Queer travel writer
Working through the exercises and keeping “artist’s dates” with myself gave me a rope ladder to pull myself back up and invest in my creativity while also helping me nurture myself during what was otherwise an overwhelming and anxiety-ridden year.
Yes, it’s great to get poems published, or have your manuscript requested by an agent, or receive praise from peers in your writing workshop. That recognition can keep you going through the tough times. But as long as you look for validation from external sources, you’re never going to fully trust your creativity. Do your work because you value it.