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Ian Gouge's avatar

Katherine is absolutely right about asking the fundamental questions. In my new book, "So, you think you're a Writer" (out at the end of October), the very first question I ask - of four key questions - is 'why do you write?' It's hard to make meaningful progress without understanding that, without understanding yourself.

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Royal Literary Fund's avatar

Really great point, Ian. Thank you.

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Katherine Clements's avatar

Yep, 100%. I think we know this deep down, but it gets lost in the day-to-day of writing and publishing, so it helps to check back in with our deepest reasons from time to time.

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Shelley Burbank's avatar

Wonderful reminders. For me, the WHY is easy. The harder part is looking at the TikTokification of publishing and wondering HOW. But that’s another topic, I guess.

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Louise Mulvey's avatar

A rejection goal, yes! Great way to reframe it.

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Royal Literary Fund's avatar

Somewhat daunting, but a great approach!

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