So, You Want to be a Successful Writer

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Writers have all experienced the moment when the urge to write couldn’t be ignored. Some of us were young, and some of us faced the inevitable at an older age. Our minds threatened to explode if we didn’t put our thoughts on paper. We might not have had knowledge of the craft, or we didn’t know where our skills lacked. But it didn’t matter. We embraced a passion for the art of writing, and despite any obstacles, we were determined to be successful. And so can you.
Guideline #1: Define your meaning of success with the understanding it won’t be the same as the next writer.
How to Weave the Qualities of a Successful Writer Your Life
1. Accept our calling to write is a gift from God.
2. Commit focused time and energy to learning the craft of writing.
3. Invest in how-to books and writing workshops to deepen an understanding of writing, the 
publishing world, social media, marketing, and promotion.
4. Plan to attend a reputable writer’s conference to strengthen our writerly knowledge and 
network with those in the publishing industry and other writers.
5. Read—in our genre, bestsellers, and information about the publishing world.
6. Understand rejection is part of the process and to consider it as redirection.
7. Participate in a writing group to learn and give back.
8. Pledge not to give up. The process won’t happen overnight.
9. Vow to pass on any writing techniques to other serious writers.
10. Open our minds and hearts to the ever-changing climate of the publishing industry.
11. Discover our readers and their needs.
12. Establish an awareness of the world around us and write to heartfelt needs.
13. Immerse time in social media, not to sell books but to help others with our experiences 
and expertise.
14. Write, write, write, and write some more.
15. Edit, edit, edit, and submit.
The above 15 traits of a successful writer instill diligence and a means for every writer to move forward with their publishing dreams and goals.
What tip can you add to the above list?
TWEETABLESo, You Want to be a Successful Writer, insight from best-selling author @DiAnnMills on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet) 
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. 
She is the former director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Retreat, and Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson. Connect here: DiAnnMills.com