The talent myth

Good morning,

Let's talk about the elephant in the writing room — talent.

Talent is the smallest part of your success.

Everyone from Stephen King to your local writing group leader will tell you the same thing: It's 10 percent talent, 90 percent showing up at the desk. 

They're not wrong, but they're also not telling you why this is the best news you'll hear all day.

Here's the truth: talent is the field mouse, not the antelope. It's the quick dopamine hit that feels good but won't sustain you.

Writers who rely purely on talent are like lottery players betting their retirement on a scratch-off ticket. Sure, they might win — but I wouldn't bet my future on it.

The real meat, aka the antelope, is in:

• The daily grind

• Defending your writing time

• Treating your craft like a muscle not a mystical gift

"But what if I don't have the talent?" you ask.

Wrong question.

The right question is: "Can I show up tomorrow?" 

Because if you can show up tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that, you're already ahead of 90% of "talented" writers waiting for inspiration to strike.

Think of it this way:

• Talent might determine your starting point

• But discipline determines your destination

(And last time I checked, bookstores aren't organized by "author's natural ability".)

Your task isn't to be the most talented writer in the room. Your task is to be the one who simply shows up, day afterr day.

Now get back to work.

- Brock Swinson

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