tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post4758023327288593233..comments2024-03-29T00:35:40.557-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: Writer's Life: GutsJody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-75214441945698188552009-07-16T21:59:47.249-04:002009-07-16T21:59:47.249-04:00Everyday feels like a battle with my dream. I trus...Everyday feels like a battle with my dream. I trust God to use me as he sees best, but I would feel pretty bad if our wills were not aligned. I really only do want what the Lord wants for me so it feels like a contradiction.Tanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10518718614911804428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-4815138684214261702009-07-16T20:11:20.035-04:002009-07-16T20:11:20.035-04:00The only thing that sometimes tempts me to quit is...The only thing that sometimes tempts me to quit is the inner voice that taunts with reminders that I'm not a good writer and I'm wasting my time because nobody is ever going to want to read my drivel. I always have an answer for that voice: it doesn't matter if it isn't good, and it doesn't matter if nobody ever reads it. I'm writing because I love to and it satisfies me. Then I challenge myself to try harder and write better to prove the voice wrong.<br /><br />Careann/Carol J. GarvinAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-83694622016235076242009-07-16T16:38:30.814-04:002009-07-16T16:38:30.814-04:00I have to work in spurts, which isn't a great ...I have to work in spurts, which isn't a great way to do it. But I refuse to give up, I just have to alter my plans every now and again. It helps to have so many blogging friends to help inspire me when I get frustrated too!Karahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03925811510913201292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-14131997840735530592009-07-16T15:27:03.456-04:002009-07-16T15:27:03.456-04:00Jody, your blog posts are always so good. You shou...Jody, your blog posts are always so good. You should compile them into a book someday. :-)<br /><br />I've been tempted to quit a few times, but thank goodness, it only lasts a few days.<br /><br />Once, when I was in high school, I wrote myself a letter of encouragement. I told myself how much I loved to write and how I simply could not give up. I even put two quarters in the envelope for a soda as a "pick-me-up" (obviously it was awhile ago as 50 cents won't get you a pop anymore!). I sealed the envelope and wrote on the outside something like, "To be read if you need encouragement and are thinking of not writing anymore." I still have that envelope and I don't think I've opened it yet. :-)Melissa Amateishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16086267508858187716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-13107448087600429472009-07-16T14:06:03.329-04:002009-07-16T14:06:03.329-04:00I sometimes give up writing every other paragraph....I sometimes give up writing every other paragraph. It's tough because, like almost all writers, I'm a MOWE [my own worst enemy!]. I'll read over a few pages and wonder why anyone would read that drivel, blahblahblah. <br /><br />Then, I remind myself, these are great problems to have because they mean I'm going after my dream.Christa Allanhttp://www.christaallan.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-62581920222685500722009-07-16T10:27:34.952-04:002009-07-16T10:27:34.952-04:00I have wanted to give up on writing at least a mil...I have wanted to give up on writing at least a million and one times. I get frustrated with the "feeling" that I'm not doing anything "worth while". I know that's a lie, but it still gets me down from time to time.<br />What's really encouraged me is something I read in Max Lucado's book "The Cure for the Common Life". He asks you some very soul searching questions that, if you're honest, will make it very clear what you're called to do. I know I'm called to write. That, and only that at times, is what gets me through the discouragement and, yes, the guilt.<br />Thanks for the reminder to be courageous :)<br /><br />~JenniferJenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06683486631901017529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-76729192134634246342009-07-16T00:19:54.691-04:002009-07-16T00:19:54.691-04:00Writing is wonderful and scary at the same time. ...Writing is wonderful and scary at the same time. Putting yourself out there always does. You are right, it takes guts... and a lot of heart! I tend to think that the best things in our lives usually do though. I've heard a quote before and I'm not going to get it right on, but... we are all scared to fail, but if we don't try we already have.CMOM Productionshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04595915747223847421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-69002348537444189542009-07-15T22:27:03.746-04:002009-07-15T22:27:03.746-04:00I am frequently questioning how writing is to fit ...I am frequently questioning how writing is to fit into my life of a mother of five children, and yet, it's what I've been doing my whole career so I can't imagine not doing it. It's also a lifeline as I