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Is writing on your stress list?

So today I was thinking about writing and how a lot of writers seem to write with one goal -- publication. That makes sense in certain ways. But what I realized after perusing many of the forums is that many writers do not seem especially happy about this pursuit. I find that to be a problem. Nothing in life is *always* fun. I get that. But really, we already have families, day jobs, etc. that keep us busy (and slightly insane). Why add something else to your stress list unless it brings you happiness?
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Think about writing and what it adds to your life. Is it fulfilling? If so, enjoy writing and don't worry so much about the publication part of it. I know that's hard. I know we want that feeling of acceptance. It's high school all over again, isn't it? So how about we air out what is most frustrating about this process? Get it out of your system and then remember, you are doing something special by writing a book. You are taking it to the next level by educating yourself and enhancing your craft. Do you know how many people have told me they want to write a book? Tons. Do you know how many of those have actually done it? So far none. What you did is fantastic, celebrate that!
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Melissa

Comments

  1. Karen StrongOctober 23, 2011 at 9:33 PM

    Love this. Writing may not always be fun but it shouldn't be adding to our stress.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ruth SchiffmannOctober 24, 2011 at 5:03 PM

    I can't imagine writing if I didn't love it so much. Sure, there are highs and lows, but aren't there with just about everything in life?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anne M LeoneOctober 25, 2011 at 4:26 AM

    Amen! I've been working on this a lot this past year, learning to love writing again and not focus so much on the acceptance / rejection aspects of it.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Melissa WestOctober 25, 2011 at 10:02 PM

    Karen -- I totally agree.

    iluv -- Yep. There is no way I would put myself through the craziness that is writing if I didn't love it. :)

    Anne -- I so know what you mean. I found myself in that very spot this summer--focusing on rejection, etc. It isn't healthy.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kelly HashwayOctober 26, 2011 at 7:15 AM

    I celebrate everything! An awesome word count day, every 10K I write, every acceptance, every new idea. This is supposed to be fun, so why not celebrate all the good things along the way?

    ReplyDelete

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