Reflecting on a blog post I wrote on May 16, 2020, titled “Past the Halfway Mark, Wanting to Give Up,” I am reminded of the power of persistence and stubbornness in the writing journey. As I work on editing Under The Flamboyant Tree, I find these qualities are just as essential now as they were then.

Revisiting the Struggle

Back then, I shared my struggles with writing my first draft, inspired by Rachael Herron’s article “How to (Realistically) Make Six Figures as a Writer.” Her transparency about the hard work, long hours, and the ups and downs of her journey was a wake-up call. Like J.K. Rowling, whose works I admired during my darkest times, Herron’s story highlighted the often unseen struggles behind success.

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The Road to a Finished Manuscript

Writing is a peculiar, solitary profession. The road to a finished manuscript is often lonely, filled with moments of doubt and frustration. Yet, it is also filled with small victories and the joy of seeing your story come to life, one word at a time.

I remember the metaphor of writing a novel being like running a marathon. It’s long, tedious, painful, and lonely. But like runners, writers are part of a community. Even when we write alone, we are surrounded by others who understand the journey. Their encouragement, even from strangers, can push us through the hardest parts.

Editing Under The Flamboyant Tree

Now, as I edit Under The Flamboyant Tree, I find myself relying once again on that same stubbornness and persistence. Writing and editing are long, solitary jobs that require a level of commitment and passion that borders on madness. There are times when validation is scarce, and the only thing that keeps us going is our why.

The Power of “Why”

For me, my why is to bring authentic stories to life so others can see themselves in the struggles of my characters or empathize with those who share those struggles. Reminding myself of this purpose keeps me going, even on the toughest days. It’s a reminder that my work has value and that persistence will pay off in the end.

Conclusion

As I reflect on my journey, I am grateful for the lessons learned and the growth achieved. Persistence and stubbornness are not just traits but necessities for a writer. They are what drive us to keep going, to keep writing, and to keep sharing our stories with the world.

Join the Conversation: How do you stay motivated in your writing journey? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!