We live in a comfortable society. But that can be dangerous for writers who choose complacency rather than pouring a steady stream of effort into their writing. Success happens when a writer’s goal is to always move forward by improving craft, marketing, and professionalism.
Have you ever met a writer who expected and demanded results from readers, other writers, and those involved in the profession without doing their share of the work? It’s a sad case of entitlement and can occur among writers of all levels. We cheer the ones who early on recognize a too-comfortable, smug, and self-satisfied attitude and change before rigor mortis appears in their writing career.
What are signs a writer may be headed toward a shattered professional life?
- My last book did well. I see no reason for me to fix what’s not broken. I’ll simply slap on a new title and tweak the current content. In fact, I’ll make a template for this book project, and the rest of the manuscript will come.
- I’m tired of social media. Honestly, interacting with my audience takes time. They can find someone else to answer their questions. Besides, I have no clue if they’re even buying my book. The social media guideline that posting is “not about me” didn’t take into consideration my apparent success.
- If the publisher wants to edit my work, I’m good with it. It takes too much time for me to edit and re-edit. What’s important is my name on the cover.
- Attend a writing conference? Are you kidding? If I’m not teaching at a writer’s event, then I’m not going. I already know it all.
- The last thing I intend to do is help another writer. What a waste of time. And what if I gave away my secrets to success and that writer sells more books than I have?
- I’m done with healthy eating and exercise stuff. All the hype about not being able to write well when our bodies are out of shape is just a lie. Bring on the burgers, fries, and milkshakes.
- I’m donating all my writing books. Not needed for someone of my caliber. Another thought is to sell them since I read and applied the information.
- Meeting deadlines is just for new writers. My publisher knows I deliver an excellent book when I’m good and ready to send it in.
- Career counseling? Who needs it? I’m set with my brand. Readers will devour my books just because my name is on them.
- Time to increase my advance and raise the percentages on my royalties. Better yet, where are my movie contracts?
I hope you’re laughing at the above ten danger signs of a complacent writer. Below are three signs of a successful writer.
- I pledge to daily increase my knowledge of the craft, marketing, social media, and the publishing industry.
- I pledge to reaching out to readers, provide information to better their lives, and create stories that entertain, inspire, and encourage them.
- I pledge to pay it forward to new and struggling writers so readers will continue to enjoy books long after I’m gone.
I challenge you, dear writer, to strive for a career that increases your skills, invites new readers, and pays it forward to the next generation of writers.
