The final plot phone consultation of ’08 illustrated to me how thirsty we writers are for support and someone to believe in us.Â
A writer with an incredible gift for dialog and in collaboration with an accomplished illustrator is creating a graphic surfer girl novel for middle grade. The plot rocks, the protagonist feisty, the setting unique, the father-daughter issues universal, the theme significant. The problem? Somehow along the way the writer lost energy for the story.Â
The longer we chatted and the more praise I expressed, the more enthusiastic he became about his project. By the end — it took us two, two-hour sessions to work our way all the way through the story, he was pumped and ready to devote the time and attention needed for the next and, dare I say it, final draft before beginning the submission process.
As thrilled and honored as I was to work with him on this worthy project, when I hung up from our call, I was also a little sad. I wondered about all the writers out there who may not be able to afford a service like I provide and are without someone to encourage and support them. I despair over the gifts out there half-started and never to be finished. A dream that never has a chance to manifest because of self-doubt, little faith and thus, the inability to put forth the effort needed to finish.
It’s all a journey. And, the writer’s journey is as filled with conflict, tension, and suspense, crises, and obstacles as any compelling story. It’s our path to take and up to us to find what we need to make it to our own climax.
Any tips and tricks to offer other writers about how to restore faith when doubt stills all your writing efforts?Â
(The phrase: Great doubt. Great Faith. Great Effort. — comes from The Little Zen Companion and are the Three Qualities Necessary for Training.)
“It’s all a journey. And, the writer’s journey is as filled with conflict, tension, and suspense, crises, and obstacles as any compelling story. It’s our path to take and up to us to find what we need to make it to our own climax.”
You’ve said it best, doubt and despair are all a part of the writer’s journey. The only tip I have, is to have an unwavering faith in your ability, and to write for yourself.
Many times, I’ve been discouraged as I wrote my novel, Deadly Vision, but never once did I feel like quitting. No matter what else I may be doing with my life, I’m a writer and writing is as essential as breathing. I just keep plugging away.
Now the novel is finished and off to my agent, so I can bask in the great achievement. . . for one day, before I start writing again.
Ain’t it beautiful?
Todd
My Writing Life
http://www.learnedaboutwriting.blogspot.com
I really needed to read something like this today. It’s stories like this, that let me know I’m not alone in my struggles. Thank you!
Congratulations, Todd!! Both for working through discouragement and for starting the next novel right away. A true writer writes…
I’m glad, Vivian, the post helped keep you going. Thanks for commenting.
This is one of my biggest struggles. I have faith in myself and my story, but I have a hard time finding the energy to actually write. Any tips on dealing with this?
Writing itself is a challenge that we writers must face. When I begin to lose faith, I stop, think about the this passion for writing that I have and will soon find myself “energized” by all the good reasons why I should not stop writing. I usually spend a few hours on essays before proceeding with the stories. So far, my strategy is successful.
Thank you, Ina West. You’re in the zone. Savor the moment!!
Anonymous, I responded to your query in the next post. I’m curious to learn your reaction…
What makes young, inexperienced and doubtful writers feel better is realizing that they are absolutely not alone in their problems. I think every writer must have at least one reader, sincere and devoted, who’d support him. I’ll use the info for my essay writing service.
Deadly Vision, but never once did I feel like quitting. No matter what else I may be doing with my life.
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