The Only Way to Know If You’ll Be a Successful Writer
May 28th, 2010 by Jane Friedman
I meet many writers who ask (essentially), “Read my writing and tell me if I should keep trying.”
I have a response to that you can read here, but I also empathize if you’re looking for some sign you’re not completely hopeless. It’s tough to continue doing something when you receive no recognition or encouragement for it.
There are a few rare authors who know they’re damn good and their confidence carries them through the 10+ years it takes to be recognized. Plus their confidence and enthusiasm can be infectious in the presence of agents and editors.
But all writers carry significant paradox and conflict inside them (which I commented on, at length, here).
What I find is that most reassurances, while offering a boost to a writer’s ego, are ultimately external, fleeting, and momentary. A writer needs an essential fire inside, or an attitude, that carries them the distance.
(I think this may be why so many wonderful writers are long-distance runners. Go see this book by novelist Haruki Murakami.)
While at BEA this week, I had an opportunity for a relaxed chat with Jeanne Bowerman, a screenwriter and freelance writer, who is just beginning her journey. During our conversation, it struck me that Jeanne will ultimately make it. But I have seen very little of her writing.
So how could I know this?
It’s her attitude and approach, which is defined by:
- Seeking and loving feedback from smart people (NOT defensiveness and protectiveness)
- Loving the writing process and the meaningfulness of what she’s doing (NOT focused on monetary pay off)
- Happy to go to the grave with what she has learned—a direct quote from her (NOT impatient for publication or public recognition)
- Taking advantage of every possible growth opportunity (NOT resistant to change)
- Being in control of her own destiny (NOT waiting to be discovered)
I’m sure that Jeanne has experienced frustrations, and has also disagreed with the feedback or direction she has received along the way. But her approach is to take note of everything, really experience what the world is offering her, take away what is useful and suitable for her core mission, and discard/ignore the rest.
It’s a kind of wisdom that comes only with knowing yourself and what you want. As Bob says in Lost in Translation, “The more you know who you are, and what you want, the less you let things upset you.”
My hope is that every writer I meet will not ask, “Read this and tell me what to do,” but “This is my mission, how can I improve and grow?”
53 Responses to “The Only Way to Know If You’ll Be a Successful Writer”
Jane, this is fantastic advice for any author, published or unpublished. “A writer needs an essential fire inside, or an attitude, that carries them the distance.” I remember that as being absolutely true during the seemingly endless process of submissions, submissions, and rejections. But it’s just as true (if not even more true) now that I have books out in the world. Without that essential fire, how could you possibly cope with the uncertainty of reviews, sales numbers, etc. etc.? And even when you’re published, I think you have to go at it with a “This is my mission, how can I improve and grow” kind of an attitude. No matter how many books I write, I hope I’m always driven to make the next one better than the last.
“10+ years it takes to be recognized”
Really? Wow I have a long way to go.
Really nice point about attitude. It doesn’t just apply to writing – if you have the right attitude and enough motivation anything is possible. Even if it takes ten years. Or twenty. If you have your heart set on something you’ll never give up. Some people call it seeing the world through rose tinted glasses. If that’s the case I plan on keeping mine permanently glued to my head!
This is just brilliant thank you. I think I would add something else that has kept me going- which is making a huge step change in my development as a person, each time I produce a book. Then it is a bonus if the book is taken up and is a success. Noone can take away the huge learning that I have made while writing the book. That is with me forever.
Jane, thanks for this essay. One of the things I struggle with – and hope to improve on overtime – is whittling through the noise, feedback, advice, etc. (in the face of my ever wavering confidence). Sometimes it is easy to grab ahold of the gems and discard the rest. Other times? Not so much.
Rebecca @ Diary of a Virgin Novelist´s last blog ..Writing versus working
“What I find is that most reassurances, while offering a boost to a writer’s ego, are ultimately external, fleeting, and momentary. A writer needs an essential fire inside, or an attitude, that carries them the distance.”
Wonderful, wonderful post.
