We all have “down” periods now and then, when we’ve had a rejection, when we just don’t feel motivated, when we question whether we really can call ourselves “writers.” If you’re going through such a period now, here are a few hints to get you going again:

Make yourself a writing area, no matter how small – a quiet space just for you, your pen, notebook or computer.

Decide when is the best time, day or night, it suits you to write, and organise your life accordingly.

Robert Frost wrote: “No tears in the writer, No tears in the reader. No surprise for the writer. No surprise for the reader,”

Learn to enjoy your own company, because good writing requires concentration.

Inspiration is everywhere. Seek it out!

Chekhov wrote: “{Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.”

Just write every day of your life. Read intensely and see what happens,The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

Trust your reader. Not everything needs to be explained .Breathe life into your words, and they’ll know it too.

Try to avoid cliches. Make your writing surprising and spontaneous.

Be your own critic. Sympathetic, but merciless.

We are all apprentices in a craft where no-one ever becomes a master.

And finally, forget all the rules. Forget about being published. Write for yourself and celebrate writing!

If you are having a writing problem, I am here to help you (free of charge.) Contact me direct at dwaysman@gmail.com, or to buy one of my 14 books. Happy writing.