move through the sometimes very difficult days of raising children. The thought of quitting does come from time to time, but when I look at the lifeline factor, I know that it can't be -- not while I'm alive, anyway!Roxane B. Salonenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01459456545891720716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-81974603957853005362009-07-15T21:51:08.323-04:002009-07-15T21:51:08.323-04:00i haven't wanted to give up. there are times w...i haven't wanted to give up. there are times when i feel that perhaps the timing is wrong. when it gets hard, i think maybe that's what the problem is. but i never want to stop...perhaps my focus needs to be tweaked.Jeannie Campbell, LMFThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13958943404601029395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-70652712346171066892009-07-15T19:59:05.491-04:002009-07-15T19:59:05.491-04:00The one time I was MOST tempted to quit (and there...The one time I was MOST tempted to quit (and there have been others) ironically had nothing to do with anything I'd written for writing's sake. I wrote an email (at work) to a student, explaining something to her. Later that evening, I checked my work email from home (bad idea!) and she had written a chilling response to me about how rude I was and how my response was sarcastic - and of all things, how I'd overused my exclamation points. I cried for HOURS...partly because I thought I'd failed at my job, and partly because I thought if I couldn't accurately communicate to her in a simple work email, how could I be entrusted to WRITE? How could I be sure I wouldn't be as misinterpreted in "the writing that mattered?" I stepped back for a while but finally decided I would not let her steal my writing. (I will admit, though, I'm still pretty leery about emailing her!)Bekahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08455200539913180050noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-29935383818897773382009-07-15T19:14:05.863-04:002009-07-15T19:14:05.863-04:00Thank you for the Guts & Guilt posts. We are a...Thank you for the Guts & Guilt posts. We are a peculiar bunch of people, arent' we? But it's great to find out you're not alone.Jaime Thelerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12442679809704484650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-91610461859782056292009-07-15T19:09:55.896-04:002009-07-15T19:09:55.896-04:00I remember sitting at my desk feeling dejected. My...I remember sitting at my desk feeling dejected. My heart cried out a prayer. Lord, do you really want me to write?<br /><br />Not 10 minutes later, the phone rang. The head of a writer's group invited me to join them. I found support, resources, and encouragement.<br /><br />Blessings,<br />Susan :)Susan J. Reinhardthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07461276857852409546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-70360504681821020032009-07-15T18:10:33.968-04:002009-07-15T18:10:33.968-04:00I said on my very first post that I wouldn't g...I said on my very first post that I wouldn't give up writing until God somehow told me to. That hasn't happened yet, although some inner voice sometimes makes me think about quitting. God always answers back with a reason for not giving it up.Susan R. Millshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09578747592345750650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-5005174716541656172009-07-15T14:25:15.417-04:002009-07-15T14:25:15.417-04:00Once I started writing, I knew I wouldn't stop...Once I started writing, I knew I wouldn't stop--now ask me about other things in my life and the answer would be yes!Terri Tiffanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07771622379178654235noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-76988380347638448282009-07-15T13:57:57.287-04:002009-07-15T13:57:57.287-04:00I have been tempted to quit many times - especiall...I have been tempted to quit many times - especially the first time I went through the whole query process. That was really tough. I don't know what kept me going - partially the encouragement of friends I've made online, a little bit of habit, but I think mostly I just need to have that creative outlet in my life that writing provides.Kate Karyus Quinnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15581176126578915929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-53660810237673335252009-07-15T13:18:27.210-04:002009-07-15T13:18:27.210-04:00I did quit writing for a lot of years. I did a fe...I did quit writing for a lot of years. I did a few things in those years, but nothing to send out. It is with the new blog that I finally found a place to share ideas and have things read. That made all the difference in the world to me.Nancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15163662759281341381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-13525723606583017792009-07-15T11:04:52.054-04:002009-07-15T11:04:52.054-04:00Of course it's tempting to give up. But then I...Of course it's tempting to give up. But then I can't imagine what my life would be like if I weren't writing. Plus, enough people know that I'm a writer. I