Kristan´s last blog ..Writerly Wednesday
Great advice. This is a post I’ll bookmark and read again…and again.
Jane, very well done and thank you. I hope this helps Jen as well as everyone else that reads this…also good luck with your trip…take care.
Jane, I believe this wisdom applies to the rest of life, as well.
And thanks for the nod to distance runners (I was one until my knees gave out around the age of 40). There’s definitely a connection. I’ve also found a similar connection in studying ballet and modern dance: both artful disciplines that require infinite stamina, patience, passion, devotion and the ability to both accept others’ comments and to self-critique.
Thank you for writing this article! Lately I’ve been struggling to keep my own spirits up and this is tremendously encouraging. As a young writer (in both age and experience) I know I have a long journey ahead of me and it may not end in recognition, praise, or publication. And you know what? I’m beginning to learn to file that information away as good common sense and keep writing and dreaming anyway.
p.s. I hope you don’t mind, but I posted a link to this page on my blog. I think other writers need to read this too.
I find that I have more and more of a problem with the idea of a “successful” writer and what that is supposed to mean. Best seller lists are certainly not all about the writing or even the writer. They are just as much about marketing. Studies have proven that the right marketing can make almost anything successful and popular.
The key for these writers is to stop worrying about whether or not they are good. I don’t mean to say that they shouldn’t strive to improve, to get constructive criticism and develop their writing over time. What I mean is, if you are a writer, then you write for reasons other than being successful. I have no concern whatsoever about making money from my novels (two of which are coming out this year). I am a writer – not because I can claim some monetary- or notoriety-based success, but because I have a story to tell, and because I simply must write. Personally, my success is defined by my putting thought to paper in a way that makes me feel satisfied and happy, and in addition to that, if my readers are moved by what I say, swept up in the journey or carried off into my artificial sunset, then I have succeeded.
There are a million articles out there about “how to be a successful writer”, and we know from experience that half of that is luck (being discovered), and half of it is marketing. But, to be truly “successful” a writer must be able to tell a story and make others love it as much as he does.
simply scott´s last blog ..writing on target
“Give it five years”.
My husband told me that over four years ago and I reminded him of it the other day. He smiled and said, “If you remember, what I really said was, ‘give it five years and see if you still enjoy it’.”
Oh, right. Wow. I really do.
Sarah Woodbury´s last blog ..The Black Death in Wales
I love to read your writings because they are smart and powerful in their own way. I agree with this post, especially “A writer needs an essential fire inside, or an attitude, that carries them the distance.” With so many pressures around, I was so confused about how so many writers could survive through the long way. English is not my mother language so I must do extra efforts to keep up with it. While so many talented writers took years, the fact almost made me feel hopeless. But thanks to your writing, finally I could find the way to stick with what I’m doing and pursuing, in my life. Sometimes I got lots of dreams and interests, but from the deep down I realized that writing is the base. Thanks again. :) Have a great day.
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Well said, Jane. It was great that you put the 10 year comment in this post. It’s important for writers in it for the writing to know this.
Because if you’re in it for the quick money, you might want to reconsider.
Thank you Jane for a fabulous post.
Daryl Sedore´s last blog ..Bad English at Ramada
Jane, nothing to add; just wanted to say that this was an especially excellent and inspiring post.
Recently, after retiring a couple of manuscripts for now, I went through similar soul-searching, wondering if I should write another book, or get a job in a non-writing field, like plumber or rodeo clown.
I decided to write another one. It’s going well so far, and I am enjoying writing fiction again. It reminds me of my experience writing my first novel, that dizzying excitement of creating! The difference: I am writing the story for the sheer pleasure of it, and not worrying as much about it being published.
Your post is a good reminder that heart and attitude is as important to a storyteller’s success as language.
Jewel/Pink Ink´s last blog ..New Love
Yes. Exactly. I’ve stayed alive in publishing because I love writing.
I always believed in what I was doing.
My rules I’ve learned:
Always be a spec manuscript ahead.
