What if your Writing Isn't Good?

What do you do if you decide that you want to become a professional writer, but you realize your writing isn't good. Do you simply give up on your dream of writing? Giving up is easy, and if you believe your writing isn't up to par, here are some things you can do instead of giving up:

Five Smart Ways to Combat Writer's Block

Whether you're a new writer or an experienced one, being productive and achieving your writing goals undoubtedly feels good. The more you write, the more your writing improves, and the more money you can make. However, what do you do if you experience the dreaded writer's block? Here are five smart ways to combat writer's block so you can get back to your old, productive self.

What is Writer's Block?

Writer's block is a period when you're completely unmotivated and unable to write. You might sit at your computer for a while, trying to formulate ideas in your mind, but they just don't come. You sit there with a blank or wandering brain, which can make you feel like a buffoon. Writer's block is no reflection on your writing abilities, and it's simply something that nearly all writers experience at some time in their careers.

What Causes Writer's Block?

There can be many causes of writer's block, and some of the main causes are stress, lack of sleep, and even feeling overwhelmed. This certainly isn't an exhaustive list of possible causes, because there could be any number of other reasons why you can't seem to write. Regardless of the cause, these tips can hopefully help to reverse it.

Smart Writer's Block Combat Technique # 1 - Seek Out Some Writing Prompts

If you're unable to come up with any ideas on your own to write for the day, then why not seek out some writing prompts? There are numerous websites online that offer free writing prompts, and there are even free and paid subscriptions that enable you to be regularly emailed writing prompts. Writing prompts are great for combating writer's block because they force you to think and get your creative juices flowing. While not all writing prompts will be effective, the right choices should work like a charm.

Smart Writer's Block Combat Technique # 2 - Give Your Mind a Break

Some writers experience writer's block because they are simply overworked and mentally exhausted. A nice break can work wonders for reversing writer's block, whether it's for the rest of the day or an entire weekend. In fact, you should give yourself regular breaks. If you absolutely must write seven days a week, be sure it's not 10 -12 hours daily because you're only setting yourself up for failure, as you'll likely become mentally exhausted. Whenever you do work, be sure to take regular breaks, get at least seven hours of sleep each night, and eat a diet full of healthy, high-quality foods, while drinking plenty of water.

Smart Writer's Block Combat Technique # 3 - Create a Routine & Adhere to It

By creating a writing schedule for yourself, you're more likely to be motivated to write during those times. Freelance writers who work full-time from home often feel as if they can write "whenever they want". While this is true, it can sometimes be hard to write, because there is always going to be something else that seems to take priority. If you set a schedule for yourself, you're a lot more likely to write during that time, as well as feel inspired.

Smart Writer's Block Combat Technique # 4 - Opt for a Change of Scenery

You might be surprised at how effective a change of scenery can be at motivating you to write. It can be something as simple as working in a different room inside your home instead of your office. Weather permitting, you might even want to sit outside and write. Sometimes, it might even be necessary to leave your home to find the best temporary writing environment. A local coffee shop can be a great place to combat your writer's block, because not only can you sip coffee and enjoy a snack while simultaneously becoming inspired, but you might find some interesting things to write about while you're out.

Smart Writer's Block Combat Technique # 5 - Make Certain Your Environment is Quiet

Sometimes, when you're motivated to write, you're probably likely to work with the TV or radio on in the background. But when you're dealing with writer's block, you need things to be absolutely quiet, so be sure to do the following:

• Turn off your cell phone or place it on "do not disturb"

• Be sure the TV and radio are off

• Work in a room where you won't be disturbed

• Do a brief meditation before you begin working, to help clear your mind of mental clutter

Writer's block is a problem that plagues even the most masterful writers from time to time. Despite this fact, there is no reason to allow writer's block to keep you from being productive. By following these easy tips, you can quickly nip writer's block in the bud, so you can become productive and creative self again.

How to Handle Rejection

As a new writer, you are likely eager to find some lucrative assignments and start getting your name out there. To do so, it's necessary to send work to prospective publishers who must decide whether they want to publish what you're proposing. This leaves you open to being rejected because not every publisher is going to be interested in what you're proposing. So how do you handle rejection as a new writer?

Don't Take It Personally!

We all know how popular the movie franchise Harry Potter is, but did you know that the writer of the books that were made into these movies was rejected a whopping 12 times before she hit the jackpot? Just because your material may not be right for one publication doesn't mean it's not right for another one. You should be persistent, just like the creator of Harry Potter was, and you will eventually catch the break you've been waiting for.

Use it to Improve your Writing

If you've had a story or article rejected numerous times, then it's safe to say that it might need to be improved. While not all publishers provide feedback when they reject a piece, some do. If you have one that takes the time to provide such useful information, then you should use it to improve your writing so it's polished and ready to be resubmitted to the next prospective publisher.

Consider it to be Their Loss

If you know your stuff is polished and top-notch, then don't allow rejections to get you down. If you tell yourself, it's their loss, once you find a publisher that is interested in your manuscript, you will realize that it was the previous publishers' loss.

Starting as a new writer can be tough, and you are likely to receive several rejections before you receive even one acceptance. Writing is very competitive, and there are hundreds, if not thousands, of other writers competing for the same writing gigs, jobs, or contests. Ten publishers may not like your proposal, and if you give up, you might never find that one gem who will be amazed at what you have to offer. In other words, don't allow a rejection, or even numerous rejections, to cause you to give up. If you believe your writing is good, then there's a publisher out there who will feel the same way.