How Writers Combat Discouragement
The reminder goes off on your phone. You glance at it, but don’t give it a second thought because you’re in the middle of something else.
A few hours later, you go to check a text message that just came through and you see that reminder again. You haven’t done it, but you check the box anyway because you know you need to, it just isn’t the time.
It’s the end of the day and as you’re thinking through what tomorrow will look like, you realize that you never did the thing that your reminder told you to do. You start beating yourself up because you didn’t actually check that off of the list for your day. You’ve disappointed yourself, but more importantly, you feel you’ve disappointed God.
That reminder read “Writing time.”
We’ve all been there. We set aside time to write, and then life happens. It can be very easy to get discouraged and feel shame for not accomplishing your goals. Especially because as writers, many of us have to make our own schedules, and often around the schedules of friends and family.
Flexibility gives us a false sense of control. We think that we have all this time to do all the things, but if we aren’t careful, important things may unintentionally fall through the cracks. A flexible schedule can absolutely be a blessing, but if we struggle with discipline or tend to put others before ourselves, our wants, dreams, desires, and goals can fall to the bottom of the list.
So what is the best way to combat this discouragement as a writer?
Community.
Being part of a community of writers who get it will be a lifeline when you’re drowning in self-doubt. Who better to share the burden than someone else who’s going through it too? No one wants to go through life alone, in fact we aren’t built that way. Allowing someone to share your yoke as Jesus offers in Matthew 11 doesn’t take away the discouragement, it offers them the opportunity to build you up in that moment! Even in your own frustration, you may even be able to lift someone else up. Encouragement is contagious!
There are many different writing communities available. You can find free ones on Facebook for ones related to your genre or style, sometimes even located in your area! Hope*Writers is a great option to help you plan and execute the writing of your book.
I’ve been part of Called Creatives for four years and it’s been a lifeline for me during my seasons of discouragement. Click here if you’re interested or feel free to comment with questions you have about it! I’m happy to answer them.
Whatever group you decide to be a part of, be bold and reach out when you’re struggling.
“Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
