Since starting out on my storyteller's journey, some years back, I have met all kinds of wonderful writers. Those that write for personal pleasure, those hoping to be published, and those already published. What I've learned from observing these creative scribes is that there are a number of essential elements to becoming a gifted, and even a great writer. Everyone comes to his or her writer's desk from a different place. The trick is to not only know your strengths, but your weaknesses as well. It would be easy to write from our comfort zones, and then complain about our lack of success. However, those writers that I have seen get published, seem to be operating on "all eight cylinders!"
What that means is that if we operate on only six strengths, we might be able to get by - but how much better would it be to take an honest look at our weaknesses, and work on them? We would have a much better chance at writing a quality manuscript - even if it doesn't get published, we would have the pride and satisfaction of having written something wonderful.
I believe that identifying, and conquering, my own weaknesses will get me that much closer to my goals as a writer.
Here are my Eight Essential Elements to succeeding as a Writer:
1 - Being inspired
2 - Having creativity
3 - Knowledge of the English language
4 - Natural writing ability
5 - Tenacity/Experience
6 - Discipline
7 - Writer's Platform
8 - Courage
There are an multitude of possible essential elements -
what would you add to this list?
