PROCRASTINATION IS A SELF-FULFILLING CYCLE
When we first took over the Institute for Writers, I wanted to help our community of writers—our students—so I polled them and asked, "What do you think the top two reasons are for not starting (or continuing) your book?"
I thought the big answer would be "getting an agent" or “lack of publishing knowledge”, or something like that. The top answer by far was procrastination. Procrastination can grab hold and become a habit. It can allow you to play mind games with yourself.
So, let's talk about nine ways you can keep yourself from getting stuck in your writing.
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WRITING OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Today, publishing is a massive world of opportunity with options far beyond what we tend to consider. Some writers maintain a narrow view of publishing throughout their career. For instance, I know a few self-published fantasy writers who wouldn't consider any other genre or any other mode of being published. They've found their place, and they love it. So living within a small slice of the vastness of publishing might be perfect for you.
On the other hand, if you feel like you've been running your head against the wall as you look for success, it could be that your view has been too narrow. You might be trying to fit into a niche that doesn't work well for you simply because you haven't considered the other options.
Join the Institute of Children's Literature Community! Get our free weekly newsletter with articles on the craft of writing, hot markets looking for your work, and cool resources for your writer toolbox: www.instituteforwriters.com/icl-news
THE VALUE OF A CRITIQUE
Have you ever had a professional critique? Or even listened to someone else get a critique? Having your work read out loud to people who haven’t heard or read it before is a great way to get unstuck. You can go to conferences and get a critique from attending faculty, or get one within your own critique group. If I hadn’t had my work critiqued I never would have grown. Even when there are growing pains, critiques are worth it because you end up in a better place, creatively. But there are a couple of big things to keep in mind.
Get a professional critique from an IFW Instructor with our Manuscript Critique Service!
AN INTERVIEW WITH ANDREA J. LONEY
Andrea J Loney received the 2014 Lee & Low New Voices Award for her picture book biography Take a Picture of Me, James Van Der Zee!, a Junior Library Guild Fall 2017 selection with a starred Publishers Weekly review and an NAACP Image Award Nomination. We talk about getting unstuck including what do you do when writer's block happens to you, strategies for when you're writing but you don't like anything that's coming out, and tips for handling rejections and what to do when you feel stuck in the submissions process?
Let a one-on-one mentor help you hone your revision skills and polish your work so it shines in your submissions to agents and publishers! Get started here!