Bill Conrad's Blog - Posts Tagged "life-experences"
Covid: The Story
Back in 2021, I was having a typical day. I drove to Harbor Freight to buy an air-fitting and was on my way home while listening to the podcast The Dollop. As I absently waited at a stoplight, I noticed a police car. Suddenly, a car blew a red light, and the officer turned on his lights/siren. As he headed into the intersection, another vehicle arrived at high speed. The two collided, sending the speeding car tumbling, and a kid flew out. It was just like the movies.
As people came to the aid of the wrecked car, I realized I had a dash camera. So, I pulled into a nearby Walgreens parking lot and waited for the other police to arrive. When the police controlled the situation, I flagged down an officer and told him about the video and what I witnessed. He asked me to give him a copy, which I provided it the next day. Then, silence until four weeks ago.
A private investigator called me and asked if I still had the video. I had long since deleted it, which disappointed him. He said there was a lawsuit and asked me to describe what I recalled. There was a long pause when I told him about seeing the kid flying out of the car. Yeah, I knew I would have to testify. So, on Monday, I found myself in a conference room before a video camera and told my story. They had lots of back-and-forth questions and then the big shocker. They had me on video with the officer with whom I spoke.
I have seen myself on video many times, but this was not a Christmas video or work event. No, this was me describing what he had seen in detail. My first thought was, “Man, I loved that shirt.” It was a Dr. Who phone booth with a British flag. So cool. Then, my thoughts turned to amusement as I saw myself in a face mask. After my report, we did a “virtual fist bump” instead of a handshake. So typical of 2021.
Now, I must pivot. “He had a thousand-yard stare.” Do you know what I am referring to? The soldiers returning from Vietnam were subjected to intense action, affecting their mental state. Often, people would talk to them, and it was as if the veterans were staring ahead of them as if they could see the future. What was it like to talk to one of these veterans? I do not know because I was five years old when the Vietnam War ended. So, the only way I can answer this is to ask people who were adults during this time.
My point is that I do not have any direct experience with the thousand-yard stare, but I do with Covid. I hope that my daughter will have a child, and that child will ask me about what it was like during Covid. It will be fun describing all the craziness, but what will be important is that my description will come directly from my experiences. And this brings up the point of this article.
I can write an accurate character interaction during Covid, but not about that “thousand-yard stare.” My only option is to read about the subject or ask a Vietnam veteran. Does the thousand-yard stare exist? Or did a bunch of people make it up? I cannot say for sure.
Well… Did we do fist bumps instead of shaking hands? How about those masks? Did we wear them in public? They look somewhat dorky. People might think that a bunch of people wearing masks is not true. Yet, I was there, and everybody wore masks.
And while I have not read a book or seen a movie set in the Covid time, I think this would make for a great story. How many movies were set in the 70s? Disco, fly collars, bell bottoms, 8-Track players, and all that chest hair. Yet… No deaths, fake news, travel bans, quarantines, or running out of toilet paper. Looking back, not a lot happened in the 70s compared to Covid.
Here is another example. My daughter graduated from Junior High School right in the middle of Covid. Long before graduation, they were conducting virtual classrooms. How did gym work? They had gym class, and the coach made them exercise on camera. Homework, school projects, and group projects? All over the computer. How well did that work? Yeah… Not well.
Her graduation was crazy. We were instructed to arrive in a thirty-minute window and not leave our car. At the first stop, a person was masked and gloved up. She checked in my daughter’s textbooks. Then, we drove to the second stop, where we settled her school credit account. At the third stop, we filled out paperwork and were handed a diploma. In total, eight minutes. How insane is that? There was a dump truck full of story material in my hum-drum life.
Do you remember when they first allowed the vaccine, and there were lines of old people stretching for miles? Drive up Covid testing? X’s on sidewalks telling you where to stand? Only 20 customers are allowed in the store. No exceptions!
Yet… I have not seen one book or movie set in this time frame. Yet, I have seen or read WWII/Korean/Vietnam/Gulf War/Afghanistan stories released during those tragic events. Sure, a few television shows have been adapted to current events, but other than a hastily created documentary, there are no big Covid movies or books. Well, what’s going on?
I have a few theories. First, people wearing masks would not be visually pleasing, so a movie or television show would be difficult. Second, it was a depressing time instead of an exciting or controversial one. Third, many poor decisions would not make for a good story. Fourth, there was not much action. Instead, we spent lots of time at home. Fifth, the circumstances are still too new, meaning that the events are fresh in our minds.
