Apparently, I don't know how to quit. (That's an attribute that I inherited from my dad.)
What I'm talking about is my writing journey. Yes, my last two novels were rejected by publishing houses. Yes, another novel has landed in the inbox of another editor at another pub house. Yes, I'm writing another novel now. Yes, I have a few more novels outlined that I'd like to write.
Yes, I've seen those eye rolls when "friends" ask how my writing is going. Yes, I have some amazingly supportive folks around me. Yes, I'm fortunate to have the support and encouragement of a fantastic literary agent.
See? I don't quit. I keep on writing, dreaming, and enjoying this journey—even with the frustrations that are part of the gig. One of the big bonuses is the fantastic, encouraging friendships you gather along the way.
One of the best things about the writing life/journey is gaining a deeper capacity to understand yourself and the human condition. When writing characters in novels, you have to get inside their skin and look at situations from all angles.
When you look at all the benefits, why quit? And then, there's this: I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him to the one who seeks him. Lamentations 3:24-25
Yes, I hope in Him. If my writing never affects another person, at least it will affect me. For the good, I believe.
If you're struggling with doubts and wondering if you should quit, let me tell you something: it's better to try and know for sure than not go for it and always wonder.
Now that the weather has turned (AKA, not so many hail storms), I've gone outside to my backyard office.
I have three writing stations in what I call my secret garden. In nice weather I enjoy my Adirondack chair outside the back door, the chaise lounge off to the side of the patio, near my bubbling fountain, and my hammock in the corner of the yard where I plot and mull over my stories.
If you think of me sitting outside tapping away at another story, please say a prayer for persistence and success.
Write on, friends!