Always learn. Always go to other presenters’ workshops at conferences.
Always ask for help when you need it and give it when asked.
Always listen and take in from readers and writers.
What’s great about publishing is, despite some of what you see these days that appears contrary, everyone in this business loves books.
Jane, really great post and nice reminder that attitude is everything. Sure, you have to be a good writer, but believing in yourself is so important to your success. This is advice I need to reread every once in a while.
It’s interesting. The concept can be extended to just about anything. The only way to know if you will be a successful (fill in the blank) is ….
Colette´s last blog ..When Did We Stop Eating in the Cafeteria?
It’s such a tough place to be, the beginning writer.
It strikes me that if I heard a beginning writer talk about the struggles they were going through but how they just knew it would all be worth it in the end, I would discount their advice because they have no authority.
But if a successful writer tells me how they struggled and made it, I would discount their advice because their success has made them lose touch with my situation.
Perhaps that’s why I can never get any good advice.
Siddhartha´s last blog ..How to Use Social Media to Lose a Friend and Kill a Dog
It is tough to continue an endeavor where everyone has an opinion on what you do, and how you do it. :)
Something else has to carry you through this journey towards “success”. It would be so much easier to do something else than write — I mean, if they ever need volunteers for billionaires, I’m there, first in line!
But I also like overcoming a challenge that seems just slightly beyond my current skill set. It’s thrilling to triumph over the words that earlier in the day were close to making me quit writing (again!)
So as hard as it is some days, it’s what I do. I just try my best to enjoy the ride, and look back every once in a while to see how far I’ve come.
Donna Cummings´s last blog ..To Blog or Not To Blog
I always get annoyed when asked ‘tell me what to do?’
What I’ve done will not be the same as another person. I can stay up until 8am to finish a story whereas someone else has to go to work at that time.
My answer is just do it- the writing will take on its own shape in time
e.lee´s last blog ..Alien-ation
Wow- this was just what I needed to read at the moment I needed it. I’ve been writing for a while, and every once in a while self doubt rears up. Posts like this give me the strength to smack it back down again.
Thank you!
Marie Andreas´s last blog ..Watch out for low flying attack squirrels.
Exactly! In large part it’s about the type of attitude you take. Sure, there are guidelines (do this in a query letter, don’t do that, etc.), but if there were easy steps to follow to ensure publication…well, a lot more people would be published. And like Colette said, this concept can be extended to any type of success. If you don’t have the right attitude and approach, you definitely won’t make it.
Kristin Laughtin´s last blog ..What Lost Can Teach Us About Story-Building (Part I)
Jeanne Bowerman seems to be unattached to outcomes. She accepts coaching along the way, and she won’t let the inevitable banter slow her pace. Thank you for sharing her attitude and your thoughts. I’m inspired!
The first writer’s conference I ever attended was the one offered by Writers Digest last fall. I haven’t stopped since. I’ve attended a number of conferences since then: SCBWI-both national and local, workshops…today I attended the Backspace Writers conference. I received very positive feedback and even won second place in a contest they held in which agents reviewed queries and opening pages. This certainly wasn’t the case last year when I attended.
At that time, I faced direct and sometimes rather harsh critiques of my work, but I didn’t give up. It inspired me to learn from it, hone my skills and get better. I did and I’m bearing the fruit of it now. So many people offered their congratulations and kind words of how much they liked my writing. I’m very grateful. A couple of agents over the past week have requested I send them my pages.
In writing, hard work and determination do pay off. Don’t give up without a real fight. Have faith that you can do it. And don’t be afraid or accept the word “no”.
June´s last blog ..Release Day! INFINITY-CHRONICLES of NICK by NYT Bestselling author, Sherrilyn Kenyon. Book Review and Giveaway.
Is the desire to make money writing necessarily a bad thing?
