You’re still a writer – their opinions do not matter.

They really don’t. I promise. Now when I talk about ‘them’, I mean anyone; your friends, your parents, anyone close to you or, in my case, teachers. They don’t have to love your writing. No one but you has to love your writing, but you.

Now, take it from someone who has already endured the entire five years of (maybe) a kingdom of subjects, or, for others, absolute hell. But whether you love(d) or hate(d) high school, I know that teacher’s encouragement of students writing, or lack thereof, is a common occurrence I have witnessed, and not only from my own experience. That is why I’m here to remind you (and maybe myself) that you are the only person that has to love your pieces of pure art and teachers with simply a teaching degree, with a major in Literature or not, do not have to.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not here to insult teachers, most of them are the most inspirational and motivational people I have ever met, and they never fail to inspire students and push them to move forward. But after my dreams of becoming an author or journalist were crushed by the ever-so-constant awful opinions of an English teacher, there was no going back to imagining submitting work to an editor or publisher, or seeing one of my books in a shop window. But I am here to tell you that your work is amazing, and extraordinary and one-of-a-kind, and there is no one in this entire world that can tell you that your work is worthless or insignificant. You are still a writer, and just because the Australian curriculum tells you your incredible piece of work is C standard because it doesn’t fit the performance standard – your writing and skill is no less valuable!!

We all know the story of how J.K Rowling sent the manuscript of Harry Potter to 12 different publishers before Bloomsbury picked it up. If J.K Rowling accepted the opinion of the first publisher and never sent the manuscript to any one else, would she be one of the richest and most successful people in the world right now? Probably, because it’s J.K Rowling, but you get my point. If J.K Rowling can handle 12 rejections, I’m telling you, you are just as strong and creative.

There’s only one way to come back from unnecessary opinions; keep on writing. Although I changed my first university preference to Nutrition from Journalism, I did write a chapter in my work-in-progress (hopefully) book last week and nothing has felt so good. My English teacher’s opinion of my essays and narratives were far from my mind as my fingers whisked away at the keyboard. I know how hard it can be to continue pursuing your dreams when it feels like the world is against you, but I do believe your dreams are worth pursuing no matter what they are, or opinions on them.

Your work is worth reading.

Your work is creative.

Your work is innovative.

You are still a writer.

Continue writing and don’t let anyone tear you down superstars, you are all loved!

A x