I think by 2030, society will be ready for Covid stories. How about a Covid romance? A kid is going stir-crazy and sneaks out of the house to do something exciting. Many people passed away (including my father’s sister), which is always good story material. And who could forget the secret government coverup? It is all there. All we need is a title. Covid II, the reckoning!
You’re the best -Bill
April 30, 2025
As people came to the aid of the wrecked car, I realized I had a dash camera. So, I pulled into a nearby Walgreens parking lot and waited for the other police to arrive. When the police controlled the situation, I flagged down an officer and told him about the video and what I witnessed. He asked me to give him a copy, which I provided it the next day. Then, silence until four weeks ago.
A private investigator called me and asked if I still had the video. I had long since deleted it, which disappointed him. He said there was a lawsuit and asked me to describe what I recalled. There was a long pause when I told him about seeing the kid flying out of the car. Yeah, I knew I would have to testify. So, on Monday, I found myself in a conference room before a video camera and told my story. They had lots of back-and-forth questions and then the big shocker. They had me on video with the officer with whom I spoke.
I have seen myself on video many times, but this was not a Christmas video or work event. No, this was me describing what he had seen in detail. My first thought was, “Man, I loved that shirt.” It was a Dr. Who phone booth with a British flag. So cool. Then, my thoughts turned to amusement as I saw myself in a face mask. After my report, we did a “virtual fist bump” instead of a handshake. So typical of 2021.
Now, I must pivot. “He had a thousand-yard stare.” Do you know what I am referring to? The soldiers returning from Vietnam were subjected to intense action, affecting their mental state. Often, people would talk to them, and it was as if the veterans were staring ahead of them as if they could see the future. What was it like to talk to one of these veterans? I do not know because I was five years old when the Vietnam War ended. So, the only way I can answer this is to ask people who were adults during this time.
My point is that I do not have any direct experience with the thousand-yard stare, but I do with Covid. I hope that my daughter will have a child, and that child will ask me about what it was like during Covid. It will be fun describing all the craziness, but what will be important is that my description will come directly from my experiences. And this brings up the point of this article.
I can write an accurate character interaction during Covid, but not about that “thousand-yard stare.” My only option is to read about the subject or ask a Vietnam veteran. Does the thousand-yard stare exist? Or did a bunch of people make it up? I cannot say for sure.
Well… Did we do fist bumps instead of shaking hands? How about those masks? Did we wear them in public? They look somewhat dorky. People might think that a bunch of people wearing masks is not true. Yet, I was there, and everybody wore masks.
And while I have not read a book or seen a movie set in the Covid time, I think this would make for a great story. How many movies were set in the 70s? Disco, fly collars, bell bottoms, 8-Track players, and all that chest hair. Yet… No deaths, fake news, travel bans, quarantines, or running out of toilet paper. Looking back, not a lot happened in the 70s compared to Covid.
Here is another example. My daughter graduated from Junior High School right in the middle of Covid. Long before graduation, they were conducting virtual classrooms. How did gym work? They had gym class, and the coach made them exercise on camera. Homework, school projects, and group projects? All over the computer. How well did that work? Yeah… Not well.
Her graduation was crazy. We were instructed to arrive in a thirty-minute window and not leave our car. At the first stop, a person was masked and gloved up. She checked in my daughter’s textbooks. Then, we drove to the second stop, where we settled her school credit account. At the third stop, we filled out paperwork and were handed a diploma. In total, eight minutes. How insane is that? There was a dump truck full of story material in my hum-drum life.
Do you remember when they first allowed the vaccine, and there were lines of old people stretching for miles? Drive up Covid testing? X’s on sidewalks telling you where to stand? Only 20 customers are allowed in the store. No exceptions!
Yet… I have not seen one book or movie set in this time frame. Yet, I have seen or read WWII/Korean/Vietnam/Gulf War/Afghanistan stories released during those tragic events. Sure, a few television shows have been adapted to current events, but other than a hastily created documentary, there are no big Covid movies or books. Well, what’s going on?
I have a few theories. First, people wearing masks would not be visually pleasing, so a movie or television show would be difficult. Second, it was a depressing time instead of an exciting or controversial one. Third, many poor decisions would not make for a good story. Fourth, there was not much action. Instead, we spent lots of time at home. Fifth, the circumstances are still too new, meaning that the events are fresh in our minds.
