Motivate yourself with the failures of successful writers

Rejection hurts. It hurts both your heart and your ego. The extent of the hurt is dependant on how much of your heart and soul you poured into your manuscript. The hurt is magnified the more you believed that this one would be the one. You hoped; you prayed; you put this one in God’s hands; you failed miserably.

Then there's writer's block, or simply a feeling of dicouragement. What ever negative feeling plagues your mind, you need to pick yourself back up. It’s the only way you will be the writer you believe you are. You need motivation. You need to know that you are not alone, because you are not. Believe it or not, many successful authors were rejected more than once, so feel free to motivate yourself with the failures of successful writers.

There are many opportunities available to you in which you can be motivated by other writers. You can join a writing group in your area, or you can join one online with writers all around the world. You can also read stories of how those you aspire to be like, also failed in similar fashion.

Mama shares more information on motivational outlets

Writers associations bring writers together to discuss writer motivation

Writers associations are always a great resource to join.

The Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP) presents the Writers Circle, a forum for writers. This association also features conference information so writers can get together.

Squidoo features a generous list of Local Writers' Associations (by state).

Books by authors reflecting personal stories of failures and successes

Reading biographies by successful writers is always a great motivator, especially when the author you are writing about had some pitfalls within his or her career.

Stephen King's On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft is a prime example in which King relays the story of his failures and successes; including his many rejections that he nailed to the wall. He also adds a section On Writing in which he offers writing tips and advice.

Writers [On Writing] is a collection of essays by writers. Each submission is a personal story by a celebrated writer, that is inspirational, motivational, and sometime just an interesting read, but all give the motivation needed to get back to work.

Successful author websites offer motivation for writers

Judy Blume's website presents "A Personal View," in which she discusses personal style, getting published, and rejection. She also offers her readers a look at her "anxiety diary," from her May 1998 Summer Sisters hardcover publication book tour, which is a compliation of her personal thought; definitely worth a read.

Michael Sparks features a writers' corner which offers advice and personal stories.

Mamashares also features a motivational blog where aspiring and even successful writers and authors can read the inspirational words of celebrated authors past and present.