When Writers Keep Going

Dear Luminous Writer,

Since January, I’ve had the privilege of teaching three craft courses, most recently my new Deeper Drafts course with an amazing group of writers.

One of the best parts of my work is hearing from writers as they gain confidence, land publications, or simply fall deeper in love with their creative process. Lately, I’ve received some truly moving notes from students, and I want to share them with you—not to boast, but because these words might be the encouragement you need today.

Each of these writers found something valuable in revisiting old work and uncovering fresh possibilities in pieces they had once set aside:

Miche Genest writes: “Old pieces, old pieces, coming to life again in this process. What a gift!”

Jennifer Robinson shares: “I have learned that my old drafts still have life in them. I don’t have to abandon them to start something new, but can see them with fresh eyes and a new perspective. I can re-energize and re-invigorate them.”

Julia Garza discovered: “The course helped me see the stuff hanging out in my drafts in a new light. It wasn’t as ‘bad’ as I thought it was. I just needed to look at it through a specific lens.”

Amanda Bishop reflects: “The practice I most want to carry forward is using these exercises to breathe new life into old pieces or at least check to see if they have a pulse and are worth the energy. I’ve also been able to use the structure of the exercises to draw back the curtain on some long-neglected, avoided work.”

If you were reading my letters last December, you know I was at a crossroads, questioning how to move forward. The weight of uncertainty, shifting goals, and wondering if my work still mattered felt overwhelming. The heaviness and grief of 2024 nearly undid my optimism.

Then I turned to what we, as writers, do best. I paid attention. I let go of rigid expectations. I opened my heart more: to connecting with writers, to teaching in a more personalized way, and to embracing the process rather than fixating on outcomes. Now, I feel deeply grateful and content.

Rediscovering old drafts is only one part of the writing journey. Another crucial step is building the confidence to keep going, even when the process feels daunting:

Lisa Geiszler shares: “I’m learning tons in the Deeper Drafts course. It’s lighting my brain on fire and exhausting me. Three days left: I both wish it could go on and am looking forward to resting when it’s over. This course has been a real pleasure for me, and I have learned more in three weeks than all of last year. Your personalized feedback on what’s working and what needs more work pointed me specifically to the areas I need to learn more about and practice.”

Each writer’s dedication, breakthroughs, and the courage they’ve shown reminded me of something essential: writing isn’t just about showing up to the page. It’s about learning to see differently, reimagining what’s possible, and trusting that even what feels lost can be reshaped.

If you’ve been doubting your writing, I hope these words remind you that growth is always possible. Writing is a process, and every draft (even the ones you set aside for years) has the potential to surprise you when revisited with fresh eyes.

Try This: Breathe new life into an old draft

Revisit an old draft today, one you nearly abandoned. Read it with fresh eyes, as if another writer had sent it to you. Approach it with curiosity, not judgment. Highlight what stands out, underline surprising lines or images, and then set a timer for 10 minutes. Write a few new sentences inspired by what’s already there. See if you can bring it back to life.

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Right now, the publishing world feels more uncertain than ever. Many writers are navigating shifting industry trends and changing submission guidelines, wondering how to make their voices heard. If you’re feeling stuck, you’re not alone. One way to move forward is to focus on what you can control: refining your craft and strengthening your writing.

The success of this series of courses has reminded me to trust in the power of revision. So many writers have found clarity and momentum through my long-time course, Revision Love. When author and publisher Whitney French took Revision Love, she shared: “I feel like the lessons were built for me. I have so many ideas, revelations, and a lot of clarity about my writing now.”

If you’ve ever felt unsure about taking the next step, know that I and this incredible community of writers are here to cheer you on.

To maintain momentum, even on difficult days, set a small, achievable writing goal. The simple act of showing up often matters most. Whether you’re revisiting an old draft, drawing inspiration from a favorite poem, or sending out one submission this month, what matters is staying connected to your writing practice.

More soon. Until then, take care.

Warmly,
Rachel

—March 12, 2025

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