It’s often said that moving is one of life’s top stressors—right up there with divorce and death. Having endured a move earlier this year (complete with nightmare movers and chaos in cardboard), I can confirm that’s no exaggeration. But whoever came up with that list clearly wasn’t a writer. Because if they were, “literary rejection”ContinueContinue reading “Your Approach to Rejection Matters Less Than That you Risk it”
Category Archives: mindset
When an Acceptance Turns Sour
One of the most thrilling moments in a writer’s life is receiving that long-awaited yes—an acceptance letter after dozens, maybe hundreds, of rejections. It’s the kind of moment that’s meant to be savored, a bright spark of validation in a career often defined by perseverance and uncertainty. But sometimes, even that joy can curdle. Recently,ContinueContinue reading “When an Acceptance Turns Sour”
Why Rejection Doesn’t Mean Your Story Is Bad
As a slush reader for various speculative fiction magazines, I’ve learned one fundamental truth: taste is messy. It’s subjective, inconsistent, and often deeply personal. If you’ve ever submitted a story and been rejected in the first round, you’re in good company—and you might be surprised to know how many of those rejections have less toContinueContinue reading “Why Rejection Doesn’t Mean Your Story Is Bad”
The Myth of the ‘One Piece of Advice’
To be succesful at writing, I’ve come to believe that its more your ability to juggle, than anything else that will help you. But there’s a peculiar myth that runs through popular culture—the idea that success boils down to one secret, one golden rule, one repeatable habit that will unlock greatness. Ask a Hollywood starContinueContinue reading “The Myth of the ‘One Piece of Advice’”
The Creative Power of Chaos: Why Randomness Makes Your Writing Stronger
Writers love control. We plan plots, build worlds, craft character arcs, and agonize over word choice. Writing can feel like architecture—careful, precise, calculated. But sometimes, we need a little chaos. Enter randomness. Randomness might seem antithetical to craft, but it’s actually one of the most powerful tools in a writer’s creative arsenal. Whether you’re rollingContinueContinue reading “The Creative Power of Chaos: Why Randomness Makes Your Writing Stronger”
Writing Is Like Going to the Gym: Why It Gets Harder, Not Easier—and What to Do About It
When you start going to the gym, it’s hard. Your muscles ache. You’re not in the habit, so every visit feels like a chore. But then—suddenly—it starts to click. You feel stronger. You might even look a little better in the mirror. The early “easy gains” roll in. You get hooked. And then? It getsContinueContinue reading “Writing Is Like Going to the Gym: Why It Gets Harder, Not Easier—and What to Do About It”
The Struggle of Long-Form Writing: How to Overcome Midway Meltdowns
Earlier this year, I found myself hitting a wall with my longer writing projects. I don’t mean my novels here, I’m referring to the longer short story, novelette territory. The same issue kept cropping up: I’d get to about 7,000 words, and then… poof. The excitement fizzled out, and my story would lose its spark.ContinueContinue reading “The Struggle of Long-Form Writing: How to Overcome Midway Meltdowns”
The Power of Words Inside Your Brain
Sometimes I find it hard to get started. Ironically, this happens most when I have too much time to write. You’d think a wide-open afternoon or a quiet weekend would be ideal—a golden opportunity to sink into the novel, churn out a short story, or finally respond to one of those tempting calls for flashContinueContinue reading “The Power of Words Inside Your Brain”
The Hidden Ground: Layers of Meaning in Storytelling
When I paint, I begin with a ground—a foundational layer brushed across the canvas to prepare the surface. Sometimes it’s a neutral tone, sometimes a subtle color. You don’t see it in the final image, not exactly. But it’s there, affecting everything laid on top. A cool blue ground makes the warm tones above itContinueContinue reading “The Hidden Ground: Layers of Meaning in Storytelling”
How to Edit Like a Pro: Tips & Tricks
Editing, is actually one of my favorite parts of writing. It’s where your rough draft is polished into something professional, compelling, and clear. But what is the best way to optimize your editing time? I’ve come to an approach through trial and error, and I hope these tips and tricks will help you refine yourContinueContinue reading “How to Edit Like a Pro: Tips & Tricks”
Gideon P. Smith 