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The secret is out on how to become a successful writer. However, success has many different definitions for many different people. Some measure it with money, some with education, others in their accomplishments, and so on.
In this article, we will be discussing seven habits of successful writers.
Before we do that, what is a habit? A habit is defined as “a settled or regular tendency or practice.” (Google and Oxford Languages) Examples are: having a good eating habit, a spending habit (good or bad), and a sleep habit. We all have a particular habit in these areas.
Let’s delve into the habits of successful writers.
HABITS OF SUCCESSFUL WRITERS:
| 1. Have a Writing Habit (I know–redundant but important.) According to James Clear of Atomic Habits, habits form just from the micro changes you make in your life. And these tiny changes can become a habit in roughly 21 days. So in three weeks you could form a writing habit. But what does this habit look like? Set aside a specific time to write. This could be 15 minutes as soon as you wake up; 30 minutes in the afternoon; an hour of your day. Or if you can’t commit to writing daily, make it once or twice a week, or once on the weekend. Whatever your schedule may be, make writing a habit. (If you need AI support, try Writesonic.) |
| 2. A Ritual Around Your Writing Time No, I’m not talking about burning incense, praying or meditating—although you’re free to incorporate that—but rather, the time, place, and environment. As mentioned before, choose a time to write. During this time, you also want a place to return to every time you write. Some authors have an office, others a specific room in the house, some go out to a coffee shop of hotel, others a shed or she-shed or in bed (trust me, I love writing in bed because it’s comfy). As for the environment, have it be clutter-free because a clutter-free space allows for a clutter-free mind, meaning your mind won’t wander to cleaning up when you should be writing. Your writing space should have minimal distractions. |
| 3. Read in Your Genre If you’re writing sci-fi fantasy, read works by other authors in sci-fi fantasy; if you’re writing historical romance, read historical romance; if you’re writing horror, read horror. Not only will you need these titles when you write a query letter to an agent, but you need to study the genre you are writing in. This is one of the biggest mistakes beginning writers make. They think “Hey, I enjoy writing, I’m going to write a book”, and then can’t figure out why they keep getting rejected in the publishing field or why they can’t finish their manuscript. (Trust me, I am guilty in this area too.) By reading and studying how authors do it, you learn how to write a book from start to finish. There are patterns to how each genre works, and how they captivate and keep readers glued. So read in your genre of writing. |
| 4. Get Moving Another mistake beginner writers make is not incorporating movement into their writing time. I admit, this is a secret I didn’t know about until recently, but it is something I do because I have undiagnosed ADHD. What could this movement be? Getting up and walking around for 10 minutes; going for a run; doing push-ups; or chatting with a friend, colleague, or partner. Allowing yourself any form of movement gives your brain a break. Therefore, when you return to writing, your brain will be ready to go again. It is such a simple but crucial step to being a successful writer. (I wish schools and more work forces would incorporate breaks throughout the day. They would have more energized students and staff.) |
| 5. Have Hobbies Outside of Writing Believe me when I say not every writer writes 24-7. (Are there authors who write non-stop? Yes, but you don’t have to be in this category in order to be successful.) Pick up other hobbies. This could be playing a sport, cooking, dancing, playing chess, etc. I want to say “please don’t watch tv” as a hobby, but…at the same time I personally enjoy documentaries. So here’s what you should do if you enjoy some screen time—use it as research time or a brain break. Treat it like you would with reading and incorporating movement. (Please don’t binge-watch a tv show or movies because the time you spent in a screen could have been writing time, and you may regret it.) Why do you need hobbies? To change things up; to give yourself a break; and To keep yourself motivated in life and in your writing. So, go enjoy your hobbies! |
| 6. Spend Time with Others. Just like how you need hobbies to keep you going, you also need people. We are social creatures. We thrive off of human connections So make time for friends and family. And if you’re going, “I don’t have friends”, then go get some! Join online social groups, attend meet-ups at church, hang out with your coworkers—there are many ways to create friendships; if your family is your circle of friends, go spend time with them. |
| 7. Stick to a Goal. Habit-building is all about goal-orientation. Consider why your teachers or professors give you a rubric at the start of a project/essay—to give you a goal. Now you must give yourself a writing goal. Ask yourself: What do you want to write about? How long do you want to take? How many chapters or words do you want to accomplish? When do you see yourself reaching out to an agent or publishing on your own? Answering these questions will give you a goal. And if you have no clue where to start, then start with reading. See what authors are producing, what intrigues you, and go from there. If you need books to read, check out my writings here. |
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CONCLUSION:
These are the 7 habits that successful writers keep to. If you want to become a success as well, then start incorporating these no-longer-a-secret habits into your life. Start a ritual, read in your genre, incorporate movement into your writing time, etc. Do whatever you can to make writing a habit, and you too can become the author of your dreams.
Good luck and have fun reading and writing!
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