morrigirl | Letter to the Elder Statesmen

Dear Writers,

How do you do it? How do you maintain the slightest ounce of passion day after day? After rejection letters? After an education so focused on technique it makes you lose sight of writing's creative aspect? How do you keep writing when you hate, hate, HATE everything that comes out of your keyboard? How do you perservere after being told by people who know their shit that your writing will never be published? How do you keep up your spirits under such circumstances?

What do you do when you don't like writing anymore? Do you stop? Do you throw in the towel, go find a nice husband, and pop out a few puppies? Do you take up gardening? Sell real estate? When do you know it's time to quit? Cause I'll tell ya, I'm thinking time is growing neigh and I'm not getting any more talented.

What do you tell someone who just doesn't have whatever it is you've got? Don't quit your day job? Or do you smile and whisper "keep trying," knowing full well they haven't a snowballs chance in hell of succeeding in this business? Is it time to quit when you final realize that everyone is lying to you? That not a single person can say with the least bit of authority that your work is good or bad?

I only ask because I'm tired of dreaming, and I'm wondering if it's worth my while to try and turn them into a reality.

Sincerely,

Carla