Is Quitting An Option?

Joe Konrath recently posted another reflection on how difficult it is to become a "successful" writer (however that term's defined). A lot of it comes down to luck...and not quitting. Here's a list of reasons to quit, which he offered in a post dated Dec. 2005. We can quibble about a few of these, but it serves as a good starting point to consider, if we call ourselves writers, if quitting is an option.

Joe Says: Here's a short list of reasons to quit. If you see yourself on here, it may be time to try your hand at something else. 

• You've been doing this for more than five years, and haven't sold anything. 
• You've got some kind of degree in writing, and haven't sold anything. 
• Writing causes you pain. 
• You've been working on one novel for five years. 
• You're great at starting stories, but never finish them. 
• You want to be a writer, but spend all your time going to classes and researching, but never get any writing done. 
• You could live without ever writing again. 
• You think that writing will make you rich. 
• You believe that once you sell a book, it's a cakewalk from then on. 
• You truly feel that you have something important to say. 
• You think being a writer is cool. 
• You're doing it to show your family and friends. 
• You want to win awards. 
• You believe that editing, rewriting, and revision are for the less-talented. 
• You have a thin skin. 
• You think that writing will make you famous. 
• You think that once you're in print, that will be enough and you'll never want more. 
• You think there's a conspiracy keeping you from getting published. 
• You don't live to write. 
• At the end of your life, if you're still not published, it will hurt you.

I won't tackle them all right now, but I can confirm that I've eliminated bullet points 1 & 2. I don't have a specific degree in writing, but do have two college degrees, a post college degree, and am working on a Masters in Teaching. And I've sold a few indie ebooks and a smattering of short stories to a few zines and magazines. Nothing to broadcast over the SETI network, but I'm happy with my progress these past few years.

Speaking of progress. I added 1500 words to my paranormal fantasy story last night and finished it up, as anticipated. Nothing new today, but ready to tackle another project tomorrow. And I may address a few more bullet points tomorrow as well.

New words yesterday: 1500
So far this month: 13,100