I often get asked how I keep myself motivated as a writer, and I have to say that the small and friendly writing group I belong to is one of the main factors which keeps me writing.  Producing work to be read by the group, and then having honest and critical feedback can transform your writing. Seeing how others tackle their work (often in a variety of genres), and observing what works for them, can also be enormously helpful. 

I think all writers could benefit from this kind of peer appraisal (sorry about this slip into management speak), so if you have writing friends or there is a good class or group working in a library or community centre near you, join it and see what happens to you as a writer.  At one stroke you will have pulled yourself out of the isolation lots of writers experience, and found a way to get feedback, pre agent and publisher stages. 

I have just thinking been about the NAWG Festival of Writing in September. I’m running some workshops there this year, amongst many others, and I think that taking advantage of booster workshops or total immersion in activities like the NAWG weekend, or Arvon courses is another way that  writers can get motivated. Have a go and try for yourself.