I was struck by a piece of writing in Dr. Sheena C. Howard’s forthcoming book, Academic Branding: A step-by-step guide to increased visibility, authority, and income, which discussed how there are so many people who aren’t experts in any field, but have figured out marketing and social media to be successful, while the real experts are struggling to see the value in branding themselves. So, we see a plethora of people who don’t honestly know much about anything, being lauded as experts. See the problem there?

As I’ve watched Tracy Chapman perform a song she wrote thirty years ago on the GRAMMY stage, Usher perform flawlessly at on the world’s biggest stage in the Superbowl, and Beyonce literally just breathe, or release two new tracks in country, I’m struck by their ability to be the experts in their particular arenas.

Their work will stand the test of time and it’s because they have studied, they have been relentless in their crafts, and they’ve honored their gifts.

A lot of us are extremely distracted when we’re honest with ourselves. And not solely by our duties as a spouse or parent or fulfilling our regular life obligations, but by a lot of mindless things taking our attention away from studying, developing, and honing our craft.

I don’t know about you, but I would like to be a great writer. Something in this season is pulling me to focus on what it takes to get to where I want to be. Something is telling me that I’m too distracted. Maybe it’s the result of being away from the page longer than I would like. Or getting some less than favorable news recently. But I want to lock in and do what it takes to become the writer I aspire to be.

Can you say that you have a command of your craft? How often are you reading in the genre you’re trying to write? How many hours have you spent researching for that topic to discuss? How many interviews have you done in order to have a sizable sample to support your findings? Or whatever it is. Have you done the work? Are you committed? And are you an expert in the thing that is yours?

I survived an era of blogging where everyone was selling you a class to tell you how to make a six-figure income whether they had done it or not. It is easier in this day and age to sell people without ever having to provide receipts. I come here on this newsletter each week talking about the things I know. How to brand and market. How to approach projects in a way that will get them through to completion. Elements of writing that I’ve worked to improve myself. How to get a book over the finish line having sold and published a debut. I am someone who has spent the time and even still realize and know there is so much for me to learn.

How have we invested in being the best at our approach to writing? It could be as simple as working through a book like the Novel Blueprint or Save the Cat, to participating in a notable workshop or as far as completing an MFA. But the more that you can say you have done the work, the more you can rest on knowing that even in the face of the NOs, it’s not an indictment on your value, but simply not the right place for you right now. Things like imposter syndrome no longer have a place because you know, I belong here, again, because I’ve done the necessary things required to be here.

I have felt renewed in a sense of wanting to be a bit obsessive about my work. Not by neglecting other things, that’s not real life, but by being less distracted and more invested in educating myself and executing on the highest level possible.

There was an interview clip floating around the internet where a Seahawk’s player was talking about being inspired by Beyonce after seeing her live in concert. The guys of The Pivot laughed, saying, “So Bobby Wagner was inspired to work harder in football by Beyonce?” While it was said in jest, the young man replied with “why not?” at the end of the clip. I’m here to say that I’m inspired by Beyonce daily. But this time around, I heard a consistent message in the stories of these various performers that there is a certain level of dedication that will keep you in your field for 30 years plus. This week, I’m immensely inspired and motivated by that. Not to “work harder” because honestly I know I work hard, we all do in this capitalist society, but to become an expert, to strive for excellence, and to value the development period without rushing to glory.

How has writing life been going for you so far this year? I’d love to know. Feel free to shoot me a reply.

SPIN has a new interview series featuring owners of hole-in-the-wall record stores. If you have a suggestion and want to contribute, reach out: ryan.reed@spin.com.

Quressa Robinson is opening to queries on Feb. 9th. Looking for stabby, dark, murdery YA Fantasy. Psychological YA horror and thriller. BIPOC Romantasy. Adult fantasy and sci-fi. https://www.foliojr.com/quressa-robinson.

The Hurston/Wright Foundation is hiring an Executive Administrative Assistant. Email info@hurstonwright.org for more information.

Afar Media is hiring an Editorial Assistant. (Remote, $40-50k).

Capitol Hill Books is hiring a Full-Time Bookseller. (DC, $18-22/hr)