What happens when you choose your art

From becoming your art’s lover to realizing you can do scary things

You become an observer. You wander the streets, catching details for your story and characters. You find words in random conversations and are always on.

You realize you can do the scary things. You commit to a project, you believe in yourself, you are forced to be honest & vulnerable. You become a student again, and you have to share pieces of your art before it’s perfect. It’s all nerve-racking but magical.

You see art everywhere. And you actively chase it. Museums, music, books. A layer appears on the world. Made by artists. You are about to enter it and stay for a lifetime.

Painting in a museum in Edinburgh

Is daydreaming your favorite activity? You now have an excuse to do it full-time.

You learn a lot about your mindset and flow. What makes you nervous? What excites you? What makes you write? What were you hiding from yourself? What are you avoiding?

You will respect and love books like never before. Even the ones that are not your cup of tea. And you will catch yourself thinking: I would have done it differently.

At one point, you will become an editor. Red pen and a critical mindset are your friends. Remove what does not serve the story and be strict.

Congratulations on your new job: you are now a marketer. And a promoter. And maybe even an influencer. Talk about your story like you’re in the marketing department. Treat it like a product you believe in. Pitch it to the world. This is also scary, but fun if you let it be.

You’re your novel’s lover. You will be over the moon and blinded by love. Promise to be there for your art forever.