In over 23 years of writing professionally (which for me means
making money at it), I've talked with hundreds of other writers,
many of them far more talented at writing than me, but who
haven't been nearly as successful financially at it. Why? Many
of them haven't avoided the pitfalls that I'm about to share
with you.
See if you've managed to fall into any of these holes along your
writing path. If so, don't fret about it. You can climb out of
every one.
1. THINKING ABOUT WRITING VS. WRITING. This is particularly
common for novice wannabe writers. After all, it's fun to think
about one day writing the next great American novel, or seeing
your article featured on the cover of your favorite magazine.
And I believe a certain amount of dreaming is important, because
in a way our dreams are a form of prayer. Thoughts held in mind
produce results in kind out in the world IF, actions are also
applied. Just like the old Quaker saying, "When you pray, move
your feet," the same is true for writing. "As you think and talk
about writing, also write."
CLIMB OUT OF THIS PITFALL BY: scheduling daily writing time,
even if it's only 15 minutes a day to start. Not only schedule
the time but surround yourself with people who will hold you to
your word with yourself. This last suggestion is something most
writers don't do but if you want to write daily don't count on
yourself to keep yourself at the keyboard. Tell your friends
about it, especially the supportive ones. If you have a spouse,
ask him or her to support you by helping you keep your word. If
you have kids, tell them, "Listen, you know how I have to make
you do your homework sometimes? Well, here's your chance to get
even. I need to write something every day for at least 15
minutes. Will you hold me to it?" You bet they will!
2. WRITING BUT NOT SUBMITTING. The second most common pitfall of
aspiring writers is the erroneous notion that if you write
stellar prose, some well meaning "editor fairy" will fly into
your office at night and find your manuscript stuck in the
drawer. Sorry, only in fairy tales. If you want to be successful
at writing you've got to submit, submit and resubmit your work.
CLIMB OUT OF THIS PITFALL BY: playing the 100 R Game. The game
is simple -- its one rule is summarized in the object of the
game which is: collect 100 rejection letters as fast as you can
while writing as well as possible.
What! Actually play for rejection letters? Yes, exactly. Here's
why. You can't play this game without doing two things that are
vitally important to being a successful writer: writing and
submitting what you write. Along the way to winning the 100 R
Game, you'll also learn how to win at the much larger game of
being a professional writer.
©2005 Brad Swift of Life On Purpose Institute, Inc. This article
can be reprinted freely online, as long as the entire article
and this resource box are included.
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