Following Your Writing Journey


By Mary Kole

Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.

As an aspiring writer, you can easily fall into the trap of solely chasing after publication and fame. But what truly sets successful writers apart from the rest is their attitude and mindset towards the writing journey itself. Writing is a process and it goes beyond just arriving at a finished product and submitting it to literary agents and publishing houses, or self-publishing. In this article, I’ll cover the high and low points of the writing journey, and how having the right mindset can help you not only grow in your craft but also enjoy the process along the way.

The Writing Journey: What Does it Mean?

The writing journey is a unique and personal experience, and every writer’s journey looks different. It can be a constant learning experience with many ups and downs, but it’s important to remember that it’s not all about the destination. The journey matters just as much as the final product, if not more. You are a writer, first and foremost, and you will ideally have more than one book idea. Focus on yourself, not just each project. Take the time to appreciate every part of the journey. After all, each step, each experience, will guide you towards becoming a better writer.

writing journey

The High Points of Writing: Accomplishment and Growth

There are many reasons to celebrate during the writing journey; every little accomplishment counts. Whether it’s finishing that first draft, getting a literary agent, securing a book deal, or winning an award, each success metric is worth acknowledging. These are the moments that remind you that you're on the right track and motivate you to keep going. After all, patience and a growth mindset are integral writing tools. Furthermore, growing as a writer is a continuous process that lasts a lifetime. Each lived experience brings new perspectives and techniques, allowing you to develop and refine your craft further.


The Low Points of Writing: Rejection and Writer’s Block

Of course, not every part of the writing journey is filled with sunshine and rainbows. Writing rejection and writer’s block are two obstacles every writer faces at some point in their journey. Rejection is a reality in the publishing industry and can be a tough hurdle to overcome. However, it’s important to remember that rejection is not always a reflection of your writing abilities, it’s a pass on a specific premise and project. Use your failures to fuel your growth and focus on improving your craft. Writer’s block can be a frustrating and discouraging experience, but it’s important to remember it’s just a temporary obstacle. Try changing up your writing environment or taking a break to clear your mind. Brainstorming new story ideas can help, as can setting up a daily writing practice to maintain momentum. Remember, the writing journey is not a sprint but a marathon. Sometimes taking breaks is necessary to keep your energy up for the long run.


Having the Right Mindset for the Writing Journey

In order to fully embrace the writing journey, you need to have the right mindset. It all starts with your attitude towards the process. Rather than focusing solely on publication, embrace the learning and growth opportunities along the way. Preparing yourself mentally is key. Understand that the journey is not one smooth ride and that there will be bumps on the way. Accepting and embracing those obstacles will help you get through them more effectively, with less angst. Additionally, it’s important to believe in yourself and your writing abilities. Surround yourself with a supportive community of writers, critique partners, and other supporters who share your passion and will lift you up when you need.

The writing journey can be a long and challenging road, but it’s also a rewarding experience to grow as a writer and embrace the process. Remember to celebrate your accomplishments, learn from your failures, and keep a positive mindset. With the right attitude, the challenging moments can turn into learning opportunities, and the journey can become a fulfilling experience that you can look back on with pride. So, keep on creating, and enjoy the writing journey.

Click here to purchase Writing Irresistible Kidlit, my book on fiction craft for MG and YA novels, out from Writer's Digest Books. This will show you my writing craft philosophy and give you lots of valuable advice, including tips for the novel revision process and self-editing. There are over 35 example novels cited and discussed throughout. It’s a valuable resource for any writer’s toolkit.

Click here to purchase Successful Query Letters, my book on query letters, including over forty examples with comprehensive notes on each one. There’s a ton of submission advice, best practices, and insider information in these pages, and you’ll really enjoy seeing what other writers are doing in the slush.