couldn't possibly let them see me as a quitter!Jillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04630288151385157311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-54662709325964481512009-07-15T10:45:38.853-04:002009-07-15T10:45:38.853-04:00Sure I have! I think all writers think of giving u...Sure I have! I think all writers think of giving up. It's hard and we may not see the fruit of our labors until much later. For me, I have not wanted to give up on a dream. Not really to get published, though that is the ultimate prize, but to say I have done it. I wrote a book! To write something that would give someone as much pleasure as reading books have given me would be the ultimate prize really. If nothing else, my book would make a great Christmas present! lolSherrinda Ketchersidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07581676437345249386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-22714282165150806172009-07-15T10:22:51.154-04:002009-07-15T10:22:51.154-04:00I've been tempted to give up on seeking public...I've been tempted to give up on seeking publication - but I've never been tempted to give up writing. I love it waaay too much to give it up. Plus, I would probably go psycho. My brain would explod with too many words stuck inside. :) But you're right, trying to get published is a very long and arduous road. I'm glad we have a community here to support and encourage one another. A community of fellow writers that "get it". They understand the journey is TOUGH! Thanks for the post, Jody. :)Katie Gansherthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-73699738770900627272009-07-15T10:21:33.322-04:002009-07-15T10:21:33.322-04:00I have not only been tempted to give up, I have gi...I have not only been tempted to give up, I have given up. I ended my relationship with my agent, put my writing aside, but--thank goodness--kept reading some of the related blogs and stayed connected. <br />Through events that can only be classed as a "God thing," I was led signed by a fabulous agent who liked what I'd written. Now I'm under contract, my second novel is under consideration, and I'm back writing. Yes, I gave up, but God obviously had other plans.Richard Mabryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15993592219849830777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-27268609811044406662009-07-15T10:10:08.447-04:002009-07-15T10:10:08.447-04:00The going often gets tough! But one thing keeps me...The going often gets tough! But one thing keeps me going: I promised myself I would write this book. I'll get it done!Alexis Granthttp://www.alexisgrant.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-775260011366704822009-07-15T09:58:25.421-04:002009-07-15T09:58:25.421-04:00I've never been tempted to give up writing. B...I've never been tempted to give up writing. But, I have had to take a lot of time to think over my motivation. I've had to pray a lot to receive guidance. I've had to ask God which direction he wants me to take--because I know I've tried to rush in the wrong direction many times. <br /><br />Also, I HAVE been discouraged. Many, many times. At times it made me lost my confidence a little. Made me wonder what the purpose of this gift is. I combat this every day by knowing I will reach people with my writing, by knowing that's what I'm supposed to do. What this looks like in the long run, I'm not positive, but it keeps me going. Have a great day!Cindy R. Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13488732331021750408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-19861950958571048432009-07-15T09:50:32.834-04:002009-07-15T09:50:32.834-04:00Sad life changes tempt me to give up or bombarding...Sad life changes tempt me to give up or bombarding negative thoughts, but I've learned to use those as motivators and inspiration. <br /><br />It's about releasing control to God to see what He wants my life to look like. I feel the pull to write, so I write. In some ways it's a form of obediance.<br />~ WendyWendy Paine Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15136235074351188350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-60080233890399490162009-07-15T09:38:28.225-04:002009-07-15T09:38:28.225-04:00Thanks for sharing those encouragements, Jody. The...Thanks for sharing those encouragements, Jody. They're important to hear and retain.<br /><br />I've not yet thought about giving up; I don't think I have it in me. I have, though, given worry to whether it'll turn out the way I dream for it to.Janna Leadbetterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06339705935553160673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-72305973773434255812009-07-15T09:33:47.593-04:002009-07-15T09:33:47.593-04:00Like so many of the others say, I have no choice b...Like so many of the others say, I have no choice but to write. It's what I do, even though it's difficult sometimes, when we get really close, and a door closes. A full ms is declined, a query regretfully passed on. But then we find another way, an agent, a project, and the love of the craft keeps us going. It's all about love.Joannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03972054718663959694noreply@blogger.com