How Writers Can Defeat Discouragement and Disappointment

From Edie: Struggling with writing setbacks? Larry shares how to defeat discouragement and disappointment using prayer, encouragement, and proven writing habits.

How Writers Can Defeat Discouragement and Disappointment

by Larry J. Leech, II @LarryJLeechII

Discouragement and Disappointment. The bully brothers of the writing world.

Formidable foes. They’re relentless. Annoying. Often like a faucet that drips. 

They chirp in our ears with things such as:

• “That’s a stupid idea.”
• “No one will read this.
• “Ha, you couldn’t have come up with a better verb than that.”
• “You’re a horrible writer.”
• “If readers knew what a terrible person you have been, they’d want nothing to do with you.”
• “You really think you can edit? You’re a joke.”

If we are not careful, the enemy and his minions can overwhelm us with invasive thoughts. Maybe for weeks on end, day after day after day after day. That kind of continuous action is meant to annoy us, trip us up, derail us, get us off our game. Maybe to the point that we throw in the towel.

The ‘D’ brothers seem so, so strong. But they are weak. 

When we have the right weapons to fight them.

Praying. Listening to worship music. Reading scripture. Taking a moment and getting away from your computer. Calling a friend. Texting an accountability partner. All good weapons. Don’t be afraid to use them. You’re in a fight. 

We can’t be like Eyeore and walk around with our head down and mumbling. Yes, in this writing gig, no matter how difficult it may be, we will experience discouragement and disappointment. We do in life, right? So why should we be exempt in our writing? Especially when we write to glorify God.

When we dwell on the words of the ‘D’ brothers, we push what we should be doing out of the forefront of our mind. We focus on them. If we do that long enough, we will ultimately push God out of our writing process. 

Of course, the ‘D’ brothers will be back. Be ready. But don’t give in and don’t believe a word they say. They are minions of the ultimate liar. 

What weapons do you use to fight off the attacks of the ‘D’ brothers?

TWEETABLE

How Writers Can Defeat Discouragement and Disappointment from @LarryJLeechII on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Usually with a hot beverage nearby, Larry J. Leech II spends his days working with words—as a writing coach of award-winning authors, as well as Acquisitions Editor and Master Book Coach for Illumify Media. More than forty years ago, Larry started his career as a sportswriter in southwestern Pennsylvania where he covered prep sports, college sports, and the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers. In 2004, after 2,300 published articles, Larry shifted to book publishing. Since that time, he has ghostwritten thirty books, edited more than 450 manuscripts, and coached hundreds of authors through the writing and publication process. For nearly two decades Larry has taught at numerous general market and inspirational conferences nationwide. When he has a minute, Larry likes to hang out on Facebook and Instagram. You can also find out more about him on his website: larryleech.com.