How to KEEP WRITING when you feel like giving up

Every writer faces it at one time or another: doubt, discouragement, fear, hesitation… the feeling of wanting to give up on your novel. Sometimes we reach a point in the writing process where we ask ourselves: is it even worth it to keep going? We writers are introspective by nature, but sometimes our reckless imaginations come back to bite us when we start to think that our books aren't worth finishing.
In this new podcast, Kate and I are here to give you 7 REALLY GOOD REASONS to not give up on your story! Whether you’re in the middle of NaNoWriMo or chipping away at a work-in-progress, this episode is sure to encourage and inspire you to keep writing your book… even when you don’t feel like it.
Are you writing anything for #NaNoWriMo2023? Comment below and tell us about it! Subscribe for more episodes of #TheKateAndAbbieShow
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⏰ T I M E S T A M P S ⏰
00:00 Why should you keep writing your book?
02:46 Because your book is unique
05:58 Because you were passionate enough to start it
11:13 Because you know what you’re doing
14:43 Because it’s going to be someone’s favorite book
17:35 Because you can’t see how awesome it is
20:54 Because you love writing
24:05 Because we’re going to keep writing
26:08 Subscribe for more podcasts on writing! :)
__________________________
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[@OlettaLiano]

You can always rewrite and edit a bad book into a good one. The first draft is the writer telling the story to themselves. You'll never know the whole story if you don't finish it. And, once you give up on one book, it can become a habit to the point that you'll never finish a book. Tell your internal heckler and editor to shut the hell up and just write you're damn book already.

[@sijisumesh2242]

I am going to screenshot this since this is the best summarized comment ever! And a good motivational one too

[@OlettaLiano]

@@sijisumesh2242 Awesome. Best of luck with your writing.

[@vultureiraq1168]

yup agree its hard to write a book when u are your worst critic :C , im trying everyday i get up and just write the story despite my mind saying its bad..

[@OlettaLiano]

@@vultureiraq1168 True story. Stephen King thought Carrie was horrible and he tossed it in the trash and went for a walk. When he returned home, his wife had taken it out of the trash and told him to finish it. It became his first big hit. Something to think about...

[@leemansius6078]

I’m going to add another reason: Because the world needs more creators

[@gobsx3]

after totally falling behind my NANOWRIMO goals, this video was very comforting and reassuring.

[@allesaufanfang-sarah]

same but I'm glad I took more time to develop my story

[@KM-qn8ji]

I'm 40k words behind with three days left and I'm busy for the next two 😭I have no idea what to do

[@silje.on.youtube]

Make it a 2023 goal instead ☺️ Spend December writing it too. Let the pressure of making it before November is up go.

[@TMscifiwrtr]

Enjoy your time with it. I didn't do wrmo since the current story was started in July of 23 and am 32k words so far. I don't think I am 1/2 though. As you get better your wc will increase

[@paulpasadena]

@@KM-qn8ji I know a lot of people have a negative view of Schwarzenegger, but he had some good advice in his book BE USEFUL, which was to "Do your best and then say, I'll be back." Just realize, the "Official" NaNoWriMo is in November, but you can really do the challenge any month you want to. So, just do your best and say I'll be back to do the challenge in December (which has an extra day in the month)!

[@eventing_mossy]

I love that Abbie and Kate obviously love to encourage people to write because they genuinely care - thank you! ❤️

[@Cybelle2010art]

My current WIP was started five years ago. I’ve restarted and deleted and restarted so many times. I made it my goal to finish the first draft by December 31. It’s meandering all over but I am determined.

[@lampyrisnoctiluca9904]

How is it going? Is the draft over? I have written 2 book sized stories that were so bad I haven't even shown them to my mom. I am working on my third. I can already tell it is a lot better story than the first two, but is it good enough for publishing? I will only be able to tell when it is finished. I am currently quite busy, so I will continue working on the story in March and not give up on it until it is done.

[@Cybelle2010art]

@@lampyrisnoctiluca9904 I got about 22K words in and realized I need to figure out the right path. Printed out what I gave, made notes, cut pages and made a pseudo outline with what I’ve written. It’s not editing per se. It’s recognizing that the flow was off and it was stunting where I was going. I’m aiming to finish draft 1 by March 31. I’m part time caregiver for my mom and work full time so I have to steal time to write most days.

