Five Things: Ways to Keep Writing

Writing a novel can be a long haul – and as all emerging writers know, getting that novel traditionally published can be even more daunting. Most of us will face rejection at some point, perhaps repeatedly, and though the standard advice is don’t take it personally it can be hard to maintain your confidence and stay motivated in the face of the inevitable knock-backs.

Even if you’re not busily amassing a collection of rejection slips, life tends to get in the way of art; without ever making a decision to stop writing, it’s perfectly possible to realise that the ‘novel’ file on your laptop is covered in metaphorical dust and your enthusiasm for a writing project has expired through unintentional neglect. But as a creative writing teacher, I’ve often seen that the people who find ways to keep going in the face of setbacks are the ones who make breakthroughs in their work, and who are continually improving as writers. Whether you’re tangled up with a tricky part of your work-in-progress, or have just received the umpteenth rejection for your seventh novel, here are five tips to help you persevere.

Life tends to get in the way of art; it’s perfectly possible to realise that the ‘novel’ file on your laptop is covered in metaphorical dust

Find a peer group 

Whether it’s an editorial group that meets to critique members’ work, or a more informal monthly meet-up, writing communities can be helpful in all sorts of ways. Being surrounded by other writers will encourage you to take your work seriously, and can also be a great source of constructive criticism – essential for developing your writing skills. Try to find a supportive group that makes you feel motivated: you can meet fellow writers through evening classes, or try searching online or asking in your local library to find an established group.

Make it harder to quit 

If you’re able to, arrange your working hours and other commitments to build in regular time for writing – perhaps an hour each day, or even once a week – and then tell people that this time is dedicated to writing. Once you’ve cleared this space in your schedule and gone public about your writing project, giving up becomes a conscious choice, one that means making a definite decision to change your routine – so you’re much less likely to neglect, and eventually abandon, your half-finished manuscript.

Aim small 

Embarking on a long-term writing project can mean years of hard, invisible work, with no response from the outside world. The validation that comes from sharing your work with readers can boost your confidence and motivation, so try to build in small successes: some literary magazines, like Gutter and New Writing Scotland, will publish extracts of novels-in-progress, and there are plenty of online outlets for flash fiction, for instance. Having a piece accepted for publication can let you know you’re on the right track as well as making you visible to readers and to the publishing world – and those publications will look great on your writer’s CV when you’re finally ready to submit your manuscript.  

Take advantage of support

Look around you and you’ll find opportunities for writers at all stages of their careers. Mentoring can keep you focused and motivated; funding can buy you time to write; residencies can give you imaginative space away from the demands of your daily routine; and workshops can provide inspiration and new approaches to your work, as well as introducing you to other writers. Keep an eye on Scottish Book Trust’s listing of opportunities for writers to find the support you need – and consider applying for the New Writers Awards, which roll funding, mentoring, residencies, workshops and ongoing support into one amazing package.

Remind yourself why you’re a writer 

External goals like getting a book deal or winning the Booker Prize can be useful motivators, but intrinsic motivation (the desire that comes from inside you – for instance, to create an absorbing storyworld, or a cast of characters who feel like real people) can be much more powerful. These kinds of goals are also less dependent on factors you can’t control, such as unpredictable trends in publishing or the preferences of agents and publishers. Why do you write? What do you want your work to achieve? Spend some time noting down the answers to these questions. Whenever you feel discouraged, re-read your notes and remind yourself: this is why you chose to be a writer.