Butcher's Advice for the Aspiring Writer

It goes without saying that I'm proud of Jim Butcher and his success. It's wonderful to see a writer taking hold of innate talent, harnessing it with solid writing craft, and not only breaking into the business but climbing to the top of it. Jim hasn't achieved his success through blind luck or by his agent calling in favors from some editor. Instead, he's done it the right way–through grit, determination, and sheer hard work.

You may still mutter about luck … he entered the urban fantasy market at just the right time, yada yada yada.

Well, folks, I believe that writers make their own luck. If you hone your craft and prepare yourself to be the best writer you can, you'll be ready to seize opportunity when it offers itself.

And it will.

Better still, if you're ready, you'll recognize opportunity when it rolls by.

There's nothing sadder to me than to see a young, talented writer fumble a golden chance through sloppy skills, lack of readiness, or inattention.

Take a look at Jim's advice. (jimbutcher.livejournal.com/4217.html) Read it more than once. Let it soak into your heart. Take inspiration from it. And, most importantly, follow it.