The Appalachian Writer

Confidence or Arrogance? What's The Difference?

In a perfect world, the line between confidence and arrogance is always distinct. We are raised to know the difference in the two, confidence is encouraged, arrogance shunned. In this mystical realm, there are detailed and thorough guides explaining the vast differences between the two. In the writing world, the line isn't so clear to everyone. After time and experience the differences are more obvious, but starting out the separation is obscure. So what does make a confident writer?

What makes an arrogant writer? Arrogance is a hateful emotion that everyone dislikes. It is often seen as ignorance or a symptom of a psychological disorder. The concept of faith in what you write is often confused. Instead of seeing you as having simple confidence or ambition when it comes your writing, others may see you as egotistical or superior. Even in today's world there are still primitive mentalities. Some even believe that you are an arrogant author just because you submit. Instead of even considering such statements, look at the legitimate and the ludicrous:

• What would happen if a doctor decided they just weren't arrogant enough to operate?
• What if an attorney changed his mind to represent you because he felt he just wasn't self-absorbed enough to justify practicing law and possibly winning the case?

It works in every field. Writing is more than an art form. It's more than simply being heard. Professional writing is a business and you have to logically approach the business based upon the history of it. All writers, regardless of genre or material, submit their work to be examined by agents or publishers. It is a simple procedure that does not change. You submit, they accept or reject, and everyone goes on with their lives. Inventors invent, painters create and attempt to get into galleries, musicians record demos and submit them to record companies. The entire artistic spectrum hinges on the same common methods of submission and acceptance. Confidence, on the other hand, is a wonderful concept to have.

It is humbling to realize there's always room for improvement. It's freeing because you know you write for a reason. It can give you the extra gusto when the rejections seem to come in pairs or even groups. It helps you lose your inhibitions and gives you the audacity to persistently follow your dream. Above all other qualities, confidence lets you go where your Muse takes you.

Arrogance, on the other hand, will tell you that you are perfect. Your first drafts are flawless. Your work is to be enjoyed by millions and you will be the next brand name author within months. It tells you that you don't need to improve and anyone who remarks in any negative way, regarding your work, will be jealous. Conceit often feigns modesty and is only shown when something disagreeable arises. Unfortunately, this often isolates the arrogant writer. Instead of appreciating the differences in opinions and the concern from others, they will believe they are simply a tortured artist whom no one understands. Arrogance will most likely never see publication and will not grow or develop in their writing life. Arrogance often crowds professionalism and forces it to be a secondary priority. Their behaviors with writing peers are often akin to that of how they address and query potential agents or editors. They approach with a little too much confidence and no professional willingly accepts that type of business relationship.

When you begin separating the profiles and common qualities made by different writers, you can clearly see the line between confidence and arrogance. Are you arrogant to submit? No. Are you conceited to aspire towards publication? Not at all. Confidence is a beautiful quality that is gentle and flexible. When you're able to have faith in your work, you will persevere when the rest of the world tells you to give up. Eventually, you will succeed.