Writing Prompt: Have You Ever “Crashed and Burned”?

How did you manage to stand back on your feet again?

Photo by zhan zhang on Unsplash

We hear the phrase “crash and burn”, and we know that an individual has suffered many failures in life and then he or she decided to give up and not do anything. When I hear the phrase “crash and burn”, I visualize a space shuttle hurtling from outer space and crashing into a mountain or the ocean, as a ball of fire.

I know of some instances where an individual tried to pass an accountancy examination five times, and failed, till he was successful after the sixth attempt. I recall the story of a woman, who wanted to be a fashion designer. She kept designing outfits to the best of her ability, but they all failed. She crashed and burned for some time. A year later, she returned with a fresh portfolio of designs and blew away the competition at a design exhibition.

We have all heard of the writer or novelist who sent his or her manuscript to several publishers, only to receive rejection letters. The writer crashed and burned for a few years and wrote nothing of substance. A few years later, one of the manuscripts was chosen by a book publisher and the author became famous, while the novel became a bestseller.

Have you ever crashed and burned in life and as a writer? I have suffered failures and crashed and burned for some time. However, I have learned not to give up. Take the time to relax, and not to think about the project. It is during that period of “stepping away”, that new ideas for execution and new strategies for success enter your mind.

The time will be ripe when you are fully prepared, and nothing will be able to withstand the force and power of your imagination and creativity. How do you manage to stand back on your feet again, after you have “crashed and burned”, in life and as a writer?

Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash