Why Writers Can’t Simply Walk Away from Their Craft
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Understanding the Reluctance to Quit
The notion of abandoning your writing journey often creeps in more frequently than one might expect. The desire for a career that doesn’t undermine your self-esteem or crush your spirit can be tempting. While dreams of recognition and success may offer occasional comfort, they rarely quell the persistent doubts that plague your thoughts.
Facing discouragement is an everyday struggle, especially when confronted with rejection. Investing time, money, and effort brings no assurance of financial reward. Even if you manage to get published, rejections still await you, requiring further investment without any guarantee of success.
When you share that you are a writer, you may receive looks of skepticism. Literary authors often receive a modicum of respect, while those in genre fiction may find their work dismissed, sometimes likened to less respectable professions. In moments like these, the idea of quitting can seem rational. If you find yourself perpetually downcast or on the brink of despair, stepping away might seem wise. The writing world doesn’t prioritize your mental well-being.
Although the stereotype of the troubled writer with a penchant for alcohol may be fading, the temptation remains. Rejection can make you feel as if you’re losing your mind, and the thought of your next narrative can be overwhelming.
Why Writers Struggle to Quit
Freedom to Create Without Submission
Writers are under no obligation to share their work with editors or critics. You can write purely for your own enjoyment and keep it private if you choose. Should you wish to publish, self-publishing is an option. Remember, you don’t need to have your work published to identify as a writer. I will keep reiterating this until you truly grasp it. The joy of creation is profound; so create, explore, and write freely!
Your Legacy Lives On Through Your Stories
Upon passing, there’s a chance that your unpublished writings could be unearthed, leading to your posthumous acclaim. Your works might be translated into various languages, both living and dead, and adapted into films over the decades, inspiring countless other writers who choose to forge their own paths. If you don’t write, there will be nothing left behind.
A Chance for Sweet Revenge
Recall that teacher who mercilessly marked your cherished essays? Or the critical editor who dismissed your work without a second thought? Channel those strong feelings into your writing! Use those experiences as fuel to demonstrate what they missed out on.
The Need for Diverse Narratives
While literary purists may argue otherwise, insisting that the literary world is being tainted by inexperienced writers, the truth is, the world needs stories. Regardless of whether your prose resonates like that of Austen, or echoes like Twain, your unique narrative is necessary for survival.
Defining Your Own Success
Writing can bring both large and small victories. Whether it’s a poem that brightens a friend's day or a short story that comforts a lonely teenager, every moment matters. You might not end up on the bestseller list, but you’re partaking in a dream that many only talk about. The world may not shift on its axis, but it will acknowledge your voice.
The Compulsion to Write
This reason alone is sufficient. My style might not mimic that of renowned authors, and my stories may not shatter records, yet I find joy in writing. Even when frustration mounts, I still reach for my laptop, driven by the need to write. It provides me with a sense of control over my destiny.
Final Thoughts
Can you truly quit being a writer? Unfortunately, the answer is a resounding NO! While you might stop submitting your work, the writer within you will persist. The characters and stories swirling in your mind will continue to beckon until they find their way onto the page. If the pressures of writing become overwhelming, consider taking a break. After expressing your frustrations, you’ll likely feel reenergized. Quitting isn’t an option for those of us who have embraced this path; it’s both a gift and a burden we carry.
Chapter 2: Inspiring Insights from Notable Videos
In this insightful video titled "DON'T QUIT Writing Until You've Watched This Video," the speaker explores the tenacity required to pursue writing, regardless of obstacles.
In "Haruki Murakami on Why Writers Quit and Become Normies," the renowned author discusses the common struggles writers face and the importance of perseverance in the craft.