13 Things Mentally Strong Writers Don't Do

[Paul Whybrow]

This is a useful list of bad habits to avoid, as posted on Kirsten Lamb's blog—which is one of the best writing guidance blogs around:

13 Things Mentally Strong Writers Don’t Do

Self-motivation is one of the toughest aspects of a writer's life—finding ways of keeping on keeping on—when everyone appears to be against you.

The thought occurred to me recently, after making my 60th query in the latest round of chasing literary agents, that creative writing must be the loneliest of the arts. A painter can always get someone to look at their work, an actor will perform in small drama productions while seeking their big break and musicians perform at gigs.

But a writer labours for thousands of hours, making their story, then agonises about how to sell it as a commercial product—sending out submissions to agents and publishers—and hearing nothing back.

I keep myself going with various inspiring aphorisms, including this one by Robert Schuller:

 

[Sea-shore]

I like this one:

'I never lose. I either win or learn.' - Nelson Mandela

 

[Richard Turner]

It's my "grumpy old man" evening: hate the blog, hate aphorisms, hate lists of the 10 most.....whatever. There are far too many worthless words on the internet.
Here's my recipe: read great literature, write as well as you can, revise every word. It won't get you a thousand followers on twitface and it won't get you published but you might just be able to say "I'm proud of that."

 

[Alistair Roberts]

All very true

 

[Marc Joan]

It's my "grumpy old man" evening: hate the blog, hate aphorisms, hate lists of the 10 most.....whatever. There are far too many worthless words on the internet.
Here's my recipe: read great literature, write as well as you can, revise every word. It won't get you a thousand followers on twitface and it won't get you published but you might just be able to say "I'm proud of that."

From one grumpy old man to another: I nod at you grimly, comrade, but approvingly. Indeed, I agree with your somewhat acerbic views, but Paul was just drawing attention to some words of encouragement for those of us who -- like me -- sometimes weary of the attrition and endurance required to 'successfully' write.

 

[Carol Rose]

Read the list and realized I do some of these things. Now I feel worthless all over again.

 

[Robinne Weiss]

Carol, with 86 books under your belt, and who knows how many awards, I think you can just ignore that list.

I'm actually pretty good with that list. Hasn't exactly led to fame and fortune, but it has kept me writing...

 

[KG Christopher]

I remember buying a book in 'pre-digital communication' days called 'a book of lists'. It had loads of lists in it. The most useful list I ofter refer to is my shopping list. The number one item is always toilet paper.

 

[Quillwitch]

It's my "grumpy old man" evening: hate the blog, hate aphorisms, hate lists of the 10 most.....whatever. There are far too many worthless words on the internet.
Here's my recipe: read great literature, write as well as you can, revise every word. It won't get you a thousand followers on twitface and it won't get you published but you might just be able to say "I'm proud of that."

Unless, of course, you WANT to be published, then you are still up the creek.

 

[Richard Turner]

Unless, of course, you WANT to be published, then you are still up the creek.

I find it hard to imagine a writer who didn't want to be published, but I also find it easy to become disillusioned, and give in to the siren voice which says "you'll never get published so why go to all that bother - why not turn it into an ebook and offer it free to anyone who wants a good read?" I've not got there yet. There is still a little hope in my heart because re-reading the book after a couple of months away from it, I still think it has merit, and I'm my sternest critic.