Have you ever worked tirelessly on something, poured everything into it and cried over it, and then realized it couldn’t be finished?

Writing is a weird profession. I almost always trust my gut, but I was asked to take on a project (despite many reservations) and I thought it might be a good challenge that could help others. Now, 35,000 words in, I was given some harsh evidence that won’t do anything for anyone.

I’ve already tried to squash the project, but continued at the behest of someone involved. (It’s nonfiction)

But today I’m releasing the shackles of this complex book and putting it to bed forever. It has tormented me like nothing else. Affected my sleep, my relationships, and my ability to trust anything.

So it’s over. From now on, I’m going back to my original stance that I only write my own ideas, forevermore!

People are always approaching writers saying, “I’ve got this idea.”

I wish I could walk up to a construction worker and try to tell them how to build a house. They’d laugh at me. And that’s what writers need to do to “idea people” who don’t have the ability to understand the complexity of writing or the understanding that projects often uncover things people might not like.

I used to be nice when I turned down people’s ideas, but from now on I’m just gonna deadpan it. No sugar coating.

Pardon the drama, it feels a bit theatrical today, but I might as well be holding a skull in a graveyard as I write this. The mood has completely taken over.

Now, time to write that comedy that has been begging to spread love!