Sharing this today for all my fellow writers out there, or for anyone who’s having a bad day.

Writing for publication is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done, but it does come with a few crappy days here and there. This business can really be tough at times. Choosing to put your work out into the world and share the results of your creativity and passion with others is hard enough. Add in all the criticism, the submission (and rejection) process, the unending business decisions that always seem to greatly affect your career, the pressure to produce more and more, the need to make every book better than the last, the struggles of everyday life (family obligations and responsibilities, depression, grief, the seemingly unending horrible news in the world)… it can all be very draining on the creative process.

The list below includes some of the songs I listen to on those bad days. I love them for their lyrics, their message, or even just the beat that doesn’t let a bad mood linger. These songs make me smile and remind me to focus on what I love about writing and not what others have to say about the result. They also remind me that no matter what, I just need to keep on singing my song and always write for myself first and foremost. That is the only way I know to continue telling the stories I want to share with others.

So if you’re feeling those pressures building, hang in there. You’re not alone in how you feel. We all have those days at one time or another, and sometimes they seem to snowball into more than a single day. Just focus on why you love to write and keep on singing your song.

Sloan’s Pick-Me-Up Playlist

• “Keep on Singin’ My Song” – Christina Aguilera
• “Brave” – Sara Bareilles
• “Wake Me Up” – Avicii & Aloe Blacc
• “Dream On” – Matthew Morrison and Neil Patrick Harris
• “Let It Go” – Idina Menzel
• “Beautiful” – Christina Aguilera
• “Roar” – Katy Perry
• “Loser Like Me” – Glee Cast
• “Defying Gravity” – Idina Menzel
• “Up!” – Shania Twain
• “Stronger” – Kelly Clarkson
• “So Hard” – Dixie Chicks
• “Here Comes the Sun” – Glee Cast
• “We are the Champions” – Queen
• “Don’t Stop Believin'” – Glee Cast
• “Happy” – Pharrell Williams

Don’t give up! Keep on singing your song and living your dream.