The writing life is one of ups and downs. Not occasionally but almost always. For every joy, there is a sorrow. Sometimes writers feel like they are riding a fast rollercoaster, climbing high, then dipping down, only to climb up again.
Our quote today tells us to never give up. I agree, but I would add one word 'never give up easily.' When we're in the valleys instead of on the mountain tops, it's much easier to give up than to make that tough climb again.
What do you need to keep trying, to keep writing, when you receive one rejection after another or when a story or a book just isn't working out like you'd hoped? You need to do what the first part of the quote says...Go over, under, around, or through... In other words, you must try different approaches.
Most of us are creatures of habit. Once we settle into a routine, we tend to stay there. If things are not working to our satisfaction on our writing journey, we need to try a new way. Do that...Go over, under, around, or through instead of staying with what we've always done.
Trying new ways can be a bit scary at first, but you'll never know if it was worthwhile unless you do try. What's the worst thing that can happen? It doesn't work out like you'd hoped, so you go back to the old way, or find another path to take.
If you have the passion to write, feel driven to write, and love the craft, don't ever give up. My first boss had a saying that drove all the salesgirls nuts as he repeated it so often. He said, "Success comes in cans, not can'ts." That was back in the late '50s, and I have thought of that saying many times since. I'm sure it was not original with him, but he passed along some good advice.
Go over, under, around, or through, but never give up.
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