We don’t frown on anyone else who has the talent to make something and then tries to make a living at it. Our entire economic system is based on the idea that people are willing to exchange money for things they desire. Is it bad to want people to desire your stories enough to pay for them? Especially if that money frees you from having to spend 40 hours a week flipping burgers or ringing up groceries?
On another note, if you say, “I predict that this writer will succeed” because the writer doesn’t want to make any money, haven’t you just changed the definition of success? Can’t any writer succeed, by that definition?
I think with anything in life (unless you have an innate sense of confidence)a person needs encouragement and direction. Have you heard of the “Workshop Method” ?
Writing is a challenge: plain and simple. Crafting a piece of art from nothing but words
is akin to receiving an intricate piece of equipment which arrives disassembled and the
instructions are nowhere to be found in the box. The goal of setting your words in a perfectly
placed pattern and then getting it in front of people is similar to trying to force water to flow
uphill.
The long process initially begins with the sprouting of an idea. Mine seem to hit the
strongest when I am in the shower, obviously without paper; or in a business meeting when I’m
bored with whatever the speaker is saying, but jotting an outline in the crowd is difficult when
you appear to be the only idiot taking notes.
Once the idea builds into an urge of significant proportion, the wannabe writer is then
moved to confront the daunting sight of the blank page. Grabbing those little thought clouds
floating inside your head and converting them to written words is a huge step. I have not yet
been able to get my hands to write as fast as my brain seems to be able to find then lose ideas.
Building those sometime random words into coherent sentences and paragraphs is a
task undertaken only by the most driven. If the writer can keep this up long enough to
complete an idea, instruction or tale, then the real challenge of editing begins. I find the
melding of my random thoughts and words compiled on paper over the course of months and
years to be the most harrowing and stressful part of writing.
The next step in the process is to walk the plank and plunge into shark infested waters
by inviting others to view, proofread and critique your work. This is when you learn whether
the ideas you have moved from your mind onto paper can be successfully interpreted back into
something similar by the reader’s mind. This is also where you get slapped by the reality that
your spelling and grammar aren’t quite up to the level you’d hoped before handing out proof
copies of your work.
From the friends and family members who eagerly volunteered to help, you may receive
a 15-20% response from those who actually followed through with the task. The writer must
now incorporate their corrections and suggestions, then slog back through the entire project
once again to thoroughly refine the product.
Having reached the point of completion, you are now ready to present your work to the
world. There is an initial high at feeling such an incredible sense of personal accomplishment;
but this is soon followed by a sudden crash as you realize that hollow left in your schedule and
in your life. The project you dedicated so much of your time and energy has left the desktop
and is now on the bookshelves. There is a vacancy in your schedule and in your mind as the
project which once consumed you has now moved onto a different stage of life. The care and
pampering is no longer necessary as the product has matured and is now prepared to stand
alone in this cruel world. Many writers attempt to fill the void by delving headlong into a new
project, scribbling notes for a possible sequel or dedicating their newfound time to marketing
the finished product. Either of these options or a combination thereof is an acceptable
response.
Stand clear of the stampede of friends and family who will surely rush to support this
effort to which you have dedicated so much or your life and on which you have toiled for
countless hours over the course of several years. Don’t be surprised when the crowds don’t
form. It is a sad lesson of experienced artists that oftentimes the people closest turn out to be
the very least supportive. I do not know why it works out like that. I’d like to think that if a
friend or relative authored an essay, book or novel that I’d have a sincere interest in reading it and congratulating him or her on the accomplishment. Maybe those who are not equally
inspired don’t realize the extreme effort that such an achievement requires. I mean, if
someone told me that he had written a book on his lunch break, then I’d probably not think
much of the effort or expect much to result. Of course, in my case it could very well be that
those who know me best feel that they’ve already heard too much of what I have to say.
