Not all writing is created equal.
I’m all for encouraging young, talented writers. But is it really kindness if a writer is in his or her mid-40s and still writes less well than the average fifth grader, to continue encouraging their delusion that they are destined to be the next Stephen King or James Patterson or Judy Blume?
I think not.
While it wouldn’t make good television, I think sometimes it’s not a bad thing to be a bit more Simon Cowell-like with some writers who just never show any improvement in their skill level. At some point, someone has to say, “That was just dreadful. It’s the worst thing I’ve ever read. I’m sorry, I’m not trying to be mean, but writing for a living is simply not for you.”
Sure, it would be as popular as a colon cleanse to offer anyone that advice unwelcomed. But how many years of rejection letters does it take to have someone decide, “OK, maybe I should try my hand at painting….?”
