This question is from Sally Hepworth and I love it because it applies to so much more than writing.
It’s 18 seconds longer than it’s supposed to be. Meaning it’s 18 seconds over my 2 minute (or under) goal. Sorry about that!
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Let’s Talk: How do you know when it’s time to quit and when it’s time to keep going? Have you ever felt like quitting something important in your life?
My writing journey took a turn back in 2006. At the time, I was debating whether or not to quit writing for publication. Without going into a long story, God took the reins and showed me what He wanted me to write. I was writing for me at the time. Once I started writing for Him, everything began to change – and it was a gradual change, not over night. I still had ups and downs, and I had to learn patience, but now I know I’m not alone on this journey.
Love this testimony, Loree!
Katie,
Thanks so much for answering my question!
I’ve always wondered about this, because oddly (and probably foolishly), I’ve never considered quitting writing. I’ve gone through writing slumps and periods where my enthusiasm has waned, but I’ve always known I would continue. Perhaps because writing is pretty much the only thing at which I’ve been remotely successful. Seriously! My cooking is inedible, my dancing abysmal, my sense of humour questionable (to say the least). And, as much as I’ve always wanted my Susan Boyle moment, I don’t think my singing voice is quite up to snuff. So writing it is!
It might take a long time but life is a journey,and as you say, if it brings us closer to God then we are exactly where we should be
Thanks for giving me a GREAT question to answer, Sally. And your sense of humor is far from questionable. I love it!
I’ve thought about quitting just about every important thing in my life.
Even writing.
And, since you know some of my story, Katie, you know that my journey to this debut novel of mine involved a season of burnout – a time when I wanted to quit nonfiction writing.
So that time of wanting to quit was when I was able to listen to God and let him redirect my life to a whole new writing adventure.
(OK, this feels terribly rambly … but it’s 3:40 in the morning …)
What in the WORLD are you doing up at 3:40 in the morning?
P.S. Your comment was not rambly.
Every time I have thought about quitting, someone has called or emailed to tell me how much my writing meant to them. One time specifically, the day after I said I was done with my writing career for good, a ten-year-old called me to tell me how much she liked my book and praised me for my talent. She said, specifically, “Some people write just because they want to, but you write because you have a calling.” I was floored.
Another time, a lady whom I had never met, called me to thank me, saying my book had made a difference to her children (twins). And this was the same day I thought about quitting. So whenever I think I want to quit, God always sends me a reminder of why I shouldn’t.
Thanks for allowing me to share, Katie. You are truly an inspiration.
Linda
Isn’t it amazing how God knows exactly what we need each day to keep going? I love this story of yours, Linda! Thanks for sharing it!
I have to bust out the door in two seconds so I have to make this quick so I can retweet this. You know I love. Absolute love for this vlog!
Such truth and integrity here!
~ Wendy
Thanks Wendy-girl!
Great answer Katie! Whenever the journey becomes too obsessive so it steals our joy and takes away our focus from God or our families, we need to reevaluate.
You’re right. It can go either way. The journey is hard, that’s for sure. Sometimes that hardship draws us closer to God. And sometimes it just stresses us out and we end up neglecting both God and family. The first is good. The second, not so much.
Loved your answer. If we do it for Him, and we realize that it’s not about the publication itself, then the journey completely changes because the reasons change. So refreshing.
I’ve never really thought about quitting writing. Just wondered if I’ll ever be “successful” (aka reach my goals). But the more I’ve read blog posts like yours and Jody Hedlund’s about how you will always be wanting “more” or to reach that “next thing,” I’ve been much more content to just write and improve and not worry about when or if I’ll get an agent or a book deal. So for now, surprisingly, I’m content. Thank the Lord for that one!
That’s awesome, Lindsay! I love that you’re content.
I think the biggest factor as far as if a person reaches their publication goals or not is plain old persistence. Keeping at it even when things get tough or tedious.
I love that, Katie!
Great vblog! I have been there, too. I just spoke to a group of 5th & 6th graders about my 22 year writing journey that led to the publication of my first book and how they should keep the faith and persevere until they see their dreams fulfilled.
Then the next day an agent rejected my book proposal. Sigh.
I felt as if the Lord was asking me, “Well? Are you going to take your own advice? Are you going to persevere like you told those little kids? Or are you going to give up?”
I will remain in the race. I will not give up. I will persevere (cue Rocky theme) and I will WIN!!
I mean, I will go back and revise the manuscript like the agent suggested. Ahem.
Have a great weekend! Go GIANTS!!
No, I like the first one. You will WIN! You will do a victory dance on top of those really really long stairs (where is that?) and I will dance with you!
It’s funny how God likes to make sure we’re willing to stand behind our words, isn’t it?
You are so cute on your vblogs!
And I believe all writers think about giving up at one point or another. It’s a hard road and only the persistent will make it.
Now…to work on my persistence!
Ha! I promise I didn’t read this comment before I replied to Linsday’s!! We must be on the same wave length, Sherrinda!!
I’ve thought about quitting. Sometimes that’s the best decision, one I’ve chosen to make. When in comes to my writing, I’ve had the thought come knocking at the door during down days, but the Lord has used many wonderful people to uphold me. You’re one of those who blesses me on a regular basis, Katie. Love you!
Love you right back, Keli!
I’ve been at the point of tears and screaming, but I haven’t reached the point of quitting. I loved your answer! Big love on the vlog! And I’m about to email you.
Katie, I think this may be my favorite vlog ever. Yes, this is exactly the way I think about it too. What is this journey bringing out in me? What are its fruits? What are the results for the people around me? Those are hard questions and sometimes the answers collide with one another. Thank you for your post.
Katie, I love this vlog! Thank you for speaking honestly. Self reliance reminds me of a ditch along a snow-covered road that I once got sucked into. I was able to get out, but not without help.
You are wise for one so young. I’ll be watching for your book.