Writers--Don't Stop Writing

 

Today's quote is pretty simple. Only seven words. Even so, it's good advice. "You fail only if you stop writing." 

There are many reasons people decide to stop writing. High among them is discouragement. How many times can you submit your work only to be rejected? Yes, we've all heard stories of writers who submitted a book manuscript numerous times before it was finally accepted. I admire those writers who didn't give up. It's not easy to keep putting yourself up for disappointment. One thing I'm guessing many of these writers all had is that they believed in what they'd written. Believing in yourself as a writer, as well as what you've written, should be high on the list of traits a writer should have. 

Problems in a writer's personal life can be so enormous that the writer has no time or will to continue writing. In cases like this, it is hoped that when the situation has calmed, the writer will go back to his/her craft. 

The writer who quits because of many rejections is one who should step back and try to figure out what he/she can do to improve. I would tell them to read books on the craft, then read some more. Attend workshops. It's amazing what you can learn in them from the instructor and form other attendees. It's easier than ever to attend a workshop as many are offered on Zoom. Look for a writing critique group but be open to taking their criticisms as a way of learning. It's too hard to try to do it all yourself. There are many kinds of help aids for writers. Avail yourself of them.

Another suggestion is to develop a tough skin. Learn to take criticism of your writing, whether it be in a classroom situation or a critique group or a note from an editor. How do you learn that? Maybe an attitude adjustment can help. Accept criticism of your writing as a learning tool. I find that the critiques I receive on the subs I send to my online writing group can open new doors into my understanding of the writing world. I consider that the members of my group are trying to help me make my submission the best it can be. 

Am I telling you to never become discouraged in your writing life? No, because there are many reasons we do become depressed over our writing life. We can rise above them if we develop a positive attitude. You don't want to give in to any discouragement you might be experiencing. 

Remember that old, possibly trite, adage that says: "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." I checked to see where the quote came from but found several places that claimed it. So, who really knows when it first came to light? That doesn't matter, what the advice it gives becomes the important part. 

If you feel like you should stop writing, give some thought to the points I've made in today's post. Take a little time off if you feel the need, but if you feel the itch to write something, do come back. 

One Way to Solve Your Writing Problems

 

Ever had a day in your writing world that makes you feel like walking away, never to return? We've all experienced those times when nothing goes right and we become frustrated and dejected, maybe even angry.

Negative thoughts rumble through our minds. Why did I ever think I could write? Who is going to read this drivel of mine? Will I ever get an acceptance after submitting? Why won't this story work right? And many more. 

Before the day is over, we decide we are quitting. No more struggling along our writing journey. No more searching for ideas and inspiration to write. No more getting stalled in the middle of a story. No more searching for markets. No more worrying that what I write is drivel. No more...

The list can go on and on. Days like those cited above are the times when we are on the verge of quitting this writing game. If it's happened to you, you are not alone. When things go right, we're happy to be a writer, but when they don't, why not just give up? 

Our poster today gives us some good advice to use when we are in that 'I quit' mode. It says 'When you feel like quitting, think about why you started.' That's a WOW! 

Step away from writing for a few days and give thought to the reasons you started writing. Maybe it was only months ago, more likely years. Think about what led you to the writing world, what excited you about the craft, what made you want to continue. What, or who, inspired you? Why were you willing to give up part of your social life to write? 

After some thinking time, make a list of the positives and negatives of your writing life, or maybe title your list Pros and Cons of My Writing World. I hope the positive, or pro, side is the longer list. 

Maybe your memories of why you started writing in the first place will inspire you to keep going. Attitude plays a role here, too. If you are willing to work on the problem areas with the thought that things will improve, you're halfway there. If you dwell on the dark areas, you could sink deeper. 

Don't only consider the way you started writing, but also where you want to go. To get there, you'll need to work on the areas that have been problems for you. They aren't going to magically correct themselves. You are the one who has to do that. When we start writing, we're a little scared, but also excited. Recapture some of that excitement and keep moving ahead.