As a writer, I think one of the most important things you can do is to celebrate milestones. Writing takes time. Writing is not a sprint; it is like running a marathon. It takes lots of perseverance and creative energy. So, it is easy to get discouraged along the way. I know many authors with several unfinished manuscripts. Sometimes, it is a good choice to drop a manuscript, but many times authors are just discouraged and do not finish a manuscript that could be turned into a great book. To reduce the number of unfinished manuscripts and avoid discouragement, celebrate milestones as you go. Celebrate finishing the first chapter of your book or creating the perfect title. Celebrate revisions and rewrites. Celebrate finding the perfect cover picture or the perfect photographer. Every step that has a beginning and an should be acknowledged.
What do you do to acknowledge your accomplishment? That depends on what gives you the most satisfaction. Tell friends and family. Sit in the sun and enjoy a glass of wine. Take the kids for ice cream. Or, send your spouse with the kids and enjoy some down time. The possibilities are limited only by your creativity. The main thing is to acknowledge your accomplishment. That will go a long way in helping you to the finish line.
