We all write in the shadow of the mountain.  At the peak — success. Whatever you think of as the goal of your writing — but I imagine most of us here on WP are all thinking along similar lines.

Writing as day job. Paying the bills with your writing, and your stupid, silly ideas.

Having someone read your writing — and say, “This stuff? This stuff right here? This is good stuff. The best stuff. I want to give up some space in my brain, and put your stuff in it.”

You know what I mean — they way that all of us make room in our heads for other creator’s characters, places, and ideas. For me, there can be no higher honor.

If you just think about the base of the mountain, it’s kind of exciting. There are many simple, easy, satisfying things you can do to prepare yourself for the climb.  Like starting a blog, or making a writing schedule, or trying out different styles of writing, or just finding a really comfortable pencil.

And the simple magic of putting your head down and just writing.

But, sometimes you accidentally glance up — and take a long look towards the summit.

“How the hell am I going to get up there?”

There are so many pilgrims battling their way up the slopes, many never reaching the peak despite skill, luck and endless determination. And, let’s face it, there are many successful writers up on the peak who certainly don’t deserve it.

It’s freaking daunting, is what I’m saying.

As a logical, sane human you have to accept that even if you finish your work, even if it’s really, really good — there are still so many pitfalls, crevasses, and awful things that can happen in between that and reaching the peak.

So,  yeah — this is the part where I’m supposed to have some advice, or say something supportive.

How about this?

Those moments you’re looking up at the top of the mountain, and feeling small, depressed and defeated — look over to the left, where I’m sitting. You can look at me, and I’ll look at you — and then I’ll shrug, and make a farty noise.

It’s not much, but it’s on the table.

And accept that the doubt is part of the gig, and get back to climbing. No use to worrying about the trolls in the heights, until you’ve made your way out of base camp.