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When You Feel Like Giving Up....

Posted on September 9, 2013 at 4:40 PM

Have you ever felt like giving up?


As a writer, you will experience stumbling blocks at one time or another in your career. You may face the dreaded white screen frustrated because the words just won’t come. You may submit what you think is your greatest masterpiece only to face a mountain of rejection letters. It may seem at times that no matter what you do, you just can’t seem to take a step forward towards realizing your dream.


Your inner critic then begins to raise his voice. You start to think that maybe you just aren’t cut out to be a writer after all. Dejected, you turn off your computer with a strong desire to climb into bed and pull the covers over your head, dreading the dawn of a new day.


If this sounds like you, take heart in the fact that you are not alone. Countless writers struggle with these stumbling blocks each and every day. There is a light at the end of the tunnel (and no, it’s not a train).


Achieving success as a freelance writer takes time and countless hours of hard work. That’s something us writers have a difficult time dealing with. We live in a world of instant gratification where we have come to expect everything to be right there at our fingertips. These expectations hamper our ability to have patience.


We need to be determined to not allow anything to get in our way on the road to success. Persistent and consistent actions over a period of time will take us where we want to go.


It helps to remember why we became writers in the first place. Reconnect with your original source of inspiration for becoming a writer. There once was a specific seed of passion that desired to express itself. But over time, we disconnected ourselves from this passion in pursuit of other goals.


Once you have reconnected with the reason why you became a writer in the first place, nurture that passion until you see it in full bloom. Make the decision that you will accept no other option. Maintain that passion by taking action every day that will lead you to the living the life you deserve.


Believe in yourself as a writer. You were given the gift of expression for a reason. Perhaps that reason was to make a powerful impact in the life of someone else you may never meet face to face. Maybe you will give someone hope that things can and will get better.


Perhaps you can inspire them with an idea that they would not have thought on their own. You might even save a life from the pits of despair. But if you don’t sit your butt in the chair and get to work, that may never happen.

If you are struggling, know that there is tons of help out there. Here at Freelance Writers Academy, we help our members benefit from expert advice in developing queries, finding freelance work, answering specific questions, and dealing with all the aspecsts involved in freelance writing.

You were born with a special gift. Don’t squander it. Take your freelance writing seriously and let your voice be heard. You were called to be a writer, so start acting like one. Time to get back to work.


Categories: Freelance Writing, Business Building

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47 Comments

Reply Marissa
7:42 AM on September 11, 2013 
It can be hard to write, especially freelance. The need to stay focused and upbeat is essential. I have often allowed myself one day to feel blah over my writing, but no more. Writing is part of me and it helps me to feel more alive. Wonderfully written!

Marissa
http://forfunreadinglist.blogspot.com
Reply Dawn
7:49 AM on September 11, 2013 
I think this is my favorite line "But if you don?t sit your butt in the chair and get to work, that may never happen." There are so many times where the LAST thing I want to do is sit down at my computer and do anything, but it always surprises me how often if I just make myself do it, something really great comes from it. This is awesome encouragement :)

Dawn from I Think We Could Be Friends.com
Reply Marie Tucker
9:10 AM on September 11, 2013 
Thanks for the encouragement! These words can be used in many areas of our life.
Reply Valerie Bordeau
9:19 AM on September 11, 2013 
This profession isn't easy, no matter what anyone tries to tell you. There were many times I had my head in my hands in frustration and many times that I had the overwhelming desire to give up. But there was a fuel of passion underneath that refused to allow me to be taken under. I wanted to prove to everyone that you don't have to settle for the "starving artist" mentality and you can be successful if you persevere and put in the work. Keep believing in yourself, continue to take one step at a time, and you will get to your destination!

http://www.freelancewritersacademymembership.com
Reply Kerith Stull
10:46 AM on September 11, 2013 
Oh my. "You were called to be a writer, so start acting like one." Yep. I needed that one today. I am in the final stages of editing my memoir about my experiences with my 17 year old daughter with cerebral palsy. I just need that one extra push to get me through that process. Sorry. But, ending comment here. I gotta go write. After all, I am writer!
Reply Valerie Bordeau
10:47 AM on September 11, 2013 
Kerith Stull says...
Oh my. "You were called to be a writer, so start acting like one." Yep. I needed that one today. I am in the final stages of editing my memoir about my experiences with my 17 year old daughter with cerebral palsy. I just need that one extra push to get me through that process. Sorry. But, ending comment here. I gotta go write. After all, I am writer!


Go take action and earn what you deserve!
Reply SheilaG @ Plum Doodles
6:49 PM on September 11, 2013 
Thank you for the words of encouragement, and the kick in the hiney. :)
Reply bolton carley
7:12 PM on September 11, 2013 
Oh, I understand being dejected and wanting to give up. I go through it over and over again. The highs and lows of being a writer never seem to end, but the dangers of being complacent scare me more! So I do keep digging in.
Reply Lisa
8:34 PM on September 11, 2013 
I love to write and it's true that sometimes I get caught up in other aspects of my life or the technical parts of my blog and forget how much I just enjoy the writing part. Nice to know this freelance site is out there. Thanks for the help!
Reply P.J.
10:44 AM on September 12, 2013 
I truly believe it also depends on what kind you are writing, whether it be person, blogging, professional, journalistic etc. I worked for newspapers for many years. I was fine there. But personal stuff suffered. Now it's easier to blog as I'm not at a newspaper. Good post.
Reply Tammy Doiel
11:15 AM on September 12, 2013 
I really admire those who are great writers! It is a lot of hard work.
Reply Lisa @ Oh Boy Oh Boy Oh Boy
12:40 PM on September 12, 2013 
I think remembering WHY is the biggest part!!!
Reply Linda
3:18 PM on September 12, 2013 
You've offered great encouragement in this article. We all need to hear that 'keep on keeping on' cheer from time to time.
I have found writing out why I do what I am doing and what it is I enjoy about it can help motivate me.
Reply Monica
5:15 PM on September 12, 2013 
Encouraging post! It's so great when the words flow...and can be so frustrating when they don't! Thanks for the hope!
Reply Wren
5:28 PM on September 12, 2013 
Thanks for these thoughts! These are great reminders on those days when blogging seems like a chore rather than an adventure. Our goals, our plans, our abilities....think on THOSE good things rather than, "dang, I've gotta write again today???"
Reply Renata Wurster
5:37 PM on September 12, 2013 
The Artist's Way (Julia Cameron) is my go-to source of inspiration when facing writer's block (or any creative block). I think she calls it "coming to the page" but "sit your butt in the chair and get to work" says it really well too! I'm excited to check out more of your site. Happy writing!
Reply Amanda Smith
7:02 PM on September 12, 2013 
Excellent post! I am a blogger. I don't really fancy myself as a writer, but this post has helped me out a great day anyway! Persistence pays off! Thanks for that reminder.
Reply Kerry Ann
10:12 PM on September 12, 2013 
Well said. My butt is sore from spending the day in my chair (okay, on my yoga ball) pounding out some queries. It takes work, but it's worth it!
Reply Rachel
12:40 AM on September 13, 2013 
Thanks for your inspiring post! I have always loved writing. Right now it is just a hobby, as I work as a music therapist, but I hope to do more writing in the future.
Reply Heather
6:43 AM on September 13, 2013 
I'm here for the commentathon, but I"m glad I stumbled upon this useful site. I do want to do freelance work but I haven't had much success.
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