by Lisa Jordan, @lisajordan

Recently, a friend confided that she wondered if she was called to write. She’d entered a contest for unpublished writers. When she received her scoresheet, she was discouraged by the low scores and judges’ comments. That step of faith to enter the contest dealt a stinging blow to her ego, causing her to question her dream and wonder if she was using her time wisely.  

As someone who’s been there, I understood how she felt. Writing is hard, no doubt about it. Especially when life is throwing obstacles in your path while you’re trying to meet deadlines. When I’m struggling, I’ve had self-defeating attitudes. I’ve questioned my abilities more times than I care to admit. 

If we want to be writers and build careers, then we need to learn how to move past the discouragement to get the words on the page. So, how do we do that? Here are three quick tips to help you fight through your writing discouragement:

Remember Your Why.

You began writing for a reason. What was it? Why do you continue? What motivates you to open that Word document or Scrivener file and put words on the page? For many of us, it’s the call to create—the dare of the dream—to pursue a career as a novelist because we have stories to tell. For some, it may be a way to bring extra money into the household. For others, it may be a means of self-expression. Whatever your reason, remembering your why helps you to stay motivated to meet your writing goals.

Seek Guidance. 

God doesn’t give us a dream only to take it away. When He calls us to write, He also equips us. Go to Him in prayer and ask for guidance and wisdom in learning how to strengthen your craft. Join writing programs such as Novel Academy, which teaches you how to write well and build a brilliant career. Join writing organizations such as ACFW or Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers where you can network with other writers and industry professionals. Find a mentor or a craft partner who can help you to develop your writing skills. 

Stay Focused. 

As I stated already, writing for publication isn’t easy. But as you continue to hold onto your why and seek guidance, you need to stay focused. Entering contests are excellent options for meeting deadlines and getting feedback on your work. However, you need to remember judges’ opinions are subjective. They are seeing a snapshot of your story. Use their comments as teachable moments to develop your writing skills. Keep moving forward so you can meet your writing goals. 

I like this quote by author Ray Bradbury, “Any man who keeps working is not a failure. He may not be a great writer, but if he applies the old-fashioned virtues of hard, constant labor, he’ll eventually make some kind of career for himself as a writer.” 

Every writer has self-doubts and moments of discouragement. But if you stay the course and apply yourself, then you will reap the rewards of your labors and be on your way to building a brilliant writing career.  

---

His Road to Redemption

A veteran in need of a fresh start will get more than he bargained for…

Veteran Micah Holland’s scars go deeper than anyone knows. An inheritance from his mentor could be a new beginning—if he shares the inherited goat farm with fiercely independent Paige Watson. Now the only way they can keep the farm is to work together. But first Micah must prove he’s a changed man to keep his dream and the woman he’s falling for.

Heart, home, and faith have always been important to Lisa Jordan, so writing stories with those elements come naturally. Represented by Cynthia Ruchti of Books & Such Literary Management, Lisa is an award-winning author for Love Inspired, writing contemporary Christian romances that promise hope and happily ever after. Her latest book, His Road to Redemption, releases in January 2022. She is the content manager for Novel Academy, powered by My Book Therapy. Happily married to her own real-life hero for over thirty years, Lisa and her husband have two grown sons. When she isn’t writing, Lisa enjoys quality family time and being creative with words, photos, fibers, and papers. Learn more about her at lisajordanbooks.com.