A few weeks ago, I named five things I learned about the writing craft in the last five years, which are things about the actual writing process. As I came up with that list, I serendipitously came up with items that didn’t relate directly to the craft but to the writing life.
These would be practices the writer can do in daily life. You know, the writing journey. The creative odyssey. The literary pulse.
- Getting published is a popularity contest
More than ever, anyone who wants to get published by a traditional publisher has to have some kind of following on social media. That’s understandable, publishers want to make money. But it’s more viable than ever for someone to self-publish and gain a following that way. - I write for myself
It makes me sad when I see some writers discouraged because their books didn’t sell enough or make money. Writing is about the journey. I enjoy learning my craft. Never give up, but for Pete’s sake, at least enjoy telling stories. - Perfectionism needs to take a hike
Just write. Get it down. In the early stages of a work in progress, it’s more important to just write it in order to have something to work with. I’m amazed at the number of intelligent creatives who want everything to be perfect the first time. A potter must first have a lump of clay to make a vase. - Discipline over inspiration
Just sit down and write. Set a daily word count goal. Schedule a writing time. No matter how you feel, just do it. I’m surprised at how much I get into a writing session, even when I want to do something else. - Never stop learning
I’m a graphic designer, and I realized early on that I would never stop learning about software like Adobe Photoshop. The same is true for writing fiction. The writer will always be improving as long as they breathe. I love taking writing classes and reading writing books. I keep learning new practices for fiction.
Keep pursuing your vision of being a writer. Close your eyes and imagine what you want to accomplish as a novelist. Imagine yourself already at that point. Tie that image with a rope. Now, reach forward and drag that image into reality.
Never stop writing.
Friday’s Findings
- 3 Things to Focus on if You’re a Brand New Writer
- 100+ Character Ideas (and How to Come Up With Your Own)
- Character Secret Thesaurus Entry: Covets Someone Else’s Life
- How to Write Irresistible Character Relationships
- Write or Die: A Replacement for the Tool That Conquers Procrastination?
Andrew M. Friday 
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