The Writer's Roller Coaster

Hello adventurous friends!

Yes! I mean you. If you're new to writing, you may wonder what I'm talking about. If you've been around for a while, you're nodding your head. Yes, writing is an adventure and just like a roller coaster, you'll experience ups and downs. Hang on tight, friends, while I take you through this wonderful and sometimes frustrating ride.

The Difficult Downs

Because I love a happy ending, I'll start with the downs first. Writing is a solitary profession. You'll spend long hours alone. For some people, that is challenging. When working on a project, there will be days when you're not inspired. Sometimes you stare at your computer screen, and the words are just not there. On the days you do write, you may not be happy with what you've written. Pushing yourself to rewrite isn't easy. And then there are our two least favorite words: criticism and rejection. No explanation needed there. Writing takes what I call the 3 'P's:

💜 Practice

💜 Persistence

💜 Patience

I believe every person who has the passion to write will succeed because of the three 'P's.

A Cloud's Silver Lining

It's okay to feel the challenges of being a writer. For every difficult situation, there is a positive solution. Too much solo time? Text a friend for a little pick-me-up. Lost your inspiration and struggling to come up with your next idea? Get up and do an easy, mindless task. You'll be surprised how quickly that next sentence appears as you're folding clothes. Need to revise what you've written? Push yourself, then pat yourself on the back when your rewrite sparkles. Receive a rejection? Remind yourself that you are one step closer to acceptance. And remember, by practicing, persisting, and having patience, you will meet your goal. Never give up!

Don't Forget the Middle!

I know a lot of writers sometimes have trouble with the middle of their manuscripts, referring to them as the "Muddy Middle." Between the ups and downs of writing, I like to think of the middle as our time to breathe. It's not a high time or low time. It's just the time to remind ourselves, we are writers! Take a deep breath, and take that in. It feels good. And carry that wonderful thought into your next writing session.

The Unforgettable Ups

Here is my favorite part: the upside to writing. Oh, where do I start? Creativity! Let me start there. When you write, your creative side gets to come out and play. That feels awesome! You can write anywhere, from a home computer to your laptop while vacationing in Hawaii. After a successful writing day, no one can top your good mood. Do you belong to a critique group? Getting positive and constructive feedback is wonderful. And the best feeling, after all your hard work and multiple drafts, you've finished writing a book! Be sure to celebrate the little and big accomplishments every step of the way. You deserve it.

Whether you're experiencing a high, or a low, make sure to keep the 3 'P's in mind, and stay on the ride. Don't get off early if things get difficult. It will be worth it, and we are all in this together.

See you next week. Happy writing!