Think being a writer is a glamorous job? Looking for fame and fortune from your writing career?
Then I’m going to have to stop you right there.
Now don’t get me wrong, writing can be glamorous and can bring an author fame and fortune. J.K. Rowling’s life after publishing Harry Potter is proof of that. But J.K.’s story isn’t typical. So, let’s be realistic.
Writing is hard work.
From the many writers I’ve spoken with over the years, it appears that coming up with the creative ideas comes easily enough to most. But there’s only one way for that creativity to find its way to its target audience…hard work.
If you wish to succeed as a writer, you must have an impeccable work ethic.
Look forward to long days of discipline, sitting at your computer cranking out thosands of words/day in order to create the rough draft of your manuscript. And for most writers starting out, this means trying to find those necessary hours of writing time, sandwiched in between a full-time job, family obligations and all the other time stealing scenerios called life.
If you don’t have the discipline to write every day and to see a manuscript draft through to the end, it’s unlikely you’ll ever feel the contentment and excitement of reading your work as a published novel, article or essay.
Writing is a solitary profession and with the right work ethic, you’re well on your way to success.
LOL Jacqueline. I JUST wrote about this topic on my own blog. Must be in the northern air. Agreed that writing disciplines (work ethics) are essential to being a writer. How one goes about those disciplines is… interesting. Keep on writing.
Comment by sandycarl — February 19, 2010 @ 9:37 AM |
My question is, how do you balance that work ethic with everything else in life? I’m still struggling to find a balance between focusing on writing and focusing on… everything else, school, work, etc. If you have any tips on keeping yourself balanced I’d love to know 🙂
Comment by awkisopen — January 15, 2011 @ 4:44 PM |
My best advice is to schedule in writing time just like you schedule in work or sleeping or anything else that matters
If you wait until you have time to write you may never get anywhere
Comment by dramaquill — January 21, 2011 @ 9:43 PM |