I’m off work this week so am trying to find some time to catch up on the various writing projects I’m working on. It’s famine and feast when it comes to my writing. The day job has been taking up so much time these last few months that I’ve barely been able to touch the other stuff. Hopefully, that’s going to change over the next few days, though. There are only 24 hours in a day so I need to make the most of the available free time.
I always get nervous when I return to creative writing after a break. What if I can’t do it anymore, reduced to staring at a blank screen for hours on end? The dreaded writer’s block which I’ve largely avoided so far on my writing journey. Or what if I can write but it’s unadulterated rubbish, not worthy of seeing the light of day? I’ve worked too hard to build up a half-decent reputation for it to disappear in a puff of smoke.
Getting back on the horse is never easy. I always find writing, like most other pursuits I partake in, much easier if I stick at them consistently. I just charge on, head down, not allowing the self-doubt to surface and overwhelm me. I’ve seen so many talented writers, much more talented than me, just give up and drift away because they lost heart. Constant knock-backs can do that to the most determined soul.
I’ve felt like that. I’ve been close to giving up. What’s the point, banging your head off a brick wall every day only to be met with rejection and indifference. It’s tough, but I persevere because the alternative is somewhere I don’t want to be, someone I don’t want to be. I know there are people out there who want me to fail but I won’t give them the satisfaction. So, this week I plot and edit and write. I know no other way.
Black Thoughts 
Beautifully penned down. If you are interested than you can be a part of my anthology that I’m compiling name as ” I’ll be there for you.” If interested than let me know
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Thank you very much 😊
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Just the other day I came across this quote, and your post reminded me of it again. Perhaps you will find some inspiration in it as I did –
“You only fail if you stop writing”. – Ray Bradbury
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That’s a great line. Thank you Ellie 😊
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I love your grit, Stephen. As a newbie, I have wanted to give up. And I’m just writing a rhyming kid’s book! The marketing, learning, and so many other curves, along with personal ones, have put me in a corner in which I sometimes say, “I just give up!” But, like you, this is the way I’m learning and deep down, this is the only way. Prayers for strength and patience while balancing life goals! Karla 💚
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You can’t give up, Karla. Slow and steady wins the race. I’m always here if you need advice.
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Thank you my friend. You are exactly right! I appreciate it so much.
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I have for now, walked away from everything but my blog. It keeps me writing, but away from the frustrations and disappointments of my other endeavors. I think, as long as we write something, we continue and we win.
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I’m sorry to hear that, Rebecca, but pleased that you are remaining on WordPress.
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Thank you. I think that for most, it is a matter of being able to face the contents as they are mostly autobiographical meant to inspire. Yet..a little painful to recall. Not yet fully abandoned, just set aside.
I do love writing here though, even when the posts turn toward opening doors long closed.
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This post hits home. As a writer, I wonder every time I write if the piece I have written is worth being out there for all to see, especially since I have just begun my writing career. It can be nerve-racking with excitement as well as dread. Did the readers like it? Is it what I am meant to do? Yeah, my heart is telling me to write, but that doesn’t mean I do it well enough to make it a career. What would you say as a seasoned writer is the best way to know if you are doing well with your writing to a newbie?
Thank you, Karen Carnahan Author http://www.KarenCarnahan.com
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Don’t give up! You have a calling on your life. Stick with it
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You go, Steven!
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Whoooo boy, the dreaded writer’s block strikes for me too. I am working on my project (not calling it a book just yet….) My ADHD has really been kicking my butt lately. Sometimes I afraid to post on here because what if it sounds stupid? I know exactly what you’re going through.
Don’t give up! Your readers won’t allow it! 🙂
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100% true. Never give up, I like your blogs! I agree consistency is the key 👌🏻As long as we continue writing, our flow of ideas will just keep coming naturally.
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Hear hear, my friend! Perseverance and I’ve for in front of the other. I’m still going on my own journey, even if it is slow at the moment due to other big life changes (staff turnover at work and trying to move house at the moment are the two big ones).
Keep on keeping on being awesome where you are, and I’ll keep doing the same where I am.
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Keep writing. 🙂
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You should continue on Steven!
Your a good writer!
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