Attn new writers! The @BathNovelAward is open! I was long-listed for this prize ZERO times - but that's not the point. The point is that each time I entered (3x!!), it forced me to write to a deadline and improve upon my last draft. I now have a book deal for that same novel. https://twitter.com/BathNovelAward/status/1344967596190404609

I have entered so many writing competitions and applied for loads of talent schemes and writing fellowships. Some I got. Most I didn't. But the end result doesn't matter - what matters is the commitment you made to finish your entry. And that commitment builds over time.

As a not-yet-published author, I feel a bit odd giving advice, but really, the only advice I have to anyone who wants to write is just that: WRITE. Write, write, write. Get really good at writing no matter what.

If you're having trouble writing, well, that's where competitions come in. They are amazing for motivation and can help you get unstuck. If you are short-listed or win, that's even better, but I don't think that's where all the value lies.

The real value is in the persistence you build up. If you don't get long-listed, that's ok! Don't be sad. You still have 5,000 words (maybe more) and a synopsis you can work with.

It may seem easy for me to sit behind a computer and say all this knowing that I have a deal, but the only reason I reached this stage was because I didn't give up. I also have had my fair share of rejections, of people telling me I was crazy to keep going.

But that writing mettle I built up (partly because of all the competitions I entered hint, hint), kept me going. Don't fret about whether you win or not. Just enter! You'll be a better writer for it, I promise. #amwriting #amwritingfiction