Cintia asked Elizabeth Hoyt:

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?

Elizabeth Hoyt Oh, my goodness, yes: STOP READING ABOUT THE INDUSTRY! Yes, it's a good idea for writers to know about the publishing industry, but NOT if it's killing your muse. The same, by the way, goes for social media, conventions, book-signings....really anything that stops you from writing. Here's three things to think about:

1. Other writers are not your competition. Your writing will be completely different from any other person's. You are competing (if you're competing) against yourself.

2. 96% of manuscripts may or may not be rejected, but that has absolutely no bearing on you and your writing. Also? If you don't finish a manuscript you are 100% guaranteed not to be published.

3. Write what gives you joy.

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