5 Reasons Why You Should Not Quit Writing

Writing is tough enough on a good day. When you have a bad day, negative thoughts can spiral out of control. You may be tempted to give up, but do not quit writing!

Faced with challenges, it seems like nothing goes your way. Rising expenses, a never-ending to-do list, a rude coworker, not enough time. The list of daily hassles can seem endless.

It’s easy to complain. And it’s difficult to rise above the feelings of fear and uncertainty to take a positive view.

As writers, we’re faced with worries from the time we pick up the pen (I’m not good enough; Who am I to think I can write?) to the time we publish (Will I be laughed at?; Will I sell any copies?).

On top of that, many of us have demanding day jobs and competing priorities. Family comes first. It’s hard to find time to write.

Some days, you may want to give up on writing.

But I urge you not to.

Here are five reasons not to give up on your writing. I hope this information gives you hope the next time you feel down about your writing.

1. Writing is a creative outlet.

Source: pixabay.com

If you started writing and have aspirations of becoming a full-time author, you have something that many others don’t.

You’ve found your passion. You have a creative outlet.

Do you realize how many people never find their passion? You’re lucky. And no, not every day will be perfect, and sometimes it will feel like a ton of work. But, you keep going because you wouldn’t be complete without your writing.

Writing is like a muscle. If you don’t use it, you lose it.

When you don’t have ideas or when you are between books:

-Journal every day.

-Copy passages from favorite books to help you understand how great stories work.

-Outline new story ideas.

-Dump your thoughts on paper, stream of consciousness style.

Writing can be therapeutic for those of us who are worried, anxious, or depressed. Writing helps us deal with stressful times and come out stronger. However, if your issues are overwhelming, please see a doctor.

2. Writers have more opportunities to publish than ever before.

We’re living in the best time for writers. You don’t need a publishing deal. You don’t need an agent.

You can self-publish on Amazon and other digital platforms such as Kobo, iBooks, Barnes & Noble. You can set up print-on-demand via Createspace.com for your book, too.

The traditional publishing industry is being disrupted. They don’t want you to know how successful indie authors have become, and therefore they perpetuate the myth that self-publishing is bad.

Indie authors are thriving. Check out this article.

3. People have a strong desire to escape through storytelling.

Especially with our tumultuous political world, people want to get pulled into a story to help them forget everyday life.

Consider how successful television series have become. Binge-watching is now an acceptable way to spend your weekend. In fact, I just watched all of the Handmaid’s Tale episodes.

What does the entertainment industry need to create more amazing shows? Content. Keep writing:-)

4. Three billion people are coming online by 2020.

That’s right. Nearly three billion more people will be coming online mainly via smartphones.

They are hungry for content. Your content.

Those writers who are more established and have more books to choose from will be the most successful.

5. Write more books. Think long-term.

The data shows that authors with multiple books profit more than those with fewer. It’s simple math—more books, more copies, more discoverability.

Many novice writers think that it takes one huge bestseller to make it as a successful writer.

Lightning strike bestsellers happen occasionally, but your chances of winning the lottery are probably higher.

The reality is writers who make a living write many books.

Author Michael Anderle was an IT consultant who hated his job. He figured out that writing 20 books that each earned $6.85 per day would earn him $50K annually, enough to live on and quit his job. He now makes seven figures and created a thriving online community (check out the Facebook group 20BooksTo50K).

Writers who make a living with their writing don’t count on just one book or launch. They have multiple streams of income (courses, speaking events, consulting).

Your hard work compounds over time. You start with one book today. Then the next, and it gets easier over time.

I hope this list inspires you. Don’t give up on writing—the world needs your creativity.