Some days are great. The words flow and you FEEL like a writer. And then there are the other days. You know, the days when every word you put down on paper sounds as interesting as dryer lint. Those are the days that tend to linger in our minds. The days when, quite frankly, the writing sucks.

Those are the days that chip away at your confidence and make you doubt your path and dreams. So how do you let go of those days and build confidence in your writing? Let’s take a look at three slightly offbeat tips to help you persevere.

#1 Be Okay With Writing A Shitty First Draft

No one writes a perfect manuscript the first time around. Most writers write several drafts before they’re remotely happy with it. Let loose and write your first draft without worrying about the quality of writing. Write from a place of joy and then really dig in during the editing process. That’s when you focus on making it the best manuscript it can be.

 “Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life, and it is the main obstacle between you and a shitty first draft. I think perfectionism is based on the obsessive belief that if you run carefully enough, hitting each stepping-stone just right, you won’t have to die. The truth is that you will die anyway and that a lot of people who aren’t even looking at their feet are going to do a whole lot better than you, and have a lot more fun while they’re doing it.”

― Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

#2 Appreciate That Writing Is A Process

Some days will be good, some not so good, and you’ll learn along the way. Take some confidence in the fact that the more you write, the more comfortable you’ll become with the process, and the better your writing will be.

#3 Be Proud Of Being A Writer

Being a writer is a wonderful profession! Even if you’re not earning any money as a writer at the moment, you’re still a writer. Tell people you’re a writer when they ask you what you do.

What’s Next? Start writing!

Pull out that old manuscript or start a new one. If you’re looking for ideas, check out 1001 Romance Story Starters. You can find the book at:

Happy Writing!

Annette