9 Characteristics of a Seasoned Writer

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

A seasoned writer is not one who has been attempting publication for years, but a person who has successfully achieved their dream of publication and is striving to reach more writing goals. I’ve been writing and publishing for nearly thirty years. Changes in the industry, marketing, promotion, social media, and reader preferences keep me on my toes. The following traits will help the success and longevity of your writing career.

Tips to Grow as a Seasoned Writer

1. Discipline

• Seasoned writers understand developing writing habits.
• Adhere to a writing schedule that reflects their priorities and how their mind works.

“Get it down. Take chances. It may be bad, but it’s the only way you can do anything really good.” William Faulkner

2. Strong, Writing Voice

• Seasoned writers develop their voice by writing and writing some more.
• Use word choice, tone, genre, point of view, and syntax woven with the writer’s uniqueness to ensure the writing flows in a distinct style. 

“A word after a word after a word is power.” Margaret Atwood

3. Adaptability

• Seasoned writers view success by staying current with industry trends.
• Read daily what is going on in the publishing industry—all of it. 

“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.”

Benjamin Franklin

4. Attention to Detail

• Seasoned writers practice editing, striving for perfection.
• Keep a list of editing aids, resources, and tools. Don’t skip the process.

“Let me live, love, and say it well in good sentences.” Sylvia Plath

5. Thick Skin

• Seasoned writers understand rejections and criticism are part of the writing life.
• Determine if the criticism is valid and edit if needed.

"This manuscript of yours that has just come back from another editor is a precious package. Don't consider it rejected. Consider that you've addressed it 'to the editor who can appreciate my work' and it has simply come back stamped 'Not at this address'. Just keep looking for the right address" Barbara Kingsolver

6. Continuous Learning and Curiosity

• Seasoned writers explore the world by reading and learning in a never-ending quest for knowledge and improvement.
• Stay up to date with the world, its people, culture, and pursue a hunger for knowledge that affects all you do–not just writing.

“The only people who achieve much are those who want knowledge so badly that they seek it while the conditions are still unfavorable. Favorable conditions never come.” C.S. Lewis

7. Network with Fellow Writers

• Seasoned writers invest time to participate with other writers by giving back to the writing community.
• Step into a writing group, either in person or online, that fuels your heart and mind with meaningful relationships. Share and practice the art of friendship.

“The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.” Steven Spielberg

8. Professionalism

• Seasoned writers meet deadlines, practice the business side of writing, value organization, and breathe integrity.
• Spend time studying the business side of writing and prioritize means to stay organized.

“I've heard some writers say things like, 'Well, I'm a professional writer. I only start books I know I can finish.' I look at it maybe the other way: I only want to write books I'm not sure I can write.” Markus Zusak

9. Personal Growth

• Seasoned writers ensure they grow and change during the writing of each new book.
• Challenge yourself to measure growth mentally, intellectually, and spiritually.

“If I ever think I’m too big to help a writer, God may think I’m too small for publication.” DiAnn Mills

The journey of becoming a seasoned writer is worth the ups, downs, publications, and rejections. These characteristics have helped me through the years, and they might help you. Do you have a tip to grow as a seasoned writer?

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DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. 

She is the former director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Retreat, and Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson. Connect here: DiAnnMills.com