by Karen Ball
You know the days I mean. The days you ask yourself, “Whatever made me think I could do this?” or “Why couldn’t I just sell shoes?” or “Are you sure that’s how you spell it’s? It looks stupid. It’s, it’s it’s. That can’t be right, can it??”
Oh yeah, those days when the only words that come to you are “I quit.” When the only good thing about being a writer is that you can use suffering and pain and anguish in your work. When every call from your agent, note from your editor, review on a website, and comment on your blog leaves you wanting to climb the nearest tall building and JUMP!
Yeah, for those days, watch this:
Peace, friends.
Thank you so much for sharing this!
Terrific! Thank you!
Thank you so much for this, Karen. It couldn’t have come at a better time! Blessings back your way.
You always have the best blogs! They are the highlight to my day. 🙂
Karen, Thanks for this post and for the encouragement it brings–just like you and encouragement you bring. Appreciate you.
Perfect!
Thanks for this, Karen. So needed!
Thanks, my friend. I don’t have writer’s block today, but there was the perfect quote in there to help me focus on an article about inspiration I need to write.
Here’s to a POSITIVE and ENCOURAGING response to your post 🙂 Thanks for sharing this! Those of us who haven’t yet published seriously need to hear from those who have found some measure of success so that we aren’t disillusioned when faced with failure at all places along the journey. Blessings!
Perfect for today. Thank you, Karen.
Thank you Karen – – this is a keeper.
Blessings on your day, and hugs from Georgia (where it’s a
gorgeous spring day!). 🙂
That was my day yesterday.
I ranted, slammed shut my laptop, and stormed out of the room.
I’m in the editing phase right now and the complexity and tiredness of a difficult character arc in my WIP reached a breaking point. I couldn’t make it better. I know my limitations. I was done.
Or was I…
After yelling/praying during a trip to Costco and my neighborhood market, peace hugged me. I calmed down.
I turned to my 6 yr old, who is yet to be tainted by society’s cruel pressures. I need the perspective from someone still *pure*.
Me: “I am having a hard time with a part in my story. I’ve been practicing and practicing so long, but I am stuck. What do I do?”
Without hesitation he said, “You keep practicing and working and practicing and working until you get it because then it’s done.”
We hugged and danced in the kitchen.
Last night was one of the most productive writing times I had in a long time. God continues to blow me away with His faithfulness to lift me out of the pit.
With every freak out moment I have (and there and will be plenty) my trust and faith increases. Yesterday, was a beautiful reminder that God wants those moments so His power can be revealed and glory given to His name.
Bring it on. “Those days” have nothing on me with Jesus leading the way.
Karen, thank you for sharing that it’s ok to have freak out moments 🙂
JD, I love what your 6 year old shared with you. And how God used it to spur you onward. We keep pressing forward, right? Happy writing today!
Jeanne, thank you! It was a very cool moment. Doing a happy dance with my son was incredible. Yes, indeed, we press forward. We are alive in Christ! I wish you happy writing too 🙂
Although I’m not blocked at the moment–this advise will come in handy for next time.
Thanks for the encouragement, Karen. I was going to do a similar video but unfortunately I came down with video block. 🙂
THANKS KAREN. BLESS YOU.