Smile. 

When I first started posting Sounds of Summer and Aural Autumn, I had so many moments where I doubted myself. ‘This is dumb,’ I thought, ‘nobody is interested in exploring music as it relates to creative writing.’ I faltered and almost gave up. It seemed next to impossible to convey how much the right song can lift our spirits, supercharge our writing, and shape the outcome of our stories for the better.

Well screw that.

I know there are hundreds upon thousands of writers like me who wouldn’t have made it this far without countless instances of “that perfect song.” There is so much freedom and inspiration to be found in your unique listening experience. Words flow more freely. Your characters glow and come alive. The hours spent slogging against a never-ending army of blank pages at your computer screen become just a bit more bearable.

Tonight, I’d like to dedicate this song to all the writers who are their own worst critics. Who scrap one draft after another. Who doubt the value of their prose and face a daily struggle in deciding whether or not to let their work see the light of day.

I’ll tell you this: You are not alone in your doubt. 

Your writing is worth putting out there. Whether you’re doing NaNoWriMo for the tenth year in a row, or starting with page one of your very first chapter, someone out there is waiting to become your reader. You have a story to tell, and the world is just waiting. 

No matter how tired you get from the revisions, or lack of likes you face on your most recent post, your writing is enough. All you have to do is take that leap. Smile, for you are the only one who can realize your story in all its glory 🙂

Thank you for stopping by and checking out Aural Autumn. I look forward to reading more posts on NaNoWriMo and returning to my creative fiction. Until then, fellow writers.