a v a asked Issabelle Perry:

So Issabelle, when you first started writing what kept you motivated? I know you're a Christian, but I am too and I still find myself a little discouraged. I mean, I'd love to one day become a published author, but sometimes I feel like that might be stretching things. Anyways, I guess my question is what kind of goals did you set for yourself and how did you stay motivated? Ooops, that was kinda long. Thanks!

Issabelle Perry Hey, Ava!!! Thank you for the question!!! To be honest, when I first started writing, I didn't stay motivated at all. I wrote my first novel at 12 in a month and then didn't even so much as THINK about writing until nearly a year later. One thing that has helped me SO much in staying motivated was finding a writing community/creating my own. Having other writer friends to encourage and boost my motivation has been such a blessing to me, and I really believe without it, I wouldn't have kept writing. Having my two writing accountability partners, one critique partner, and a few other writing buddies have helped me stay motivated. Any time I need to rant, talk about my writing, or be reminded WHY I'm even doing this, they are always the most encouraging and supportive people to turn to. (If you want to find a writing community, I'd recommend checking out Kingdom Pen. They have an awesome blog with writing advice and a cool forum for Christian teen writers. If you decide to join the forum, I'd love to know so feel free to tag me there: @issawriter7) A few extra things that have helped me that you might want to try out when setting writing goals is to set aside time to write every week and set writing week goals. Like for me, I have a goal to write 5,000 words every week. Start your goal setting small and work you're way up! And from one writer to another, if you want to become a published author I have NO DOUBT you'll be able to make it and so much more!!!!!! Every author starts exactly where you're at, and it's only by choosing to write that they make it where they want to be. You've got this, and I'm cheering you on all the way!!!!!!!!

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