Hi Michelle Paver
I have written a book on the Iberian lynx, which is a literary nature novel, which explores key themes such as maternal instincts and the moral and ethical cost of conservation through the life of an Iberian lynx. The painting is my own. It is a niche subject and I want to get it published through an agency, but I am having multiple declines. I also have author's block as I want to have ideas for something else but cannot think of anything – have you got any advice for this? I would be very appreciative.
I do not know if you remember me (probably not) but I came second in a contest for a short story competition that you hosted. I was only sixteen then so it would have been in 2006. I think it might have been in Woking.

I have had your book 'Rainforest' for Christmas and I am looking forward to reading it.

Kind regards,
Kate Boyce-Miles.

Dear Kate, thank you for the gorgeous picture of an Iberian lynx, and congratulations on both the painting, and on completing your novel, and sending it out to agents.  Commiserations, too.  Sadly, multiple rejections are part of a debut author’s life.  (I still have many of mine, as I got lots over the years.)  I’m afraid that there’s nothing for it but to pick yourself up off the floor and send it out again and again.  Although I would suggest that you check that you’re submitting your work in the form in which the particular agent or publisher or agent wants.  For instance, some just want a first chapter and a covering letter, others a synopsis, and so on (you can find out from their websites, or if you’re in the UK, from a publication like The Writer’s Handbook).  I’m also really sorry to hear about your writer’s block, as I had that too a few years ago.  Of course, what helps one writer may not work for another; but for me, it helped to step away from the writing for some months; that is, not to force things.  I spent the time taking in whatever I felt like – books, fairytales, pictures, the countryside, my dreams – without forcing myself to finish anything I was reading, just letting myself flit to and fro to whatever I fancied.  The unconscious, which is where I believe most stories are born, is a messy place.  You can’t force it.  Also, as and when you do feel like sitting at your desk again, try to keep it free of anything that doesn’t relate to writing (such as admin).  In other words, make space, physically, for your writing.  And of course silence your phone.  I do hope that some of this helps you, and that in due course you feel the urge to write again.  With very best wishes, Michelle