Trying to encourage people you know to proofread or support your completed work is
an effort in futility. Most will express interest at having learned that you’ve been published, but
when you inquire as to whether they’ve read it and what they thought, they will almost always
revert to the tired old response: “I’d love to…are you going give me a copy?” Other frequent
questions you’ll hear are: “How many pages is it?” and “How much money did you make?” At this point you should politely extract yourself from the conversation as you’ve stumbled across
an obvious non-reader. Only if they question the subject matter or your motivation for writing
will you detect a grain of sincere interest. Too often people trapped on the outside of our
creative circle will assume it’s all about the money, and telling them it’s not only causes them to speculate further about both your sanity and financial situation. It comes down to a respect for
toil and effort, as well as an expression of support.
A writer will write only because he or she feels compelled to do so. It is a rare individual
who can actually make money or a decent living by these means. The drive erupts from within
and once organized on paper the only real reward is the personal achievement of having
accomplished something most people on this planet will never endeavor. Do not expect a flood
of adoration and recognition from others, but always be joyous when someone takes notice or
offers praise. One spark is all it takes to start a roaring fire. Most of you who undertake this
calling will have to collaterally serve as your own flint: write for yourself alone.
This is truely a remarkable story or should i say experience. Thanks for sharing this to us.
Excellent post. That internal fortitude is one of the most powerful things you can possess as a writer.
But I would say it usually take 20 years to become an overnight success, rather than 10. :)
Barbara O’Neal´s last blog ..Book club picture
I would respectfully argue differently, Jane. There is the element of class.
Take two male adolescents. One is white. One isn’t. They graduate from high school the same year. Same city.
Both have talent.
What are the chances that the white male has the better education.
And his own computer.
The chances are pretty good that the white teenager had the better education and is going on to university.
Okay. So what will happen to the boy of color.
If he’s an African-American, the chances are 32 out of one-hundred that he, too, will attend an institution.
It’s called prison.
The United States has an entire Prison Industrial Complex where the vast majority of inmates are males of color. They’re not learning how to write.
At the age of four, the typical African-American male stands an 82% chance of being referred to special education and he will never, ever leave to be included with typical children.
Where the white male at the age of four will almost never receive such a referral.
Why.
Because our systems discriminate.
But not publishing?
Please.
I have a friend (who happens to be white) who received a rejection letter from an editor (the letter is now framed and hangs on the wall) that said: We have enough black books this year.
They could not believe that a book about the inner city could be written by someone who wasn’t black. Because “just those blacks live there.” Right. Publishing is RIPE with stereotypes; as a matter of fact, that’s how they sell books (and authors) as well.
Even though this has been disproved about a billion times — that we are far more diverse than publishing would have you believe — publishing is the most prejudicial business in the universe.
NO ONE believes the process is fair. No one.
It cannot be defended.
Most people in the business don’t even try.
You can have all the positive personality traits (I even used to be a nice guy) you want.
They’re not going to publish you. Is there anyone who wants to bet real money on it.
I don’t care what you write or how well you write it or how long you wait. I don’t care what the book is about. I don’t care if you are the most charming Cinderella since Snow White.
Publishing is about who you know. Why do you think the agent system even exists. Think about it: A business where the big players make the rules and the biggest rule is: the writer cannot represent himself.
It’s a rigged game. Only the inside players get to play.
But no one wants to say that.
Publishing is about who you know and who you ARE.
There are ways to get through the barbed wire they string up, but they involve breaking the rules.
The rules aren’t even the problem. People make the rules. The problem with publishing is the people in it.
There are a lot of people who will tell the writer to endure. And being nice no matter how many times they spit on you helps.
Endurance is seen as an attribute.
Endure all you want. Endure for as long as you want. It doesn’t matter.
They’re not going to publish you. Ever.
It will not happen.
Ohhhh, but you sound so negative.
You have no idea.
I take the argument one more step toward doom: Publishing is evil.
It’s fundamentally — evil.
I honestly believe that it’s evil to give anyone, anywhere the slightest molecular bit of hope when it comes to publishing.
They’re not going to publish you. You can follow all the rules. You can be the best writer since Capote. You can endure until the cows come home. What you have written can be compelling and even commercial.
They’re not going to publish you.
Why.
You’re not one of them.
