13 Comments
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Bill Ferguson 🇨🇦's avatar

I like this post. I generally work on shorter pieces. I can see that by varying the different aspects of writing, ie : 100 words, incremental 10 line , story stacks, etc, I can overcome that defeated feeling.

Amy Christensen's avatar

Thank you for these good ideas on how to approach our writing when we get discouraged. Due to many difficult life circumstances at this point in time, I have set aside my creative writing on my novel and other short stories and am only focusing on journaling and keeping up with my blog. There have been times I feel like just chucking it all, but I love to write, especially the creative things, so for now, just to keep up the practice I am doing what needs to be done. Hopefully, I will get back to more creative pieces if and when life settles down a bit.

Jessica Klimesh's avatar

I hope you can get back to it, too, but journaling and your blog are also important, so it's good to keep up with those outlets--that's still writing! And just think: when you're able to get back to your fiction, it will feel fresh again, and hopefully you'll also have renewed energy and motivation. It can be tough when life keeps throwing curveballs.

Keith Aron's avatar

Thanks for modeling and normalizing the embrace of wrestling with something. The energy and motivation behind the wrestling being key, of course! I'm continually inspired by your tenacity.

Jessica Klimesh's avatar

Thank you so much, Keith!

Jenny Rowe's avatar

Great advice, as always. :) Thanks for sharing!

Jessica Klimesh's avatar

Thanks for reading and commenting! :-)

Meg Pokrass's avatar

This is a great post! And thank you so much for the mention Jessica!

Jessica Gasbarro's avatar

Hi, I follow you on LinkedIn. I was pleasantly surprised to see you have a Substack too. I hope we can connect.

Jessica Klimesh's avatar

Thanks for following and subscribing!

Jessica Gasbarro's avatar

My pleasure. Thanks for your subscription as well. Looking forward to getting to know you through your work.

Elizabeth G. Howard's avatar

I’m having a tough time getting much done tonight so I read this! I’m glad I did! First bc: “I’m back, baby! (Said in a George Costanza voice.)” makes me very happy indeed. But also because your suggestion of “what if X happens!” is really helpful for revising my novel! Thanks! 😍

Jessica Klimesh's avatar

Yay! I'm glad it's helpful!