My writing life sucked this week

I need some answers

I get so sick of the internet sometimes. (I’m completely OVER Social media—Threads? No thanks.)

But this tiny part of the internet.

The part with around a thousand writers on BYW.

This part makes me happy and grateful.

I live in a small town with almost no writers.

It can feel a bit isolating at times.

But then I get a notification in my inbox: “Another writer sibling has joined the BYW family!” Well, not quite in those words. But that’s how I read it.

Welcome to Robyn, Alex, Joshua and Vera who have joined us in the last few days. Yes! I noticed.

Send me a “Hi!” email if you’re new and haven’t already.

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My “writer life” sucked this week

This week I had plans. I have four days, completely child free (we have 4 kids so this is rare!) and I planned to get LOTS of work done.

When does life go to plan!

It should have been a clue when I went to the hairdresser for a “trim”.

And she cut over 6 inches off my hair!

Things didn’t improve…

This model could be my hair twin. Trying to get used to my new (unexpected) look

• I wrote just one article on Monday and pitched a ton of editors.

  THEN

• One editor cancelled a big job—no explanation.

• Another hasn’t emailed back yet with the edits for my latest story.

• One went away on vacation.

• My main copywriting client of the week (the job I’d booked to do on Monday), rang today (Wednesday) instead.

• I had a Zoom interview with a new copywriting client, but I won’t hear about that for a few days.

  Sigh. So much waiting. Pitching. Job hunting. So little actual writing.

  As a freelance writer, some weeks are just like that.

BUT…

Next week I start the next Personal Essay course. And it’s always so invigorating!

I was talking to one of the participants today. We’re both excited to put aside the hustle and chaos of freelance life…

and focus on the pure art of writing!

What stops me from quitting

• Writing meaningful things.

• Listening to stories that connect with me emotionally.

• Writing stories that help and connect with readers.

• Giving and receiving feedback and GROWING as a writer myself.

That’s what gets me excited. That’s what keeps me writing.

If every week was like this week—waiting, interviewing, pitching—I think I would have quit years ago.

Writing meaningful stories, like this one, and listening/reading other people’s stories keeps me going.

What stops you from quitting?

If your week is like mine and you’re feeling discouraged about writing, think back to the last story you enjoyed writing.

What was it that made it enjoyable?

I’d love to hear about it in the comments!