
I Quit
And Other Sensible Ideas - Or, Five Reasons To Stay A Writer
It comes along more frequently than not: The thought that you’re insane
and should pursue a career that doesn’t stomp on your pride or demolish your ego. You have the hopes of
fame and fortune to comfort you at times, but not often enough to keep doubt from gnawing at your mind.
Discouragement is a constant companion. You face rejections. You spend time,
money and energy with no guarantee of financial gain (
and if you’re published, you face rejections; spend time,
money and energy with no guarantee of financial gain). You endure looks of healthy disdain from people when you reveal you’re a writer. If you’re a literary writer, you’re regarded with some awe; a genre author; however, is looked upon with the same reverence as a stripper.
At times like these, quitting seems like a sensible thing to do. I would encourage it, if you are constantly depressed
and on the verge of madness. It isn’t worth your sanity
and publishing isn’t an industry that is concerned with keeping you sane. Drinking may no longer be common among writers, but it certainly is a temptation.