[@Atypical_Typo]

Yep, that's me right now, having written myself into a... "might as well scrap the whole thing" corner... This video is a blessing!

[@nikkinewbie6014]

These guys are so inspirational! Born to be mentors. Together, they are: Abbie-Wan Kate-obi. 😂

[@charliedanub1756]

General Kenobi! You are a bold one...

[@Gavitar]

Definitely helped me feel better about my writing. I always get stuck in my head, constantly over thinking. It's nice to know I'm not alone.

[@noelle_reads_alot]

0:55 I just noticed the giver books in the back ground and I’m freaking out because they are some of my favorite books

[@LeanneHolloway-cy2uo]

Mmm same

[@jessatlife]

Thanks for motivating me to try again with my NaNoWriMo novel. I may not hit the 50k, but I’m setting a new goal for the time that’s left, and continuing with the rest in December, at a gentler pace.

[@timeslot09]

It’s so easy to get stuck in the mud. I get inspired when I see elements of my story pop up in a TV show or movie or when my daughter asks me how many chapters I’ve written so far.

[@saagraphics3834]

This came at the perfect time!

[@williamperryjr1324]

This video was really helpful! My inner critic has been nagging at me nonstop, telling me I am wasting my time writing awful stories! I keep reminding myself, that writing is my true passion, and I don't aim to give up anytime soon! I always win, and the inner critic loses!

[@JoelArmstrong-ge4hq]

my reason for writing; it keeps me alive. I struggle with anxiety and depression and there has been a lot going on in my life recently. When I write, it feels like I'm home, safe, with all these friends I've made. Same with your videos. Thank you for your channel, it is a gift to us all.

[@serceskywalker]

Omg same 🤍 Like writing is what keeps me going and excites me when there is no hope.

[@michaellayne-vw4jp]

This is very important for the person inside all of us. Each new word is another step. You guys are so helpful

[@NeoPokebonz]

I cannot BELIEVE I'm seeing this. Right when I needed it

[@retrochic1965]

I needed to hear this. I started a book awhile ago but set it aside. I also look after my mom full time. I just need to get back to it. The one part of the story I'm having trouble with is that there is a sad part and it makes me cry😢. But there will be a Happy part of the story as well. Anyway, have a great week to everyone that sees this post.

[@sunflower-ducks]

I loved Kate's comment on how you can't be both the creator and the judge at the same time. I've been working with a very similar idea since I started making a real effort to work on my debut novel, only I refer to the judge as the editor. I can't write and edit simultaneously; maybe some people can multitask that way, but if I allow myself to do that, I find the judgmental voice of the editor overrides and speaks over the generative voice of the writer and I ultimately end up getting nothing done. I also loved the point that our books are going to be someone's favorite book someday! Talk about motivational and inspiring!

[@saritaschaffter9276]

I am revisiting a story I wrote in late 2020/2021. That novel was actually my debut novel I was going to publish in late 2025. These tips help me to keep going.

[@colbyreader]

I love how much effort you put in to making your writing advice as accessible to everyone as possible. You’re aware of how diverse everyone is and I do appreciate how inspiring and unbiased your videos always are.

[@katiegarrison9251]

It’s funny that you guys put out a video today about this because I kind of hit that spot the other day so I just went back and started putting in slang in the dialogue. where it needed it and I totally got back in the zone and then I wrote something. today that totally call me excited about my book all over again!

[@AuroraRose_Andromeda]

Thank you Kate and Abbie for this awesome video. This has helped me a lot. I have too often tossed everything aside saying I'm going to give up. I even would stop writing for days or longer. Then something clicks and I am back deep into writing again. With watching both of your video's and doing the lives have helped me so much to stay motivated and driven to write. Thank you

[@esharihal1518]

Thank you so much! This was so helpful and insightful! Love you both xxx

[@justClaya]

Abbie and Kate thank you so much! This was so inspiring and definitely what I needed to push myself out of the “my story sucks why even write it” slump I was in. I was at the point where I was concerned that my book was trash, but all your points, especially the “you can’t see how good it is” really did help me, and I’m going to continue writing tomorrow! Even though I definitely won’t hit my 50k by the end of this month, I’m gonna continue writing in November and just see what happens. Thanks guys ❤😊

[@JulieAVL]

Thank you for this!! I have a vision of what I want my first attempt at a novel should be, but I’m so far from creating it! I repotted it after I was about halfway done at 39 ooo words. Luckily, I found your awesome 3 part outline videos and some aspects got way better. lol-you guys are so right again!! I understand you may want to branch out in your channel, but please keep also providing things like this. You writing audience so appreciates the amazing and impactful videos you create. You have helped so many of us!!!

