Have you ever been in a position when you didn’t know what to do next? As a writer, has there been a time when you thought that this was the end of your writing career?
Ever thought why do writers fail? Why is it that we hear endless stream of stories where writers confess they have failed in their mission be it writing a fiction book, promoting a non-fiction blog, creating a new website or marketing their copywriting services?
If you can relate to that feeling, keep on reading.
Reason Why Writers Fail
The answer to this question is surprisingly very simple. So much so that it may startle you. Writers fail because they give up.
Once you give up, there is no chance of a survival. You have surrendered–it’s a finished story. Therefore, the very first thing that a writer must keep in mind, and I am trying and learning this myself with each passing day, is to never give up.
The Multi-tasking Face of Writing
In the present-day scenario, if you are a writer, you are also your own HR team, Chief Marketing Officer, Creative Director, Financial advisor, Product Developer and the Admin personnel. Won’t you agree?
For example, who markets you when you’v written a shiny new piece on your blog? Who hears you out when you have complains about the late nights in the business? Who brings out a creative solution to a problem? Who manages the finances?
YOU.
So, let’s face it. Being a writer in the 21st century is like being a multi-preneur. You have to play multiple roles and you have to juggle between them. You are your best friend and you are your best advisor. So stick to. . . yourself!
It is Easy to Lose Hope
As you can see, after facing the plethora of roles a writer has to play, it is but human to just let it all go and relieve ourselves from the burdens of taking things further. But that’s where you must oppose you. That’s where you have to stop yourself from giving up.
Empathise with yourself, pamper or coax yourself. But don’t think of giving up.
Writing Is Like Trekking
A good analogy is that of trekking. Once you decide to keep going on the upward spiral trail, you will soon discover that you’ve reached the summit–a peak. You can sit back and relax, enjoying the view from the top.
This top, however, is one of the many tops you can conquer. So after sipping on that Orange juice, revive and get back on the trail.
Have you ever seen a trekker expect a simple trail? What a good trekker expects, rather, is a path full of ups and downs and spirals, and a constant need to readjust. As a writer, it’s best to emulate that trekker who expects trouble but outshines.
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How do you keep from giving up as a writer? Got tips to share with us?
Photo by bortescristian via Flickr.
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Tags: inspiration, writer, writing tips
I agree with all the points you mentioned. Being a writer nowadays is very hard and it’s fairly easy to lose hope, but if writers stick in there and keep ‘trekking’ forward, then the reward and satisfaction they get is huge!
Love how you put it, Rachel. Writers need to keep “trekking” forward!
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Pooja
You hit the nail on the head with this: “Writers fail because they give up.” I find on the trek I have to celebrate achievements, even if it’s only a small peak I’ve scaled. My inclination is to say “But look at that peak ahead,” and become discouraged at where I’m not, rather than pleased at where I am. The latter step can help me move forward.
You mirror my thoughts, Patrick. Let’s rather look at the light at the tunnel’s end, what do you say?
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Pooja
Isn’t that true of most things in life. If you truly want to do something you will. If not the excuses will come.
It IS true for all that happens in life, Duke. I’m sure your wise, long experience says that.
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Pooja
It’s good to be reminded that we have to keep readjusting as we go. Sometimes it’s tempting to give up, but it’s good to be reminded that we will eventually succeed if we keep at it.
It is good, And important, to be reminded, isn’t it Tessa?
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Pooja
“It doesn’t really matter how fast you’re going if you’re heading in the wrong direction.” ~ Stephen Covey
Some self-proclaimed writers are on the WRONG ROAD. They like the idea of writing, but its a romantic vision, not a passion.
They aren’t really “writers.” They SHOULD give up.
Perseverance is good . . . provided that we are headed in the right direction.
Sometimes the opposition we face is the Universe’s way of saying, “Turn Around. You’re on the WRONG road.”
How do you know whether to “keep on keeping on”?
Look deep. The answers lie within.
But of course, it’s important to follow one’s passion. Somehow, passion leads to a right road, or a right road is discovered while we follow our passions.
Thanks for the wise quote there, Nancy.
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Pooja
Yes, a writer’s a company all by oneself. If you don’t celebrate the small successes you are apt to lose courage. That’s were a writing group can keep you ‘trekking’.
Yes, a writing group is one way to go! It’s more like the granula bar Janna talks about below. A support system.
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Pooja
I do agree that giving up is a accepting failure. I also liked Nancy’s points about looking for cues to see if we are on the right path.
I’ve got my granola bars and extra water just in case the path is longer than I accounted for
Thanks for sharing the thoughts, Janna! Keep those bars handy
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Pooja
It is that simple! I love and appreciate your insight. All it takes is just one move to go from failure to person-who-is-taking-matters-into-their-own-hands. There is a perturbing line between the two that constantly floors me. What pushes us over the line to decide we’re going to give up? And how do we get ourselves back over?
Lauren,
Thanks! Simple, is’nt it? Yet how simple do we make it in our everyday life?
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Pooja
I hear you. I’ve made the mistake of failing to diversify in terms of my clients and stuck with a few ones. It was good working with these people but, of course, one has to get as many sources of projects as possible in case some of the working assignments already end.
But we have to move on, of course.