Why you shouldn't give up on writing

Writing.
​It's a muse which can feel blissful or frustrating, depending on your circumstance.
Writing is difficult when you’re writing for an audience that expects you to entertain, inform, or share your creativity. 
You're putting yourself out there to be explored. This allows you to be an open door for rejection and criticism because writing is subjective, but it’s not the reason to give up on what you love. 
When you sit down to write, sometimes the words flow easily, and sometimes they don't, and you're looking for inspiration. 
There are good days and there are challenging days, but either way, you are doing what you love or you wouldn’t be doing it. Right?
Like anything, it’s easier to say, I give up, instead of powering through the difficulties. When you are willing to show up, you are on your journey. Whatever your writing focus is, it’s important to acknowledge why you need to write. 
If you’re struggling to get words down or feeling like you’re not getting anywhere with your story or pose, you’re not alone, all writers feel it at some point and when you do, taking a break helps. Only you can decide for how long.
Maybe you’ve gone weeks or you’re faced with self-doubt and imposture syndrome has set in. It’s okay, it happens, and if it does, ask yourself: What am I trying to accomplish? What do I want?
The best thing to do is change the type of writing you’re doing. If you write fiction, write in a journal. If you write novels, try writing a short story or novella. If you write poetry, maybe try writing a piece for children. 
If you switch to writing something else, you might enjoy focusing on a different project. If you have a website, write a note to your visitors. Be creative. It’s how we fuel our tanks. When we’re filled with the satisfaction of creativity, our attitude changes and subconsciously we create. 

The point is, that the focus is on what makes your heart happy. 

Seven ways to keep going.
Take breaks- Finished your first draft? Set it aside and work on something else. In the middle of writing and stuck on a scene? Go for a walk, bake, do something else, and come back to it. Maybe you’ve been stuck for a while, weeks, even, then it’s time to set it aside and work on something else.

Surround yourself with other writers. Writing is a lonely profession, however, if you surround yourself with other writers and connect through email, social media, or a meet-up from time to time, it gives you hope and a reminder you’re not alone. When writing gets tough, know someone else is struggling or feeling down, too, or, maybe they're on the same path as you. With success comes struggles and vice versa. Every writer who’s on the same journey understands your struggles and triumphs. 

Lift someone else with encouragement. Checking in and telling another writer you loved their book or if you have something in common is great for human connection. Knowing someone is cheering you on is a benefit to you and the other person.

Change the type of writing you’re doing. A repeat here, but writing novels is a big undertaking and sometimes we lose focus or our ability to tell a story even if it’s the tenth, or twentieth book written. When stuck for a longer period, writing a blog or short story might produce ideas you need for the bigger project you’re working on. 

Make your goals reasonable. There are some things out of your control. Getting an agent, getting a contract, or traditionally publishing is all about timing and luck, besides writing a marketable book of course. What you can control is writing what’s in your heart and telling a story you want to share. 
Try something new. Writing aside, what else do you enjoy doing? Even if you don’t have hobbies, read a new-to-you author and write a review. Do other creative things. When you learn something new, it gives you something to write about.

Read. What authors do you love to read? Get inspired by their words and how the book makes you feel. Craft books about writing are helpful, too. There are a lot of good books out there to help develop and shape your story. 

Happiness. Does writing make you happy? Is it something you have to do? The bottom line is, that giving up means you’re giving up a part of you. 

Every writer has a unique journey. Our paths to publication are different because we have personal goals and experiences. What is your reason to share your story? 
The answer is why you’re not giving up.
Keep writing. 
Keep creating.
Keep smiling. 


*opinions are my own.