I think by 2030, society will be ready for Covid stories. How about a Covid romance? A kid is going stir-crazy and sneaks out of the house to do something exciting. Many people passed away (including my father’s sister), which is always good story material. And who could forget the secret government coverup? It is all there. All we need is a title. Covid II, the reckoning!
You’re the best -Bill
April 30, 2025
Separating the Artist from Their Work
My favorite podcast is called The Dollop. In it, two comedians talk about non-mainstream history. However, it was a rocky start because they laughed at their jokes, and if you are a MASH television show fan, you know the damage that a laugh track can do. It took about ten podcasts to ignore this fake behavior.
A recent podcast explored a popular minister who got into trouble. As they discussed this person’s fall, one host revealed he was a talented musician. Late in his life, he released another record, which became popular.
The other host joked that people should not have purchased that album because of the controversy. So, the other host quipped, “Hey, separate the artist from their work.” This statement has been rattling around my bonkers mind, and it seemed like a good article topic. Or is this another budget therapy session? Yeah…
The idea is that a dreadful person can still make positive artistic contributions to society, and here are some examples: Francis Bacon, Kevin Spacey, Steven Seagal, Chris Brown, J. D. Salinger, and Neil Gaiman. All of these people are talented artists, but they deeply harmed the people around them.
Essentially, the statement is asking us to give these people a break. In other words, we should disregard their personal life and focus on the gift they have given.
The two artists I wanted to concentrate on are Steven Seagal and Neil Gaiman. Growing up, I enjoyed Steven’s early films. They were loaded with great lines and over-the-top action. And Neil, what a wordsmith! Such powerful stories. I wish I had 10% of his creative ability.
Late in their careers, it became public knowledge that both men had deplorable personal lives, leaving a trail of misery. I find such destructive behavior to be completely unacceptable. But what about their work? Should I still enjoy it?
Well, as the statement goes, we should place their personal lives aside and enjoy their creations. Yeah, no. Both men are monsters who should be behind bars. And their art? Deleted from history with a vengeance. However, there is more to this topic. What about art intended to offend?
Some art is controversial, dubious, contested, disgusting, pornographic, hateful, offensive, or fearful. Artists do this to jog our minds, spark insightful discussions, shake up society, attract negative publicity (because they believe all publicity is good), or because they are bored with traditional art. While I generally do not like this type of expression, I certainly see that it has value and should not be universally condemned.
Still, that was not quite the thought that made me want to write this article. What about separating me from my art? Indeed, several people have reacted negatively to my books or articles. So, instead of a bad person with good art, I am a good person (in my mind) with (potentially) bad art. Still, I am asking people to separate the two.
A good example occurred in a recent article when I discussed the lack of books or films about Covid-19. I wrote it without intending to be mean or controversial, nor did I request writers to enter this story territory. Yet, people were offended. And if I indeed crossed a line, readers have a right to be offended. I certainly get offended by awful material.
Well, I learned a lesson and will not write about Covid-19 again. That is fine, but the question remains. Should the people I offended give me a break? Separate me from my art? If these very words offend you, will you give me a break? My real question is: Do I want you to give me a break? Do I want to hear, “Hey Bill. Good people make mistakes. It is fine. Keep writing.” Can I go on without hearing this?
Honestly, I am struggling with an answer. Society presents tough questions, and we need tough answers. Meaning we must be tough people in order to keep society moving. Yet, we must be ethical and not tolerate those who bring society down. Yet, my article offended. Umm… A cook must break eggs to bake a cake, meaning people will always be offended.
Artists release material and get unexpected reactions. The problem lies in the next step because the offense cannot be undone. Pick up the pieces? Ignore the criticism? That sounds like a cop-out.
My answer is that I am not sure I want people to give me a break. What I do know is that I feel bad for the few people who were offended by my work. Well, writing this article has given me a lot to think about. Fortunately, there are biking and hiking trails nearby to ponder this topic.
You’re the best -Bill
August 13, 2025
A recent podcast explored a popular minister who got into trouble. As they discussed this person’s fall, one host revealed he was a talented musician. Late in his life, he released another record, which became popular.
