I think the hardest part of doing creative work and trying to sell it to people, the bit that nobody really warns you about, is that *everybody* has an opinion about how your work could be different or "better", or has thoughts about the way they would do it if it were their work

And for some reason a large proportion feel it's fine to just throw these opinions at creators, and get offended when those creators don't thank them profusely and change their work or their strategy to suit this incredible advice.

So here's a warning to people who may just be starting out:

Everyone will have opinions about how you could be doing things differently. You are under no obligation to take heed of them, and trying to please everyone is an exercise in futility that will make you hate your work.

Do what you feel you should be doing. Seek out advice from people whose opinions you value. Cultivate good relationships - with your peers, and with yourself.

And mostly - trust yourself, and trust your idea of what your work should be.

If you find you're making things to please people who aren't you, step back and ask yourself why.

That's it. That's all I've got.

That's not all I've got.

I've done so many writing courses, including an MA.

Things I was never taught: how to approach agents and editors, how to format a manuscript, how to work with feedback from editors. We were also never encouraged to say No and defend our work.

Basically, none of the business side of writing (aside from a session with Arts Council UK on applying for funding).

Personally I think this stuff should be vital to any writing course and if anybody running a writing courses at A level or higher wants me to come teach a session or two on this, drop me an email.

Now I'm done.