Writing and illustrating can be very solitary occupations, often involving hours spent alone working intensely on a project. While you often hear authors talk about the joy of being able to spend all day writing and the satisfaction that comes when completing a project, something that is spoken about less is the myriad of everyday challenges that many writers face: from the difficulties of balancing writing with a job or childcare, to the frustration of experiencing writers block, managing rejection and difficult feedback, and overcoming feelings of self-doubt. There's also the physical challenge of writing - it involves very little movement and can be a strain on the body if done for hours on end, several days a week.
We've pulled together top tips from some of our authors and editors on how to look after yourself when immersed in a project, and where to go to connect with writers who might be going through similar experiences.
The most important thing to remember when embarking on a career in writing or illustration is that you are not alone. There are dedicated organisations and charities which are focused on offering advice, support and guidance to creatives. We list some of them at the bottom of this piece.