Dear
“I want to GIVE UP!” Writer,
There
had been a few times when I thought about giving up. Any writer worth his or
her salt has thought the same thing. When you’re so committed to a dream, but
you’re hitting road blocks or struggling, it’s very easy to throw your hands in
the air and say, “I give up! I quit! I can’t handle this anymore!”
Usually when
I said this, I was in tears; fed up with all the rejections and getting
nowhere. But did I give up? No. I didn’t have it in me to give up. You see,
writing is my life. Becoming a published author was my dream since I was twelve
(although I had been writing since I was five). I couldn’t stop writing no
matter how much I felt like throwing in the towel.
 |
| Image from Flickr |
As a
matter of fact, I still tell my mom, “Never get published.” Because although I
achieved that dream, being published is an all new ball game. It’s not easy to
publish, market, get reviews and readers, and I get fed up by it all from time
to time, especially during stressful moments.
If you
truly want to publish, you won’t give up either. You may feel like wanting to
give up when you face the dilemma of having to rewrite a book or do extensive
edits, but you pull up your bootstraps and do it.
You
may feel like burying yourself in a deep pit after months of rejections, but
you’ll take a deep breath and keep on submitting.
And
you may find all the steps to self-publish daunting and time-consuming, but
you’ll fist your hands together and do what you have to do.
That
is what a writer does: we go on even when it’s hard.
We go
on even when we want to stop.
We go
on….
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| Image from Flickr |
Author of Hurricane Crimes, Seismic Crimes, 30 Seconds, Ghost of Death, and Witch of Death. Blogger. Reader. Auntie. Vegetarian. Cat Lover.
10 comments:
When the mindset of "Give up" is established, it's difficult to journey through the land of Miasma and find Muse again. I know whereof I speak.
It's an accumulation of negatives that pile on. Maybe it hits all at once. Or perhaps the itch progresses to pain then turpitude. I don't know.
For me, it was a landslide of "I'm a bad writer", few reviews after giving away hundreds (yes, hundreds) of books, a vitriol laden one-star review, and marketing. The last is especially hard for a introvert like myself.
I haven't given up. I am working myself out of the slop I am in. It takes time.
*backs out of the spotlight and into the shadows once more*
@Huntress, I've been there, too. Years ago. But I fought through it because my dreams were stronger. It is tough to be a writer. I'm glad you haven't given up, and I hope you never do.
Sometimes you need to take a step back, but never give up. Even if you choose just to write for yourself.
I've decided not to try getting published. Call me a coward, but I'm happy. ~grin~ Great advice, by the way, though. And happy writing!
@Liz, taking a step back can be refreshing and help us to refocus.
@Darla, you're definitely not a coward. Choosing not to publish is an excellent choice. Write for yourself. Always. :)
I think we also have to acknowledge that writing is not the only means of self-expression. Too many people feel they HAVE to write when maybe something else would work better for them--painting, poetry, music. Everyone needs to find their own joy.
I've known a very tiny number of people who gave up. Their decision made me sad at the time. Over the years, I've realized it was easy for them because they weren't giving up on their dreams as much as a fad. Because writing for the rest of us isn't a fad, it's part of our DNA.
Ten minutes before the miracle...I like that.
I hadn't thought much about publication, only of writing and sharing, until my work was included in a collection of poems by high school students, published by Scholastic It was such a surprise and a wonderful honor! Then someone encouraged me to "make it worth my while". I was confused by that at first because writing IS worth my while. Anyway, here I am; forever writing, always hoping ;-) Thanks for this warm and encouraging reminder to never give up, Chrys!
@Kathleen, that's true, but I am one of those people who feel they HAVE to write. I do dabble in other forms of creative expression. For me, though, it is writing that's my passion.
@Joylene, it can be sad, especially for those of us who really do harbor this dream. But for some who do give up, as you said, it can be a good thing, because maybe their heart was fully in it.
@Diedre, publishing is always up to the writer. I truly was happier writing before I pursued publication, but I like sharing my stories. You're welcome! :)
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to write. I started writing when I was ten years old. Writing calms me, soothes me, frustrates me and I absolutely love it. I am not giving up. I think the hiatus I took this year from writing has given me a new urge to write again. Because I want to publish with my heart and soul.
Great write!
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