It is so weird to be on this side of that, because when you're starting out, and it seems like you're starting out for so long, you look up to the people who have made their mark. And you sort of want to be that.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I think what I would say to my younger self, and probably to younger, just starting-out writers is that a lot of times you're just afraid to put yourself out there, and it's uncomfortable because it's working up the courage to do something, to push yourself to do those things.
When I was starting out, I followed along the path that seemed to be marked out for me - from high school to college to law school to professional life.
We're all just trying to fit in and find ourselves, particularly when we're growing up.
We all have to start somewhere, and doing something is better than nothing at all. Start small so you don't get discouraged and give up. Remember it is all about consistency.
Like so many kids, I just wanted to fit in, and I see now that I spent most of my life trying to be what I wasn't, trying to get people to like me.
Every day feels like just starting out because I still have so much more to learn.
All I want to do is be normal. But really, it's other people who won't let me be that way.
Don't get too comfortable with who you are at any given time - you may miss the opportunity to become who you want to be.
It's weird. I don't really have goals. I just try to make sure I'm enjoying what I'm doing. Once I start to get sick of it, the next thing becomes obvious.
When you first start out, you are just happy to get a job, any job. And as time goes on, either you move forward or screech to a halt.