What does commitment to learning the craft of writing mean to you? Do any of the traits below apply to the uniqueness of your writing life?

1. A dedication to acquiring new writing skills. 
2. A continuous striving for more readers. 
3. A push to master marketing and promotion. 
4. Adhering to a specific word count during concentrated time.
5. Attending writing conferences.
6. Involvement in a writer’s group.
7. The practice of reading bestsellers.

Does commitment to learning the craft mean selecting one or more to explore? The seven items above are all learning opportunities, a choice to incorporate those things and more according to our time, talents, and abilities. Writing isn’t an easy task, and to succeed, a writer incorporates discipline and purpose. 

Daily learning and applying those techniques that make sense isn’t an easy task; it takes time and a plan. No matter what field or specialty a person undertakes, keeping up to date is a part of their career if they want to succeed. Writing is no exception. Is the commitment the same for everyone?

I encourage a mission statement that states the writer’s goals, values, and how to proceed with hard work and integrity. Consider the inclusion of “passion.” We’ve all heard, “I’m passionate about my book.” The definition of passion includes something we would die for.  A bit strong, I agree. But if faced with physical, psychological, or professional death, would we give up our writing? Something for each of us to think about. Our writing is a calling but maybe not in this season of our lives.

What tips can we use to masterfully achieve our writing goals?

1. Examine our mission statement and set aside time to write, learn, and give back to other writers. Many of us have day jobs and family responsibilities that have priority.
2. Within the allotted time, learning how to improve our craft and staying updated about the latest trend in the publishing and marketing world are critical. This can be accomplished through blogs, how-to books, face-to-face groups, online workshops, and in-person or online writing conferences.
3. Find a comfortable platform(s) with social media and develop your following. Understand the platform and how it’s different from others. Follow favorite authors, comment, and in the steady practice, we find our voice. Some social media platforms draw in specific genres. Study to see if you are a good fit. Post regularly. When we provide information and resources to other writers, readers, and followers, we are giving back, enhancing their lives with useful information—even humor. Social media isn’t about us but our followers. When we jump onto a platform to sell our writing, the all-about-me syndrome is revealed. 
4. Discipline is key. We have a job to do, and the path there has lots of twists and turns.
5. Read. Read. Read. One of my sons learned to read at age four by sounding out words on the back of a Cheerios cereal box.
6. Determine to help a serious writer(s) who needs mentoring. This could be participation in an online or face-to-face writing group. This ensures the quality of the next generation of writers. 
7. Repeat.

“Whether you’re an unpublished novelist or a sixteen-time New York Times bestselling author, you can always improve your craft. You can always become a better writer.” Robert Dugoni

Commitment to learning the craft of writing grabs onto determination, but we also need to accept what we can do according to our lifestyle. Our commitment is a striving to achieve our best.

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels with threads of romance. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?