The Harsh Truth Nobody Tells Creatives About Success
If you’re a writer, producer, or novelist, I want you to hear this from someone who’s been in the grind: Your talent is not your problem. Your visibility is. I know, it’s tempting to believe that if you just keep making great work, the world will eventually notice. But in today’s noise, the “if you build it, they will come” fantasy will keep you broke and bitter. I’ve met authors who can write like Hemingway, but can’t pay rent. I’ve seen screenwriters whose scripts could win awards buried in Google Drive folders nobody’s ever opened. So, here’s what you must start doing if you want your work to feed you: Treat your name like a brand, not a signature. A book or project isn’t the end goal it’s a vehicle for your name to travel farther. Show the making, not just the made. People love stories about the process. Let them in. Share drafts, deleted scenes, messy voice notes. The audience becomes invested in you, not just your product. Ask for the sale without flinching. Too many creatives hide behind “I don’t want to seem pushy.” No. Your audience wants to support you they just need to be told how. Think in ecosystems, not single launches. Don’t just publish a book build spin-off newsletters, behind-the-scenes content, paid workshops. Every project should sprout multiple income streams. If you hate marketing, reframe it. Marketing is just storytelling about yourself. And if you can write compelling characters, you can write about you. Stop waiting for permission. Stop assuming the right people will “just find” your work. In the business of creativity, being invisible is more dangerous than being imperfect. Your next breakthrough isn’t about making something new. It’s about making sure the right people see what you’ve already made.