As a writing geek, I peruse a lot of writing blogs and online writers’ circles on Twitter, tumblr, Facebook. One thing I see frequently on these forums (as well as in various books on the writing craft) is this notion of having to suffer for one’s art.

Look, I’ll be the first to admit that writing isn’t easy. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart. You’ll go through moments of crippling self-doubt, face criticisms (sometimes warranted, but all-too often, not), and suffer the highs and lows...