Defining Your Success as a Writer: A Personal Journey
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Understanding Success in Writing
What does success mean for a writer? The definition varies widely among individuals, shaped by personal aspirations and future visions. For some, it could be the accomplishment of getting a novel published or securing a deal with a well-known publisher. For others, it might mean cultivating a dedicated online audience or having regular readers who appreciate their work.
However, the most fulfilled writers are often those who write for the sheer joy of it. Writing is a form of creation; it allows individuals to reshape their perspectives and the world around them. You don’t need formal training in grammar or an extensive vocabulary to be a writer; the essence lies in your ability to communicate your thoughts effectively.
Many aspiring authors may never see their work published, spending years crafting their novels while the publication date remains an elusive concept. To outsiders, this may seem like failure, but true writers recognize the profound love that comes from the act of creation itself. Not being published, or lacking recognition beyond familiar circles, does not equate to failure in the writing world.
Writing for passion means you can never truly fail. Those who write for enjoyment often embrace the joy that many published authors may overlook. Creation for its own sake is a triumph, even if no one ever reads your work.
How to Define Your Own Success
So, how can one establish personal success in writing? The answer is unique for each individual, but a good starting point is to envision where you want to be in a decade. If your dream is to be a published author, congratulations—you’re already on the right path! Keeping this goal at the forefront of your mind helps you maintain focus and motivation. Write it down and place it somewhere visible, reminding yourself of this ambition regularly.
Your mind, a remarkable tool, will begin to forge connections that guide you towards your aspirations. Most importantly, you must take action. Carve out time to write, free from distractions. Setting realistic, attainable goals each month, along with a significant annual objective, can help break down your workload and provide a sense of accomplishment, which our brains crave.
For example, if your aim is to complete a first draft of a 100,000-word novel within a year, consider breaking it into manageable parts. Aim for a monthly word count of approximately 8,333 or a weekly goal of around 2,083 words. To meet your weekly target, you only need to write about 297 words a day. Notably, Neil Gaiman worked on Coraline amidst other commitments by writing just 50 words each night. Small, achievable goals are the key to progressing in your writing career.
Consistency is one of the most challenging aspects of being a writer. When you’re starting out, it’s easy to compare yourself to literary giants like Neil Gaiman, Stephen King, or George R.R. Martin. Their success can sometimes overshadow your own journey, leading to discouragement. However, it’s vital to remember that these authors didn’t achieve mastery overnight; they faced their own struggles and rejections.
The importance of creating for the love of it cannot be overstated. Setting smaller goals acts as a foundation for a future writing career. Each article and paragraph contributes to your growth as a writer. Always remember to enjoy the process; even if fame eludes you, if you genuinely cherish what you’ve created, you have already succeeded.
With warm regards, The Narrator
In this video, we explore the various personal definitions of success as a writer.
This video discusses the mindset needed to think like a successful author, emphasizing the importance of creativity and perseverance.