The other host joked that people should not have purchased that album because of the controversy. So, the other host quipped, “Hey, separate the artist from their work.” This statement has been rattling around my bonkers mind, and it seemed like a good article topic. Or is this another budget therapy session? Yeah…
The idea is that a dreadful person can still make positive artistic contributions to society, and here are some examples: Francis Bacon, Kevin Spacey, Steven Seagal, Chris Brown, J. D. Salinger, and Neil Gaiman. All of these people are talented artists, but they deeply harmed the people around them.
Essentially, the statement is asking us to give these people a break. In other words, we should disregard their personal life and focus on the gift they have given.
The two artists I wanted to concentrate on are Steven Seagal and Neil Gaiman. Growing up, I enjoyed Steven’s early films. They were loaded with great lines and over-the-top action. And Neil, what a wordsmith! Such powerful stories. I wish I had 10% of his creative ability.
Late in their careers, it became public knowledge that both men had deplorable personal lives, leaving a trail of misery. I find such destructive behavior to be completely unacceptable. But what about their work? Should I still enjoy it?
Well, as the statement goes, we should place their personal lives aside and enjoy their creations. Yeah, no. Both men are monsters who should be behind bars. And their art? Deleted from history with a vengeance. However, there is more to this topic. What about art intended to offend?
Some art is controversial, dubious, contested, disgusting, pornographic, hateful, offensive, or fearful. Artists do this to jog our minds, spark insightful discussions, shake up society, attract negative publicity (because they believe all publicity is good), or because they are bored with traditional art. While I generally do not like this type of expression, I certainly see that it has value and should not be universally condemned.
Still, that was not quite the thought that made me want to write this article. What about separating me from my art? Indeed, several people have reacted negatively to my books or articles. So, instead of a bad person with good art, I am a good person (in my mind) with (potentially) bad art. Still, I am asking people to separate the two.
A good example occurred in a recent article when I discussed the lack of books or films about Covid-19. I wrote it without intending to be mean or controversial, nor did I request writers to enter this story territory. Yet, people were offended. And if I indeed crossed a line, readers have a right to be offended. I certainly get offended by awful material.
Well, I learned a lesson and will not write about Covid-19 again. That is fine, but the question remains. Should the people I offended give me a break? Separate me from my art? If these very words offend you, will you give me a break? My real question is: Do I want you to give me a break? Do I want to hear, “Hey Bill. Good people make mistakes. It is fine. Keep writing.” Can I go on without hearing this?
Honestly, I am struggling with an answer. Society presents tough questions, and we need tough answers. Meaning we must be tough people in order to keep society moving. Yet, we must be ethical and not tolerate those who bring society down. Yet, my article offended. Umm… A cook must break eggs to bake a cake, meaning people will always be offended.
Artists release material and get unexpected reactions. The problem lies in the next step because the offense cannot be undone. Pick up the pieces? Ignore the criticism? That sounds like a cop-out.
My answer is that I am not sure I want people to give me a break. What I do know is that I feel bad for the few people who were offended by my work. Well, writing this article has given me a lot to think about. Fortunately, there are biking and hiking trails nearby to ponder this topic.
You’re the best -Bill
August 13, 2025
The Day I Became an Adult
From a young age, my biggest goal was to be an adult. Why? Every single adult in my life was so amazing. What was not to look up to? They were tall, had endless wealth, freedom, at least one car, and did not have to attend school. Additionally, every adult was allowed to stay out late, watch any television program they wanted, and do as they pleased. As opposed to me, who was forced to follow all kinds of rules.
The problem was that there was a tidal wave of obstacles between young me and adulthood. I had to study, behave, and do what I was told. But then, it happened. I graduated from high school. That made me an adult. Right? I was happy to have graduated, but I did not feel like an adult. Besides, I had four years of college ahead of me.
Five years later (I had some issues), I graduated. And while I had anticipated I would immediately feel like an adult, I did not. Instead, I felt like an older kid. Besides, I had no job, and life was tough. After all, adults have it easy.
However, I then got a job and moved into a rented house with three roommates. Unfortunately, I was making copies at Kinko’s, but I was living on my own and had freedom. Still, it felt like I had regressed because I was not using my college degree.
Life got so bad that I had to move back in with my parents for a year. This setback harshly turned back my adulthood clock. Then, I got a real job and was able to purchase a house (with a 25-year mortgage). FINALLY, I was an adult. Living on my own, responsible, a homeowner, and free to do what I wanted. Yet, I was not. An adult should not be lonely.
