Never give up

I am beginning to learn that the most important part of writing is to never give up.

After six years of starting the process, then setting it down, my book is still a work in progress (WIP). Yet every time I reapproach it, I feel more ready to complete it. I used to see my lack of follow through as a failure. Now I'm learning that by not giving up I can never fail.  Each attempt to complete my novel has brought with it new knowledge and inspiration.

So what is different this time. Why do I feel this is the attempt that will end in a Harlequin submission? What am I doing differently? The list is short, but has made a world of difference for me.

1. Joining RWA- Just the realization that I have put out that much money for a membership is a motivator for me. It may not be for everyone, but when I shell out the money, I want my money to yield something.

2. Contests- I am finding that contests help me set deadlines, work on aspects of my book that I previously neglected, and get myself out there.  For instance I am currently preparing my query letter for the Query Quandry Contest sponsored by the NHRWA. This entry is due March 1st.  Would I have started working on my query letter before my book was finished without this contest? Absolutely not! But in writing the query, it helped me to define my book, and therefore condense my story into a more active voice.
I'm also preparing my first chapter for one of several contests due March 15th.  All are basically first chapter entries. But when I read my chapter, realizing that it needed to stand alone, I didn't like it anymore. The contest pushed me to condense the chapter further, causing me to merge the first two chapters into one and making it a far more entertaining read.

3. Critique groups- Whether local or online, these groups are a must.  To see your writing through someone else's eyes is priceless. And by critiqueing anothers work, you learn to view your own with a more critical eye. I haven't found the group I am looking for... yet, but I'm working on that now.  I just wanted to be sure that I would get into a routine again before I let someone else down.

4. Write every day-  It's a no brainer, but often times our daily lives take precedence over our hobbies. Children, jobs, whatever the distraction, make time to write every day. It may only be a paragraph in a journal or blog, a one page edit on a current piece, or just some brainstorming for a new story idea. Just keep those juices flowing.

5. Read- When you just can't seem to find your voice and frustration takes over, slow down and read for pleasure. Not only are you keeping in touch with your targeted publisher, you are also remembering why you wanted to do this in the first place and refreshing your mind. Sometimes it may even spark an idea that breaks through your writers block.

6. Study - And dont forget to learn something new.  I have resolved to look at or revisit an aspect of writing each week. Anything from punctuation, POV, query letters, character development.... whatever catches my interest or helps with a  current problem. Find articles or chapters that expressly relate to that subject.  And then try to apply it to my writing on a daily basis.

There are so many things you can do to improve  your writing and get that book finished. Everyone has their own routines and schedules, but the  most important thing is NEVER GIVE UP!  Happy Writing!