If you want to quit writing… read this
Today I want to share a story I am finding really helpful.
It is the highlight of what I am feeling right now and I know you will find it useful too.
Once upon a time Raymond Carver, a famous writer went for a meeting. During the Questions and Answers session. A member of the audience asked a question.
The young writer asked whether to quit writing or keep going.
Raymond Carver looked at the writer and he said, Quit writing. By all means do.
This was a shock to all members of the audience. Why would a famous writer discourage an upcoming writer?
Answers like that need more answers as they give birth to more questions.
He went on to say that if you quit writing and you don’t feel the need to come back . There is no regret. You don’t look at a book and your heart skip because you have been reminded of what you could be doing.
Telling stories. The words Once upon a time don’t make you uncomfortable.
You don’t have a problem.
On the other hand if after making the choice you find it hard to let go of the thought and dream.
If you still find it hard to remove that identity of being a writer from your mind. If you find it hard to stop seeing yourself as a writer.
You should keep writing.
A couple of things.
1.We know what to do.
The fact that people were shocked when Raymond Carver gave that advice means that sometimes when we ask for advice we already have an answer. Somehow we know what we should be doing.
2. We feel it. Even though we have so many reasons for not showing up as writers we know we are running from a call and a dream.
We are not good but we literally dream of writing.
I love to listen to music but I don’t want to be a singer. I love movies. And there so many other things I love and really like to watch but I don’t feel the need or urge to do (create) that thing.
3. My obsession with the outcome. As easy as it is to say that we should commit to the process. The world and society has programmed us to commit to the outcomes. To do things for the outcome. For the results. The idea of committing to the practice, process and routine instead of our results is against everything we have been taught to believe.
Have you ever caught yourself doing something you know is not true?
For example I know that both lightning and thunder happen at the same time but lightning comes first because it is faster than thunder.
I know that lightning ,the silent guy is dangerous but when it comes I am not scared. Instead I am scared of the thunder rambling. I know it’s just a sound yet I am scared of it.
Quote of the Week
“You Have the Right to Remain Silent
But I hope you won’t.
The world conspires to hold us back, but it can’t do that without our permission.” by Seth Godin. The Practice
Until next time, keep writing.
So far only two people have joined the Facebook group.
Still reading The Practice by Seth Godin.
