How writers maintain their confidence

The article that appeared in Forbes yesterday by Alan Rinzler was a great reminder. As he says: 'Self-confidence is the single most essential ingredient an author needs to succeed, since good writing is never quick or easy.'

Confidence is so easily lost or at least threatened, that we do need these reminders of how to keep generating it even when we seem to be up against a wall.

Many of his practical tips I know already and try to practice. But perhaps the most important is to keep writing; to keep doing the thing that makes me feel engaged, at ease, and passionate, even when I seem to be writing rubbish. It's so important to remember that the adventure and achievement of writing is in the doing of it, not to be measured in the appearance of one's words in books.

I'm now feeling re-energised and taking spirit from my pen, blank paper and my growing pile of notebooks. Thanks to Jen Hamilton-Amery at Salt Publishing for drawing this to my attention, and the reminder.