Artists have been commonly stereotyped as antisocial eccentrics. Perhaps because eccentricity is what makes artists think differently from the rest. Writers are an eccentric lot and creative writing serves as a channel to release their eccentricity in the form of imaginative storytelling or informative nonfiction. Many writers pursue a career with great expectations that at some point, the world will reward them for their untiring dedication to their craft. Though there are writers who reap fame and fortune, a huge number remains unknown yet still dedicated. Fame and fortune become a necessary delusion to keep us going. Yet sometimes, the ropes of doubt pull stronger and the anxiety of whether to continue writing or not besets us.

In any field, discouragement is a constant companion, and it strongly applies to the vocation of writing where rejection is rampant. Often, you have to accumulate piles of rejections first before achieving publishing success. What’s even more disheartening is the fact that you spent time, money, and effort to improve yourself as a writer despite no guarantee of financial rewards. Even if you get published, there is no guarantee that your book will top the bestsellers list and get you invited to Oprah’s Book Club. The publishing successes that we read and see on various media channels are a mere fraction of writers who have achieved what is not the standard norm. Even more heartbreaking is that most of the people you encounter have an unhealthy perception of a writer’s life. In my case, people would often ask me what stuff I write then follow it up by asking if I’m earning enough with my gig. Insulting.

Then you hear stories of people you know who succeed in their chosen field. Marty is making six figures as a full-time stockbroker. Catherine has been promoted as a senior account executive in an advertising firm. Mike received the Pritzker Prize for his work on architecture. The list goes on. You now consider quitting writing and exploring other possible lucrative careers. You’re a talented person and you don’t deserve to lag behind. This is the type of persistent mental nagging that festers your mind. It’s no wonder most writers have some sort of dementia or suffer from drug or alcohol problems.

If rejection and all the doubts brewing in your head make you want to slash your wrists or jump off the top of a high building, stop and think for a while. Yes, I’m asking you to pull yourself together. It’s a cliché, but hear me out first. Remember this: You always have a choice. If you choose to end your writing, nobody will care. If you continue, people may still not care, but it continues to build your foundation as a writer. The point is, you will never see the outcome if you stop.

Who says that writers have to submit their work for publication? No one ever made that rule. A writer writes, period. You have no moral obligation to earn the approval of editors, publishers, and critics. You can write because it gives you satisfaction. Anne Frank kept a diary with no intention of publishing it. When her diary was retrieved, it was published to critical acclaim. Again, you don’t need to be published to be a writer. These days, there are even more open avenues for writers to write for pleasure. You can blog if you like.