Are you ready to write like a D.R.A.G.O.N.? In this six part series, you’ll learn what it takes to step up your writing game and embrace your inner D.R.A.G.O.N.! In this sixth and final installment, let’s examine why N stands for Never Give Up. If you ever feel like giving up on your pursuits, here are 5 ways to convince yourself the fight is still worthwhile:
1. “No one has the power to shatter your dreams unless you give it to them.” –Maeve Greyson.”
This quote is a powerful reminder of who holds the most power over your dreams: you. For writers, it’s all too easy to become overwhelmed or disheartened. It may be due to writer’s block, a rejection letter, or just the struggles of finding time to write in your busy life. We all go through moments where it seems so much easier to give up. However, D.R.A.G.O.N. writers know that you must not give in to such temptations. You must never give up, or else you lose the one thing you want most: your dream.
2. “The world’s greatest achievers have been those who have always stayed focused on their goals and have been consistent in their efforts.”—Roopleen
D.R.A.G.O.N. writers know how to stay focused with eyes on the prize (pardon the cliché). Perseverance always leads to achievement, and creative writing is no exception. Set goals, great and small, and keep going. Your effort will be rewarded, but you have to want it badly enough. Be the D.R.A.G.O.N. writer. Become the mighty creature you are destined to be!
3. “Do it again. Play it again. Sing it again. Read it again. Write it again. Sketch it again. Rehearse it again. Run it again. Try it again. Because again is practice, and practice is improvement, and improvement only leads to perfection.” ― Richelle E. Goodrich
Practice equals improvement. Improvement means better writing. Better writing gets noticed. Practice is all part of setting goals and achieving dreams. D.R.A.G.O.N. writers, much like actual dragons, obsess over getting better, over striving for perfection in all their endeavors. The greatest writers of the world were once just like you—rookies working hard to make it into the big league. If they can do it, why not you, too?
4. “When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place.”—Vincent Lombardi
Remind yourself why you wanted to be a writer in the first place. Set a reminder for each day, each week, whenever you like, but never forget the passion for writing that called out to you. Never forget that day you woke up and realized your calling—even if it makes you upset that you haven’t reached your highest goals yet. D.R.A.G.O.N. writers remember. They worker harder, fly higher, and burn (metaphorically, of course) away the competition.
5. “When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.”— Thomas Jefferson
Hang in there, Kitty! That poster of a kitten hanging on for dear life is more than just a cute decoration. It’s what we all feel like sometimes, and it reminds us to hang on, even when it seems like we can’t. D.R.A.G.O.N. writers, even when they feel like their wings are clipped, improvise until they succeed. I urge to take these words to heart.
So this one goes out to you, my fellow writers: Never, never, never give up!
Congratulations! You now know what it takes to be a true D.R.A.G.O.N. writer. I hope you’ve enjoyed this series on better writing and that you learned a thing or two along the way. I’ll be starting a new series soon, so be sure to on the look out for it!
Have a thought or question on writing like a D.R.A.G.O.N.? Leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!
Alisha Bjorklund 