If I Don't Sell My Art I’m a Loser

Whatever your art is, what other people think about it is none of your business. Further, their opinions have ZERO bearing on your intrinsic worth as a human being.

Before you can make money selling your art, you have to make a working relationship with this idea:

People buying my art OR not buying my art has NO effect on my worth as a person.

I'm not a loser if I don't sell my art.

The way to do that is to make friends with the part(s) of you who think that statement above is pure crap, and that you’d be more loveable/smarter/worthy/relaxed or at least rich, if people buy your stuff.

My conversation with a part of me that's telling me I'll be more loveable if my book sells out

I sat down with the part of me that thinks I’ll be fully healed if people buy my books, and listened.

I invite you to use the questions in my conversation below with parts of yourself that feel you’ll be vindicated or loved, or at least chosen for the pickup basketball game once you become a “successful” artist. I added additional questions at the end of this Active Imagination that you can also use.

The conversation

Christy: Hi. Can Italk to the part of me that thinks that if I write a best-sellingbook, that I will finally be worthy?

Part: Sure.

C: Could you tell meabout yourself?

P: Sure. I’mthe part of you that knows you can succeed. That knows you have whatyou need to write a bestseller.

C: I feel sort of afraid of you.

P: I know.

C: Could you help me understand whatyou want for me?

P: I want you tosucceed with your writing. I want you to get your work into theworld.

C: Do you want me to do that becauseyou think it will make me feel worthy?

P: Well…I usethat as bait. It used to work better on you. You’ve publishedbooks, though, so you’re on to me.

C: Yeah. I sort of know that the highI’d get from one of my books turning into a bestseller wouldn’tlast very long.

P: It wouldn’t. We both know that.I used to hold the “feel more worthy” carrot in front of you soyou’d write an excellent book. That used to be my best tool. All Ireally want is for you to get your ideas into the world. Peoplereally need them.

C: What’s the best way for me tointegrate you in my life?

P: Follow your own directions. Focuson the process of writing the best book you can. Give the processyour undivided attention. Pre-edit. Get rid of the clichés. You knowwhat to do. Give it your best.

C: I think that’s what scares me. I’mnot sure how to give it my best.

P: You’re doing it now. It’s notsome big secret. Give this book time and effort. It’s notcomplicated.

C: Okay. I will. I guess I am already.Anything else you want me to know?

P: Have fun.

C: Have fun writing? How do I do that?It’s scary right now and sometimes I have a hard time making myselfsit down to do it.

P: I see that. You know what to doabout the sitting down part. Carve out the time like you’re doingtoday. Get all the crap out of your head and on paper first (thestuff you need to do later after you write) so it doesn’t bug you.Then think about your reader and write to her. Or him. Remember yourpurpose to heal money for creative people. The feeling you have now?That’s the fun. Messing around with words to convey your crucialmessage.

C: God. Crucial? For real?

P: Yes. Don’t freak. Just focus onyour readers. The fizzy feeling comes when you do that.

C: Okay. I will. Thank you.

P: You’re welcome.

Here are some additional questions to ask:

1. How do you feel about me selling my work?
2. What do you think will happen to me if I am successful at selling my work?
3. What might happen to my values and integrity if I sell a lot of work?
4. What about if I don’t sell a lot?
5. How do you think I would do with handling a lot of money?
6. How do you think selling a lot of my work will affect my creativity?
7. What do you want to protect me from?
8. Anything else you want me to know?

Addother questions that occur to you as you converse with your part(s).

Emailme or tell me how you did in the comments.