There are a lot of setbacks in a writer’s life. 

They work, they revise. They have a setback—a flamingly destructive critique,  an upheaval in their personal life, a bout with writer’s block. They take a little time out, and lick their wounds. They start to write again.

There comes a time when they get encouraging words from writers, teachers, and even editors and agents. Sometimes a publishing insider gets very excited about their work for a brief period of time, and hopes are raised to unimaginable heights. Hopes are then dashed.

Actual offers to publish may be made—and then withdrawn. A relationship with an editor is built—it seems you are on the verge of publication—and then the editor suddenly decides to raise potatoes in Idaho.  An agent is terribly excited about your work, and predicts great things. The great things do not come to pass as quickly as anticipated, or indeed at all. The agent forgets to return your calls.

You will get discouraged. You will quit.

Eventually, if you are really a writer, you will try again.

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