Wisdom for the Middling Writer

Unrequested advice

Photo by Amador Loureiro on Unsplash

I was inspired by a Note I wrote a while ago to write some general advice about writing, especially for the “middling writer,” which is the vast majority of us. So here are some reflections.

It’s okay if you’re a middling thinker. Most of us are. I consider myself a middling thinker and my works to be middling in their originality. Some people are born brilliant or have opportunities and make life decisions to be brilliant that you cannot sacrifice to make. That’s okay. God has given you some talents to invest in this brief life. Invest them faithfully and trust Him for the returns. Identify those people who are brilliant and wise and learn all you can from them. Read their books (and Substacks!). Attend their lectures. Incorporate their wisdom into your thinking. Then tell the truth the best you can in your own writing, giving proper credit. But never allow jealousy to creep into your heart. It’s not a competition.