How to Rediscover the Joy of Writing When You Feel Discouraged

From Edie: Beth Vogt shares encouragement for writers feeling discouraged. Discover practical ways to rediscover the joy of writing, reconnect with your why, and find the motivation to keep going.

How to Rediscover the Joy of Writing When You Feel Discouraged

by Beth K. Vogt @BethVogt

Earlier this month, I chatted with another writer, who shared a disappointment with me. A frustration. A concern.

I can hear you thinking, “Pick a word already, Beth.” 

Each of these words apply to what my writer-friend shared. What was she so disappointed, frustrated, and concerned about? 

Writer, Don’t Look Now, But You’re Being Followed

by Beth K. Vogt @BethVogt

Last weekend, my husband Rob and I attended the memorial service for our Aunt Jean, who died in June at 96. To be honest, she was Rob’s Aunt Jean, his mom’s younger sister, but years ago I claimed her as my aunt too. Both Rob and I treasured her as our mom-in-the-Lord. 

Shortly after we arrived in Montana, Aunt Jean’s eldest daughter, Pat, shared something with me: a typed page titled “Thoughts—Obituary” dated May 15, 2009—yes, Aunt Jean had written this 16 years ago. She wrote a brief reflection of her faith journey, what she called “a pathway of discovery,” that transformed her life when she was 45 years old after she knew God in a true, personal way. 

At the bottom of the page she’d written, “Beth Vogt said to me one day, ‘Leave a trail, Aunt Jean, so I can follow later.’”