Do you, deep in your heart, aspire to become a successful writer? Do you watch old re-runs of, Murder She Wrote, and dream of sharing Jessica Fletcher’s glittering life-style? Do you picture your name on the cover of your favorite magazine?
What would you say if someone told you it is possible to be a successful writer now and still maintain your busy schedule? Yes, it is possible as many successful writers also have busy schedules.
The first thing to do is to ask yourself three questions: (1) “Why do I want to write?” (2) “How committed am I to this dream?” and (3) “Is it important enough to me that I am willing to make a few changes in my life?”
Your reason for wanting to write is valid, no matter what that reason is! While some people write to see their name in print, others write for stress release, or simply because they want to tell their stories. One friend started writing science fiction novels to pass the time while pregnant. Another friend, a business owner, began his career by writing client newsletters. A third friend got an idea for a suspense story, and decided to write it.
These friends, and most successful writers, have learned the magic secret of integrating their writing into their normal, everyday life. If your children do homework at the kitchen table while you prepare dinner then make cooking a family affair so after dinner you can write while they do their homework. Most children are very supportive of a parent’s desire to take on important projects. Do you watch TV in the evenings? Then write during the commercials. Do you use public transportation to commute to work? John Grisham wrote his first novel while commuting to and from his law office each day.
One adventure writer reserves four hours on Saturday mornings to write. A romance novelist writes an hour in bed each night. Another, freelancer, uses his lunch hour to write.
What would you say if someone told you it is possible to be a successful writer now and still maintain your busy schedule? Yes, it is possible as many successful writers also have busy schedules.
The first thing to do is to ask yourself three questions: (1) “Why do I want to write?” (2) “How committed am I to this dream?” and (3) “Is it important enough to me that I am willing to make a few changes in my life?”
Your reason for wanting to write is valid, no matter what that reason is! While some people write to see their name in print, others write for stress release, or simply because they want to tell their stories. One friend started writing science fiction novels to pass the time while pregnant. Another friend, a business owner, began his career by writing client newsletters. A third friend got an idea for a suspense story, and decided to write it.
These friends, and most successful writers, have learned the magic secret of integrating their writing into their normal, everyday life. If your children do homework at the kitchen table while you prepare dinner then make cooking a family affair so after dinner you can write while they do their homework. Most children are very supportive of a parent’s desire to take on important projects. Do you watch TV in the evenings? Then write during the commercials. Do you use public transportation to commute to work? John Grisham wrote his first novel while commuting to and from his law office each day.
One adventure writer reserves four hours on Saturday mornings to write. A romance novelist writes an hour in bed each night. Another, freelancer, uses his lunch hour to write.
Do you see the pattern here? The successful writer weave writing projects into his or her regular schedule. Each has learned that some form of daily, or weekly, consistency is more valuable than waiting for large blocks of interrupted time in the future.
The successful writer has also learned to seek help and support when needed. Writers’ support groups are invaluable so check on-line or with your local library to see what is available in your area, and start writing today. In the meantime, keep watching those reruns of Murder She Wrote, and make your dream of becoming a successful writer a reality. Look out Cabot Cove – here we come!
This fun piece is an excerpt from my upcoming book, One Writer's Journey: A Collection of Life's Stories. It will be published later this summer by Martin's Muses Publishing Company.
The successful writer has also learned to seek help and support when needed. Writers’ support groups are invaluable so check on-line or with your local library to see what is available in your area, and start writing today. In the meantime, keep watching those reruns of Murder She Wrote, and make your dream of becoming a successful writer a reality. Look out Cabot Cove – here we come!
This fun piece is an excerpt from my upcoming book, One Writer's Journey: A Collection of Life's Stories. It will be published later this summer by Martin's Muses Publishing Company.
 | Wishing You Success on Your own Life's Journey ~ Crystal |
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