If you’re like me, you’re probably surrounded by other writers. If not in real life, at least online. And while writers often tend to be humble introverts who don’t like talking about their writing, one thing they do like to do is share how many words they wrote the night before, or how many books they finished writing so far this year.
And then there are writers like me. The ones who write a lot slower and don’t have a dozen complete manuscripts. We don’t hate or envy the wordsmiths we associate; instead we inspire to be more like them. Write those 2000 words every day. Finish that second manuscript by the end of March.
We set the goals. We get to work. And then we fall behind. And then we try to catch up. And we make some progress, but then we fall further behind. And before you know it, all of those goals we set are no longer positive milestones to reach for, but instead glaring billboards reminding us of our failures.
In the meantime, while we’re fighting and cursing at our imperfect plot our other writer friends continue to publish new novels.
We get overwhelmed and then we quit.
Does that sound familiar? I hope not; at least not that part about quitting.
But I think it is far too common of a thing. New writers who start writing and don’t see any measurable success fast enough, so they just call it quits and watch TV.
So if you’re one of those writers who are feeling overwhelmed or have fallen way behind on your goals and are thinking of quitting, please don’t. We’ve all been there. Here are 5 ways to kick those feelings of failure to the curb and keep going, even when it’s not easy.
Enjoy the process.
You started writing for a reason. And that reason most likely had something to do with the fact that you enjoy writing fiction. Don’t forget that. Even if you never sell a single short story, remember that you’re doing this in part because you enjoy writing.
Look at your accomplishment objectively.
So what if Billy Bob the writer is bragging on Twitter that he wrote 3500 words tonight. Whether he writes 0 or a million words, don’t affect you at all. Not one bit. Look at your own accomplishments and take pride in them. Everything you’ve written, every word, sentence, or complete novel or short story is unique in the world. You literally created something that has never been created before. Whether your did it as fast as Billy Bob or doesn’t doesn’t affect that one iota.
Keep the end in sight.
All of the little daily goals don’t actually matter. I know that sounds a little contradictory to some of my old posts on goals, but really, the only purpose your smaller goals serve is to help you reach your larger goals. If your big goals is to get a big-five contract, focus on that and make sure you continue to work toward that goal. Dwelling on how far you are behind on your word count for the month will not help you get there.
Take a break.
If writing is no longer enjoyable, take a break. Walk away for a few weeks or months. But I want to caution you; don’t just watch sports and lounge around during the time off. You write fiction because you have the need to create things. So while you’re not writing, pick up another hobby or side-gig that will continue to exercise your creative brain.
Write a sentence.
This on might sound dumb, but if you’re feeling down or overwhelmed about your writing, this can help lift your spirits. Seriously, grab a piece of paper and write a sentence about anything. And then read it over and over and find out what makes it great. Because that’s also what also makes you great as a writer.
And that’s it. You’re a writer. You’ll always be a writer. And when you are feeling down or insecure about that, follow a few of these tips and always remember that just because another writer is successful, it does not mean you are a failure.
What tips do you have for getting back on track when you’re feeling down? Leave a comment and let us know!
Very encouraging! Thank you.