18 Comments

Charlotte, Thank you for the encouragement. I do feel discouraged at the moment. I write on platforms with gatekeepers and changing algorithms. I once wrote a post called "Everything Has a Season, Even the Writing Life." I'm not sure I believe that because it feels like writing is in my DNA, but perhaps I was trying to convince myself.

On the other hand, maybe it's time to focus more on meditation. Who knows what the future holds? I would miss the warm feeling of writing a brilliant phrase, paragraph, or even a fantastic piece!

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Oh Sandra, I'm sorry you are discouraged. But know that it happens to all of us. I am coming off a long period of not writing much and I'm finally finding joy in again. I strongly believe that you have writing in your DNA and would miss it terribly if you quit. And, besides, I, along with your many fans, would also miss your work.

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Charlotte, Thanks for the words of kindness and encouragement. I don't think I will quit just yet, but I have enjoyed slowing down a bit. All the best, always!

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Oct 21Liked by Charlotte Rains Dixon

Thank you, Charlotte. You seem to know what I need to hear each week.

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I love that, Jeni--but especially if hearing it helps you with your writing.

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Yes, your post has definitely helped me think about my writing and specifically about facing an obstacle in my writing practice. I feel so glad you are here on Substack. Stanley Bear and Odile Bunny say hi to Jeremiah and they hope he’s enjoying being home!

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Oct 21Liked by Charlotte Rains Dixon

I'd miss knowing that I do something besides my 9-5, something creative, playing with words.

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That "something creative" part is SO important!

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Oct 20Liked by Charlotte Rains Dixon

Thanks, Charlotte! I needed your message.🌸

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So glad to hear that it resonated.

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Oct 20Liked by Charlotte Rains Dixon

Charlotte, I'm working on a podcast on this right now! One of the best things I learned during the early days of my coach training is reminding someone that they can quit at any time. It reminds them they have a choice in the matter, which is often motivating. (But yes, sometimes the answer really is to throw in the towel!)

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Great minds and all that! Let me know when the podcast is ready. I really need to catch up on all things Camille. And I love that you remind writers they really can quit at any time. I think when given that option (because its hard to give to ourselves) it makes us stop and think how much we'd miss.

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Oct 20Liked by Charlotte Rains Dixon

I love your advice and encouragement! We all know life circumstances can slow writing progress, but we can still create or generate ideas on the fly throughout the day or right after we settle into bed. Half asleep, I force myself to grapple for my phone to type out that cool, new word combo that came to me in notes. (Remembering to check it later is another thing!) Once DESIRE for THAT story or idea to come out excites me (and supersedes everything else), I’m “back”!

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So, so true--once that desire arrives it makes all the difference! And sometimes the only way to get to that desire is to muddle through making notes, free-writing, and side-writing. It may feel like you're going nowhere, but it gets you somewhere eventually!

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Not quitting but maybe even not started yet!? 😂

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Haha. And I know you--you're not quitting writing, Celi!

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I am afraid (literally afraid) that my mind will go before I have written anything really good.

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You’ve already written so much good! All your followers beg to differ!

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