I was fortunate to be
one of four midlist writers
involved in an event
with massively successful writers.
These massively successful writers
were chatting,
talking about the problems
they are having at their level
(and EVERYONE has problems).
I was quiet,
focused on learning,
knowing that some day
I might have the same problems.
One of the other midlist writers,
however,
piped up and said
she’d be thrilled
to have their issues.
The conversation shut down.
The other writers realized
they weren’t around their own kind,
around folks who understood.
They’d be judged
as being ungrateful
for discussing their very real issues.
Next time,
it is likely
organizers won’t invite
the midlist writers.
a) Everyone has issues.
If you want others to help you
with your issues,
you should, at the very least,
listen to their issues.
and
b) Gratitude is great
but it doesn’t solve those issues.
Telling someone to be grateful
is the equivalent of
telling that person to shut up.
Words matter.
Choose them wisely.