After a few unsuccessful relationships, I got married to a wonderful woman. Yay! But even with all that going on, I did not feel it. Could I introduce myself as “Bill, the adult?” It did not seem like the truth.
Of course, I had all the markings of an adult—gray hair, a paycheck, savings, a car, a fantastic wife, and a house. And there were the “child” activities I no longer did. Ride dirt bikes, watch cartoons on Saturday morning, eat candy, play board games, or do everything my parents said.
Still, there were big changes. My wife and I were self-sufficient, meaning that we did not depend on our parents. We were a team. Just like two adults!
I was told all my life that being in a successful marriage is the textbook definition of being an adult. Still, I did not feel like I had officially joined the club. Fortunately, something happened that would surely change this. We had a wonderful daughter.
We did all the everyday things with her, and she indeed added a powerful element to our family. Yes, we were a family. Being a family requires two adults and at least one child. Still, I did not feel it. Sure, we put in all the effort to make my daughter happy. And we took on all the responsible tasks, such as sending her to school and setting limits. This all occurred while we were engaged in other adult activities, such as working, saving money, going on vacations, and paying our bills.
I put a lot of effort into convincing myself that I had cleared this last hurdle. It seemed true at first, but I knew something was missing. And I knew it had to do with my daughter.
Late at night, about 10 years ago, I heard a scream. I leaped out of bed, slammed open the door, and slipped on the carpet as I was making the turn to my daughter’s room. I burst in, ready to do significant harm to the person hurting my daughter. It took a few moments of rage for me to realize she was having a nightmare. So, I held onto her tightly as she cried, and my adrenaline level subsided from 10,000%.
It took time for her to recover, and that is when I noticed my wife was hugging both of us. I hobbled back to bed and massaged my ankle. It hurt, but there was no permanent damage. At that moment, something deep dawned on me. I did not give a darn (you know the swear word I was thinking of) about my ankle. I felt only relief that my daughter was fine.
At that lightning-bolt moment, I knew I had become an adult. Why? My daughter’s needs were the only needs that mattered. I finally joined the club and have never looked back.
Why discuss this now? I am in the outline stage of a new book series and have been working on character biographies. I use this brief document to establish fundamental details about background, relationships with other characters, and personality. I have learned the hard way that the most critical part of a character biography is the flaws. These gems provide the most depth in the reader’s eyes.
My idea for one main character is that he lost his daughter in a car accident, which sent him into a life-altering negative spiral. The plot is going to begin with him no longer feeling like an adult because he cannot support his daughter.
As I built the biography, I wondered how to craft this background. So, I took a high-level view and started at the beginning. When did this character first feel like he had achieved adulthood? Obviously, that occurred when his daughter was born. Umm, that sounded too predictable (corny).
I suddenly realized I could use my life experience. I stood and yelled to an empty room, “Readers will love that!” Yet, I have a strong warning for writers.
One of the mistakes I made in my first two books was using my life experiences directly as story material, character development, and dialogue. Readers can easily identify and dislike stories that are clearly the author pretending to have a better life than their own.
Thus, I will modify the above life experience to ensure it is not a direct copy. I look forward to crafting a powerful scene where my character pours his heart out. Will the scene work? At this rate, my loyal readers will have to wait about five years to find out.
You’re the best -Bill
August 26, 2025
The problem was that there was a tidal wave of obstacles between young me and adulthood. I had to study, behave, and do what I was told. But then, it happened. I graduated from high school. That made me an adult. Right? I was happy to have graduated, but I did not feel like an adult. Besides, I had four years of college ahead of me.
Five years later (I had some issues), I graduated. And while I had anticipated I would immediately feel like an adult, I did not. Instead, I felt like an older kid. Besides, I had no job, and life was tough. After all, adults have it easy.
However, I then got a job and moved into a rented house with three roommates. Unfortunately, I was making copies at Kinko’s, but I was living on my own and had freedom. Still, it felt like I had regressed because I was not using my college degree.
Life got so bad that I had to move back in with my parents for a year. This setback harshly turned back my adulthood clock. Then, I got a real job and was able to purchase a house (with a 25-year mortgage). FINALLY, I was an adult. Living on my own, responsible, a homeowner, and free to do what I wanted. Yet, I was not. An adult should not be lonely.