In France, we call it réalité…
Tim Barrus´s last blog ..Tim Barrus: Charles Bukowski
Jane, you have deeply humbled me. While I am touched by your flattering words of my passion for writing and ability to “succeed”, you left out another important factor of “making it”… a person who supports and believes in you. You are that person for me.
I think we met on Twitter just 6 or 7 months ago, and you have become the person who has changed my life simply by believing in me and my voice as a writer. That alone motives me every single day and adds to my drive to persevere in a seemingly impossible industry. I want to make you proud. I want to thank you on the Oscar stage… and someday, I will ;)
For today, I thank you for this post and for your constant support of not only me but all writers. You are truly one of the most generous, loving people I have ever met. I am honored to be your friend and to have your support. Thank you, Jane.
Jeanne Veillette Bowerman @jeannevb´s last blog ..a disease diagnosed… an author born
I should clarify my definition of success is not equated to fame or fortune, but simply the ability to write every day and move people, and to have a producer, agent or publisher say, “hey, this story would be a great fit for Jeanne to write.”
In case any one was wondering, yes, I am a distant runner, but I’m also a black belt. Achieving that honor took eight years of hard work and dedication. Quitting wasn’t an option. It’s not an option in writing either.
Not only will I not quit in writing, I will not quit in learning. The day Jane and I had coffee, I was in NYC for a self-publishing conference at BEA. Did I have a manuscript? Hell, no. In truth, I won’t have one for at least a year or more because I have scripts to write, but I still want to learn anything and everything about the business. Later that week I returned to BEA. I wandered the conference gazing at the publisher’s tables and gawking at author’s doing signings. One year in the future, I will be there. I saw it, I soaked it in, and now I visualize it as a goal.
I have a quote on my laptop I read every day: “It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.” Dare to do what you love. Even if you don’t succeed in the traditional sense of the word, at least you’ll never have to say “what if.” For me, those are the most haunting words ever. If I can go to my grave without uttering those words, my life will have been a success.
Again, Jane, I thank you for your heart and dedication to everyone in the writing world. Hoping you have a fantastic vacation!
Jeanne Veillette Bowerman @jeannevb´s last blog ..a disease diagnosed… an author born
Pretty encouraging and well-written article :)
Good post. :)
How does someone go about “waiting to be discovered”? I’ve never understood that mentality.
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Jane, thanks so much for this amazing and inspiring post. You have distilled so much into those few words.
I am really excited by your comparison between distant running and writing. I practise both (a lot), and I had mostly seen them as two conflicting things that compete for my time.
But you’ve set some wheels turning in my brain… and it is so true, about having the kind of character that has the discipline for the (yes) years of training and preparation that are required to succeed in either.
And you are so right about having that inner conviction. I am 6 or so years into that 10+ year journey. I’ve published some good stuff, both books and articles that I am proud of (including one Canadian best-seller), but I am still not where I want to be. But I believe in the projects that I am working on right now. Rightly or wrongly, deluded or not, I believe that I have some good (or maybe even amazing!) books ahead of me, and I am very inspired to work hard (on both the writing itself and the promotion/marketing) to make them happen.
Thanks for this post – it really helps to inspire me to stick with it: to use the strength and discipline I have gained through the ultramarathon training (because the training is far harder than the race itself!) and to keep my eyes focused forward on the vision, the dream, the destination ahead.
Very well said. I particularly liked the breakdown of attributes (her attitude and approach). This lit a fire under me. Thank you. :-)
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[...] this post about how to know if you will be a successful writer. That is what I’m striving for. I will keep trying to carve out my writing niche—not [...]
Good post, Jane. I don’t think at its most elemental level that the writer is different than other people. We’re all looking for some level of success (whether monetary or recognition). Business people like the occasional “Attaboy.” As writers, however, we are perhaps more introspective. We definitely have more solitary hours to brood over our unrequited need for fame/fortune (or at least appreciation).
