I too wish someone had told me this years ago. A few days before I came across this quote, I was speaking to an actor-turned-director inside of a cafe. I don't normally speak with strangers when plugging away on my laptop, but a strange combination of a whim, a gut feeling, and old fashioned feline curiosity finally got the best of me. The only regret I have now is not swapping contact information, but some acquaintances are meant to be the most fulfilling as a one-time-deal. Long story short, we fell into the topic of screenwriters and screenplays, and my own love for writing. He gave me a piece of advice that stuck with me, and that made the timing of this quote so much more powerful: be mindful who you let critique your work. Everyone thinks themselves a writer, and will attempt to rewrite your work to their own tastes. Stay true to yourself, and work hard, and you'll do well.

I've said it once and I'll say it again, timing is everything.

Quote © Ira Glass