It’s officially the second month of summer and outside is a picture of puddles and pouring raindrops. It’s easy to feel unenthusiastic when the weather is like this, especially when deadlines are hovering over us like heavy grey clouds.
I’m conscious the deadline for submissions to the Romantic Novelist’s Association, New Writer Scheme is soon approaching so I have spent every spare minute surrounded by a pile of notes, red pens and copious amounts of coffee, working on my WIP.
Working towards any goal is difficult. There will always be a time when the end result seems so far away it is impossible and it’s too easy for these thoughts to make you forget the reasons why you want to reach your goals.
For me, the poem below helps me whenever a little seed of doubt is planted in my mind and I begin to question my goals…..
Don’t You Quit
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you are trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile but you have to sigh;
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must but don’t you dare quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow-
You may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out-
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit-
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.
Love
Liz x

It would be my number one piece of advice to aspiring writers. Don’t Ever Give Up. You might feel like quitting, but you never know what the future has in store – it sounds like a string of cliches, but it’s honestly true!
Here here!
I’ve loved this poem for years and it really does say it all…. don’t quit. Thanks for reminding us. Have a fabulous day!
Thanks for your comment Pauline. It’s a great poem isn’t it!
So true. Have just quoted on my blog from a really withering rejection letter I received. The rejected work went on to be published, garnered awards, and was listed for the Carnegie. Keep on writing. The road never ends.(And you wouldn’t want it to).
That’s a great message Carol. Thanks! Liz x
Loved this. Needed it. Thanks!
You are very welcome! x
Would totally second what Jane said. Quitting cannot be an option. There can be seriously bad days – but you have to go through them to reach your goal – and you learn and get stronger from them. Those that drop by the wayside, throwing in the towel when the going gets tough, simply leave the way clearer for those who persevere. Do love that line about success being ‘the silver tint of the clouds of doubt.’ Would add – never doubt yourself too. But know we all do
I know I doubt myself all the time! But if you get lost in self doubt, you leave little time for writing! Thanks for your message Sarah x
Thanks for the encouragement. A lovely poem, I have not heard it before.
Lorraine
Well I’m glad you read it here!
That’s brilliant, Liz, and I agree with Jane as well!
Thanks Christina x
Keep on keeping on and never forget your dreams! x
here here! x
That’s such good advice. Take it, everyone, and with luck – yes, that does come into it – you’ll never regret it.
Liz X
Couldn’t agree more! x
What a great post – and just what I needed to read when I am knee deep in revisions and heartily sick of this MS!
Inspiring as always.
BTW – Great article in Writing Magazine ladies. N
x
Keep going Nikki – you can do it! x
Absolutely don’t give up. I put writing on the back burner for a few years because life was busy – always regretted that.
Rofl. Whoever wrote the poem knows the feelings well.
Don’t they just! I love it x
Thanks for all of your comments – I’m feeling inspired now so am off to write! Au Revoir! Liz x