Cintia asked Anne Rouen:

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?

Anne Rouen Hi Cintia, Thank you for this question and I will try my best to answer it. The rejection rate of manuscripts certainly is daunting to those of us hoping to be picked up by a publisher. I find that it is best not to compare myself with other authors. Everyone is different and has their own unique point of view, bringing something fresh even when writing on the same topic. This can be stimulating rather than depressing.
As to the state of our industry, I try not to think about it, and there is always the fun of self-publishing since it has been made so easy and accessible.
I write because I love it and feel impelled to tell a story that is in my head and hassling me to get out! I seem to have to do it to find fulfillment. I never think about the industry when I am writing! Only about the creative flow that I am trying to get down on paper. Sometimes, I agree, it is hard going to press on with an idea when the flow suddenly dries up. And thinking about anything except what you're writing is guaranteed to make it happen, in my experience!
I would suggest you try the classic cure for writer's block: Empty your mind and sit with pen and paper. Write anything that comes into your head. This always works for me but sometimes takes up to an hour. Then the flow comes back.
Good luck with your writing, Cintia. I hope I have helped you a little.

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