I doubt too that the number of us with the inner strength of Jeanne are about as few and far between as in any profession. That’s not to say that all your points here are well taken. They are, and they should be goals for all writers.
A couple thoughts: If a writer needs more affirmation in the outside world, perhaps she/he should enter more competitions. She’ll be honing her skills, getting feedback and as time goes on she may even win some praise.
Also, I think that those 10+ years to recognition can be well used in establishing one’s platform. Start a blogsite. Build an online following. Then when success begins to shine, the writer will have a base of readers, followers, fans…and that will impress agents and publishers. And more prospective book buyers will help propel book sales.
Thanks for another great post.
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[...] "http%3A%2F%2Ffillingmyemptysea.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F30%2Fsuccess-as-a-writer%2F" } Here is an excellent post by Jane Friedman on Writer Unboxed about success as a writer. Of course, her points — such as seeking loving feedback from [...]
Jane, thanks for the wonderful nuggets here, something I can use as a writer, and a human being… knowing that what I rely on, what motivates me to create anything, ultimately has to come from inside – my essential fire. I can stop searching so hard out there for the next carrot, and get on with the business of creating for the sake of creating.
Success! oh, this word excites everyone so much, while very little know what this is and even fewer people realize what this means for them and what they really want.
How can a person expect an answer to the question “Will I be a successful writer?” if even that very own writer cannot say what kind of success he wants.
I say that before you know what you want you cannot be successful, but when you know, you need no answers =)
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[...] an excellent article by Jane Friedman at Writer Unboxed, entitled “The Only Way to Know if You’ll Be a Successful Writer.” It offers the kind of encouragement along these lines that we all need. Enjoy! Comments (0) [...]
Yippee-i-o-ti-a. I’ve been “riding” for at least 8 of those 10 years and my fire is always lit at the end of each day on the trail. Finally taking the time to share those campfire stories, so your post is one to loop my reins around. I’ll be back to pick up my horse.
Kind thanks,
Allie in Austin, TX
poignant, passionate, persuasively potent. for that matter why do anything? my advice to myself: would i survive if i stopped writing? how many times i wished i could! my advice to anyone wanting to be a writer: if it is at all possible, try to do something else! of course if you’re a talented self-marketeer, if you are good at figuring out what the market wants and delivering it, if the “business of writing” comes easily to you, than by all means proceed but then that is no guarantee that you’re a writer. 10 yrs to make it? how about a lifetime? the thing is, the world doesn’t need another book let alone another writer. a stroll through any bookstore confirms that. and if a book is truly original it will take the book 10 yrs to be noticed let alone the writer. and whether or not a book is good won’t be known until at least a century after the writer is gone. so why would you want to write? why wouldn’t you prefer a simple honest job, a good life, or better yet devote your creative energies to the ten thousand critical issues which demand our attention today. the thing is that there are no end to reasons as to why you should put your pen down right now and do something else. i plead with myself everyday to do just that. why do i keep on writing? because i know if i stopped i would die. if you could stop writing and go on living than the most sane and intelligent thing you could do is give it up.
thanks jane for a stimulating prod…
carin dupin´s last blog ..Money & the Meaning of Life /3
Jane, you nailed it. Writers who are most successful and will be published are tenacious. They are willing to put in the time to hone their craft. The best ask for and listen to constructive feedback, then apply it to their own manuscripts. They take instruction, read how-to books, attend conferences, soak up everything writerly to become the best. They don’t make excuses.
Writing is a process of immersion. And yes, writers, that means immersing in your writing projects for as long as it takes to get them right. Two years, rarely. Ten years, common.
Congratulations to Jeanne Veillette Bowerman for understanding what it takes. I’m glad you two met because every writer needs a mentor.
Debra Marrs´s last blog ..STOP Procrastinating Tip #2 – Eat A Frog Every Morning!
Jane, thank you for such a lovely reminder. What makes us great writers is being in touch with our most human facets – which sometimes, let’s face it, doesn’t jibe with a particularly “ambitious” streak.