[@austinl4947]

Good timing, needed this.

[@bettinastahl3576]

I am so close to finishing, less that 1000 words. I needed this.

[@writerbyday]

I really appreciated this video. I’ve been stuck and feeling like I’m falling behind with stories no one will read, and this video really helped me get a better perspective that my stories belong in the world. I’m working on trying to let go and just write.

[@arkin0x]

I didn't think that I could be convinced to not give up, but this was surprisingly helpful and encouraging. I'm glad I gave it a listen. Thank you both!

[@hauntingbeauty]

Abbie, that hair looks gorgeous on you! Love your videos!

[@donaldbernacky9356]

I love this discussion! It's very helpful and encouraging!!!😊

[@jennac823]

This was so helpful and inspiring. Taking the selfishness out of it really struck a cord with me

[@blacksuit4738]

Thank you, I needed this, though I think I'm going to hold off on making my project because I have my final exams coming up in January but, once they're over, I promise myself to put all my effort and love into it

[@milomazli]

OMG!! This was posted on my Birthday!!! 🥰💕💜🎉 ANd it came to me in divine timing NOW. Thank you dears!

[@Mynamenikki]

Thank you, this was needed today.

[@leighamontgomery981]

Thanks for this! I know the story I want to tell is good, but feel like my writing is so uninspired right now. Going to go listen to one of Kate’s meditations now!

[@jamescarvey2133]

Writing the path of least resistance is profound, WOW! Playlists …. Unique theory but I’m beginning to relate to it in a big way, THANKS!!!! Something new but I love it. Thanks again You sisters rock..

[@nikkinewbie6014]

Yeah playlists are great. I suggest you give yourself time to find the right songs to inspire your project. Also, I have different playlists for different tasks. If I’m actually putting words on the page, I need soft instrumental only music played low in the background. Lyrics are too distracting. If I’m transcribing notes or scenes I’ve had to “pants” just to get them off my brain, for instance, or doing anything tedious, a dedicated playlist with lyrics and more volume motivates me. If I’m brainstorming ideas, developing my process (I’m a new writer) or if I’m engaged in learning craft, no extra sound works for me. Compiling playlists is enjoyable too. I’m finding song lyrics to be super inspirational for my project. I’m practice writing a fan fic based on a movie with an awesome soundtrack - so I started with that. I’m creating four to five new characters so I started looking for songs to speak to the relationships I’m creating between the existing fandom characters and my originals 😂. So many great choices! Oh and if you haven’t listened to Abbie’s immersive videos for atmosphere while you write, give those a listen. They are great!! Happy “playlisting!”

[@guardianlegends]

Thanks for the video! I am working hard on my novel The Dark Forest

[@lampyrisnoctiluca9904]

Abbie is telling us many useful information. Kate quietly listens just to add something quite deep when it is her turn.

[@samisearle4960]

Love this! Thank you so much for your encouragement. I'm honestly in a place where I'm questioning whether it's worth it to keep writing. I've been listening to your channels for a few weeks, and this episode came to me at just the right time. I'm wondering if you have any advice or videos for surviving the marketing process. I've published two books and an online novel, but they might as well not exist at all. The algorithm chokes out every marketing attempt, and it's honestly the thing that's burning me out. I'd love to know your thoughts on pushing through an oversaturated market without losing your mind.

[@bethanyroberts940]

'Because you love writing.' So true! I once thought that, due to my religious beliefs, I wouldn't be allowed to write anymore. That thought actually brought me to tears! My mum set me straight and I'm currently in the process of a draft 1. But that cements that I really do love to write, even if it doesn't always feel that way.

[@serceskywalker]

What religion is this?

[@alayamcgill7166]

Best podcast yet!!! 👏

[@Sarawinky]

thank you for the video

[@Sunny-kk6ov]

Can you make a video about how to choose a title for your book?

