Writers can't help writing. It's a drive. After a 10-year break to deal with life challenges, I came back to writing as if grabbing a life preserver in the middle of the ocean because it was.
That's a pretty good summary of the lives of most writers. Alas, I'm in a desert right now, waiting to hear from editors, but I have an anthology to work on and another idea for one of my series characters. So, of course, I keep going. Thanks for putting it all into words.
Once you've known the pleasure of having people reading what you write, even if it's a handful of friends, you've got the bug. Of course, you can't quit it!
I agree that a writing career is unpredictable, but getting anything published is such a thrill! And the wonderful feeling of achievement whenever I finish a draft or revision of prose or poetry! Best wishes! Janet
Writers can't help writing. It's a drive. After a 10-year break to deal with life challenges, I came back to writing as if grabbing a life preserver in the middle of the ocean because it was.
I never stopped, despite defeats and setbacks.
I only wrote my mother's obituary during that time. Glad that you weren't crushed.
I had a good start, mentored by my mother who was a writer in secret, it turns out: https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/community/articles/my-mothers-secret-holocaust-memoirs
So much wisdom here. And maybe it's a good thing so many writers don't know all this when they start out. "And such" . . . JFC.
Thanks much for the and such.
That's a pretty good summary of the lives of most writers. Alas, I'm in a desert right now, waiting to hear from editors, but I have an anthology to work on and another idea for one of my series characters. So, of course, I keep going. Thanks for putting it all into words.
Beckett: "I can't go on. I'll go on."
Once you've known the pleasure of having people reading what you write, even if it's a handful of friends, you've got the bug. Of course, you can't quit it!
A handful of friends wouldn't matter--I was after bigger game like reviews and money. :-)
They made a commercial like that: Stay hungry my friend :)
I agree that a writing career is unpredictable, but getting anything published is such a thrill! And the wonderful feeling of achievement whenever I finish a draft or revision of prose or poetry! Best wishes! Janet
That goes without saying. I'm having quite a run, just had my 50th essay publication in the last two years and it's in the perfect journal for it: https://medium.com/the-monocle-of-higher-ed/welcome-new-professor-9ac92bb20cda