Unpublished writer

I have to keep in mind this quote,”An unpublished writer is one who has given up.”

I get discouraged at times. I’m doing the right things:  I read books in the genre I want to write, trying to reach 100 in each. ( middle grade fiction and picture books). I go to workshops and conferences ( money well spent). I joined a writers’ critique group at my library (it’s good go for my novels, but not for picture books.) I pay for professional critiques (with good lessons for me, but with no tangible results yet.)

At least, writing keeps my brain turning and I do know I’ve improved, but not to the  point of acceptance by an agent or a publisher. What can I do but to soldier on and remember the quote.