[@davidbeveridgejr7089]

Stephen Crane wrote The Red Badge of Courage having never been in the army. He played college football and drew on that experience.

[@pramjam64]

You two are a national treasure!

[@wisnog99]

Thanks! I'm struggling to write the third chapter, I'm happy with everything sofar, I'm impressed with my own writing and this is a project I'm super stoked about, but it feels like I've fallen off already, trying to rewrite what I'm not happy with over and over.

[@laurielong8277]

Thank you girls once again for being a voice of encouragement 💗. Your belief in the creativity of others and the value of their ideas and stories gives me encouragement to press through the obstacles and not give up. My Novel will be great someday ❤

[@rogerparker4727]

I have a play list for the novel that I am writing, too.

[@patrickowens79]

At 48, I finally decided to start writing a novel, I am not a huge book reader to be honest. I am just now finishing the first draft of chapter 1 where i have run into my first real problem.....Dialog it is a dialog heavy scene that once finished may be 2-3 pages. Can you link one of your videos that cover this topic? Thanks for inspiring us. Patrick

[@vultureiraq1168]

My tip is instead of thinking everything is "bad" think of it as just a work in progress. The draft being bad doesnt work for me but only depletes my self esteem as a artist , and id rather be a confident artist in improving my work than a non confident one.

[@CharlotteXMoon]

I'm trying to write my own comic comic books!

[@juliab3326]

I'm definitely behind Nanowrimo (started late, slow writer, even slower writer in a different language, had to stop to re-plot), but I won't give up. Only one person has read the story I'm working on, and feedbacks or questions and wonder excited me to keep going. Until I got a feedback that made me feel like I failed my novel. I don't explain the world building (and the character's past) explicitly, so they couldn't understand why the protagonist struggles so much to accept something. Now I know I'll have to rewrite and add a lot in order to make it more clear in the second draft, and I'm scared the changes won't make it better. I'm worried that my protagonist in unrelatable and difficult to understand. Perhaps I expected too much of someone with a mostly perfect life to understand certain things without explaining, but I need to make sure ANY reader gets it regardless (even though I don't plan on publishing). I don't want to stop, I just dread and fear the work and unsuccessful outcome.

[@arseniavezyridou1557]

I feel like I'm in a position where I just crave to write things that I would like to read about, if that makes any sense. Like, creating the book I would always want to read gives so much joy to me and although it can sometimes feel sort of egotistical to write just to read sth satisfactory for yourself, what you said about future potential readers really hyped up my hopes and maybe, I say, maybe, I'm not the only illusional in this world😅

[@michaellayne-vw4jp]

You reach more people than you think 😊

[@giantgrog]

I always feel extreme self-doubt before or after something big happens. So far I'm past the inciting incident and act 1 of my novel, and I don't know how to start act 2 (even though I have an outline). I know my outline needs some finishing touches, but I'm just too afraid to edit it and I don't want to sped another year on outlining

[@JustClaude13]

Yes, 7DOS and Best Christmas are my favorite romance books. And I'm not even a romance reader. I found that my NaNoWriMo project had two side stories that need to be developed, so it's going to have to be a trilogy. The second will be a sweet romance. I don't know anything about romance. This should be fun. My opinion of my project is that it's weak, but has great moments. I hope those moments survive the first pruning. I went back over my beat sheet. It's almost totally useless. The story found its own direction and introduced new sub-pots and characters that changed the story. I need to go through and write a new beat sheet for the book to see where I am now..

[@medievaldruidess]

What about when you keep starting new books and fan fiction, and you have a pile of 100+ unfinished books. All of which you are passionate about. How do you decide which one to work on and how do you stay consistent at writing just one, when you are constantly having new ideas that excite you.

[@Kittrianna]

I’ve had trouble with this in the past. The main thing that makes me want to give up is having a hard time figuring out how the hero is going to prevail in the end in a realistic/not contrived way, (and I know they don’t necessarily have to win, but I personally would much prefer they do). Anyone have any advice for getting an MC out of the dark night of the soul or a stalemate with the villain?

