Defeat doesn't have to be stinky

How do you keep on going when you feel defeated as a writer? It could be maybe a rejection letter from a contest. Or a "no thank you" from an agent of manager. Or seeing other writer friends who you're just as successful as move further ahead of you. There are many things that can just take the wind out of your sails. And not that I have any magic answer, there are things you can do to keep you going and not being so sad.

First of all, don't see the world as black and white. This is only one moment, not the end of your writing career. There are going to be times when you want to give up. But then the next day, wake up and remember, hey, I love writing, this can't stop me! Creative types tend to see the world as black and white. So you have to remember, there's a whole lot of gray in there. And just because one thing didn't happen to propel you to stardom, that doesn't mean the next day or next month, your success can't be just around the corner.

Secondly (I think there's more than one idea right?), there are always more things to learn. Perhaps a friend did better in a contest because his script really was a tad better. But that doesn't make you a bad writer. Maybe that next screenwriting book, or screenwriting class, is just the thing you need to get to that same level or even surpass that friend. There's so much screenwriting knowledge out there, just keep on learning. You're never done learning in this business. So the more you know, the better you'll get. And if you're not getting the success you want, then keep on learning till you do.

Thirdly, remember things are so subjective. Just because one manager turns you down. You don't know that the next one won't say, "yes, this is what I've been waiting for"! It's only one person that says no. And that one person can't stop you. Just keep knocking on doors till the right one opens up.

Fourthly, maybe it's just not your time. But that doesn't mean it's not coming up, sooner than you think. If you're persistent, you'll get there. You know you will. You feel it in every part of your soul. So that's why you became a writer!

So be sad for the day. You get only one day! Because the next day, you're going to pick yourself up, wipe yourself off, and continue to make strides until you reach that writing success you're looking for.