It is incredibly hard not to feel discouraged lately. It’s hard not to feel envious of authors who get book reviews and reader feedback. It’s hard not to think this is all I’ve wanted since I was nine years old and once again, I’m just left with disappointment.

I remind myself I’ve only been at it for two years, but that’s not helping much.

It’s hard not to feel mediocre and unoriginal.

I was reading a film review the other day, and the brunt of the review was about why this particular filmmaker didn’t get many reviews, and one of the commenters said it’s like he’s just not worth the bother. And it hit me like everything slotting into place: that’s why I don’t get reviews. No one cares enough.

I often feel like I’m writing the same story over and over, which I don’t like feeling; but since what I consider my most original story is also my worst seller, it seems pretty clear that my “originality” isn’t good enough.

It’s hard to feel good enough.