It's a hard truth, and it's very tempting to try and hide behind someone's back. Blame someone else for your shortcomings as a writer (note: you're the one who thinks they're shortcomings). Blame the industry as a whole. Whine about lack of time, lack of money. Complain that no one buys your books, or not enough people do. Seek out someone out there who seems like they know what they're doing, and then, if luck has it that they respond, blindly throw yourself into doing everything they tell you to do. Think you've found your guru. Your guide. Your answer to all your troubles. 

(Dare I presume some of you reading this at one point or another thought the same about me? Like I know what I'm doing? The truth is: I DO NOT. I learn as I go, just like you.)

The truth is, once again, no one out there knows what they're doing. They're all very good (some better than others) at pretending. Keeping their shit together. Appear pro. 

And the other truth is, NO ONE WILL DO IT FOR YOU. 

No one cares as much about your stories and your writing as you do. No one ever will. It's up to you to make it happen. There is no back to hide behind.

You are a child no longer.

You need not be afraid.

You are talented and capable, and you know it. You're just scared to admit it, and to own it, and to proclaim it to the world.

Once you see it, however—once you acknowledge it—everything will be easier. Your false fears will fall off, and you'll sail forward. Full speed. Because you know now that you have nothing to lose, and by opening up and sharing your true self you'll create a community. 

Guess what. That community will have your back. Always. So have no fear to fall.

WE WILL CATCH YOU.

P.S.: Writing this made me cry. Thank you, my loves, for your continuous support and for your belief in me. You have my back. I know it. And I'm grateful to you for eternity and beyond. Let's make shit happen together. I love you.

Illustration by Sungwon