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E.M.R's avatar

Excellent insight as always. I really feel more well rounded after reading these. Especially in the way you talk about becoming the master of self, the master of your own voice. I think it’s powerful stuff that every writer should hear. Oh also “embrace the cringe” is exactly what I needed as I’m writing a current project that really does make me feel like my writing is so corny. (Romance is not my passion) but I’m trying. And it’s important to know those parts of yourself. Dope words. Dope feedback.

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Thaddeus Thomas's avatar

Wonderful! I'm so relieved when these connect.

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Pablo Báez's avatar

This is something I needed to read. I do get lost in the insecure gap of my skill and that of the one’s I admire, coupled with the drive to overcompensate the fact that I feel like a lack the education most of the people here have.

Impostor syndrome in part. Even though I know the education point is in my case irrelevant, as pointed out by the frighteningly good writer @Clancy Steadwell in his publication chat, I can’t ignore the fact it’s a never ending intrusive thought.

Ultimately, my own song, sound, is what I want.

So thank you for the work you do. It’s inspiring. Serves as a guide for those of us that don’t know where or what to look for.

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Thaddeus Thomas's avatar

There's no escape from not feeling good enough. Less than. At least, I haven't found a way out. The only solution is to be yourself.

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Amanda Coreishy's avatar

Very encouraging piece!

Is that Chokepoint Capitalism sitting behind Steampunk Cleopatra in the image, Pablo?

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Pablo Báez's avatar

Hi Amanda! No, the book is Choke from Chuck Palahniuk.

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Amanda Coreishy's avatar

lol it’s fun to be so sure and then so wrong. That was definitely a heuristic trip-up. There are probably hundreds or thousands of books beginning with the letters Chok, so logic did not underlie my confidence!

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Layne Mercer's avatar

This is a great reminder and a validating sentiment. I have often set out to write a story "in the style of..." some inspiration or other. Then, when it doesn't really sound like that, it's easy to feel like I've failed. Like you say, I have to trust my taste to tell me if something isn't right. In the end, my goal should be to take inspiration from the greats, but not to fight against my authentic voice.

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Thaddeus Thomas's avatar

Absolutely. Well said.

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Mar 25
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Thaddeus Thomas's avatar

The inner critic is loud!

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