Are you tempted to leave your blog behind, or move that book idea to the round file? Or maybe you’ve already given up.
I’m here to tell you: Don’t give up on your writing.
It takes a long time to become a good writer. I’m determined to get there. What about you?
Ira Glass understands how long it takes. As the executive producer of This American Life, he helps other writers become excellent storytellers. And he’s one of the best storytellers in America. If you’re not already listening to This American Life, please start now. You can learn so much — and be entertained and moved.
So when Glass gives writing advice, as he does in this video below, I listen. I’ve listened to this clip many times, actually. I like that he admits that it took him longer than anyone he knows to get good at his craft. Also that he knew his work wasn’t that good, for years. So how did he become so successful?
He didn’t give up.
Please watch this short video to find out why.
This idea resonates for me. One of the reasons I became an editor is because I knew I was a better editor than writer. I could help other people improve their work, but I couldn’t do as good a job for myself.
It took 40 years to become a better writer. That’s okay. What helped me was writing more, versus becoming fed up with myself and writing less. I’ve tried writing less and even stopping, but doing so made me unhappy.
So if you stopped writing, what will it take to pick it back up? Is it possible to re-inspire yourself to improve? And if you, like me, keep going, how do you motivate yourself?
Maybe you are happy with not writing. But if you have a new creative craft, like baking, photography or video, they’re going to bring up the same issues. It will take time to become accomplished. So the message is the same in the end: don’t give up.
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Dianne,
Your timing is impeccable. Just this morning I was questioning my writing…you just “un-questioned” it! Thanks for the encouragement to carry on. Now, where’s my pen…..
Helen
Oh wonderful! It will come up again, and you will persevere, Helen. That’s what it’s all about.
I like that at least some of your writing is coaching at the same time. So efficient! Your readers appreciate you!!
Thank you Susie. Yes I can’t stop myself sometimes, when it comes to coaching. I’m glad you appreciate it.
I had to smile (or maybe it was a long sigh) when I read this in email today. I’m sure it will resonate with many of us, but particularly for me where I am right now. Often through years of blogging and writing I’ve wanted to quit, to walk away, disappointed in the traffic, the low comments and engagement, but I can’t. Something inside just won’t let me. And the proposal I worked so hard on for so long now sitting on the shelf, unsure of its future. But I won’t give up. Not now. Not yet. Although it sure is tempting.
I understand. There is always the critic, who tells us we are not worthwhile. I’m going to talk about this very subject in an IACP webcast soon! So glad you are hanging in, Sally. Your message and content have value.
Looking forward to the webcast. It should be well attended as I think we all need to hear this.
I agree! Timing is impeccable. I’m on a deadline for a book and my blog has suffered. I feel bad about that, and wonder if anyone has even noticed, but it’s supposed to be fun (I don’t blog for $$). I love Ira Glass. He’s one of the first people I interviewed, almost 20 years ago! Thanks for sharing this.
OMG you interviewed Ira Glass! I would be a total fan girl, but maybe 20 years ago he wasn’t such a big star.
Re the blog, it’s normal that it has suffered when you’re writing a book. I hope you’ll get back to it and think it’s fun. And in the meantime, best of luck getting your manuscript finished.
I’m not loving the climate of the blogging scene here in Oz at the moment. There are so many greedy Insta wanna-be’s trying to be ‘influencers’ and lacking any genuine passion for their subject that I’ve been considering giving up my own blog. I really don’t want to be tarred with the same brush.
But, so far, I keep plugging along – and the drive to maintain and improve my writing skills is one of the things that keeps me going. But for how much longer? I’m not sure.
I agree with you Amanda. What keeps our blog going is the thought that we have our own audience, our own readers, who perhaps aren’t as engaged in the whole insta-world. We have the same drive too, to keep on writing, taking photos and improving. We have felt like giving up many times, but something in the creative process just keeps on calling us back. There’s always another bowl of noodles of try…
Well okay, I don’t blame you. But you have to remember that there are all kinds of blogs and you can be whatever kind of blogger you want. I kind of doubt people are tarring you with the same brush, Amanda. I’m glad you keep plugging along.
