Soon I’ll explain why writing hasn’t been everyday these past few months, though I wish it was. I’m trying to get back in the game, in my head. I miss everyday taking a few hours for writing, and it’s going to come back. As soon as I’m not so tired, all the time.
This weekend I made a deal with other authors. I have to have a book publish ready by May 2016. This means my butt needs to go into a chair and I have to get cracking.
The motivation to do something with other authors is the kick in the butt I need. It helps me settle down and do what I love. I can ignore the sleepiness. I’ve also gone back to basics with concepts and those 300 rejections that basically said ‘this would be awesome if it was YA.’ Well okay. I’ve decided to return to my original series idea and start writing fresh. I have the family tree and the basic set ups from the synopsis. I won’t look at my first ever book as it makes me so sad. (My writing was horrible.) I can use the ideas though and boom… clearly if the ideas are still in my head and I worked out complicated charts a long time ago… I can do this.
I need the support. I’m so excited I have an opportunity now. So cheers. I’m doing something different to stay motivated. I hope you find whatever new thing you need for motivation to keep going and do what it is you love to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can accountability with other authors help you stay motivated to write?
Making a deal with other authors to meet a publishing deadline creates external accountability that can reignite motivation. Setting a concrete goal — such as having a book publish-ready by a specific date — gives writers a reason to sit down and work even when tired or uninspired. The shared commitment helps writers refocus on what they love and push through creative blocks.
What does it mean to go back to basics when restarting a writing project after rejection?
Going back to basics after rejection means returning to your original series concept and core ideas rather than forcing a failed draft forward. This can involve revisiting early notes like family trees and synopses while setting aside older manuscripts that feel discouraging. The goal is to rebuild momentum using your strongest foundational ideas in a fresh, revised direction.
Should you rewrite your original book idea or start completely fresh after receiving rejections?
Starting fresh is often better than rewriting an old draft, especially if the earlier writing feels discouraging to revisit. You can preserve your core ideas — plot outlines, character charts, synopses — without being held back by flawed early execution. This approach lets you apply improved skills to strong concepts, which is more productive than trying to salvage a manuscript that no longer reflects your abilities.
