As
writers it’s very easy to fall into the pit of depression. It just takes one
rejection from an agent, one bad review, a harsh editorial feedback or unfavourable
comments from critique partners and we start swimming in the pool of negativity,
doubting everything: from our story to writing, from our characters to the
ending.
We
all have those moments, wondering why we write, when we only encounter roadblocks
and dead ends in some stages of our career.
I’m
sure we writers have a touch of sadism to put ourselves through this entire
grind. The entire world gets a close peek into our thought process, our
sensibilities, our feelings, through the characters we create. Though we
may be extremely private individuals, we do live extremely public lives because
of our work.
I
read this beautiful saying “If I have lost the self confidence in myself, I
have the Universe against me”– Ralph W Emerson. It applies to us writers
perfectly. If we lose confidence in ourselves and our stories, then we are
doing a grave injustice to ourselves and also cheating ourselves. Writing is a God
given talent, we all have unique stories that we must and should share with the world.
Rejections and criticisms are just obstacles, they shouldn’t deter us.
Each
and every story residing in our hearts, is awaiting its tryst with readers.
Someone somewhere, maybe in a remote corner of the world is waiting to be
inspired by our words, someone is waiting to be entertained by it, someone is
waiting to bond with the characters. Do we have a right to deprive those people
of inspiration, entertainment or bonding? Even if our words motivate and
inspire only a handful of people, or entertain the same number, isn’t that much
more than what we hoped for when we typed that first word. So, don’t let anyone
stop you from writing as you never know who you will inspire with your
story.
Have
you ever felt despaired, wondered why you were writing when all you encountered
was closed doors? How do you cope with those days? What keeps your faith
intact? Please share. I am sure we all will be inspired by it.
Great post! I agree with your words :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Rachna. I think it's like with other things that get us really discouraged. After feeling the feelings of despair, we have to pick ourselves up and get doing what we love to do.
ReplyDeleteWe really have to believe that our words will entertain/move/inspire someone, sometime. We often just don't know when. :)
ReplyDeleteLove that Emerson quote!
Beautifully said! God gave us our talents to use, not to squander.
ReplyDeleteA lovely post Rachna! With every fall, we should prepare to stand and bounce higher
ReplyDeleteI think you should keep writing. Rachna! And if anyone tells you otherwise, tell them to talk to me;)
ReplyDeleteYes I've often felt that way. In the end I write because I can't imagine not writing. It's like breathing. So it's never going to be an option to quit. Also I remind myself to enjoy what I do. Regaurdless. Keep going you! We believe in you!
ReplyDeleteInspiring post, Rachna--thanks for a great reminder to not give up. Writing feeds our souls first, then touches others. But none of it will happen if we don't get those words down in the first place :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat post, I am my husband's carer, but even though I often have no chance to write, I'm not giving up :0)
ReplyDeleteHi friends...thanks for chiming in. I read somewhere that writers should keep writing as we never know who we will inspire with our writing. Its something I try to keep in mind whenever the writing blues hit me.
ReplyDeleteI can't count the times I've felt like Emerson!
ReplyDeleteI felt just this way recently and happened to pick up Daring Greatly. It was perfect to counteract that slump. I love your website!
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