Michael T. Hare

Hello, traveler. I’ll be the first to say it’s been a while since my last post. I have been pretty busy these last few weeks with play practice, Easter, the growing of my Faith, and, of course, writing. Writing. Let’s focus on that for a minute. Do you feel like the motivation to write has… waned? Does the craft, despite all the love you hold for it, make you groan and procrastinate? Maybe you’re sitting at your desk, going, “Why even write? My words are just a small dent—if even—in a world filled with more talented writers and authors.”

Granted, this is a valid question. Not everyone publishes their first novel and gets really big really fast; not everyone can be Christopher Paolini. But do we need to be big to be impactful? Does our popularity define the importance and value of our words?

Have you ever comforted somebody? Maybe a close friend, or perhaps even a stranger? Did they need you to be famous to touch their heart? When you offered them words of consolation, did they spit in your face because you lacked fame and ‘importance’? Probably not, because your social status doesn’t determine how impactful your words are. Words are words. Just because nobody quoted you on some random website doesn’t mean you aren’t a wise, impactful human who MATTERS.

I acknowledge that it feels good to be noticed. Everyone wants to be seen and appreciated, and as writers, we want our work to be recognized and applauded. That’s natural. Don’t feel guilty about that. It becomes wrong when we believe we need applause. It becomes wrong when our goal shifts from making honorable art to getting popular, and we begin to change ourselves to better fit the world’s definition of good. Enjoy the applause and compliments, but take them humbly, and don’t live for them. We are not of the world (John 17:14-16).

Write for those who need to hear, who need to laugh, and even for those who need to cry. That should be our goal. Maybe you receive a few praises or compliments along the way, and that’s great, but praises fade and compliments are left behind. Ground your craft in something more substantial. Ground it in your family, in your heart, and above all, in your Faith. Society always cheers, but it rarely loves.

Trust me, traveler. There are better paths to take.