How to Keep Writing!

1. 87

   AdeleCosgroveBrayposted 14 years ago

   Rejections slips are a part of every writer's life.  There is even a standing joke about how writers have to be able to paper their walls with rejections before their career takes off.
   
   So, I'll ask creative writers here to share their own methods and ideas about how to maintain enthusiasm for writing in the face of many rejections.

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   1. 60

      Writer Davidposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Number one, I write because i enjoy it.  It is my "drug of choice," so to speak. When I get a rejection notice, I crumble it up, shred it and say, "your loss."  And then I get back to work.

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   2. 91

      Gabriel Wilsonposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I think a lot of the time rejection doesn't reflect on your actual writing, but it may be the content is not right for that particular publisher, and that makes a huge difference. I find it helps if I research the guidelines and go from there. The most important thing for me, when writing is to get lost in my own world, when that happens I know I'm onto something. Keep your head held high when all about you are loosing theirs. I wish you good luck.

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2. 73

   myownworldposted 14 years ago

   I write because it's the most natural thing for me...words flow even faster than my hands can type.  Sometimes, sentences form in my mind while I'm half awake and all I know is that i just HAVE to put them down, or I won't rest. Will any rejection ever stop me from writing...? I doubt it.
   
   Don't lose hope.... just keep writing... that in itself is so rewarding!

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3. 0

   Justine76posted 14 years ago

   Ive never written anything for the purpose of publishing. I write for me, to write. To sort thoughts, to remember, to unwind, to forget. I can imaigine a rejection letter is hard to get, and it could feel extremely personal. But I think if I did ever get one, I would try to remeber WHY I write, and not give up.

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4. 69

   waynetposted 14 years ago

   I have the strangest ideas whilst asleep, so I always have a paper and pen next to my bed and also I have some of my best ideas whilst sat on the potty er...I mean toilet!
   
   I'm always writing, although with no professional qualifications or anything in regards to writing I just write and write and write and worry about editing later.....

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5. 62

   gramaryeposted 14 years ago

   I spent two years sending stuff off to publishers. I coped with rejection by keeping the rejection slips in a file. Every now and again I get it out and have a look.
   
   I have come to the conclusion that even if you write a fantastic totally wonderful novel or story, getting it published is like winning a lottery! Merit seems to play very little part in it, but I have a feeling that the internet is starting to change how writers work and are recognized (but arguably not valued).

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6. 60

   Falsor Wingposted 14 years ago

   1. Appropriate Music
   2. Remind myself I haven't cut my ear off yet so the whole art thing could be worse.
   3. show my rejection slip to someone who doesn't know anything about publishing, apparently even a rejection slip makes you "big time"
   4. Write for fun. I'll at some points just write a scene about an OP character blowing shit up.
   5. find something you've written that you KNOW is good then read that when you're low.
   6. go to places/things/people/etc that inspired you in the first place.

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7. 82

   Rafiniposted 14 years ago

   So far I haven't submitted anything for publishing, so I obviously haven't had a rejection slip.  However, I did get turned down for an online writing job - I take it to mean: They didn't need anyone in the topic I chose, My poetry sample wasn't what they were looking for, they didn't need a writer for my area.
   
   So, I'm still able to write with the same enthusiasm as before if not more.  I feel I've opened up quite a bit in the short time since I applied for that job (a few weeks ago).

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   1. 59

      LarasMamaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I've never been rejected... but I've never applied for publishing. I'm working on a manuscript right now however.
      I have literally dozens of word files saved on my computer with poems, half stories, short stories.... these fingers never stop!

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8. 59

   Rombie1986posted 14 years ago

   I would say that to keep writing and to keep positive, you've got to have a variety of things going on. First of all, you've got to have some kind of inspiration. When I on a writing project, I go out to different places that inspire me. Sometimes I go on a camping trip and that helps with inspiration because some things are just so amazing to experience. Only write when you want to write. Don't force it down your throat because that will make writing a negative. It's good to remember to write at a good pace, but you've got to want to. It always helps to read something else. I can't tell you how many times it's helped me push on forward from just enjoying a good book. Sometimes reading others even gives me more inspiration. Sometimes when I am writing, I listen to music because it helps me set some atmosphere for me. It really helps set a mood and it's even helped me get emotion across in my writing. Another thing is don't go into writing something with publishing it in mind. It might make it more fun and feel less like work.
   
   Another thing is share your work with others. They will appreciate it and give you feedback which in turn will give you more of a reason to keep on writing and hopefully give you something extra. Sometimes being a writer isn't easy especially when all you get is rejection, but you've got to look at it differently. You've got to get a different perspective on it. Sometimes a publisher isn't looking for your certain topic that your writing on. Just because you write something you love doesn't mean it's everyone's cup of tea. Lastly I can't say enough, just like someone else suggested, carry a pen and a notepad with you everwhere. You can get some of your best ideas when you are furthest away from a pen and pad. I always have my blackberry and I use the memopad on it. Thats about all I can suggest. Just keep your hopes up and don't let rejections get you down. There are worse things out there. Just keep writing if that is what you are passionate about. Don't let anyone change your mind especially a piece of paper saying you've been rejected. Don't look at it as rejection.. Look at it as a challenge.
   
   Lastly another thing that I do is I re-read and edit my stories ALOT. Some writers have edited their stories more times than they can possibly count. It's a long process but in the end it will help you. I went back and read my first story I wrote and it was horrible compared to my work these days. You do improve as you write so it does help to go back and improve your story until it's perfected. Thats all I got.I really hope you continue writing and doing what you love. Good luck!

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   1. 90

      Urbane Chaosposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      That's exactly it..
      
      I think that the term "writing" should be changed to "editing".. Many people try to submit something without even trying to edit it.  In order to get published, one must first know how to get published - and editing is probably the most important part of that.    Rejection letters can be cut down quite a bit just by editing, and knowing the fundamentals of writing. 
      
      And yes, at least join a critique group or writers group.. they'll be able to catch the stuff you missed, as well as encourage you after you've received that 75th rejection letter this month.
      
      One has to know how to write before they can even think about getting published, and then that's only half the battle.

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9. 77

   Shadesbreathposted 14 years ago

   Go with the cliche and keep hanging them on your wall.  You have to A) Keep writing, and B) keep sending them out.
   
   The difference between the "published" and the "unpublished" is that the unpublished stop sending them out or stop writing new stuff and sending that.
   
   Period.

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