Loving The Craft When We Tire of the Writing

by Cynthia Herron

For writers, there’s nothing worse than those “off days.” The ones that Wally Writer and Annie Author rarely talk about because their writing is just too picture-perfect. Everything they create is a masterpiece. Every word they write is beautiful and filled with deep, profound meaning. They don’t often admit mistakes, because…well…they just don’t make any!

And of course, Wally Writer and Annie Author love the craft so much that they never, ever tire of the writing. They fill page after pristine page with snappy dialogue and polished prose. Words come easy and writer’s block is the fancy paperweight that sits on their desks, not a state of mind. And they’re only too happy to share their first-hand experience because every experience is worth sharing.

Well, I’m here to tell you that if you’ve ever bought into any of that mouth-watering goodness, here’s a slice of cheese to go with that bullohnee. The bread’s a little moldy and the mayo a bit warm, but the tea’s cold and sweet, and it’ll wash that silliness sandwich right on down.

Let’s face it, every writer everywhere has known his (her) fair share of tough times. The words won’t come, the story dries up, or we grow weary from the process.

It doesn’t mean we no longer love what we do. It does mean that we can still love the craft of writing, but be exhausted from effort expended. Especially when life happens.

 Here’s a quick recap of my own highs and lows during this action-packed adventure called “writing.”

For years, I worked long hours in another career while I desperately longed to pursue my publishing dream. It was a hard profession and one that left me physically and emotionally spent.

Just when things began to look up, one of our children developed a life-altering chronic illness. We spent several years living in and out of hospitals. It was a grueling time, but I continued to write some.

Life got good again. I wrote more. I wrote better. Time marched on. Things began to click.

One day, after a lot of long hours, hard work, and determination, I got the call–the one from my agent offering representation. It was the conversation I’d played in my mind for years. It was surreal and everything I’d dreamed it would be.

The very next day, my daddy had an aneurysm. The bad news: he almost lost his leg. He could have died. The great news: he didn’t. God worked a miracle. Even the surgeon couldn’t explain it. He said he’d never removed a clot that huge. Where the patient still lived.

Additional life events have followed. Many good. Some unexpected. I’m still trudging the path for one reason only: because I absolutely, completely, unabashedly love the craft of writing. I love the creative process and the telling of the story. I sometimes grow tired of the writing, but I always love the craft.

That’s the difference that helps me connect the dots.

We should always love the craft despite our weariness with the actual writing.

Because we’re winners.

Because we’re writers.

What’s the most challenging part of the writing process for you? How has God refined you during your journey?

Remember, keep pressing on! You can do it!