You must let go of your need for validation and give up your dreams of support. Nobody will support you.

They mean no harm. They wish you well, but you are alone.

Even your most encouraging fan or family member does not want you to write. They want you to have already written, so they can be happy for you, so they have evidence of how they helped.

Even your publisher doesn’t want you to write. They want you to be done.

Your lover wants to spend time with you.

People may say different things. They may express their support, and they may even believe that they support you. But they do not.

They cannot. No method exists.

Just accept it, hold no grudges, expect nothing, and smile when they lie. None of this is their fault.

They think they are telling the truth.

Want a free horror comic?

Join the Stranger Fiction newsletter!