I also wanted to second your kind words about @jeannevb. I also met Jeanne on Twitter a number of months ago, and I heartily agree – she epitomizes the warm writer community I’ve met there. Go, Jeanne, go!
Margo Gremmler´s last blog ..Eight FUN ways to help save libraries
Jane, thank you for the reassuring words. I write everyday, especially when I doubt myself. Just today, the director, at a local hospital, loved my humorous Father’s Day article. She told me she wants more of my high caliber writing! Wow…that statement made my day as I continue down my writing road. Joanie
Joanie´s last blog ..Human knot
Mark Twain, a successful writer in his own right, once advised, “Don’t go around saying the world owes you a living; the world owes you nothing, it was here first.”
So, don’t expect any financial or other help from anyone and you will get much, much further than the majority of wannabe successful authors who suffer from a severe sense of entitlement along with the world-owes-me-a-living syndrome. These are the people “waiting to be discovered.”
Trust me, you will experience much more satisfaction when you succeed on your own efforts and without any aid from anyone.
Three other very important quotes come to mind:
“If you want to be a writer — stop talking about it and sit down and write!”
— Jackie Collings
“A professional writer is an amateur who refused to quit.”
— Richard Bach
“I read my own books sometimes to cheer me when it is hard to write and then I remember that it was always difficult and how nearly impossible it was sometimes.”
— Ernest Hemingway
Interesting post, Jane. Thanks. I think that the desire to be publishes is wonderful for many people. However, for others, I believe it can be downright pathological.
For some, instead of spending ten years trying to write something that will earn the recognition of agents and editors, they would be better off spending a year in therapy trying to discover why that need for recognition/validation is not being met in their daily lives and personal relationships.
Compulsive behaviors are often the result of un-processed traumas. Terrible things happened, they become secrets, they eat away at the person silently while the person puts on a smile and goes on and seeks to salve the wound through a variety of pathological behaviors, such as drinking, drugging, Internet addiction, or through compulsively working to earn the recognition of some glamorous editor and the resultant adoration of thousands of fans.
There is another way. A person might be able to work through some of their problems, might be able to find a way to award themselves acceptance and therefore free themselves from the need to be accepted by agents and editors.
At this point, if the person is still interested in writing, she will be less likely to loathe her work, her writing will be less needy, and the place it comes from may feel better and more authentic.
Hi Jane. I guess my career as a writer is over before it begins. I am floored by the news I just read in your article about knowing if you are a writer,etc. I was hit between the eyes upon reading “to get going in writing takes ten years”. Oh my, I was hoping to be the Grandma Moses of writing. What a blow!! You see, I am seventy-nine years old on the 6th of July and in all probability will not live ten years. Never the less, writing is what I do. I have some great things to share which I have seen and experienced over my lifetime. I have a collection of stories that have been applauded by my writer’s group. Everyone says I must get published but I never dreamed of such. Is there anyway to find out if I even have a chance by speeding things up a bit? I hope to hear from you. Until then, I will keep on keeping on. Sincerely, Grandma Zelinka
@Mishell – I don’t think the desire to make money writing is a bad thing, or that writers should NOT try to make a living from it.
But it is tough to make a living by writing alone, and most writers I encounter aren’t looking at writing as a BUSINESS.
Writers who are motivated to write by the idea of earning a living from it may become quickly frustrated (and quit fast) when they realize there’s very little money to be made — OR very little money to be made writing what they truly love.
Jane Friedman´s last blog ..The Beauty and Tragedy of Endings
@Grandma Zelinka – I don’t think there are any shortcuts, BUT you can always go independent and get your work out there without a publisher or agent. (E.g., publish an e-book using Amazon’s Digital Text Platform).
You may not have the validation of being selected/edited by a traditional publisher, but you can still have something specific to send people to.
You might also consider posting your wisdom as a series of blog posts, using a free blogging service like WordPress.com or Blogger.com
Jane Friedman´s last blog ..The Beauty and Tragedy of Endings