Contrary to what many would lead one to believe, there are no specific, magic writing steps that will launch you onto the bestseller list alongside the next J.K. Rowling or Stephen King. But you can put yourself in the best possible position to achieve success with just a few simple, achievable steps. The following suggestions are intended to get you going on the path toward your goal of being a successful writer:
1.Write daily
It may go without saying, but it’s no less significant. If you want to become a better writer, beat writer’s block, and unleash your creative mind, then you’ll need to work at writing every day. You have to approach creative writing as your full-time job and create challenging yet realistic goals for your career. And setting aside even twenty minutes daily to write will make you a better writer in case you work a day job. A good writer would mean just one thing: working continuously with consistency.
2.Join a writers’ group
Look for individuals who are at a similar point in their careers as you are, and get together periodically to listen to one another’s work and provide reactions to it. Having a support network of peers will be very satisfying, particularly if you’re attempting to finish an otherwise daunting project for the first time – such as a novel. You may also get helpful notes, writing advice, and edits with joining the writers’ organization, and they may also keep you disciplined.
3.Find a writing mentor
The best-selling authors in the world, at one point or another, sat in the very position you find yourself in today. If you have a friend who is a published author, then you likely can ask them for writing advice in a respectful and polite manner. Make a list of more established authors you like and try to contact them via social media or email. See if they’re willing to go get coffee with you. A mentor will be able to walk you through the business side of writing, offering a wealth of knowledge pertaining to the publishing industry, self-publishing, and other specifics entailed in creating a query letter for your first book.
4.Read constantly
If you aren’t working on your own book or short story, then you should be reading the works of other great authors. You should read books of all types: short story collections, nonfiction works, and novels. Read the works of best-selling authors, authors you’ve never heard of, and authors you love. If you want to be a good writer, then you should have to read good writing.
5.Be present online
A good online presence is all about self-marketing, an indispensable part of becoming a successful writer. Make sure your website is updated and has samples of your best work on it. Appear in as many podcasts as possible to increase in popularity and reach. Publish as many as you can if you are a blogger, especially when trying to publish your first book. Traditional publishers and publishing groups looking for new talent are more often than not attracted to a writer’s online presence.
It takes commitment to be a successful writer, but the fruits are boundless. They range from writing daily to finding your tribe of support, seeking mentorship, reading voraciously, and building an online presence. This way, you will be improving your craft and placing yourself in the right position to receive such opportunities as you deserve. Every great author had a starting point. Keep writing, learning, and trusting your stories. The world awaits them.
