SJ Longthorne

The trend of making people feel like crap if they’re not constantly writing really riles me. Yes, practise is good, but let people do what they love at their own pace. Quit the pressure. Folks have other stuff going on and shouldn’t be made to feel bad if that gets in the way.

I sometimes get people telling me I’m never gonna write my book because I spend too long thinking about it. Back off. Brainstorming, developing ideas and organising them is an important part of the process. Don’t guilt trip me into rushing it; I’ll write it when I’m ready.

Also, shaming people for not writing MORE. “But serious authors get up at the crack of dawn, so you can make time too. Stop making excuses.” It’s called a work-life balance, darling. Writing is work. I’m not gonna martyr my well-being, my job, my relationships.

Never let anyone pressure you to do what you love. If it doesn't come naturally, forcing it will only make it worse. Some meals can be prepared in 20 minutes and be delicious, other can take days to be perfect. You do you. No one knows better than yourself what works best for u.