Writing Through Tough Times

What in your life gives you comfort? What in your life gives you stability? What happens when you no longer have those things? Do you stick to your normal routine, your hobbies, your dreams?

What happens when life gets in the way and you no longer have that routine, support, comfort? Do you give up, take a break or just head right through?

I was faced with all of these questions and struggles the past two weeks and I am sure that it will continue. My home, school and writing were affected. I didn’t know if any of it was going to work out. All I could do was focus on the job that got me out of the house.

I stopped writing. I stopped this blog I just started. I stopped brainstorming story ideas. Why?

Because I lost a stable environment at home that I had gained over the past two years. I felt comfortable in my relationship, my success in school, and managing a job and my bills for the first time in years, so I started writing again, having gained the confidence that I needed to throw myself into a novel. But then I blamed my book for my relationship ending. Was I too wrapped up in my head? Did I stay up too late writing?

But then I thought, why was that a problem? My story was making me happy. But I still couldn’t write.

It took me some time to convince myself that my writing wasn’t the issue. Everything else was. I don’t have to feel guilty now for being in my head or staying up all night to type 5000 words. I have so many people who have been supportive of my book from the beginning. I wasn’t just letting myself down, I was letting them down.

I wanted to write this blog post for any writers out there that may be struggling. Or anyone who has been trying to make their dream happen. Even if everything else is falling apart, you can still focus on your passion, and don’t let anything make you feel guilty for doing so. Do you and do your thing.

I pumped out 6000 words in the past week. I was ill, I was trying to stay on top of the school work I was missing, I was working, I was trying to make sense of where my life was headed now. But I still managed to write. My story was still there. The words I had already typed, they were waiting for me to come back.

I looked at my main character differently. I saw how much I related to her. It made me excited to write her parts. Even though I am not exactly like her, she is still a part of me. I could see her flaws and her strengths more clearly. I was able to turn the negative experience into a helpful and positive thing.

I still have a long way to go and a lot of struggle left, but I am able to now see that I shouldn’t blame my writing for anything. People saw the passion I had for it. They told me not to give up on it. That it would be the most devastating part of everything else falling apart.

Being able to have or find the time and energy to write is a privilege, but you deserve to make it work.