Thank you Diane for this posting. It really resonates–the part about having enough good taste to know what’s good and what’s bad. Talk about a predicament. I loved Ira Glass’s comment about closing the gap. It’s true–only DOING it, the act of putting words on a page, will make the difference and get us where we want to be. We all know that, but sometimes don’t give our chance the same chance to succeed that we give others, or other parts of our lives (our day job, etc.). (I’m an editor, too, so I know what you mean about putting the creativity of others first; that can be easier in so many ways.) And then there’s the small voice of fear that sometimes surfaces, and says “Oh, why bother, you’ll never be as good as . . . .” But if we don’t try, we might as curl up in a ball and watch T.V. all day, and THEN we’d really be miserable. So thanks for reminding me to get back to it.
Yes, so much easier to be an editor, isn’t it? The inner critic can come out and go wild — on other people’s stuff, and get paid for it. But as you say, something drives us to keep putting the words down for ourselves. Might as well go with that. Again and again.
Yes, there’s some much more demanding about starting with a blank page. And then there’s the act turning that question of “What do you really want to say here?” or “What are you trying to say here?” on yourself instead of on others. Us editors by trade are never short of questions to ask ourselves as writers. Thanks again for this posting, and all your postings. Even though I rarely comment (this might my second or third), I always read your posting and find them helpful and encouraging.
We can never go wrong with “what are you trying to say here. It’s general enough to be a useful question. Thanks for commenting, Holly.
I needed this encouragement today. You’re right. It takes time, but we’ll get there. Plus there is nothing like that jubilant feeling of seeing your work published. And now, I’m off to continue writing. Thanks for this advice, Dianne.
Thank you Betty Ann. it seems like it takes forever, so we might as well enjoy the journey. And yes, it never gets old to see your work on the printed page.
Hi Dianne —
I echo the sentiments of the other writers when I say this couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I believe in signs and when your email popped up, I knew this was a sign not to give up on my writing. I am a working blogger and am blessed to write every day but my dream is to finish my first novel this year:) . Thanks for the inspiration.
Chris
Hi Chris, it works for me if you are taking this post as a sign. I ddn’t say what kind of writing you should not give up on, so why not a novel? I’m so glad you’re going to keep going. Thank you.
Sadly, I threw in the towel. Bloggers For Dummies couldn’t even help me. Not understanding the technical aspects, the costs involved, lack of a schedule, couldn’t find my niche in an already sea of food bloggers, were just some of my struggles. I loved writing though! It was therapeutic. I was creating something, which I crave and love to do. I haven’t written in a year. When I saw your heading I thought maybe that was a sign I shouldn’t give up, in addition to Bluehost sending me an invoice for renewing my domaine name 😉
Wow, so is it?
You know, you can always start another writing project. It doesn’t have to be that one. Also, thanks for being honest.
As a writer myself I constantly feel like I’m not doing my best, and I gave up on several pieces just because I didn’t feel the confidence I could actually be doing something good. But when I stop writing it makes me unhappy as well, so I keep going and keep looking for advices and ways to get better, so I can only thank you for this post, it truly gives me hope!
I have been though exactly the same roller coaster of on and off writing. Now that I have forced myself to write more, I feel better. So I love that you have figured out how to keep going.
I’m just back from a trip and catching up on your great posts. For those who feel like giving up (me, often), I highly recommend a book called The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. He clearly lays out why we want to give up: our pysches will do anything to stop us from reaching our creative potential. He advises on how to combat resistance and he talks about happens when we get beyond it. It’s a quick read and written in short bursts that stick with you. I go back to it when I need a boost. Thanks Dianne!
That is an excellent book. I’ve recommended it many times. Thank you Tori, for thinking of it.