When I first chat with a prospective writer, I will ask a series of questions to get a feel for where they are in the process, what they hope to get out of the coaching relationship, and what experience they have with giving and receiving feedback. This conversation allows us to get to know each other and see if we’re a good fit to work together.
Nine times out of ten, the writer will finally say something like:
“I really just want to know if I should keep writing or if I should quit.”
There is such desperation in those voices when this pours out.
And my heart breaks every time.
Because I recognize that need.
Writing is full of rejection and opinions and it can be hard to know if we really have what it takes or if we’re holding on to something that perhaps we should let go of.
I will tell you this, dear writer, I will never tell you to quit.
Not if it’s something you really want to do.
The question we need to answer during the coaching experience, then, is whether you are willing to do the work you need to do to grow your craft.
When I work with a writer, we’re going to push hard against some sensitive weak spots. This can be uncomfortable no matter how kind I am about it, but if you’re coming to a coach, my assumption is that you want to get better. You want to improve. You want to write the best story you can at this moment.
And that is what we will do.
How?
Through compassionate feedback, lots of writing and revising, and even customized exercises to learn or practice a skill.
I am proud to say, of those writers teetering on the edge of quitting when we begin our work, not one of them has.
And I knew they wouldn’t.
Because if they really wanted to quit, they don’t need someone else’s permission.
They would have just done it.
When my first son was born, I was a prototypical rookie parent. I asked a lot of questions at each pediatrician visit. After one particularly self-doubt fueled question session, I looked at our beloved doctor and asked, “How will I know if I’m a good mom?”
His answer?
“The fact that you’re even asking the question means you’re doing just fine.”
I believe writing is the same.
If you’re asking whether you’re a good writer, you’re probably better than you think.
If you’re asking, it’s because you care about the quality of your writing.
If you’re asking, it means you’re paying attention.
If you’re asking if you should quit, you probably don’t want to.
Are you a “good” writer? Who knows. But I do know you can be if you put in the work.
If you are a writer who wants to know how they can improve, a writer curious about their skills, a writer willing to challenge themselves, then you’re in a great position to grow into your chosen calling as a writer.
Keep asking. Keep learning. Keep writing.
Should you quit?
Not on my watch.
Want to ask me a question?
Schedule a free consultation call and let’s see if working together works for you.