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# Embracing the Journey: Why Great Writers Embrace the Middle Stage

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Chapter 1: The Importance of the “Vomit Stage”

The influence of my high school art teacher, Mr. Baucom, still resonates with me. He would quietly walk around the classroom, observing our efforts without a word, occasionally offering insights like altering a color choice or adjusting a brushstroke. I remember feeling a flush of anxiety as he lingered behind me, acutely aware of my painting's flaws.

Eventually, he broke the silence: "You know, everything goes through a vomit stage."

A vomit stage? He moved on before I could ponder his words. Was he comforting me or teasing me? His sly sense of humor left me uncertain. Although I didn’t think much of that phrase for years, it has now become central to my creative journey. I believe that all great creators encounter their unique versions of this stage, a phase that significantly shapes their artistry.

Success is not solely about the finished product; it often unfolds in the messy middle.

Wonderful vs. Alright

It's perfectly acceptable to aim for greatness, but en route to achieving it, one often must navigate through mediocrity. Bill Withers, known for his timeless hits like "Lean On Me," understood this concept well. He articulated that persistence might not always yield beautiful results; at times, it might simply be "Alright."

Many ideas may settle in the realm of “Alright,” and we often embark on our creative endeavors with the hope of reaching “Wonderful.” Unfortunately, only a select few actually make it to that destination. This reality turns the journey into a numbers game; if we let our fear of mediocrity hinder us, we reduce our chances of reaching greatness.

The Fear of Failure

As Anne Lamott poignantly states in her book Bird by Bird, perfectionism is often rooted in an obsessive fear of failure. The irony is that the real failure lies in allowing that fear to paralyze us, preventing us from living fully and enjoying the process.

Most of our anxieties surrounding failure are merely illusions, mere shadows of what could be. As we obsess over crafting the perfect piece, we may unknowingly sidestep the essential “vomit stage,” allowing others who have relinquished their fears to surpass us in creativity and enjoyment.

This video, titled "Why There Are No Great Writers Anymore," delves into the shifting landscape of writing and creativity. It explores how the pressure to produce perfect work can stifle originality and joy in the creative process.

Embracing Amateurism

Charlie Chaplin once remarked, "That’s all any of us are: amateurs. We don’t live long enough to be anything else." At 63, Chaplin created Limelight, a film that mirrored his own struggles with waning popularity and personal failures. This quote resonates profoundly, suggesting that we are all in a constant state of learning and growth.

Rather than fixating on the limited time we have, recognizing ourselves as amateurs liberates us. We can embrace the journey of learning, understanding that mastery is an unrealistic goal for any of us.

The Reality of Ongoing Struggles

Harrison Ford aptly expressed that even he has not mastered anything; he continues to confront the same challenges he always has. His understated demeanor suggests acceptance of the ongoing nature of learning and growth, reminding us that everyone remains an amateur in the grand scheme of things.

In the video "Most Authors Don't Make a Living at Writing," the struggles many writers face are highlighted, emphasizing the challenges in the creative industry and the importance of perseverance through the difficulties.

The Halfway Point of Every Story

Reflecting on my art teacher's wisdom, I realize that whether we call it the “vomit stage,” mediocrity, or the learning phase, the struggle constitutes a significant portion of any creative pursuit. Any three-act narrative is predominantly made up of this middle section, which is characterized by conflict and transformation.

Thus, the most successful writers and creators are not necessarily the most talented; they are simply those who recognize that the journey is filled with challenges. They understand that the essence of creativity lies in embracing the struggle, for skipping this part means skipping the essence of the story itself.

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