by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
“Talent will often provide the push to begin writing, but it won’t fuel the journey” – @EdieMelson (Click toTweet)
There is only one constant in the publishing
industry—constant change.
As soon as we think we’ve hit on the formula for success,
the variables shift and we’re back to square one. It can set us up for a life
of frustration if we’re not ready for it.
That’s what today’s post is about. I
want you to have the tools and resources you need to set yourself up for
success in an uncertain environment.
Remember these 15
Things
1. These sudden shifts
are an opportunity, instead of a liability. For example, if the bottom
drops out of the genre you’re writing with traditional publishers, look at the opportunities
with smaller houses or self publishing.
2. We can use setbacks
as a chance to deepen our knowledge of that particular subject. Early on in
my career I had a Bible study rejected simply because I had no platform. I took
that as an opportunity to earn to grow my online platform.
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| When faced with rejection, turn it upside down. |
3. When faced with rejection,
turn it upside down. When I first started as a freelance writer, I knew
that if I received a certain number of rejections every month, then I get a
certain number of acceptances. So I made my goal each month to reach a specific
number of rejections.
4. Rejoice when others
are successful. Sometimes that’s hard to do when things aren’t going our
way, but when we can move past being resentful of another’s success, we’re able
to cultivate contentment and resiliency.
5. We cannot give weight
to those negative voices in our heads and survive. We say things to
ourselves that we wouldn’t allow someone to say to our worst enemies. All
writers have those negative whispers. The successful ones know to ignore them.
6. Promote others who
write the same things as you. It sounds counterintuitive, but I’ve built my
platform by promoting others ahead of myself.
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| Comparison is a deadly trap to be avoided at all costs. |
7. Comparison is a
deadly trap to be avoided at all costs. There are always going to be people
ahead of us, behind us, and right beside us. We all have different gifts and
God has a different—special—plan for us all. Comparison isn’t accurate and it
can be deadly.
8. There truly is plenty
of work to go around. We work for a big God and He has plans for this gift
He’s given us.
9. Talent will often
provide the push to begin writing, but it won’t fuel the journey. Talent is
a wonderful thing, but it’s not a necessary thing. Persistence is what carries
you through the tough times.
10. Never stop learning.
This publishing thing we’re all doing is a journey. There isn’t an end
destination. Every level we achieve just leads to another climb ahead. And
those climbs can’t be done without additional knowledge.
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| We cannot do this alone. (This is my critique group. We meet every week for several hours.) |
11. We cannot do this
alone. We all need friends and colleagues on this writing journey. They
give us perspective, encouragement and the occasional kick-in-the-pants we all
need.
12. Remember the WHY to
get through the HOW. When difficult times come, it’s the why that will
carry us through. Write down why you write. Post it above your desk and let it
remind you why you’re here.
13. We’re not responsible
for the results, only the work. We can’t guarantee ourselves publication at
any particular time or with any particular company. What we can do is write
with excellence. If we do that, publication
will follow.
14. We live in one of the
best times ever to be a writer. It’s easy to look at all the changes and
general chaos as nothing but negative. The truth is though, we can reach more
people through our words than ever before. And anyone who wants to reach the
world through words needs a writer to help them.
15. Prayer changes
things. As Bob
Hostetler and Lucinda
Secrest McDowell have reminded us in previous posts, always pray before you
write.
These are the things I’ve found that have made me a
resilient writer. What would you add to the list? Be sure to leave your
thoughts in the comments section below.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
TWEETABLES
Great thoughts, Edie! My initial reaction when I read your title was to think, "Fifteen?! I have trouble remembering even a third that many. How will I ever remember fifteen?" But as I read the list, I realized that not all of them will be weaknesses for every writer. Some of us struggle with some but not with others. But even if we focused on only one or two of those points, it would revolutionize and revitalize our writing ministries. Thanks for sharing these.
ReplyDeleteEdie, I love this reminder. Thanks so much. I needed these reminders. The ones that resignate with me the most are numbers 5 and 7. I constantly fight negativity from others, but also from myself. And the comparison thing, well, it's also on-going. You're right-it can be deadly and crippling. Thank you. Love you!
ReplyDeleteEdie, thanks so much for showing how best to set ourselves up for success when things seem to change constantly. What I'm gravitating to the most right now is realizing I'm not responsible for the results, I'm responsible to do the work.
ReplyDeleteYou should have titled this "The 15 Commandments for Indie Writers." Great post.
ReplyDeleteNumber 15. It's so true, and I constantly have to remind myself to pray for inspiration and the right words before I write. Great post
ReplyDeleteI agree with Carole McKee! Wonderful post, Edie. Pinned & shared. :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent post, much thanks for reminding us authors!
ReplyDeleteGreat list, Edie! Thank you for your excellent advice for all of us!
ReplyDelete