Ever
feel this way? You’re not alone. I recently read this article: http://thewritersguidetoepublishing.com/i-quit
about a talented author who quit and even went so far as to remove EVERYTHING she
had ever written from public view. This article gives a glimpse into why she
made this decision.
It’s
so sad, so discouraging, so… normal to have these feelings. If you want to
persevere instead of giving up, remember these three tips.
1.
Anticipate rejection, failure, and low self-esteem
- It happens. It’s part of the journey. It helps to find encouragement from
spouses, friends, writers/critique groups or bloggers. Writing is a lonely
occupation and any of these connections can help eliminate the type of solitary
despair writers often experience. If you find yourself unable to find an
immediate connection, keep a collection of quotes – encouraging words from
people who mean a lot to you or whom you admire.
2.
Stop comparing yourself to other writers - Unless that
comparison gives you the courage to keep writing, don’t do it. You are not that
writer. You never will be. Be you. That’s what you’re best at. You have no idea
what that individual went through before finding the accomplishment you envy.
The grass hasn’t always been greener.
3.
Keep writing and submitting - Don’t let your fear
debilitate you. Writing is hard, but not writing is harder. Anyone who
truly loves to write can tell you it is a part of their soul. Allow yourself to
keep writing and submitting. As a friend of mine likes to say, “If you throw
enough mud at the wall, eventually some of it is going to stick.” The same is
true with your work. You can’t control what agents and editors like, but you
can control your work ethic.
So, let yourself keep going, keep improving, and keep living.
Need a pick me up? Here is a fun list of ten reasons I’m thankful to be a
writer: http://writinginwonderland.blogspot.com/2010/11/thankful-writer.html
How about you? Why do you write? What helps you to keep going?
16 comments:
Uh, totally feeling like that author today, Sylvia. Totally. :(
Linda - Don't give up! You have so much talent. Write for yourself first, everything else will fall in place over time.
Thanks for the reminder to never give up we need to hear this sometimes. I know those feelings of rejection as do most writers I'm sure.
Rejection is not a nice word in various situations, but it do spur one on to achieve your goal.
Yvonne.
Great reminder. Just was reading Julia Cameron's the Artist's Way on this very subject. One door shuts? Knock on another!
I feel like this every time I get a rejection! Staying positive is hard but I have to in order to carry on. And I will carry on.
I write to exist. So no matter what I can't stop.
Great reminder. Thanks for sharing.
I write for myself. I celebrate everytime I find exactly the right word. The satisfaction is getting it right for me. Fortunately I'm not trying to make a living with words so I can afford to please only myself.
I so know that feeling.
Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly
It is a sad story, but it sounds like the author in question really considered it and decided she didn't want to write anymore. When you stop finding the joy in writing, maybe it is time to step back...
When I get discouraged I put the WIP away and purposefully write something that's just plain fun...like a letter to my dog or an extensive wish list or a silly poem. If I can't think of anything that sounds like fun to write, I find something that's fun to read. Shel Silverstein comes to mind.
I'm not a writer, I am in sales. That said, I love your blog. Amazing insight. Zero judgement. I should have you give my husband pointers! Cheers :)
I write because it is in my nature to write. it's in my soul. I've been writing professional for 40+ years. I cannot see myself not writing.
That said, I don't want to re-cover the walls of my study with rejection slips. So I don't put myself into that position. If you're going to pay me to write, let me know what you want, and how much you will pay me. That keeps things simple.
Other than that, I'll write for free. There's much less stress in that.
So, I write what I like and put it out there. People can read it, and comment if they want. And they can choose not to. But I won't stop writing. Because writing a big part of who I am.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting
Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)
Thanks for this wonderful blog. It is very inspiring.
Sonnia J. Kemmer
I spent so many years writing business letters and emails, etc that I seem to have lost the art of writing. I started a blog simply to try and get back into writing and as a way to keep in touch with overseas family. I am just having fun doing something sort of creative for a change and that's simply a way to use my brain again.
Post a Comment