By: Aidan Lucid

There’s nothing worse than the sickening feeling of constantly trying and getting nowhere. Being a writer is harder now more than ever, despite all the technological advantages at our fingertips. Competition is fierce with the availability of self-publishing. When one glances at the myriad of books in their preferred writing genre, it can become distressing having to compete with so many fantastic authors. This again, makes it hard for one to not give up.

I have learned over the years, however, that everyone brings something a little different to the table. Here are my tips to stay positive when you feel like throwing in the towel.

1. There’s nobody like you

Everyone is different; even your life story could be a source of inspiration for another person. But once you hone your craft, your writing style becomes as individual as you are. You could be the next big thing but don’t let fear or insecurities stand in your way.

2. Rejection isn’t a bad thing

It just means that that agent, publisher or magazine, wasn’t the right fit for you. If they offer advice or criticism on your submission, take it on board. See it as an opportunity to re-evaluate your plot and make it better.

3. Don’t go it alone

If there are a lot of rejection letters/emails coming back, then maybe it’s time to get some outside feedback. There are different avenues a writer can take. You can always pay for a critique from one of the many critiquing agencies online. Or, you can join a forum and have members read your work.

Don’t pay any heed to trolls; they’re everywhere but when good advice does come, listen to it and take what you think rings true to you. Sometimes even the harshest of criticisms can contain a kernel of truth or nugget of wisdom. The multi-talented, bestselling author, Neil Gaiman says it best when he said, “Remember: when people tell you something’s wrong or doesn’t work for them, they are almost always right. When they tell you exactly what they think is wrong and how to fix it, they are almost always wrong.”

4. Your first book bombs. Now what?

Yes, it can be disheartening after all that time and effort, the project that has cost so many hours and dollars/pounds/Euros, has sunk faster than the Titanic. Don’t see this as a failure: see it as a challenge to overcome and prove to readers that you deserve to be called an author.

The Harry Potter series didn’t become famous overnight. It wasn’t until the second or third book that fans really latched onto the bespectacled hero. So get back on the saddle and continue writing.

5. Look to others for inspiration

J.K. Rowling is an obvious example of hard work and self-belief. Everyone knows her story: a single mom on benefits who went on to become one of the richest women in the world. Hugh Howey is another example of determination. Hugh had a number of books self-published and traditionally published before striking gold with Wool. Both of these people believed in their stories but most of all, they never quit.

Speaking from my own experience, my debut fantasy novel, The Lost Son, was first published back in 2010 under a different title. For personal reasons, I left the publisher and based on feedback received by readers, I changed the storyline, adding new characters.

In 2019, now with its current title, it was published but again, there was another hiccup. The cover was not eye-catching enough. Undeterred, I got a gifted artist to do a new fantastic cover for me and now it’s much more enticing to pick up.

Life isn’t easy and neither is being a writer, but you have your gift for a reason. Use it; share your story(ies) with the world. Who knows who it may inspire? As I always say, “triers get somewhere; quitters get nowhere.”

Keep going and some day that often dreamed-about breakthrough will come. I’m going to finish with some wise words from F. Scott Fitzgerald, “My idea is always to reach my generation. The wise writer writes for the youth of his own generation, the critics of the next, and the schoolmasters of ever afterward.”

About the writer

Hailing from Ballyheigue, County Kerry, Ireland, Aidan Lucid first began writing in 2002 after having a religious experience. Since 2004, his works have been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. Mr Lucid’s YA fantasy novel, The Lost Son, is now available to purchase in ebook or paperback on Amazon.

If you’d like to get in touch with Aidan, you can email him thezargothiansaga@gmail.com or visit the website dedicated to The Zargothian Saga. 

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