Cintia asked Eloisa James:

I'm an aspiring writer, but I'm dealing with two things: I get discouraged every single day because 96% of manuscripts are rejected, and I haven't had an idea for years, literally. There's too many people wanting to be writers, and knowing there's so much competition just kills me a little every day. When I get motivated, immediatly something appears about the industry that kills it. Any tips on how to deal with this?

Eloisa James Hi Cintia! I'm so sorry that I missed answering your question ,and it's been months. I hope my answer still helps and you're still writing. Here's the thing: if you wait until the industry is red-hot, you'll wait forever. My entire career, people have been saying that the publishing industry is dying. Maybe it is. Maybe the place to be is writing for Netflix. But books are what I love to write, so I do it -- and I would do it without a contract too. If you don't love doing it, then stop. But if you love writing, and you're just afraid of not having an original idea, then don't stop. None of us have truly original ideas. I think there are only around 6 plots anyway. But what we do have is the ability to re-write, which is crucial. Put the competition out of your mind. There's nothing you can do about it. Don't read industry gossip. Read 3 books you absolutely love, and then figure out a plot that's not unlike those you read, but with your voice and your spin. write for yourself and it's quite possible that others will get to read it. And good luck!!

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