11 Things Dogs Teach Writers About Life, Love, And Success

Let’s “paws” a moment to honor man’s (and woman’s!) best friend! Join us all at Writer’s Relief (WritersRelief.com) as we celebrate our clever pups with so much to teach writers about life, love, creativity, and success. 1. “Big” is all about attitude. Don’t be intimidated by the big dogs: writers with more experience or acceptance. Remember: Inside the tiniest terrier beats the heart of a Great Dane! 2. You CAN teach an old dog new tricks. You’re never too old to start writing—or to keep writing! 3. Develop a taste for new ideas. As a writer, your success will stem in part from your willingness to embrace different ideas. So go dig up some unexpected and inspiring experiences to enjoy. 4. Puppy love isn’t just for babies. As you spend more time writing—and the inevitable rejections begin to arrive—your initial love affair with your work might begin to change, even fade. Take a tip from your pooch and from us here at Writer’s Relief: Never lose your sense of curiosity and wonder. 5. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you. It’s a dog-eat-dog industry, and you might occasionally get irritated with an editor or agent. But it always pays to be nice. 6. Don’t worry about looking silly. Dogs don’t worry about how ridiculous they look! So don’t take yourself too seriously or be afraid to have some doggone fun—whether you’re writing the world’s most brilliant prose or a bit of “punny” poetry. 7. Take a break and go for a walk (or a bounce!). Writers work like dogs. But everybody needs a break sometimes. You’ll feel recharged and motivated when you get back to your desk to write. 8. Be “dogged.” “Dogged” means “the attitude of a person who is stubborn and determined.” Be a dogged writer. 9. Don’t let the tail wag the dog. Sometimes you might feel like the writing life is beating you up. Stay focused on your goals, and don’t let the little disappointments bring you down! 10. Don’t obsess over stuff. If you have a ruff day, forgive yourself, forgive others, shake it off—and do it quickly. 11. Everyone loves an underdog. We all start somewhere. Sooner or later, you’ll be the pick of the litter. And then—hot dog!—the stories you’ll tell.