Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of strategic relationships, daily writing habits, and avoiding distractions in the pursuit of successful writing, likening the process to competing on a reality television show.

Abstract

The author draws a parallel between writing and participating in a reality TV show, suggesting that writers, like contestants, must work on their craft consistently, form alliances for support and growth, and avoid the pitfalls of overvaluing early success or getting sidetracked by comparisons and mind games. Success in writing, according to the author, is not a solo endeavor but requires engagement with a community, adherence to a disciplined writing routine, and a focus on long-term strategy rather than immediate rewards. The article encourages writers to trust the process, help others, and resist the urge to rest on their laurels, ensuring they remain resilient and adaptable in the competitive world of writing.

Opinions

The author is critical of the idea of writing success as a solitary achievement, emphasizing the necessity of forming alliances and building relationships within the writing community.
They suggest that writing every day is a fundamental step towards success, but the specifics of one's writing practice should be personalized and consistent.
The author warns against the allure of early success, attributing it to luck rather than skill, and advises writers to maintain a steady course in their writing journey.
Stats and comparisons are seen as potential distractions that can undermine a writer's confidence and focus, with the author advising writers to concentrate on their own path and progress.
The article posits that persistence and adaptability can lead to second chances and long-term success, even if one doesn't achieve immediate fame or recognition.
The author believes that helping others and being helped in return is crucial for sustaining one's writing career and avoiding burnout.
They encourage writers to develop a thick skin against the temptations of comparison and to focus on their unique strengths and contributions to the field.

Don’t Use Puff Pastry on a Cooking Show (and Other Writing Advice)

You may not realize it, but you’re in a writing reality show. Work the basics to win.

I’m a reality television whore. I love them all: from the botoxed breast-implanted women of high society to the dick-swinging sociopaths battling it out on deserted islands. They are mini cataclysms of everyday life; they’re expedited trainwrecks representing us all.

As a contestant, there are certain dumbass moves you should never do, such as going on Survivor and not knowing how to build a fire or competing on Top Chef and using a puff pastry.

You are in a reality show, whether you know it or not. Every day you are competing for the attention of readers. You need to form alliances. You need to think strategically. And above all else, stay far away from playing the mind games.

You Can’t Do It Alone

You’re writing on a social media platform. The rules change: sometimes, the goal is about friend/follower counts; sometimes, the goal is to gather likes/claps. But always — always! — it is about relationships.

You can’t be a lone wolf and expect to win. That sounds contradictory, doesn’t it? The word “win” implies a solo act, but a solo act can’t win.

There are a LOT of ways people win in reality television, besides being the top dog. Sometimes contestants get cars, money, and trips during the journey. The 2nd, 3rd, and 14th place contestants often find fame from the competition and move on to other lucrative deals: selling perfumes, music albums, and Fyre Island tickets.

Winning isn’t about getting the top prize. It is about staying in the game.

To stay in the game longer, you need the help of others. And (very important) you need to help others. You will get burned out and wither if you don’t help others and accept help from others. Form alliances, lots of them.

Every Game has a Strategy

No matter the show, the basics are the same: form alliances and play your strategy. Trust the process. Let me say that again, trust the process.

Whatever path you take, stick to it. You won’t get results when you first begin the game. You might get lucky, but don’t get cocky — early success is luck, nothing more. Most of the time, your first steps will be barren. Stick to the plan. Oh, and trust the process.

There’s one constant to begin your writing success: write every day. Everything else is up to you: how long you write, what you write about, where you submit your writing, what themes you use, how you make your writing look, and what images you use.

Read the rules and make your plan. And then, execute your plan every day.

Stay Away from Mind Games

Stats are fun but don’t trust them. They don’t define who you are as a person or a writer. You will always end up with a win if you follow the steps above: form alliances and work the plan daily. Taking a day off and resting on yesterday’s successful article is like using a puff pastry in a cooking show. Your end product will be undercooked and fall flat.

The biggest mind game of them all is comparison. Again, a paradox. The words “game” imply a type of pissing contest. Looking at your neighbor’s penis will fuck with your mind. Don’t cross the streams; piss in your own pot.

People go bonkers in reality shows trying to guess what other people are doing. They may even begin playing that other person’s game. When it comes to other people in the writing game, find alliances, and help them out. Let them help you. Stick to your game plan. Work it daily.

Make it to All-Stars

If you don’t win the big prize, stick around. Games are all about second chances. Become a crowd favorite and get voted back into the game. How do you become a crowd favorite?

Don’t be a lone wolf; form and work alliances.
Have a plan and execute it daily.

And above all, if you go on Survivor, know how to build a fucking fire.

Thanks for reading! I write about being unproductive, breaking habits, and getting lots of sleep, AND still getting things done.

Follow me on Twitter at @LifeisPresence.

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