“Love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Some days, creating art is difficult, but the beauty of the written word is something we all cherish. I know that like most writers, I like having written more than I like writing. So for me, it’s work. How about you?
Every day I do at least three things to ensure I’m on the right path to being a successful author.
- I continue to work at the craft of writing
- I dedicate a portion of my day to practice
- I consistently seek out new opportunities
These things are not special, nor are they difficult. They simply require consistency. You must do them (or some variation of them) in order to achieve success.
In other words, practice, practice, practice.
Does practice make you perfect? Sometimes, sometimes not. What it will give you is a feel for what is right, or natural. And therein lies the opportunity for success.
Critique with others, you can learn from their mistakes. We often see things in the writings of others we don;’t catch in our own writing.
Read, take classes, or review craft books and articles, you will learn something new every day. Even when you re-read books you have read in the past. You can never learn too much about craft.
Rad and write, every day.m Make a commitment and follow through. not a joiner? Commitment too scary? Can’t believe that stating a goal will help you to be more consistent? Try a small commitment, baby steps. 100 Words. Every day. Doable, decisive and not overwhelming.
I try and write 2000 words a week. I did used to do 500 words a day, but my little girls leave me less time these days. If I am really flagging, I give myself a few days off and don’t let myself write at all, and usually my enthusiasm comes tearing back!
Good plan, Jessica. I too, find it difficult to write everyday. That’s why I belong to the 100 words a day group. And I do write every day, even if I think it’s going to kill me. Some nights I’m writing at midnight and beyond, even when I get up at 4 am.
There are probably only a few days worth a year where I don’t get 100 words down a day, but sometimes I struggle to get above about 250 words a day these days. Yesterday I managed 500 words, but I’m going to be out for most of today so it’ll be a struggle to do much. As for staying up past midnight…. the only time I am up then is settling a little person back to sleep! hahaha. Keep at it. But remember some days it is ok to have a break.
So true! We don’t give ourselves enough breaks.