Finding Joy in Writing and Publishing

Are You Feeling Stuck in Your Writing and Publishing Journey?

Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Every writer, whether they’re a seasoned author or just starting out, faces moments where their creativity seems to stall or the publishing process feels daunting. But guess what? There’s joy to be found in every part of this journey, even during the tougher stretches. Let’s dive into some practical ways to reignite your passion and focus on finding joy in the writing and publishing process!

Setting Small Goals

One of the biggest challenges when writing a book is the sheer size of the project. It can feel like an overwhelming mountain to climb. I’ve been there—staring at a blank screen, wondering how on earth I’d ever finish a whole book. The key to making progress? Breaking your goals down into small, manageable steps.

Instead of focusing on the entire book, set mini-goals like writing 500 words a day or finishing one chapter by the end of the week. These smaller tasks not only make the project feel more manageable but also give you opportunities to celebrate along the way. Every time you reach one of those milestones, give yourself a pat on the back! Those small wins add up and help keep the momentum going, reminding you that progress, no matter how slow, is still progress.

A Writing Buddy

Writing can feel isolating, especially when you’re deep in a long-term project. But it doesn’t have to be a solo journey. One of the best decisions I ever made was finding a writing buddy—a fellow writer who understands the highs and lows of the creative process. Whether it’s a friend, a colleague, or even an online writing group, having someone to share your progress with can be incredibly motivating.

When you’re stuck or feeling discouraged, a writing buddy can offer encouragement, advice, or just be there to listen. Even better, you’ll have someone to celebrate those small victories with. Regular check-ins with your writing partner create accountability, and knowing that someone else is invested in your success can push you to keep going, even on the toughest days. You never know—maybe they need help finding joy in writing too!

If you’re not sure where to find a writing buddy, don’t worry—there are plenty of online communities designed to help writers connect and support each other. Whether you’re looking for feedback or just someone to hold you accountable, here are some great resources to explore for finding a writing or accountability partner. Here are just a few!

Scribophile – A writing community where authors exchange critiques and feedback. It’s a great place to meet fellow writers who could become accountability partners.

The Write Life’s Facebook Group – The Write Life runs a Facebook group where writers support each other, ask questions, and share progress. It’s an excellent place to find someone on a similar writing journey.

Critique Circle – Another online community designed for writers to exchange critiques, where you can connect with potential writing partners or accountability buddies.

Recharging Your Creativity

It’s easy to get caught up in the “grind” mentality—thinking that if you just keep pushing, you’ll eventually break through that writer’s block. But the truth is, writing a book is a marathon, not a sprint. Burnout is real, and if you’re not careful, it can leave you feeling exhausted and disconnected from your project.

I’ve learned the importance of taking breaks firsthand. There were times when I felt stuck, staring at the same paragraph for hours without making progress. When that happens, it’s often a sign that you need to step away for a bit. Whether it’s taking a walk, spending time with family, or doing something entirely unrelated to writing, these breaks allow your mind to recharge. And more often than not, you’ll come back to your work with a fresh perspective and renewed energy.

Sources of Inspiration

Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. One thing that’s helped me stay creative throughout my writing journey is drawing inspiration from my everyday life. The conversations I overhear, the emotions I experience, and the places I visit all have the potential to fuel my writing.

Keeping a journal of ideas, quotes, or interesting observations is a great way to tap into this source of inspiration. You might not use these notes right away, but they serve as a well of creativity that you can dip into whenever you’re feeling stuck. Sometimes, it’s the smallest moment—a conversation with a stranger, a scene in nature, or a feeling you can’t quite shake—that sparks your next chapter or idea.

Feeling Stuck

Let’s be honest: no matter how disciplined or passionate you are about your writing, there will be times when you feel stuck. When the words just won’t come, and your progress feels like it’s come to a halt. These times are definitely not conducive to finding joy in writing! In these moments, it’s important to try something new.

I’ve found that experimenting with different writing techniques or even dabbling in a new genre can help shake things up. Maybe you’ve been writing in first person—try switching to third person for a scene. Or perhaps you’re used to a rigid writing schedule—give yourself permission to write at odd hours, or in a different setting, like a cozy café or a park. Trying something outside your norm can stir your creativity in unexpected ways. You never know what might reignite that spark.

Handling Rejection

Rejection is inevitable in the writing and publishing world, and it’s never easy. Whether it’s a rejection from an agent, a publisher, or even a critical review, it can sting. It’s easy to take rejection personally, but I’ve learned that it’s simply part of the process.

Instead of letting rejection define your worth as a writer, view it as an opportunity to grow. Sometimes it’s just not the right fit for that particular agent or publisher, and that’s okay. Every “no” is one step closer to finding the right “yes.” The key is to keep going! Use rejection as fuel to improve your craft and remind yourself that even the most successful authors faced rejection at some point in their careers.

Finding Joy in the Writing Process

At the end of the day, writing should bring you joy. Yes, there are challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt, but there’s also an incredible sense of fulfillment that comes from creating something entirely your own.

One of the best ways to maintain that joy is to shift your mindset. Instead of focusing solely on the end goal—publishing your book—try to find happiness in the process itself. Celebrate the days when the words flow easily, but also appreciate the lessons learned on the tougher days. Writing is not just about the finished product, but about the journey of discovery, growth, and self-expression.

I’ve found joy in sharing my work with others, whether through beta readers, online platforms, or writing groups. Seeing how my words resonate with others reminds me why I started writing in the first place. Writing has the power to connect, inspire, and evoke emotion—and that in itself is something to celebrate.

The Big Picture

In the end, remember that writing and publishing a book is a long journey, one filled with highs and lows. There will be roadblocks and life events that try to derail you, but with the right mindset, you can find joy in every step of the process.

Keep setting those small, achievable goals, surround yourself with supportive writing buddies, and don’t be afraid to take breaks when needed. Find inspiration in the everyday, and never let rejection keep you down. And most importantly, find joy in the journey itself.

Writing a book is a monumental achievement, and you deserve to enjoy every part of it—yes, even the struggles. Stay focused, stay motivated, and above all, keep writing. You’ve got this!

Erin K. Larson-Burnett, Production Manager at Atmosphere Press (submit your manuscript here!), is a born-and-raised Southerner currently living in Katy, Texas, with her husband and their small domestic zoo. She is an avid ink drinker who lives and breathes books—during the day, she works remotely with authors around the world, honing and perfecting books published through Atmosphere Press. By night, she crafts her own stories…or at least tries to. The Bear & the Rose is her debut novel.