Friday, April 11, 2014

Life Lessons—10 Things Successful Writers Know AND Believe

by Edie Melson

There are certain things that writers learn as they gain more experience in the industry. These lessons serve us well when the going gets tough. One of the reasons is that we learn them by attending the school of hard knocks. 

But I’m a big believer in not always having to learn things the hard way. To that end, I’d like to share some things that successful writers know and believe.

The believe part of these truths is key. So often success or failure is just an attitude adjustment away.


1. Life, especially life in the publishing industry—isn’t always fair. We have chosen a profession that is subjective. That means we don’t have a concrete set of standards to adhere to or a formula to follow to achieve success. What one editor hates, another loves—and the same is true for our readers.

2. I’m not in control. Sure, you can control what you write—initially. But once you hand that writing over to someone, be it a critique partner or an editor, your control ends. Beyond that, most of the time things move slowly in this industry. Your timing preferences are just that, preferences. Reality is another matter entirely.

3. Suffering is good. Okay, maybe I should rephrase that. The depth that suffering adds to our writing is good. And we won’t get through life without suffering, so we might as well look at the good it brings with the pain.

4. My writing isn't perfect. Again, this is a subjective industry. What seems perfect to you, may open a floodgate of corrections from your editor. None of us is perfect. Even what is amazing right now, can be improved on with experience.

5. My writing doesn't stink. See #4 above. It’s hard not to think in generalities—and even harder not to feel in generalities. Everything I write has merit and everything I write can be improved upon.

6. Persistence trumps talent. The craft of writing can be learned. What can’t be imparted is that indelible something that makes us willing to continue moving forward.

7. I can do this—even when I’m sure I can’t. We all suffer from self-doubt. That’s an almost universal trait of writers, no matter where we are in our careers. The difference lies in those who let this fear stop them and who keep going no matter what.

8. What I have to say matters. This is a truth. It may not matter to the world at large, but your writing will—and very probably already has—made a positive difference in someone’s life.

9. Age doesn’t matter. Successful writers have learned that I’m not too old and I’m not too young to connect with my audience. This is, for the most part, an ageless profession.

10. I wouldn’t be satisfied doing anything else. We’ve all had those times when  wish we’d chosen anything else but writing. Truthfully, if this is your gift and calling, you know you’d never be happy without writing.

These are some of the foundations that successful writers work from. I’d love to know what truths you’ve found on your writing journey. Be sure to leave your additions to the list in the comments section below.

Don’t forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie

TWEETABLES


15 comments:

  1. My favorite line..."Everything I write has merit and everything I write can be improved upon." I need to remember that one. Can I quote you on twitter?

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    1. Jennifer, Thank you ! And Yes, you can ALWAYS quote me onTwitter. :)
      Blessings, E

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  2. Edie, great post. I think the one I struggle with the most is believing that what I have to say matters. I need to keep this truth at the forefront of my mind.....and probably taped to my computer. :) Thanks for sharing this.

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    1. Jeanne, what you have to say DEFINITELY matters! It's a hard truth to believe, especially without proof. But even if we get a glimpse of how true this is, it's hard to believe. Thanks for stopping by, Blessings, E

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  3. Great post, Edie. We all need a proper perspective hug. :) As writers, I think we need to remind ourselves about these things every day.

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    1. Cindy, very well expressed! Thanks so much for sharing, E

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  4. Edie, so well expressed. And wonderful encouragement--thanks!

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    1. Elaine, I'm so glad you were encouraged! Blessings, E

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  5. Amen to all ten, Edie! Good Job. Here's another: Inspirational writers know that fervent prayer over their writing is essential. They know God truly is in control of their career to open and close doors, to inspire with ideas, to prompt better craft, to bring divine connections, to rejoice with us when acceptances come and to drop down soothing comfort when the rejections come.
    Elva Cobb Martin, President, ACFW-SC Chapter
    www.carolinaromancewithelvamartin.blogspot.com

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    1. Elva, amen and AMEN! Thanks for stopping by, Blessings, E

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  6. I really appreciate this post, Edie. Your insights and encouragement couldn't have come a better time for me. It will help renew my sense of persistence because I know in my heart nothing else is as satisfying as writing.

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    1. Henry, I'm so glad this came at a good time. Thanks so much for stopping by, Blessings, E

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  7. Edie, I am taking in number 9 - Age doesn't matter. I have had a love of writing since I was a teen. I read everything I can on the art, I have taken online courses, I write and read incessantly but have never taken the plunge. I never submitted anything, anywhere until recently I sent in a couple of devotions to a publisher. Now that I have time to write I keep telling myself I am too old. Your words are the same words I have felt God whispering to me. Thanks for listing it here. Blessings, I love this site.
    Judy

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  8. "Persistence trumps talent."

    Thank you for this reminder. I believe I have a God-given knack for writing, but persistence and consistence evades me much of the time.

    I seriously need to frame that quote and hang it over my writing desk :).

    Best,
    Shelly

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