Have you ever noticed how different we are as writers? Some of us write for pleasure. Some write for therapy. Others write for a living. There are fiction writers, poets, authors of children’s stories, memoirists and ‘just give me the facts ma’am’ types writers. We write for our ego, our health, our state of mind and for money. Sometimes we write out of both sides of our brain and we get so confused that we consider quitting altogether.
What kind of writer are you? Why do you write? Have you figured it out? Are you a happy writer—does writing bring you pleasure? Or do you sometimes feel disillusioned and disappointed in the way your writing is going?
If your writing dreams aren’t being realized, maybe it’s because you are getting in the way of the outcome you desire. Are you putting the wrong kind of energy and thought into your dream? Are you trying so hard to force the issue that you’re missing the best solution?
I know excellent writers who say they want to be published, but who refuse to do what’s necessary. I’ve met promising writers who claim they want to write for publication, but who just won’t put in the time to perfect their craft.
So what does it take to be successfully published?
• An understanding and some mastery of the language—sentence structure, punctuation, grammar, etc.
• The ability to discipline oneself to write regularly.
• A willingness to follow publishing protocol—seek out appropriate venues, study and adhere to submission guidelines, honor deadlines and so forth.
• Patience and persistence.
If you write purely for the love of writing, continue on this path and enjoy. Publishing, however—particularly, if you dream of establishing a career through your writing—requires an entirely different mindset.
What does it take to write fiction or nonfiction for magazines? Read A Writer’s Guide to Magazine Articles. http://www.matilijapress.com Where can you learn more about the publishing industry and the publishing process? Read The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html What if you need a more structured lesson plan? Use The Author’s Workbook http://www.matilijapress.com/workbook.html And if you still require some editorial assistance, help writing your book proposal, coaching for your freelance writing business or a consultation, contact Patricia Fry at PLFry620@yahoo.com or sign up for one of our online courses-on-demand http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm
You can shift from pleasure writer to published writer. It’s just a matter of wanting it enough.