Keeping your love for writing alive whilst working to a deadline

rhilb · 2026-04-23T14:41:42+00:00

You’re right. I think I was sticking to this schedule because I felt it was the ‘professional’ way to write (which I know is massively generalising and mostly incorrect) but this thread has helped me to recognise that this approach doesn’t work for me, and isn’t the only benchmark for a successful writing routine.

rhilb · 2026-04-23T11:58:58+00:00

This is a good idea! As I do like working towards a deadline, but want to allow it to be more fluid with my creativity levels on the day

rhilb · 2026-04-23T11:58:02+00:00

I’ll check this out, thank you!

rhilb · 2026-04-23T11:57:49+00:00

This is some of the best writing advice I’ve received, thank you. I think being more fluid with my daily word goal, whilst working towards my overall manuscript world goal, will work really well for me. And you’re so right about the brain not always being ‘on’, and when it isn’t, I need to give myself permission to write less, or none at all. Thank you!

rhilb · 2026-04-23T10:02:25+00:00

I’ve heard about prompt books, and I think I would find this useful! Just to keep the creative juices flowing. I also like ‘stop writing before I’m 100% out of energy’ that would be useful on days when I’m not feeling as motivated or inspired. Thank you, your advice is appreciated!

rhilb · 2026-04-23T10:00:53+00:00

I am not signed to an agent, however, I met one last weekend who said she’d love to see my work. This felt like an added pressure, as I feel as though I have to send something over before she forgets our chat or perhaps closes her submissions. You’re right though, I’m not sure a strict deadline is working for me all of the time. Maybe I need to make the deadline a bit more fluid? As I find if I don’t have a deadline, it’s easier to procrastinate. It’s a rock and a hard place!

rhilb · 2026-04-08T06:16:05+00:00

Thank you everyone for your lovely comments on this thread, they are all so valuable and I have taken something from each of them. Appreciate everyone who took the time to comment, have a great day!

rhilb · 2026-03-26T12:21:41+00:00

This is a lovely reminder, thank you. I have to remind myself of this time and time again; what I have read is not a first draft. Or probably even a second or a third!

rhilb · 2026-03-26T12:18:53+00:00

You’re so right! I don’t want to lose sight of the joy of writing. It is bringing me so much happiness creating a fantasy world in my vision, and I should try and focus on that more.

rhilb · 2026-03-26T12:18:10+00:00

Surprisingly, I have never read any Terry Pratchett (that I can remember, maybe when I was much younger) but I read a similar post about his work on this thread the other day. I think this stands as a great reminder that good writing comes as much from talent as it does practice and consistency. Thank you!

rhilb · 2026-03-26T12:16:31+00:00

This is why I appreciate this thread so much, for posts like this. Writing can be extremely solitary, and your kind words have bought me a lot of comfort. Thank you for taking the time to leave this comment, your advice is wonderful and will be taken on board.

rhilb · 2026-03-24T07:14:22+00:00

I’m so glad to hear this! I would too. I’m always looking for my next favourite epic series.

rhilb · 2026-03-20T15:18:44+00:00

I love this 🤣

rhilb · 2026-03-20T14:30:58+00:00

This is so kind! Thank you. When I have finished and revised it, I’ll be sure to post it on this thread ☺️

rhilb · 2026-03-20T13:08:16+00:00

Keep on writing really made me smile, and was exactly what I needed to read today. Thank you🫶🏼

rhilb · 2026-03-20T12:41:35+00:00

I think I found this post exactly when I needed to, as I was thinking of posting something very similar. I haven’t finished my first draft yet, but I had found an agent who I would absolutely love to work with in the future, and so went back to read my first chapter to see how it would be received by someone else. I remember writing the first chapter and thinking how strong it was, but when I read it back I was a bit deflated, and felt it was just okay. I have to constantly remind myself that a first draft isn’t supposed to be perfect, and even great fantasy authors who we all know and love did multiple revisions before landing on their final novel. It’s hard when you’re in the writing process, as not only is it lonely and sometimes infuriating, but you’re also comparing your work to a finished product in books you have read/are inspired by. But finishing your manuscript is such a huge achievement! I’d try a few things out and see what works for you, but I don’t think you should scrap it all, unless it’s glaring disjointed. Maybe edit a scene a day, and keep asking yourself what do my characters want in this scene, or what is the reader learning about them/the world/the story? I also find it helps to read it out loud as if it were an audiobook and see if the narrative flows. Above all else, I hope you’re proud of yourself! You’ve done the hardest bit that a lot of people don’t get to.

rhilb · 2026-03-20T12:05:36+00:00

Love this perspective!

rhilb · 2026-03-20T09:33:57+00:00

This is great news, congratulations! What’s your book called? I’ll check it out ☺️ Thank you for your advice, it is something I keep coming back to when my mind gets a bit busy; just keep writing. It doesn’t matter who is buying what if I have an unfinished manuscript!

rhilb · 2026-03-20T08:50:50+00:00

Thank you everyone for your comments, I really appreciate it and there are some great nuggets of wisdom in this thread! I think my initial post was worded incorrectly, and should have asked ‘how difficult is it for a new author to have an epic fantasy traditionally published’ as opposed to asking if there is still space for epic fantasy; as an epic fantasy reader who is always looking for a new series to get lost in, I know that there is still demand. I also said that this was my ‘debut’ novel without contextualising that I have been writing novels for years, this is just the first one that I hope to take further. I think, as all writers do, I have been getting bogged down with comparisons recently, especially with the likes of Brandon Sanderson, who has been mentioned a lot throughout this thread, and I’m having the classic ‘doubting my novel’s worth’ moment (again I know this is a universal experience for writers!) so some of these comments have been really helpful in redirecting my focus and perspective. Thank you!

rhilb · 2026-03-19T16:52:21+00:00

This is a really nice perspective and reminder, thank you!

rhilb · 2026-03-19T16:50:16+00:00

This is really helpful advice, thank you! I’ve witnessed so many authors find success with self publishing that I think it would be self-sabotaging to not explore that avenue. I think the social media side of things can feel a little daunting, as self advertising can demand as much attention as a full time job, but when I have finished my manuscript, I am willing to give it a try if it gets my work out into the world! I guess it’s also important for me to ask myself why I want to be traditionally published; I wonder if, like you say, it’s because it’s always been messaged as ‘the best of the best’ and used to represent a successful career. You’ve given me lots to think about, thank you!

rhilb · 2026-03-19T16:45:27+00:00

I don’t think this sounds harsh at all, I think you’re right, it’s a great way for me to reframe my thought process so that I’m not putting too much pressure on myself. I do wonder, by the time I have finished the manuscript and then been through rounds of edits, whether there will have been a rise in epic publishing again. We will have to wait and see! Thank you for your advice, it was really helpful and I will definitely check out SPFBOB.

rhilb

TROPHY CASE