A WRITER’S AFFIRMATON I am a writer, an artist, an entrepreneur. I am talented, creative and resourceful. My potential is unlimited.

RULES TO LIVE BY:

DON’T COMPLAIN  It only proves that there’s a better option and you’re aren’t doing anything about it. Being miserable won’t help you achieve your goals, it will only drive people away from you. It’s a recipe for loneliness.

DON’ T WAIT UNTIL EVERYTHING IS PERFECT  Perfectionism can be a form of procrastination. If you want to be successful writer, you have to be willing to submit your work and accept criticism. You could spend years working on the same novel or screenplay, constantly making small improvements, and never submit it to an editor or producer.

BE GRATEFUL Although it’s important to set goals for what you want to achieve in the future, it’s essential to be grateful for what you have now. If all you do is focus on what is wrong with your life, it’s going to lead to a downward spiral of depression. Having a hard time trying to think of something you’re grateful for? Since you’re a writer, you can be grateful that you have a vivid imagination.

YOU ARE NOT A LOSER Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone has disappointments. Everyone makes poor choices. If you feel like a fool sometimes, you are not alone. You’re not a loser, you’re human.

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS People start their day in a negative mood because they are completely focused on what they hate about their circumstances, and see no hope for change. If you have goals and you’re taking action toward achieving those goals, you aren’t trapped, you’re making progress. Speed isn’t as important as consistency.

BE PATIENT Have faith you will reach your goals, if you are persistent and remain focused. There are so many factors that can influence how long it takes to complete a novel or screenplay;  your shift schedule at work changes, you child joins a new sports team that requires you to drive her to an extra practice each week, you have to start taking care of an elderly parent…. the list is endless. You may have to adjust your expectations regarding how long it will take to finish a project, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up.

I don’t always follow these essential rules, but I try. I hope you find this advice helpful and that you’ll be encouraged.  God bless you, and keep writing, because the world needs to year your voice and feel your passion.

Copyright © 2018 by J. Paul Cooper