My Ten Year Milestone of Writing Seriously. Continue or Quit?
This foggy January 2026, marks my milestone of writing seriously (every morning) for ten years.
Before that, I’d taken a few courses, read a few craft books, and dabbled here and there. Nothing that would amount to anything.
On my birthday, ten years ago, I decided to either do the work, or forget it completely. That very morning, I sat down to write. And with the exception of a handful of days each year, I’ve never missed.
Ten years.
The perfect time to re-evaluate. Has the investment been worth it? Do I want to continue the time-consuming, heart-breaking, mental-health-altering hobby/career/obsession of writing when I have almost no control over my success?
And me, being so accomplishment driven.
My ten year portfolio:
First novel:
Rewritten obsessively for, like, five years until finally shelved.
Second novel:
Left in first-draft form upon learning it’s silly to write the second half of a duology when the first half hasn’t sold.
Third novel:
Well over a hundred rejections, four full requests, zero offers. Should I keep querying or should I shelve? That is the question. How is one to know?
Fourth novel:
Two thirds the way through the painfully-slow first draft.
Eleven short stories:
Four published (one winning third prize).
Another’s been informally accepted for publication.
Two more on submission.
One in progress.
Three are shelved.
Is that success? Have I accomplished enough in ten years? Please tell me, because I’m really not sure.
And one last question, just for myself: if I chose it, would I be able to quit writing now that it’s such a habit, now that it’s such a huge part of my life?
I think the answer lies in my approach. For the last few years, I’ve taken writing too seriously, with the goal, first and foremost, of getting published. That chases away the fun. I need to write solely for the enjoyment, for the pleasure of a thing well done. Then submit and forgetaboutit.
Please, list your literary accomplishments in the comments. I’m curious!
I appreciate both your vulnerability and your candour. I doubt that there is a writer out there that hasn’t contemplated this very thing. The answer, of course, is uniquely individual and varies widely.
I’ve only been writing seriously (or dedicatedly) since 2021 and haven’t accomplished nearly as much as you have but I found myself in a similar place this last fall. I also came to the some of the same conclusions. I had been too obsessed and the stress inflicted upon my body was unsustainable. I love writing. It is my way of making sense of the world and my place in it. I am still pursuing my passion but I’ve let go of the outcome. I’m working on patience and faith.
You’re a great writer! I really mean it. Don’t give up! Maybe you just need a break or a reframe. Only you can answer that. Anyway, I believe in you! Xo
Continue. Full stop. <3