Let’s start with a confession, one no proud writer wants to admit: I’ve fallen for bad advice before. I’ve trusted the wrong people and let someone else’s confidence drown out my gut instincts.
And, yep, it cost me: time, money, and hard-won momentum.
It happens. We’re obsessed with advice, after all.
However, when it comes to what happened to me with this one specific writer, I could’ve handled a little loss, or even some innocent misdirection. But what happened to me was a complete derailment of my career, all from following one piece of advice.
I nearly brought my career to an end at the hands of internet advice. In a way, I’m an advice survivor.
Yet, every day I’m drowned with regret, wishing I had never had to tell the story. Alas, here we are.
Before I tell you this story, I’m aware I’m the pot calling the kettle black. I know; I’ve been the one dishing out advice, sharing what’s worked (and what hasn’t) across all parts of my life, especially my writing.
I would appreciate it if you could indulge the hypocrisy for a moment.