Two Major Reasons Why a Big Ego is Necessary for Creative Success
BY DANIELLE ELAINE
What is your writing kryptonite?
I would have to say discipline and social media. I cannot sit still for too long, and I often pick up my phone and head straight to socials and get lost there way longer than I should.
Do you believe that a big ego helps or hurts writers?
I think a big ego is necessary for all creatives. It is necessary to fuel the drive to publish our work. If we do not believe in our work, if we do not have the confidence to share and showcase our work, then what's the point?
What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I hope I'm not forgetting anyone, but I don't think I have any author friends.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Start sooner. Write more, read more and look to publish your work sooner. Do not give into the fear of others’ perceptions and live out loud. Now.
What does literary success look like to you?
Becoming a multi-time New York Times bestselling author with all my books in the homes of my favorite creatives and completely living off royalties from writing. Being financially stable and worry-free, able to live outside of the U.S. and write from a remote, tropical location.
How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Publishing my first book opened me up to working with others, seeking outside editors and feedback to make sure my projects are perfect before they release. I was so used to being hyperindependent previously, but now I am open to asking for help when and where its needed and not rushing the process so much.
What advice would you give a new writer just starting out?
Just write! Don't think about everything—just get it out of your head and down on paper. Worry about the fine details and following the writing rules after. That's what the editing process is for. I would also say don't be scared of change. And also that it's okay to take a step away and come back with fresh eyes. Remember that writing is art and you can create as you see fit. There is something out there for everyone, so just pour out your gift in your own way.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I have always considered myself a writer. It was initially my only form of communication. As I got older and read more, eventually, the desire began to share my words with the world.
What is the most difficult part about writing?
The most difficult part about writing for me is the actual act of sitting there and writing. I cannot sit still and work on one thing for too long. The task begins to feel tedious and I have to take a million breaks. I would prefer to make my mind up about writing fifty pages, so I’m just being able to sit and get it done with a laser focus.
“[A big ego] is necessary to fuel the drive to publish our work. If we do not believe in our work, if we do not have the confidence to share and showcase our work, then what’s the point?”
What is your favorite and least favorite part of the publishing journey?
Simultaneously, my favorite and least favorite part of the publishing journey is working with others. The lack of control is frustrating, because things aren't getting done in my desired time or as fast as I'd like. However, I love it because working with others has allowed me to elevate my work, which is important to me. I want to pour out the best I have to give in everything that I do.
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Yes, I have always wanted to be a writer. I actually published my first book in 1995. I vaguely remember it being a class project that our teacher put together. I also remember getting a typewriter I wanted for Christmas, and sitting in front of the TV, watching a Michael Jackson interview and fake typing on it as if I were a reporter. I had a list of things I wanted to be, and writer was at the top of my list, and so far it's what has stuck.
What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
The most difficult part of my artistic process is the discipline to keep working through those moments or feelings of stagnation. As a creative, I realized I'm always searching for this particular frequency rather than just being present and doing the work.
What famous author do you wish would be your mentor?
I wish Octavia Butler, James Baldwin and Tomi Adeyemi could be my mentors. I think these are phenomenal writers with powerful, poignant and timeless work.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Listening to music. I love it and I look forward to adding it to my resume of accomplishments as a writer at some point. Besides music, it's definitely reading books and tending to my plants.
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
Writing energizes me, because it's cathartic. It gives me an opportunity to pour out the things I've consciously or unconsciously locked away. When I'm fully engaged with my creativity, it makes me feel alive and offers a freedom I get high on.
If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?
I would read more, even though I actually read A LOT as a kid. I would ride my bike to the library in the summer and check out books daily. At some point, I lost that and I wish I hadn't. I would’ve also started a blog as a teenager and put myself out there more as far as contests, open mics and poetry slams.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
Too many! I have a novel, a script and two or three more books of poetry marinating.
Hailing from New Jersey, Danielle Elaine is prolific writer with a love affair for words. She is a self-published author of the book, Love Letters I Never Sent. Although she specializes in a wide range of poetry, she has gained experience writing for print and online publications such as KONTROL and KONTROL Girl Magazine, MommyNoire, MadameNoire and more. On a quest to pursue a passionate and purpose driven life, Danielle found herself on a journey of self-healing.
Through her rediscovery of crystals, she found herself following universal breadcrumbs to spiritual evolution, energetic growth and healing. Today, Danielle takes comfort in a fluid existence. As a Mother, creator, healer, vessel, she happily greets each day using the spiritual guidance and tools imparted to her. As a healer, and vessel she only seeks to show others, especially women and children, how easily they can free themselves from social shackles weighing down their physical, emotional, and spiritual bodies.