5 - IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE PERFECT. I didn't hit my goal for 100 rejections. I still have lots of work (3 essays, 3 short stories, 2 flash pieces) looking for a home. 2025 is ending, but my commitment to writing is just beginning.

4 - MOURN THE LOSSES. I've been turned down 73 times this year. And while I'm getting better at accepting rejections, it doesn't mean I'm immune to disappointment. Some of those 73 hurt more than others. All of them stung. But I'm still here. Still writing. Still submitting.

3 - GET FEEDBACK, EVEN WHEN IT HURTS. I'm still working on this one. But my best work this year came from regular feedback from my writing partner. Our monthly swaps held me accountable and forced me to look at my work through the reader's eyes. @smokelong.bsky.social Summer also thickened my skin!

2 - YOU HAVE THE TIME. Like most people, I have a lot of excuses available. I have young kids, a job, a demanding lifestyle. But when I started treating writing like I treat exercise (something I prioritize as an investment in myself) consistent pockets of time opened up.

1 - CONSISTENCY IS KEY. I used to think I needed inspiration to write. Now I sit down to write with or without a great idea in mind. So many of my published pieces started in a writing session where I went in without a plan.

Thank you !!

Thank you for sharing!!

He must need more material for a new show