After a few unsuccessful relationships, I got married to a wonderful woman. Yay! But even with all that going on, I did not feel it. Could I introduce myself as “Bill, the adult?” It did not seem like the truth.
Of course, I had all the markings of an adult—gray hair, a paycheck, savings, a car, a fantastic wife, and a house. And there were the “child” activities I no longer did. Ride dirt bikes, watch cartoons on Saturday morning, eat candy, play board games, or do everything my parents said.
Still, there were big changes. My wife and I were self-sufficient, meaning that we did not depend on our parents. We were a team. Just like two adults!
I was told all my life that being in a successful marriage is the textbook definition of being an adult. Still, I did not feel like I had officially joined the club. Fortunately, something happened that would surely change this. We had a wonderful daughter.
We did all the everyday things with her, and she indeed added a powerful element to our family. Yes, we were a family. Being a family requires two adults and at least one child. Still, I did not feel it. Sure, we put in all the effort to make my daughter happy. And we took on all the responsible tasks, such as sending her to school and setting limits. This all occurred while we were engaged in other adult activities, such as working, saving money, going on vacations, and paying our bills.
I put a lot of effort into convincing myself that I had cleared this last hurdle. It seemed true at first, but I knew something was missing. And I knew it had to do with my daughter.
Late at night, about 10 years ago, I heard a scream. I leaped out of bed, slammed open the door, and slipped on the carpet as I was making the turn to my daughter’s room. I burst in, ready to do significant harm to the person hurting my daughter. It took a few moments of rage for me to realize she was having a nightmare. So, I held onto her tightly as she cried, and my adrenaline level subsided from 10,000%.
It took time for her to recover, and that is when I noticed my wife was hugging both of us. I hobbled back to bed and massaged my ankle. It hurt, but there was no permanent damage. At that moment, something deep dawned on me. I did not give a darn (you know the swear word I was thinking of) about my ankle. I felt only relief that my daughter was fine.
At that lightning-bolt moment, I knew I had become an adult. Why? My daughter’s needs were the only needs that mattered. I finally joined the club and have never looked back.
Why discuss this now? I am in the outline stage of a new book series and have been working on character biographies. I use this brief document to establish fundamental details about background, relationships with other characters, and personality. I have learned the hard way that the most critical part of a character biography is the flaws. These gems provide the most depth in the reader’s eyes.
My idea for one main character is that he lost his daughter in a car accident, which sent him into a life-altering negative spiral. The plot is going to begin with him no longer feeling like an adult because he cannot support his daughter.
As I built the biography, I wondered how to craft this background. So, I took a high-level view and started at the beginning. When did this character first feel like he had achieved adulthood? Obviously, that occurred when his daughter was born. Umm, that sounded too predictable (corny).
I suddenly realized I could use my life experience. I stood and yelled to an empty room, “Readers will love that!” Yet, I have a strong warning for writers.
One of the mistakes I made in my first two books was using my life experiences directly as story material, character development, and dialogue. Readers can easily identify and dislike stories that are clearly the author pretending to have a better life than their own.
Thus, I will modify the above life experience to ensure it is not a direct copy. I look forward to crafting a powerful scene where my character pours his heart out. Will the scene work? At this rate, my loyal readers will have to wait about five years to find out.
You’re the best -Bill
August 26, 2025
Overcoming Imposter Writing Syndrome
I have never claimed to be a professional author; instead, I refer to myself as an amateur who is doing everything possible to become better. Part of the issue is that I did not start my career as a writer. Instead, I wrote my first book at age 48 because I was unemployed and wanted to make a quick buck. This is in stark contrast to hardcore authors with an English degree from a prestigious university who have been writing award-winning movie scripts, books, and plays since they were ten.
Still, I hope to be considered a competent writer someday. Yet, I know this is a long road requiring time and effort. Thus, I search every corner of the internet to learn all that I can. And there is so much. Take dialogue integration as an example. Bill said, “Hello.” Or is it: “Hello,” Bill said. Which is it? Things get complex in that minefield.
So, it was no surprise that I discovered something new in the following article:
https://nybookeditors.com/2018/09/how...
Imposter Writing Syndrome is when an author does not feel they are an author. Essentially, they lack confidence. Well, clearly that is not me. After all, I write articles every week and have published four books. Proof positive. Done!
