Don’t Give Up: A Letter to Writers Questioning Their Journey
200,000 words. That’s roughly two novels’ worth of writing. And someone was ready to give it all up.
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” – Maya Angelou
Recently on social media, a writer I’d never met shared they were giving up after writing 200,000+ words. Their candid post touched me deeply, as these moments of self-doubt are universal in our craft.
The Universal Experience of Doubt
“The first draft of anything is manure.” – Ernest Hemingway
At a writing conference in Bellingham, I witnessed something surprising: bestselling authors with 16+ successful series openly wondering if readers would embrace their latest work. These weren’t just casual concerns—they were genuine moments of vulnerability from accomplished writers.
Finding Your Voice Takes Time
“The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say.” – Anaïs Nin
Many successful authors have confided they didn’t discover their authentic writer’s voice until book five or even book seven. Think about that—these are writers whose books we love, yet their early work was just the beginning of their journey.
The Power of the Pause
“You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” – Jack London
Sometimes, stepping away from a manuscript is exactly what it needs. I’ve seen countless writers shelve their work, only to return later with fresh perspective and transform it into something extraordinary. What feels like giving up might actually be giving your creativity space to breathe.
When Doubt Strikes: Quick Tips for Pushing Through
- Read encouraging feedback you’ve received
- Write one paragraph – just one
- Connect with other writers
- Join a writing group
- Remember: bestsellers started as rough drafts
Your Unique Contribution
“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” – Toni Morrison
Every experience, every word written (even those you think you’ll never use), shapes your unique style and voice. Your perspective continues to evolve, connecting with readers in ways both expected and unexpected.
Moving Forward
- Remember: 200,000 words aren’t wasted—they’re practice
- Your journey shapes your authentic voice
- Taking breaks can lead to breakthroughs
- Only you can tell your stories your way
The world needs your voice. When you’re ready to return to writing—and you will be—those 200,000 words will be the foundation of something greater than you imagined.
Keep writing. Keep creating. Keep going.
J.W. Zarek is a Wall Street Journal bestselling co-author of “Writer’s Success Secrets” and “The Happiness Code.” His latest works include the Golden Book Award Finalist “Bella Brown’s Messier Than Messy Room” and the 41-award winning novel “The Devil Pulls the Strings.”
