Cintia
asked
Jessica R. Patch:
I'm an aspiring writer, but I'm dealing with two things: I get discouraged every single day because 96% of manuscripts are rejected, and I haven't had an idea for years, literally. There's too many people wanting to be writers, and knowing there's so much competition just kills me a little every day. When I get motivated, immediatly something appears about the industry that kills it. Any tips on how to deal with this?
Jessica R. Patch
Hi Cintia!
First off, I want to say thank you for asking me this question. It can be all to easy to slip into discouragement and give up on your dream to write. I see that you are a Jesus Follower, so I'll speak to you through the lens of faith. :) First off, spend time in prayer and make sure that writing is a God-given passion and calling on your life. When you know that He's asked this of you, it will help your drive to keep going when things seem impossible b/c with Christ all things ARE possible! Also, pray and ask Him to give you ideas, to help you find ideas and to breathe stories to life inside you! I do this all the time! It's important to know what it going on in the industry b/c not only is writing a passion, but a business if you want to do it and make a living. BUT, even though it seems daunting, if God has called you to this, He won't fail you or let you down. I started writing in 2008 and it wasn't until 2015 that my first contract came. That's a lot of books written collecting dust. I refused to give up. I revisited people in the Bible who had great odds against them, and seeing their success and God proving faithful built my faith and kept me encouraged to keep going. Don't look at other writers as competition. In fact, don't look at them at all! Just keep focused on what you're writing and what you should be doing! Also, finding a group of writers who will critique for you, hold you accountable and be a sounding board b/c they understand is important. I have a small group of women who also write and are authors. We've journeyed this long road together, holding each other up, praying for one another and cheering each other on. I highly recommend finding a group like this! I hope this helps.
Warmly,
Jessica
First off, I want to say thank you for asking me this question. It can be all to easy to slip into discouragement and give up on your dream to write. I see that you are a Jesus Follower, so I'll speak to you through the lens of faith. :) First off, spend time in prayer and make sure that writing is a God-given passion and calling on your life. When you know that He's asked this of you, it will help your drive to keep going when things seem impossible b/c with Christ all things ARE possible! Also, pray and ask Him to give you ideas, to help you find ideas and to breathe stories to life inside you! I do this all the time! It's important to know what it going on in the industry b/c not only is writing a passion, but a business if you want to do it and make a living. BUT, even though it seems daunting, if God has called you to this, He won't fail you or let you down. I started writing in 2008 and it wasn't until 2015 that my first contract came. That's a lot of books written collecting dust. I refused to give up. I revisited people in the Bible who had great odds against them, and seeing their success and God proving faithful built my faith and kept me encouraged to keep going. Don't look at other writers as competition. In fact, don't look at them at all! Just keep focused on what you're writing and what you should be doing! Also, finding a group of writers who will critique for you, hold you accountable and be a sounding board b/c they understand is important. I have a small group of women who also write and are authors. We've journeyed this long road together, holding each other up, praying for one another and cheering each other on. I highly recommend finding a group like this! I hope this helps.
Warmly,
Jessica
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