December 13, 2010

[Writing goes in cycles. I am tempted to quit every few years! This weekend when I was particularly frustrated with a revision that isn't going well, I went back through my blog and found this. It helped me--and maybe it's worth repeating for you too. This is from several years ago...]

What’s the Use?

Yesterday I dragged myself to the computer, bone weary, body aching, and tired of my writing project. The last few weeks I’d increased my writing hours a lot to meet my (self-imposed) deadline.

I imagine part of it was not feeling well, but yesterday I looked at the almost complete project and thought, What’s the use? This actually stinks. I bet I’ve wasted the last six months on this.

I couldn’t make myself get to work. So I did what most good writers do when they want to look like they’re working, but they’re not: I checked email.

Rescuing My Writing Day

And thanks to Suzanne Lieurance from “The Working Writer’s Coach” and her “Morning Nudge,” my writing day was rescued. This is what she sent yesterday that got me back to work.

The life of a freelance writer can be very frustrating at times. There are so many things to do and not enough time to do them all. Or – the writing seems to be going nowhere and you just can’t make yourself sit down and write. You work and work, seemingly to no avail.

So you begin to wonder – What’s the point? Am I really getting anywhere? But know this. If you’re starting to feel frustrated because you think you’ve been working WAY too hard for the few results all this work has produced, you’re on the verge (even though it may feel more like you’re “on the edge”). You’re on the verge of creating some powerful momentum.

Stick with it…  So many people give up, just when they are on the verge of great success. Just when they start to feel really frustrated. Just when they feel nothing is going the way they want it to. If that’s how you’re feeling right now – celebrate! You’re on the verge of wonderful, great things! You’re on the verge of creating that powerful momentum that will move your writing career ahead to an entirely NEW and exciting level!

Today, relax and let go of that frustration, knowing you’re on the verge of great things. Try it!

I urge you to sign up today for Suzanne’s daily kick in the writing pants, “The Morning Nudge.” You’ll be glad you did!

8 Comments »

1. 

   Hi Kristi, Thanks so much for your encouragement…I go through the cycle more often than I would like to admit.

   Comment by TJ — December 13, 2010 @ 9:35 am

2. 

   TJ, I’m guessing we ALL go through this more often than we’d like to admit. I had not really expected this to be an ongoing part of the writing life. I wonder if it’s that way for all writers?

   Comment by Kristi Holl — December 13, 2010 @ 12:20 pm

3. 

   I’m with TJ, Kristi. It happens to me ALL THE TIME. This year more than in years past. I think because I push myself to reach higher every year.

   Sometimes though, the fear of failing in terms of being stuck on a draft of a book, or feeling like the rewriting will NEVER end, or that you can’t balance what makes the book fun for readers and what’s fun for YOU, too.

   That said, I have to say that after reading this post, I know that I do often reach the points of turning a corner in my craft, yet at the time it’s happening I either feel my best just isn’t enough when I get feedback from my writer’s group, and it feels like nothing changed in my skill level,even though I devoted many hours and sleepless nights struggling to achieve something to inch me and work forward.

   One caution I want to express with all my heart to those of you out there who critique other writer’s work, and are revising books and stories of your own, remember to always acknowledge the courage they have, and you have, to keep going, even when you hear the same issues over and over and over, despite all those long hours and sleepless nights you did to get rid of them.

   I still struggle with celebrating the small things when I long for the big succulents, like getting an agent or getting paid for my writing, whichever comes first.

   Many people, both in my group, and on forums I frequent, keep telling me I need to take solace in the writing process, and I honestly do, but that doesn’t change the fact that I want to be published and paid for my hard work, even though I enjoy it.

   I find it hard to express that, without coming off like a jerk, like I wouldn’t if I didn’t get paid for it, which is NOT true and never will be.

   I hope since we overlap in our thinking a lot, you understand how I feel, Kristi. If not, I’m happy to elaborate.

   Taurean

   Comment by Taurean Watkins — December 13, 2010 @ 4:13 pm

4. 

   Taurean, thanks for a great post! Yes, I agree that it takes lots of courage to keep going, keep trying to improve, take advice and sort through it, and keep on keeping on! I don’t blame you at for wanting to be published and paid for your work. Your story–your path to publication–isn’t that unusual, if it makes you feel any better. (It probably doesn’t!) Again, thanks for being so honest.

   Comment by Kristi Holl — December 13, 2010 @ 5:33 pm

5. 

   Two rejections today right after returning home from a frustrating shopping trip. What a Happy Monday–ha,ha. I really need this tonight. Thanks, Kristi. Maybe I’ll read it again with a cup of soothing tea.

   Comment by Deanna — December 13, 2010 @ 8:39 pm

6. 

   Note, I meant to say “Little Successes”

   Taurean

   Comment by Taurean Watkins — December 14, 2010 @ 4:22 am

7. 

   Deanna, soothing tea plus chocolate works better! I remember one day early in my career that I got THIRTEEN rejections in one day. My country mailbox was stuffed full. I had about twenty stories circulating at the time. I don’t remember thinking of quitting, but I do know I ate an entire pan of brownies after the kids went down for their naps!

   Comment by Kristi Holl — December 14, 2010 @ 8:35 pm

8. 

   thanks for this good article..

   Comment by heiji — September 1, 2011 @ 11:39 am

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