April 18, 2022
We all get discouraged at one time or another (or all the time!) in the process of writing. How do you defeat the feeling?
Most of us have those days. Days when it’s hard to put words on paper because there’s a chance no one will ever read them, or your inner voice says they aren’t good enough. Times when it’s tempting to give up. Days when books sales seem non-existent. I do.
How do I get past that? It can be tough.
I wish I had a fellow author living next door, someone to sit and talk writing with, but most of my communication with other authors is done via social media. Although it’s helpful, it isn’t the same as talking to them face-to-face. Still, any affirmation is helpful.
Another way to find support is on-line. Reading positive reviews from readers can help. Knowing that other people appreciate your work can be a boost to the ego. Or, at least, provide a temporary lift to the spirit.
But the best way I have found to fight despair is to go back and read my own work. It may not be well-known or award-winning or on the best-seller list, but it’s proof that I’ve accomplished something that not everyone can. I wrote a book. And it’s not bad. Actually, I’ve released ten now, and to see them lined up on a shelf is a thrill. Yes, I know there are plenty of people who have written more, but ten is nine more than I ever thought I’d write back when I first started.
One thing I remind myself on days when I an having a rough time – don’t take myself too seriously. I have a bad habit of doing that.
Here’s where I should close with some marvelous deep and wise words of wisdom. But I’m not feeling particular wise today, so we’ll skip that. Instead, I’m going to head over to the other posts on this hop, to find out the secrets that others may share. Just follow the links below.
Until next time, please take care of yourself.
April 18, 2022
We all get discouraged at one time or another (or all the time!) in the process of writing. How do you defeat the feeling?
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Yes, I agree with not taking it all too seriously. It’s a hobby, and therefore writing should be an enjoyable pastime.
Most of the time writing is enjoyable, but I do some of my best work when I have to pull on my hardest emotions. It’s not enjoyable until I see the end reslt.
Sure. If I didn’t find it enjoyable I wouldn’t do it.
Your line – but ten is nine more than I ever thought I’d write back when I first started.
I hit a wall writing my 2nd book – it was 1/2 done. A mentor said – finish the and get it published then you can call yourself a multi-published author. That struck a chord. o, I did.
Tweeted.
I like that word- multi-published. I never thought of applying it to myself.