Self-Awareness is Underrated

What I’m about to say has no bearing on this lovely gentleman from Montreal we took a photo of

Without giving away too many details, I come into contact with writers on a daily basis as an editor. Some are really good, others self-righteous, many technicalogically-challenged and others horrible writers. Except they don’t know they’re horrible, because their aunt, sister, cousin, [insert random friend or relative here] has told them they are great, so they must be, right?

To put this into perspective, imagine this as the American Idol competition of writing. There are always the bunch that come to sing and are utterly horrible and laughable and when insulted by Simon Cowell, are so taken aback and surprised because they had been told how wonderful they sound. But everyone tells me I have the best voice, they cry. That was utterly horrid, Cowell says, as they go crying off into oblivion.

The problem with people these days, is that they believe that it takes no skill whatsoever to become a writer, painter, artist, etc. Then there are others that think that a 4-year degree is enough to make them excel in their field. I saw it when I was studying for my journalism degree, and my boyfriend has seen it too, when he was studying for his graphic design degree.

Newsflash people: it takes a lot to be a good writer. It takes passion and determination and innate talent. If you don’t have it in you already, I’m afraid school won’t do much good. If you think you can just pick up a pencil or a paintbrush and be the master of your art, I’m afraid you are very wrong.

There are times when I’ve had to explain to writers why their services were no longer needed. Sometimes they take it well and understand and ask for advice on what would make them better writers. Others are in complete and utter shock ( again, like the American Idol contestants) at the thought of me suggesting that they’re not particularly good. There are many that don’t take it so well and these people don’t have any self-awareness at all.

Not having self-awareness, is like a debilitating disease which leads people to be be arrogant, cocky, full of themselves and at times very ignorant. I come into contact on a daily basis with people who lack this basic human concept and the results are embarrassing and quite frankly sometimes hard to watch.

I felt the need to write this because I had a couple particularly bad days last week in dealing with writers and my frustrations got the better of me. That week is over and hopefully this week won’t be the same. In this past year, I have learned so much about why editors in the actual publishing industry don’t give the time of day to writers. I understand that now. Because the good ones (who actually have great attitudes as well) are few and far in between.