What Does it Take?

I'm sure if any of you have a television or a radio or access to the internet, you heard the tragic news of Whitney Houston's passing this past week. In recent years, I had not heard much positive news in regards to Whitney Houston, but in decades past, I was a huge fan of the singer/actress.  She was beautiful, talented and seemed very passionate about her work. Her life and passing really got me thinking about what it takes to be successful in any business. Granted, that changes from industry to industry but there is an underlying framework that is the same.

My dad always told me that if I set my mind to it, I could achieve anything I want. Those are easily the words of a proud parent but they are also the same words that guide me through the good times and most especially the difficult times. The key is really setting your mind to it and asking yourself 'how badly do I want this?'

In Hollywood, it is easy to point out the allures and distractions for those would be actors/singers. They even make movies about how stars fall off the golden path. The writing industry is not so glamorous for most of us and yet there are many hidden distractions. I call them hidden distractions because they may not be distractions for all of us. It really depends on what you want in regards to your writing.

If your dream is to be self-published and running your own business, then working with a publisher because "self-publishing is too hard" is a distraction. You're settling. And vice versa. If your dream is to land an agent and be the next Nora Roberts, and you decide to roll out a self-published, unedited book because it is taking too long, well then you're distracted and settling as well. Granted, our dreams may change along the way, and that is okay, but make sure you ask yourself if you are sticking with your goals and doing all you can to achieve what you want.

So in answer to my original question in the title of this post, what does it take? It takes everything you have. Your passion, determination, talent, time and patience will help you reach your goals one day (in writing and outside of it).  Remember this and happy writing this week. I wish you all a very productive one!

Filed under: Toni Kelly, What inspires you?, Writer's Life, Writing Topics