Hi fiction lover! If you’re a writer, you’ve probably thought of it before. Waking up one day and seeing your name on a bestseller list. Walking across the stage to receive a reward for your latest contribution to literature. And many more scenarios! After all, we want to be recognized for writing good stories. At the same time, how do we confront managing expectations as a writer? I am a big dreamer, but at the same time, being caught up in the fantasy is not healthy for the day-to-day! Let’s jump in with why it’s important to manage our expectations. But first, I have a Black Friday story to share about expectations.
My Black Friday Story
My grandpa was a God-fearing, humble guy who was always going out of his way for the family. I miss him, but I carry all the amazing memories he gave me and my brother. Whenever I think about Black Friday, I remember my grandpa and how he wanted to make sure we got everything we wanted. On one of these Black Fridays, I was either thirteen or fourteen, and I badly wanted a new laptop. Not only was I an addict to games like MapleStory, but I also was just starting to get into writing. I needed something that wouldn’t freeze up!
We noticed that a particular laptop was going on sale. My grandpa woke me up at around four a.m., and together we drove down to the store. A big line was already forming around the building, and my grandpa waited with me. Eventually, I waited in the car while my grandpa stayed in line. And when the doors opened, I was one of the first to dash in.
Scrambling about in the store, I realized that the store did not display the laptop. I panicked until I found my grandpa and explained. My grandpa looked for an employee, who told him that we needed to get a voucher when we were in line.
My grandpa started to yell at the employee. My grandpa was always protective of me and my brother and didn’t want to disappoint us, and even though he always was a gentle giant, he always stood up when someone was unfair to us. That time, the store didn’t do a good job of saying that a voucher was absolutely needed for the laptop.
I went home with my grandpa, and he promised that he would get me a laptop that day. Even though I told him it was okay, he and my grandma eventually bought me one—with which I discovered my love for League of Legends and fantasy novels. So even though my Black Friday that year was pretty disappointing, it didn’t turn out all bad.
Managing Expectations as a Writer
Aren’t we like fourteen-year-old me sometimes? We are waiting in line, and we have a clear idea of what we want or need. For us, it might be something like a laptop—something we can hold in our hands. For others, it might be prestige or recognition. No matter what it is, we get up early and wait with anticipation to finally own whatever it is.
We rush into the store and try to find it. At that point, dread sinks in. We realize we won’t be getting our dream item or accomplishment. Although we want to deny it, we realize that our shiny and sparkling thing is not going to be ours.
As writers, we can go back to the picture of making the bestseller list or maybe seeing our book on the shelves at our local bookstore. I know for me, I held very tightly onto this idea of seeing my book in stores. I thought it would completely fulfill me to see that.
It’s not like I let go of my dream. But now, I see it in a different light. I don’t actually need that to fulfill me. I have done so much as a writer, and God already sees me as completely valuable and worthy in his love.
So, should we be more like my grandpa? Pivot a bit, and set our eyes on another “laptop” when we don’t get exactly what we wanted. However, let’s not put all of our value and hope on this thing. We already are accomplished as writers by just writing! If you are enjoying the process of putting your words on the page or screen, you are already succeeding. You are already a writer.
It’s good to aim high. But remember to have joy, no matter if you only have a few paragraphs on your screen, or are finishing up your novel. As my favorite streamer/YouTuber DanDan Yim said one day in his stream, we have to be happy where we are now. The contentment is key. Otherwise, we will never be happy no matter what we accomplish in life.
Managing expectations as a writer is hard, maybe even painful, but will you try it with me this month? Join me on my blog again next week! I have more to explore if you’re looking for someone to accompany you on your writing journey. Thank you for dreaming about fandom, stories, and more with me.
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