Every so often...

Lord, it's hot in here. And I'm tired - and cranky. My brain is feeling frazzled because I've been cramming for my Family Law final all afternoon. And I've got a guilty conscience because I should still be studying.
But it's Monday and that means I've got a blog to write, and well, now is as good a time as any... especially since I came across such an inspirational quote. Okay, okay, "inspirational quotation" for all of you grammar freaks out there.
It happens every so often. I read or hear something that really resonates with me. Frequently, the quotation that makes me laugh or smile, or groan, or want to put my fist through the wall, is something I come across while reading. Sometimes it is a "goodreads quote of the day," like this one.
I liked it so much, I shared it on Twitter, along with the editorial comment, "Hell, yeah!"
I think it resonated with me so strongly because, like many of you, I've spent years toiling away as a writer. Long before I became an award-winning author, I was an award-winning journalist. Now that was a thankless profession.
I spent more than two decades working long hours for what amounted to less than minimum wage along side and for people whom I freely admit I hated then and still do to this day. Yes, I hold a grudge -- and yes, I can assure you that the general public has every right to detest the mainstream media. Trust me.
But I digress. The fact is I never would have become an award-winning author if I'd never been a reporter. Working in the newspaper business for 21 years provided me with invaluable experience. Sure, I learned how to write -- and how to do it well. But I learned much more than that. I learned how to accept praise with humility and criticism with grace. I learned that a thick skin is essential and self-confidence trumps all.
I learned that writing -- in any form -- is a creative endeavor. As such, it is judged subjectively. Some people will love what you write with good reason and some people will hate what you write for no reason at all. A few people will let you know when they like your work... but don't hold your breath. Most people won't. Most people will let you know when they don't like something, but don't sweat it... that's just human nature and let's face it, everyone is entitled to their opinion.
Yes, everyone is a critic... and as I just said, that's fine. Personally I don't care how many people hate my work, as long as they keep buying my book. Indifference is far more bothersome to me than someone's honest opinion.
Still I can't help but wonder if all of those critics understand or appreciate how difficult writing truly is. It takes more than skill. It takes a certain amount of intestinal fortitude, especially for those of us who decide to share our life stories with the world. We do so knowing that readers will judge not only our stories, but the way in which we choose to relay them. In so doing we make ourselves incredibly vulnerable.
Yet when push comes to shove, we are not alone. Everyone has a story. So, to put it simply,"if you do not like someone else's story, write your own."
Until next time, "That's life..."