By Ramona Richards  @RamonaRichards

Like a lot of publishing professionals, I sometimes fall into the “just keep writing!” trap. Those of us who have been at this a while sometimes become focused on the “perseverance narrative.” 

Writing is hard.

Rejection is part of the process.

Develop a thick skin.

Even great writers don’t always get published.

You have to be prolific.

Get ready to be disappointed, disillusioned, depressed.

You have to just keep writing.

Did I mention that writing is hard?

With all that coming at you, you would be justified in wondering why in the world we even do it. Why keep writing when it’s so difficult?

Because writing is love. Writing is joy. Because being a writer is who we are. It’s our core essence, our mindset, our calling. We can no more give it up than we can stop breathing.

Oh, we can try. And there are always going to be dry spells, times when life overwhelms, or other responsibilities crowd everything else out. That’s just life. 

But when you’re a writer, even during times when you cannot get words on the page, the brain never stops spinning the words and your heart never stops craving the euphoria of putting the right word in the right place.

Here are a few of the joys of writing that I’ve discovered over the years.

• The joy of learning and discovery.

As writers we are infinitely curious, and we never stop seeking information. One reason research can become a rabbit trail of wormholes for us is that we love learning new bits and pieces around the world. We grab onto interesting tidbits with a euphoric glee, storing them away. They feed our thirst and love of knowledge.

• The joy of “the zone.”

Diving into your book, fingers flying over the keyboard, losing track of time and space, disappearing into the world you created is an addicting that fires the brain cells and enchants the heart. Nothing like it in the world. 

• The joy of craft.

Like disappearing into the research abyss, the joy from applying what you’ve learned at conferences, from other writers, from craft books provides a sense of accomplish that makes your heart soar. “I can do this!” 

• The joy of networking.

Quite simply, when you’re a writer, your mind does not work like most other people on the planet. Even your own family may not “get it.” You see the world differently. And connecting with other people who have that mindset is gleeful. Finding your tribe is uniquely satisfying.

• The joy of “the call.”

These days, “the call” is more often an email. Still, receiving word that someone else likes your work enough to publish it is an unbelievable thrill. Even multi-published authors have told me they still get giddy when “the call” comes. 

There are dozens of other reasons why the hardships that accompany being a writer are worth it. So don’t get bogged down with the tough times. Yes, they are a part of the writing journey. 

But so are the joys. Embrace them.

And keep writing.

Ramona Richards is the award-winning author of eleven books and the founder of Psalm 98 Ministries, a speaking and teaching outreach effort. Ramona has edited more than 500 publications, including study Bibles and curriculum, and is currently the associate publisher for Iron Stream Media. In 2019, she received the Joann Sloan National Award for the Encouragement of Writing, a mentoring, editing, and coaching award presented at the Southern Christian Writers Conference. Ramona lives in Moody, Alabama.

Website: Ramonarichards.com

Facebook: ramona.richards

Twitter: @RamonaRichards

Instagram: ramonapoperichards