— they consistently wonder how they can (or must) improve.

In that process is maturing, or growing up, what I think is crucial to know (and keep close to you) is to remember the critical who critique YOU rather than your WORK, are disingenuous readers. Those who engage the work, and their criticisms show that, their critique has merit, and should be considered.

A key I have learned is not everything is for everyone — but everything I write is for me first.

With that first thought, I must realize the work I want to create must be dependent on my own talent and strong enough to withstand what people may think of it— ie because art is subjective, I must be able to understand an observation and ignore when need be.

Do I get it right all the time? No. And I assure you neither will you. The goal is to create the work you want, endure the criticism you must, while striving to be better.

You are your own competition. Not the faceless internet.

Encouragement Pages – 4/29/2024

The only person who has the power to take away your pen is you.

It is easy to slide into that level of disbelief— and it starts with these 4 words:

“I can’t do this.”

And with that the door is cracked. The draft has come in. Then you have a choice: will you open the door to doubt or will you shut it in faith— and try again?

With Love & Ink,

JBHarris

Encouragement Pages – 4/24/2024

This may be a longer essay. Watch this space. -JBH

There are 5 things I think which make writers stop (aka give up their pen):

1.) Writing what people think you should rather than what you want.

2.) The erasure of your identity: there is a need to writers who do not look like those of the Master Narrative. If you are not cis, het, white and male— your story is needed.

3.) The lack of time. You’d be surprised how many people quit because they don’t have time.

4.) Believing other people when they tell you that you can’t — or tell you that you are better suited to another genre.

5.) Not believing you can. This is more detrimental than you think.

Sometimes continuing is resistance.

RESIST.

With Love & Ink,

JBHarris

April 2023: Growing Up

What helped me grow up in and along my writing journey was to understand not everything I write may not be for everyone.

I had I understand that while I write the things I like, which may intrigue, scare, or inspire me — this may not be true for everyone.

I am aware what I do and will write has a waiting public — even if I have to build it.

Yet, as a writer you cannot be afraid of that building. It is the building which allows you to create, shift, change and go forward. The Audience is looking and listening — waiting to be seen.

Sometimes, the first place someone who looks like you is seen maybe in your own imagination or interpretation of the world they are often not seen in.

Do not rob them of their visibility.

Encouragement Pages – 4/22/2024

I talked about the Justice of Writing on this platform before. The Justice of Writing is that anyone can do it, there is no time frame and no time limit.

And the supreme justice — anyone can do it.

ANYONE.

Including you.

With Love & Ink,

JBHarris