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| Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop |
| #IWSGbloghop |
THANK YOU to the awesome co-hosts for the June 7 posting of the IWSG Blog Hop--Patricia Josephine, Diedre Knight, Olga Godim, J. Lenni Dorner, and Cathrina Constantine!
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June 7 Question
If you ever did stop writing, what would you replace it with?
Should I admit the truth that I was ready to give up writing this past winter? I was fed up, not with the writing exactly, but all that comes with it-- marketing and publishing. With millions of books competing with mine, I was overwhelmed with the idea of spending hours, months, years on creating another book. I faced the reality I needed even more hours of consistent marketing to reach readers.
I have more time behind me than ahead of me. Did I want to waste my time marketing instead of writing?
I did not.
But after "giving up" on writing, I felt hollow inside. I discovered penning a book is not the same as marketing and publishing. I could not find anything to replace the writing, so I decided to write anyway. The noise in my head of worrying about marketing vanished. You may have heard my sigh of relief. With a clear mind, I discovered my next project. One that is written from my heart. With joy, I keep finding more pleasure in writing than I have in a long time. I am taking the time to enjoy the process. With this renewal, I have a purpose in my life.
I am flooded with delight when I tap the keyboard and scribble notes that litter my desk. Satisfaction is my reward when the words flow and open my eyes to more insights about my work.
I am engaged in a new season in my writing life. Yes, writing comes in seasons. Have you experienced those seasons filled with energy and love of writing and seasons when there is no time to write or desire to pick up a pen or open your laptop? Be assured, There is a time for every season under Heaven.
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16 comments:
You didn't worry about all the 'stuff' and focused on the joy of writing. That is awesome!
Oh yes, I've experienced the seasons of writing and have considered giving up too. I'm so glad you're enjoying your writing so much right now.
Yes, Alex, awesome!!
Natalie, I don't think writers realize there are seasons in your writing life and beat themselves up when they are not able to write due to time, responsibilities, or other priorities. Sometimes, the time isn't right. But go for it when in the right writing season!
That's an uplifting story. There's a danger in letting worries about marketing and exposure squeeze the enjoyment out of writing. Glad you found your joy again.
Hi,
I agree with you totally. Penning a book is not the same as marketing. It is not easy to market what you have worked so hard to get in book form.
Take care.
Shalom shalom
You've gone through exactly what I have! Or maybe I should say I've gone through exactly what you have!
I'd lost sight of why I wrote, so by sitting back, re-thinking, and then regaining my perspective, I was able to move ahead and do what I love to do--put down stories that I enjoy writing and reading. You've written the perfect post, BTW!
Publishing and marketing is a giant pain and the source of most of my frustration with writing, too. But I also like having people enjoy my stories so I keep writing and I'll deal with the annoying bits.
Marketing can drain you. I have some stories I want to write just for me because they've been with me so long but I know they wouldn't make a good book.
I agree with your reasoning 100%. Writing for fun is what I do.
What a great epiphany, Janet. Thanks for sharing that.
I have grown disenchanted with the formatting / publishing / marketing side at times, too. I think when I retire and can write full time, it will seem less daunting. I am a retiree wannabe. I won't lie. LOL
Thank you, Nick.
Thanks, Pat.
@Lee-"the perfect post"--thanks so much for your kind words. Yes, we forget we write for the joy of doing so.
@Patricia--" having people enjoy my stories so I keep writing and I'll deal with the annoying bits." I love this.
@Diane--Writing because you love your stories but knowing the stories would never make a book is showing how much you love to write.
@Olga--Writing for fun is why we started. We forget that. Thanks for the reminder.
@Jacqui--I guess you could call it an epiphany. I like that. Thanks.
@Melissa--You are a retiree wannabe. LOL. You'll find you will be busier as a retiree if you don't watch out and learn to say no. Good luck.
I'm so happy for you, Cuz. That is huge. Writing and all that comes with it can often be draining, I'm glad you've found your joy. Woot. Woot.
Please read my post
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