Cintia asked Kim Harrison:

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?

Kim Harrison Hi Cintia. I've always been a big believer that this is a hard job, and if you don't love the process, you shouldn't put yourself through it. I'd be willing to bet you've had ideas, but that you've quashed them because of someone else's opinions.

On the plus side, if indeed 96% of the manuscripts are rejected, it gives yours a good shot if it is timely, well written, and it reaches the eye of someone in NY who knows what it is. Luck is involved, but as my Grandpa always said, "The harder I work, the luckier I get."

My advice to remain motivated in the industry storm? If writing is something that drives you, put the time in at the chair and stay off the internet. Take a heavy, long break from social media. It will be there when you get back. It's a soul-killer and motivation-stealer. (In my best Golum voice: "We hates it. Yes we does.")

If you can't stay off, limit it, and for crying-out-loud, don't get online until after you get the words on the page for the day.

Also, know that the industry is in the dark as to what is going to sell as much as you, so don't let an opinion or statement from someone you admire get in your way. If you have food on the table and heat coming out of the vent, write what you love. At least that way, you are happy, eh?

Good luck, Cintia. Let me know how it goes. :-)

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