writing tips do it anyway

Writing is hard; do it anyway.

 

From a distance, writing looks like one of the easiest jobs in the world. You get to set your own hours. You’re not tied to a place of employment. And you spend your days making up stories.

However, writing is not as easy as it looks. It can be thrilling, exhilarating, daunting, and exhausting. There are good days and bad days. Sometimes the words flow. Other times you want to give up.

But you do it anyway.


Writing is Hard: Do It Anyway

Writers can face difficulties at every twist and turn in the writing process.

You don’t know if the words are going to come out right. You don’t know if your ideas will be any good. The blank page is intimidating.

Put some words on it anyway.

Sometimes a project is cruising along and then you hit a brick wall. Other times you push through a project that’s difficult from beginning to end. Sometimes you want to walk away.

Work on it anyway.

You might fail. Your poem could falter. Your story could suck. Your memoir or essay could be a dud.

Write it anyway.

Your poems and stories might get rejected by literary magazines. Agents might decline to represent you. Publishers might pass on your manuscript.

Submit your work anyway.

Bookstores might decide not to stock your book. Readers might decide not buy it or read it.

Publish it anyway.

People might read your book, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to like it.

Share it and promote it anyway.

Your first book could tank. It might get bad reviews, low sales, or it could go completely unnoticed.

Write another one anyway.

You may never be able to realize your ultimate dream of quitting your day job and becoming a full-time writer.

Keep writing anyway.

Why Should We Do It Anyway?

Everybody writes for different reasons. I don’t write because I want to write. I would be lying if I said I love writing. Sometimes I love it. Sometimes I dread it. I write because I have to. it’s a compulsion — part of who I am.

Some people write because there are stories and poems inside them that need to come out. Some write because they have feelings they need to express. Some write to share their ideas. Some use writing to process and articulate their thoughts. And some write for sheer love of the craft.

If you’re compelled to write — for any reason — then you should face the hurdles and setbacks, the insecurities and doubts, with determination. And write anyway.

What challenges do you face in your writing? Have you ever wanted to give up? Why do you keep writing?

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