There are certain things that can cause romance writers to throw in the towel…
An unforgiving rejection letter from an agent or editor who hasn’t had sex in six months.
A plot that just doesn’t seem to want to go anywhere and characters that stop cooperating.
A tear down from a critique group member who hasn’t had sex in six months.
Personally, I usually feel like giving up as a manuscript nears completion. There’s something wonderful and awful about finishing a manuscript. You have to now do something with it and that implies risk. It also means you’re done with it and hopefully you’ve come to love your characters and you don’t want to say goodbye. The last chapter usually takes me as long to write as the entire rest of the book.
So what do you do when you feel like giving up? Drink? Get a full time job? Drink? No, none of those are really productive. The following three ideas are probably a better idea.
#1 Maintain Your Energy Levels
Remember why you were excited about your book and story in the beginning? What do you love about writing, being a writer, and your current work in progress? Focus on that and put all of your energy into it. Really strive to work and write at a high vibration.
You know that feeling when you have too much caffeine and your entire body feels like it’s humming? We’ll you can dive into your book with the same energy, sans the stomach ache from too much caffeine. At first, you may have to fake it but eventually you’ll feel the excitement throughout your mind and body. This high energy approach helps you push through and focus on being productive. I know it works because I used it yesterday and wrote about 10,000 words. (I’m exhausted today.)
Now, admittedly this tactic only works for a few days and then you are either done with your book or you have to find another way, or you have to take a break because you’re so darned tired from running full steam for a few days.
#2 Remember Your Motivation
Why did you start writing? What did you get from it? Has that changed? Consider what you have to gain by finishing your book and compare the benefits to the reason that you’re stopping.
For example, I started writing because I wanted to get my daydreams and stories on paper. I wanted to do something productive with them. It was, and still is, a very simple motivation. When I feel like giving up, I remember that those stories are still stomping around in my head and they don’t go away unless I write them down. It keeps me going.
#3 Shift Your Mindset
If you’ve been attacked by a sex deprived meanie and it’s making you want to give it all up, don’t let that poor person win. Find gratitude for who you are and what you do. Remember what you enjoy about writing, and why you’re writing – see #2, and focus on the positive.
If it helps, consider creating an affirmation or a mantra for your writing to help you stick to it. For example, “Each day I am improving my writing abilities and my best seller is just pages away.”
And, if you’re still struggling and want to give up, drop me a line. I’d be happy to help you work through it. Info@makealivingwritingromance.com
Happy writing!
Annette
Photo by Nagy David 
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