Well… The article highlighted three symptoms of imposter syndrome: constant self-criticism, excessive self-editing, and procrastination. Gosh, my endless self-edits were a dead giveaway that I was suffering bigtime. So, I researched the matter to learn more.
https://uoflwritingcenter.com/2023/11...
https://writingcooperative.com/how-an...
Their message is simple. Cowboy-up, and write. Ignore the doubt. Believe in yourself! At its core, this is a viewpoint issue, and I need to have a more positive attitude.
So, I have been working on solutions over the last two weeks. This includes placing Post-it notes on my monitor with inspirational messages and reading about the successes of other authors.
I also made a big change to my writing routine. I have learned the very hard way to do a self-check before beginning to write or edit. This mental evaluation ensures that I am not upset or distracted. If there is even the slightest hint of negativity, I do something to calm myself down.
I have added to this routine by reminding myself that writing is a fun activity; in fact, it is a privilege. Then, I look at one of my Post-It notes. As a final step, I recite a quote from an unlikely source, the Billy Crystal and Danny DeVito movie Throw Momma from the Train.
In the movie, Billy’s character teaches a writing class filled with mediocre students. He is also a modest author with a bad case of writer’s block. Even with all those negatives, he still has a “go get them” attitude and says this famous line: “A writer writes, always.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJYPS...
That line has stuck inside my bonkers mind for years. It means: keep going! Just write! Get out of your own way! Do it! Do it! And now, this line is helping me again.
As I write this article, I notice an improvement in attitude. Yes, I still endlessly self-edit, but I do it with more confidence. As a further reminder, I glance at the books on my shelf. They remind me that while my accomplishments are modest, they are still accomplishments.
I will conclude this article on a high note, as I thoroughly enjoyed writing it. This was fun and worthwhile. Plus, I will no longer refer to myself as an amateur author. I am an up-and-coming author. Good for me.
You’re the best -Bill
September 03, 2025
Still, I hope to be considered a competent writer someday. Yet, I know this is a long road requiring time and effort. Thus, I search every corner of the internet to learn all that I can. And there is so much. Take dialogue integration as an example. Bill said, “Hello.” Or is it: “Hello,” Bill said. Which is it? Things get complex in that minefield.
So, it was no surprise that I discovered something new in the following article:
https://nybookeditors.com/2018/09/how...
Imposter Writing Syndrome is when an author does not feel they are an author. Essentially, they lack confidence. Well, clearly that is not me. After all, I write articles every week and have published four books. Proof positive. Done!
Well… The article highlighted three symptoms of imposter syndrome: constant self-criticism, excessive self-editing, and procrastination. Gosh, my endless self-edits were a dead giveaway that I was suffering bigtime. So, I researched the matter to learn more.
https://uoflwritingcenter.com/2023/11...
https://writingcooperative.com/how-an...
Their message is simple. Cowboy-up, and write. Ignore the doubt. Believe in yourself! At its core, this is a viewpoint issue, and I need to have a more positive attitude.
So, I have been working on solutions over the last two weeks. This includes placing Post-it notes on my monitor with inspirational messages and reading about the successes of other authors.
I also made a big change to my writing routine. I have learned the very hard way to do a self-check before beginning to write or edit. This mental evaluation ensures that I am not upset or distracted. If there is even the slightest hint of negativity, I do something to calm myself down.
I have added to this routine by reminding myself that writing is a fun activity; in fact, it is a privilege. Then, I look at one of my Post-It notes. As a final step, I recite a quote from an unlikely source, the Billy Crystal and Danny DeVito movie Throw Momma from the Train.
In the movie, Billy’s character teaches a writing class filled with mediocre students. He is also a modest author with a bad case of writer’s block. Even with all those negatives, he still has a “go get them” attitude and says this famous line: “A writer writes, always.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJYPS...
That line has stuck inside my bonkers mind for years. It means: keep going! Just write! Get out of your own way! Do it! Do it! And now, this line is helping me again.
As I write this article, I notice an improvement in attitude. Yes, I still endlessly self-edit, but I do it with more confidence. As a further reminder, I glance at the books on my shelf. They remind me that while my accomplishments are modest, they are still accomplishments.
I will conclude this article on a high note, as I thoroughly enjoyed writing it. This was fun and worthwhile. Plus, I will no longer refer to myself as an amateur author. I am an up-and-coming author. Good for me.
You’re the best -Bill
September 03, 2025
