In my recent writing practice I’ve been struck by how much eff ort and energy it takes to put yourself out there. Writing is one of those things that most people consider a highly introverted activity, yet the acts of sending letters out, entering competitions, or even publishing on your own website can be a mountainous undertaking of extroversion and ego.
_ ere’s a lot of advice in Writing Magazine about inspiring your writing, what the industry is looking for, and how to connect with it. I’d be interested in the magazine’s take on how to psyche yourself up and inspire your self-confi dence!
I’ve been trying to step up my game recently with letters and competition entries. I’ve been spurring myself on with mantras of ‘Just a little more! You can do it!’ and ‘Get out of your own way!’ but sometimes it’s been a real eff ort to think positively and get over the mental blocks in front of query-letters and competition entries. Much like the writing work itself, it’s greatly helped by just getting your bum in the seat and getting it done. Emptying your mind of what might happen and focusing on the task at hand.