“Never Give Up”…or How to Beat the Fear of Failure
In which I talk about the power of persistence without actually using the word.
One of the driving forces that keeps me writings embarrassment. Everyone knows me as a writer, and if I run into someone I know after a gap of time, the first question they always ask me is, “Are you still writing?”
How do you answer that?
Well, since I haven’t achieved all I have wanted to achieve in my writing career, I am still writing. But what keeps me writing is fear of seeing a hint of pity in their eyes. I don’t want to be known as that friend who wrote a few books but she doesn’t now. I want to be known as their writer friend. So my answer to the question is truly, “Yes, always.”
Picking yourself up is hard. Sometimes the effects are lingering. But often, after a good night’s sleep, you realize that the world didn’t end, the sun came up (even if it’s behind a rain cloud), you didn’t die, and it’s a new day. And you choose to continue.
Basically, I’ve found the one thing I cling to through any discouragements. Find that one thing that will keep you going. Money is a valid goal; awards are a valid goal; grades are a valid goal (if you’re in that world); and avoiding embarrassment is a valid goal.
–Gabi
Books I’m reading now:
Serpent of Venice by Christopher Moore
Bones Never Lie by Kathy Reichs
Words, Books, and Other Magic 
Gabi, your blog is inspiring and I am equally impressed with your website. So true about finding that one thing that keeps you going, no matter what it is! Because writing and locking yourself up behind a screen is not natural, nor will it never be ‘easy’. Cheers, K
Thank you, Kaatje.