The Steadfast Writer’s Life

By Tim Anderson

“Steady of heart, and stout of hand.”

–Sir Walter Scott, The Lay of the Last Minstrel

Rarely does a day pass in the writer’s life when her steadiness of heart is not challenged. What task has been set back, incomplete for lack of time? What storyline has faltered and fallen, sabotaged by a scurrilous protagonist run amuck? What doubts have laid hold of her soul and shaken her to the core?

Ah, the writing life…

I’m always amazed when I read of truly great authors who suffer these same pains. My own struggles don’t surprise me in the least. I’m thankful they come only sporadically, as my tendency is to embrace them as truth - possibly the central truth - of my writing life. I am deserving, I tell myself - come, join me by the fire. We will tell tales about all that I lack.

But, how is it that great authors suffer the same doubts? It’s remarkable. Though highly successful, published and acclaimed, they still find their way to the fire in the dark of night. They sit and consider their meager skills, their lack of insight. They wonder, sometimes aloud, whether it’s worth the struggle. When asked, they quickly tell others to find another means of support - any other means. The life of a writer is simply too intense, too filled with self-doubt.

And, yet…

What other life is there?

There is nothing to compare to the joy of writing. The process of turmoil as you consider your path. The joy of discovery as you winnow the kernel of brilliance from the chaff of mediocrity. The scurry of the mind, as it dances about the page in anticipation of a story well told. The steadfast pursuit of words and phrases that do justice to your theme.

The final period pronouncing the deed is done, the story complete.

What other life is there?

May you be steady of heart and stout of hand in your pursuit of the writer’s life.

Enjoy the journey.

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