Although the current politically correct climate desires to shield its children from "failure", failure is an undeniable part of life. Without it, it's impossible to appreciate the lack of it. And without experiencing it, it's impossible to recognize success. Failure(s) will compel you forward to success, anything to avoid or resist practicing it again.
Most writers experience failure(s). It varies in substance, amount, and content, but failure is a definite part of writing if the goal is publication. The interesting part of an author's "failure(s)" is that the lack of success isn't always based on talent or knowledge or presentation. Some of the purported greatest writers of all time have been disrespected in rejections, addressed as abject failures with insulting rhetoric by publishing industry professionals, and never achieved any of their successes while alive. Daunting to consider.
The farther a writer proceeds in the area of fiction, the more he understands his limitations. He or she realizes that some sentences, some paragraphs, some chapters, some stories will not meet the ever-increasing bar of self-imposed standards. Failure hangs there like a manuscript in effigy on every page of work. The challenges are never-ending if writing is pursued. And failure(s) can be imminent.
However, it should be noted in the case of writing stories, you cannot please some professionals or some readers. Your endeavors might be considered failure(s) to one group but outstanding successes to others. This is the paradox of writing fiction. Personally, I would never include Ernest Hemingway in a list of great writers. In fact, I think he was a poor writer, conceding that he told some good stories. Yet he is viewed by many as a complete success, an author of classic literature, a style to be emulated. No way. Some also consider William Faulkner as one of the greatest authors of American literature. Oh, please. I had to force myself to read his work in school. I hated his writing style.
As a writer, a key to seeing where you've failed or if you've succeeded is to chase the love of writing with your whole heart. Make sure you're inspired, not just driven. Desire to understand the art of writing and make your reading a valuable commodity. Some writers who launch themselves into telling stories haven't benefitted from worthwhile reading. No better teachers than those who've written amazing stories. Craft books will help fill in the blanks or gaps in identifying problems or organizing approaches, but nothing will be as conducive to writing and creating good stories as reading the tales of truly good writers.
Another thing: can the false humility. If you don't like what you write, why bother? Writing takes mental and emotional exertion and investment. How much depends a lot on what kind of stories you write. Don't settle. Push yourself. Your first novel might be your best or it might be your worst. No telling if you don't finish it. And if you bury your manuscript under the dead oak tree, deeming it a failure, make sure you have no desire to resurrect it. The success of that experience is you finished writing a book. Now write a good one - or at least one you like. Determine for yourself if you really can.
The opportunities for good and bad writers are now abundant. The traditional publishing journey is getting to be a steeper climb and guarantees no success. E-books are presenting the grand alternative. Is that a good thing? Who can really say? There are good and bad writers in both venues. Failures and successes.
Failure is assured. Success isn't. But satisfaction can be.
Father, you have given me every inspired moment I've ever experienced. I acknowledge that apart from you, I can do nothing. Nothing. You are my success, my guarantee that I did one thing right and true in my lifetime: I bowed my knee to you. Thank you, Jesus. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.