Wednesday, September 19, 2012

A little bit goes a long ways

My daughter was ready to quit basketball this summer. She had it in her mind that she wasn't very good and wouldn't make the top team. So one night my husband took her outside and spent some time showing her how to shoot and dribble with her head up. Her gave her encouragement and told her she was doing well, which made her want to try even more.

For the next few nights, she went outside by herself and practiced for a couple of hours.

There have been more times than I'd like to admit where I've thought about quitting this whole writing thing. Yesterday being one of them. I kept thinking why am I doing this if I'm not getting any better? Is this really worth it? Yes, I was having one of those days and all it took was one little comment of encouragement to make me realize that I was being stupid. I love to write. I love to create stories. They may not be perfect - yet, but I still love that feeling when a sentence comes together. Sometimes I forget  and I have a day like yesterday.

I wish I could bottle that feeling up and drink whenever I'm feeling low. I'm sure I could make a fortune off that.

How about you? What gets you out of your 'I don't want to write anymore' moments or am I only one who has those?

10 comments:

Stina said...

My CP and beta readers do it for me. They won't let me quit. They tell me to take a day or so and do something else. They know me well enough to know I won't really quit.

It's a lot easier to see improvement in your basketball shot than it in your writing. I think that's the hardest part about writing.

Connie Keller said...

I have those moments too. And you're right, one compliment or bit of encouragement can make a huge difference.

I'm glad you're feeling better!

Anonymous said...

Encouragement is as necessary in life as breathing, I believe. When I share my words, or pictures, a simple 'thank-you' I find also encouraging. Thank you for being honest that writing, creating your dream, is not always easy but worth the effort!

Anonymous said...

Yeah, my critique group has helped me a lot. It's nice having that built in audience that will bug me for the next chapter.

Carolyn V said...

Ugh! I go through those feelings more than I want! I talk to my writing buddy who can always make me feel better. I'm talking to her all the time. lol

Anne Gallagher said...

You're not the only one with those moments. I've been having a "moment" for the last few weeks. But somehow I just keep plugging along.

Melissa Amateis said...

I have them far too often. I think we all do, and I also think it's better for us to have this reality check, so to speak, than to think we're the best writer since Ernest Hemingway all the time!

Andrea Mack said...

Sometimes I do feel like quitting and feel down about my writing. But somehow, I always come back to it. I can't let go of it, or it can't let go of me.

Saumya said...

Yeah, unfortunately this occurs too often to me. I have to take a little break and then get back to it because nothing makes me happier than writing. I'm glad your love of writing always brings you back!

Southpaw said...

Yup, happens here too. For me, when I get in a grove and get flowing that lifts me back up.