[@Luxuryhitler]

Lessgooo

[@teniolalilliane9409]

I feel like I've lost my writing talent. It's so hard for me to put sentences together. I feel really bad 😓

[@ryanhowell4492]

cool

[@lindacgrace2973]

I bankrupted myself publishing my first book. I won an award for the book. Much emboldened, I spent around $10,000 over the course of three launches. I bought courses and books, spent generously on editing, beta readers, review services, typesetting and cover design. I squandered money on every plausible promotion idea I could find. I sold a dozen copies. In retrospect, I think I put it in the wrong category. I thought I had written a romance, but I think I actually wrote women's fiction (a category I didn't even know existed). That failure was so devastating that I've written three another novels, but I don't have the nerve to publish them. So, I've turned to nonfiction and I'm slamming up against PTSD- induced panic attacks because I KNOW how little I know and how bad this is gonna hurt. Worse, I can't find anyone who's interested in helping me market the book. I've been turned down by five book launch coaches. So, oops, I did it again. I wrote something valuable and can't sell the damned thing.

[@wysteriafox2977]

Have you watched any of Chris Fox's write to market stuff? Hes here on youtube and also has a book. Its worth checking out if your struggling with genre expectations

[@lindacgrace2973]

@@wysteriafox2977 No, I have not. I'll track him down and give it a try. Thanks for the tip!

[@brenda5297]

I tried that before when doing research for a book (several times) that I had reached out to experts online for info but they all never replied to me. In this case, where am I suppose to get the info I need? 😢

[@JustClaude13]

I love your videos, but they're way too long this week. Thursday is coming on like a runaway freight train! But I could watch a little. As long as I make my quota today. I'll have more time next week to catch up on my subscriptions.

[@thesamuraiman]

💜✨️

[@rosinka-.-7725]

I don't write books, but i draw and write comics. If my main comic will someone's favorite, i will d*e of happiness Sorry for my bad english

[@KRbopper]

Hello, I'm an aspiring writer with an odd question. I had a passion for creating stories for years, but I have no talent. I was born with a litany of mental disabilities and with a low IQ. Despite my attempts, I've been unable to improve my intelligence in a way that would yield any merit, both in writing and in a number of pursuits. I'm in my late 40s and I believe it's too late to build any career in writing.I've been wasting my time and energy in trying to write a number of books to no avail. This passion for story creation will not leave me. Any advice on how to eliminate this passion for writing? It's not going anywhere and there is no extrinsic value for me if I continue with this dream.

[@pterodactylman136]

I WON NANOWRIMO!!!! ABBIE!?!?!? HOW DO YOU CELEBRATE NANOWRIMO AFTER YOU WIN???

[@TheDuncanStudios2000]

I've got a question for you Abbie... I have a race of humanoid aliens that live for around 100 millennia, mainly because they're the most intelligent race in my universe and they document everything that happens... But everyone (almost) I know keep telling me they live too long. Does it seem outlandish? Is their lifespan too long? They're known as Sempiternians, which is Latin for "Everlasting"... I don't know if I should keep their age rate or not... I have some science to it as to why they live so long, but a lot of people keep telling me it too "suspension of disbelief" I don't know...

[@aliciarosemusic]

I lovvvveeee characters that have unusually long lifespans. I think it's a fascinating concept to explore, and your idea sounds just that ❤

[@TheDuncanStudios2000]

@@aliciarosemusic Thank you! At least someone sees the awesomeness in it

[@creationswithishika2901]

Hello, miss Abbie! My name is Ishika. I have written a story, which I want to show you. Since you're a great writer and teacher, I want feedback from you about my writing skills. Is there any way through which we can connect and I will be able to share my stories to you? Please let me know if you are comfortable 🙂

[@davidthomas9276]

When you bounce ideas off of other people or when you have experts teach you things you would never have known, how is this still your own book? Aren't those other people co-authors?

[@dangerbook4807]

Short answer: No. Long answer: If a business owner hires a lawyer, an accountant, whatever specialist you want to name to improve his/her business - the business ownership still belongs right where it was. The only way someone becomes a co-author is if they are doing great gobs of actual writing, otherwise they are an editor, a research resource, a source of inspiration - whichever slot they fit in.

[@user-lw4uk4zd4z]

Can I end a story with a cliffhanger?

[@user-lw4uk4zd4z]

If I write a sequel