Defining Success as a Writer
All of my life I’ve defined success as a writer by being able to quit my day job and have a real writing schedule where I can fit in marketing and appearances as I choose. I’m still waiting for that version! But I have definitely learned a few things about being a writer.
1. You don’t have to be a “Best-Selling” author to have great fans! I’ve been grateful to meet some in person—even people I don’t know! Having even one fan can make you feel successful.
2. While it would be great to have one of those books that sells millions of copies, I think the stress of doing that twice in a row might make me crumble. Not that I’m not up for the challenge, mind you! Simply finishing your first book can make you feel successful.
3. Joining writing groups and organizations such as Sisters in Crime and Crime Writers of Canada can be great motivators, even during a pandemic. I’ve met all sorts of other writers, book coaches, and so on just by putting myself out there. Suddenly, I have new writing friends from all over the world. Rubbing elbows with other, more accomplished writers can help you feel successful.
4. It's awesome to see books YOU WROTE on a bookstore shelf as well as on your personal shelf! It’s like Christmas every time a box of new books arrives. Holding your book in print can help you feel successful.
5. Mashing together genres is a real thing so you don't need to feel limited by "the rules." Aside from mystery, I’ve dabbled with fantasy and young adults novels as well as writing my first—but far from last—play! The more you write, published or not, the more you can feel successful.
6. You learn to bounce. I’ve had rejections, bad reviews, and people telling me flat out that I need an editor, a better editor, or them to edit my books for me. Those things can sting and push me down for a while, but have always bounced right back up and got back to writing. The less you can let bad reviews get you down, the more successful you could feel.
7. Not everyone is comfortable with talking to audiences. Over the years, I've learned to talk for an entire hour about me, my books, my journey, writing as a craft, my cat…whatever I need to bring up to fill in any quiet gaps in a presentation where no one has any questions. Talking about your book to others can make you feel successful (or at least like a real writer!)
8. Do some research and find ways to market your books. I've done in-person presentations, radio interviews, podcasts, blog posts, and so on without stressing out about what I’m going to say. Most of the time, the interview has ended and the host and I continue to talk for another half hour! Doing interviews of any kind will help you feel successful.
9. It's possible to train yourself to write about ANYTHING! As part of one of the writing groups I’ve been part of, we use prompts. Several of my novels were written one prompt at a time! Using prompts will help fuel your writing and can help you feel successful.
10. Feeling restless? When I’m having an off day and don’t feel like myself, it’s a sure sign I need to get back to writing. A day without being creative can drag me down and make me feel like something is missing. Even fifteen minutes of writing per day can help relieve stress and help you feel successful.
11. You don't always need to quit your day job. In fact, I’ve worked many day jobs and, while none of them were my dream jobs, they were always good sources of fodder for books. I never would’ve written any of my Gilda Wright Mysteries without working in a karate school! I also wouldn’t have written a play if I hadn’t worked in a theatre. Working a day job can be a great place to get ideas which can help you feel more successful.
12. Make friends with other writers. I love to encourage and support other authors. I started my blog Escape With a Writer to do just that! While I never seem to find the time to fill my own blog with interesting writing stuff, it’s easy to find other authors to promote and I’ve even been able to work with a publicity person and help with their authors! Spending time brainstorming with and helping other authors might help you feel more successful.
If you think you can’t write, why?
If you think you don’t have time, try!
Ten to fifteen minutes a day is great. All you need to do is start!
Diane Bator
Website: https://dianebator.ca/
Books Available through Books We Love: https://bookswelove.net/bator-diane/
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