“You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.”
– Octavia E. Butler
This is something I have to remind myself of all the time: good writing takes practice. It’s hard to write well when you first start. It’s the same as painting or sport – you need to practice your skills to get better.
It can be hard sometimes, especially when you look at your own work and think it’s terrible. The most important thing is to keep going and keep practicing. My writing from 5 years ago sounds nothing like it does today – because I kept practicing.
“Anyone who says writing is easy isn’t doing it right.”
– Amy Joy
You have to keep improving yourself and improving your craft. Writing is an art form and writing effectively isn’t easy. Being an author is certainly not easy, but if you keep at it and persist then you will achieve your dreams.
I keep writing, even on days I really don’t want to. Getting into daily habits is so important, not only for honing your skills but also for your mental health. Wake up at the same time every day, work at the same time and write at the same time. Setting these small habits is so crucial to success.
Sometimes, I really don’t feel like writing, so I don’t. Having habits shouldn’t mean you do things just because you ‘have to’. As long as you usually write, and usually have that habit, then you will continue to improve and progress.
Motivation doesn’t come on a whim. Motivation is something you need to seek out and grip tightly. Once you start doing things, and start good habits, the motivation will come. And once you are motivated and continue writing, you will certainly improve.
Thankfully, I love writing, and I spent time each day trying to fit some writing in. It isn’t always possible, but I do try to write each day. It helps me improve and it is also a wonderful way for me to relax.
“All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. . . . For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. . . . But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you.”
– Ira Glass
You write because you love it and continue to write because you still love it. You’ll improve over time – just as an artist improves with each drawing. It’s important to keep your passion alive and keep moving forward.
Whenever I need motivation, I look at things I wrote a year or two ago. Just seeing my progress within a year keeps me motivated and makes me want to keep writing. You will keep improving with each word you write, so it is important to keep powering on. The best authors are those that were knocked back and kept on going.
Emilie Turner 