It can be hard to stay positive about your own writing when you read the work of others. I sometimes think I should abstain from reading while in the depths of writing my ms. Even during the first, second or fifth rounds of edits ;)
I've just read 3 Aussie authors (Melissa James, Marion Lennox & Claire Baxter) who write for M&B Sweet - the line I'm targetting. Now, while I'm sitting at my desk trying to edit and rewrite my current ms I shudder when I read my words. How could I possibly think my work is at their standard? What am I thinking? *Cringe* Oh my gosh, I've subbed to Mills and Boon - are they going to laugh at me?
It's hard to step back and look at my work with perspective.
I just have to remember that at some point these ladies were in my shoes, writing their first manuscript, wanting to be published - they got there.
The most painful thing to experience is not defeat but regret. If I don't keep trying, doing what I love, I'll regret it to the tips of my toes. So I'll just keep faith in myself, and maybe one day I'll get their too.