Hold on to Why

Byaudenjohnson

 Awhile ago, I lost sight of what I said in the post Why I write. Writing stopped being therapeutic. It felt far too much like work. This is no longer the case but then, it became harder and harder to actually sit in front of my computer or before a journal and give my characters the attention they needed and deserved. I still loved writing and thought of my characters often. When I did write, I’d get lost in my stories, in editing, in watching my characters interact and grow. I heard them calling, pleading. Their voices broke my heart but I didn’t give them what they wanted. I just couldn’t bring myself to sit and work on my stories.

I really wanted to though and I always planned to. I just didn’t feel like it and I still have no idea why. I want to say I was preoccupied with grad school and work but I’m still busy and I’m writing more than ever. Who knows why it happened. Does the why even matter? There are just points where being a writer gets kinda heavy.

To say getting published is hard is an egregious understatement and being a writer doesn’t get any easier once you’re published (so I’ve heard). Writing, in general, is far more work then I expected but, if you feel you’re a writer then write. I know, eventually, all this work will pay off. And, what am I gonna do, quit? Yeah, like that’s really an option. I just need to hold onto to that next time I forget why I want to be a published writer. If everything was easy, life would be no fun.

 
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“Far away in the sunshine are my highest inspirations. I may not reach them…”
“…but I can look up and see the beauty, believe in them and try to follow where they may lead.”

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4 Comments

  1. Being a writer isn't easy. It's full of rejection and questioning whether we are good enough. And you're right, it's not easier after getting published. In fact, in some ways it's harder because more is expected of you. But I tell myself that I write because it's who I am. It's not a choice. It's part of me. So focus on all that's great about writing because there are a lot of great things about it. And keep writing.

  3. You've got to enjoy what you write to keep it going, in my opinion. I'm glad you started up again. Sometimes our minds just need that break to put things in perspective

  4. Thank you for sharing such relevant topic with us. I really love all the great stuff you provide. Thanks again and keep it coming.

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