When You Want To Give Up Writing
Start writing a post
Entertainment

When You Want To Give Up Writing

Writing is really, stupidly hard.

101
When You Want To Give Up Writing
George Becker

Being a writer feels a whole lot like what I imagine being an applicant to American Idol feels like.

If you suck, people will tell you.

And the worst part is that, like many of those singers, my chosen creative path means absolutely everything to me, so when people send me rejection letters or lose interest halfway through a summary or straight-up laugh at my work, it feels like someone jabbed a cold knife through my esophagus. Then, in the weeks and months (and sometimes years) that follow in which I scrutinize every detail of those rejections, I feel an awful lot like giving up.

If you've read any of my previous articles, you've hopefully gotten the vibe that I think writing is awesome. I still believe that - I always will - but as this year draws to a close and I look back at my projects, I feel an acute exhaustion. In January, I wrote a 30,000-word action piece that was quite fun in the moment, but which I fear I've pinned too much hope on since then. In April, I wrote most of a novel that I actually stopped writing and haven't picked up again (I haven't abandoned a novel since 2011). In July, I once again subjected myself to the same novel that's been plaguing me with its mediocrity since 2013 (and still isn't finished). In September, I wrote a 17,000-word short story that I haven't touched since and, the more I think about it, the less I like it. This November, I'm going to rewrite the ending of that 2013-book again and hopefully write a new novella that I have done no planning for whatsoever. And in between all of this, I have been submitting to publishers and contests fairly regularly and have gotten the same response every time: NO.

Now, if you write less than me, you might find this facetious. I'm not trying to be, especially since I'm well aware of (and know) people who write more than I do. This isn't about quantity, it's about persistence and enthusiasm. And let me tell you, as someone who pushes for persistence and enthusiasm as the major factors in any writer's pursuits, it's pretty darn difficult to keep up the gig.

I don't believe anyone should give up.

I feel like giving up a lot.

As of this moment, the exhaustion and frustration won't disappear simply because I write about motivation every other week. It's a daily brawl. Some days I feel a whole lot better about my creativity than I do right now. For me, it's a matter of constantly reminding myself that I have no choice but to win that brawl and just keep writing. I truly believe that the day I stop writing will be the day I lose my identity, and that's something I never want to have to admit to myself when I look in the mirror one day.

In the meantime, I'll just hope this will all look better in a few months. Writing isn't easy, and it's okay to admit we sometimes want to give it up, too.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

14983
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

944960
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

122027
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments