Perserverance by Jane Kelley
How many times have we heard these tropes? The only way to fail is to quit. You have to be in it to win it. When the going gets tough, the tough get going Okay we know what we're supposed to do. But what will help us do it? Like all creative people ever, I've struggled with writing. Whether it's that first terrifying blank page or the doldrums of the mushy middle, there are times when I feel like Bartleby. I would rather not. Here are some tricks I've used to get up off the floor and back to my desk. Find a community. Spending time with other writers reminds you that you're a writer too. They'll hold you accountable by asking what are you working on--and understand your answer. If you can't find any, there are plenty of memoirs and essays to read. You can hang out with Emily Dickinson, Sylvia Plath, or whoever you chose. Celebrate each small victory. Did you finish the garbage draft? Pop the champagne! Did you get an encouraging rejection letter? Paste...
