Maybe we need an organization to go hand-in-hand with RWA titled: I’m a writer. We could hold monthly meetings, stand before our peers and repeat, “Hello, my name is___, and I’m a writer.” The writer’s journey is filled with isolation, long hours, no pay prior to publication, and the highs are divied like precious jewels. We’ve all shared these thoughts, supported friends who are in the throes of said “feelings”, and manage to walk into sunlight again…renewed and ready to fight the good fight.
I accept all of the above. It’s what we do. I enjoy writing, and therefore will do it for me. For the longest time, my writing was kept under the radar. Very few people knew. I can think of one girlfriend I confided in all those years ago. This was before my first conference, before I knew others obsessed by storytelling. 
I heard once at conference, if you can walk away from the craft…do it. That really made me think long and hard. Walk away? You’ve got to be kidding! Why, I thought? Then I realized the published speaker was serious. She knew the hard work involved, the let-downs, the tough road ahead. If you can, stop. That’s what I remembered. That was the moment I knew I was exactly where I belonged, doing what I came here to do.
Sure, during those early years I remember thinking, “Ill never write again!” An opened rejection sharing the same spot on the bed, tears blurring my eyes. I didn’t have the suit of armor I wear today. I hadn’t grown tough skin. I was vulnerable and open. Raw if you want to pinpoint it, and yearning to be validated as a writer. Why would I be given this desire, if not to fulfill it? I have a philosophy I live by…IT’S ALL GOOD. When you focus on the important things in your life; for me that would be family and friends, everything else falls into place. I’m not fighting the current these days. And I’m happier for it.
And good things have happened as a result. Positive things. So, when you’re down and out, wondering where you’re headed just think about it. Would you continue writing if you could look into the future, see what it held? Life is what we make it, good or bad. Life makes us grow, life forces us to make choices, claim who we are. I had a tough year last year. I lost two people I cared about deeply; my parents. I take nothing for granted these days. So when I say, “it’s all good,” I mean it from the tips of my toes.
Today, I’m breathing deeply and grateful for the postitive gifts in my life. What about you? Would you continue to write if you knew you’d never see publication? Tough question, but worth thinking about. My answer would be YES! Why, because I love it, and it makes me happy.
LaDonna, I LOVE this blog. I actually teared up a little as I read it. Everything you said is what I felt or I’ve gone through. And my son’s motto is “It’s all good.” I’ll tell him that’s yours too. A great one to have!
And my answer is Yes! to writing too.
Thanks, Edie! And I knew your answer would be YES.
We’re doing what we love. What could be better than that?
I can’t imagine not writing. It goes bone deep and I have written since I was a child. And I love what you said at the end of your blog: It makes you happy. It makes me happy too.
Michelle, I love the way you said it, it does go bone deep.
We’re a happy bunch of writers here!
Same here, LaDonna. I’ve always known that I wanted to be an author, I just didn’t understand everything that entailed. Would I still write if I’d known? You betcha. Its something that calls to me. I can set it aside when necessary but in the end, it always returns.
Liz, it’s like a soul-whisperer isn’t it? That’s what I’m talking about!
Well I’ve written for 10 years and hadn’t even SOUGHT publication (with the exception of short stories) so I would say, yes.
LOL, Zoe. I’d say you were a writer down to your bones. Which do you like better, short stories or novels? Writing that is.
LaDonna,
It would be easier giving up breathing, rather than giving up writing. At least for good. I can quit writing for a few months at a time, but I always come back to it. Always have, always will.
The trick, (I honestly think) is to write for yourself first and foremost. Write what you want to write and how you want to write it. You need to love your story and characters and voice, that way– if for what ever reason your books don’t find publication, you’ll never feel like it was a waste of time. You won’t regret the hours you sunk into the work, because you’ll love the end results.
I don’t think you need to worry about that though, Ladonna.
your joy in writing rings through with each word. It’s one of the reasons its so enjoyable to read your work.
LaDonna, I tinkered around with short stories in my teens cause people said you had to write short stories first, but I was always writing novels, or trying to write them.
The novel I’m editing right now, is my fifth completed novel (out of about a zillion attempts hehe) and I also just finished the rough draft of my sixth.
This is the first one I’m trying to send out into the world though.
Theresa, what a wonderful thing to say! I thank you. It’s obvious you walk the talk, cause your writing ROCKS, girlfriend!
I love your insight. Thanks for sharing!
Zoe, I heard the same spill when I was young too. lol. Congrats on those completed novels. Sounds like you have some inventory there. Don’t be surprised if the sixth sells, and they want more. Good luck, and keep us all posted too! We’ll celebrate with you.