10 Habits of Successful Writers
Not all writers are created equal. Some are luckier than others; some are more talented. But success as a writer is, very often, built on habits of success rather than luck or talent. Here are some of the most common habits of successful writers:
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Successful writers write whether not they feel like it. They don’t sit around waiting to be inspired. Successful writers have a schedule which they start at the same time every day, just as if they were going to a job.
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Successful writers observe constantly. They make a point of knowing what is going on around them. They gathering that data and utilize it in their writing. Successful writers seek out inspiration, knowledge and experience.
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Successful writers use deadlines to help motivate them to work. They make commitments that force them to keep the writing going, and they hand off their finished products to their clients on time.
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Successful writers write in a controlled environment. They use the same tools from day to day, whether it is the same style of pen and notepad or whether it is the same word processing program. While they might venture out from their familiar locations from time to time in order to garner inspiration, they always return to their own writing space.
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Successful writers stick to their particular niche. They know how to write for a specific type of reader, and they do it very well. Successful writers are fluent in their topic. They are aware of the meta-talk and the most current discussions and trends surrounding their topic.
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Successful writers work slowly. 1,500 words a day is about average for a successful writer. Successful writers don’t need to produce huge volumes of writing, instead choosing to produce less writing of greater value.
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Successful writers make a plan for the writing. They know where they are going to go before they start writing. Most utilize outlining techniques. Successful writers also keep that plan flexible, changing it as needed.
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Successful writers re-read what they’ve written frequently, and use re-reading as an important part of the writing process. They also revise as they are writing. They proofread their writing at least once, if not twice, when they’re done. Successful writers train themselves to be editors.
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Successful writers practice small business sense. They know how to read a contract, how to negotiate their rates, and how to market their writing.
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Successful writers don’t always like to write. Just like anyone else, they have been known to procrastinate, be frustrated with their profession, and get discouraged. On average, though, successful writers are satisfied and happy with their work and their careers.
Not every successful writer practices every one of these habits. I can’t say that I am always good, for example, about re-reading or being observant. But fostering these habits has improved my writing as well as my bottom line, and fostering these habits can do the same for you.
So,which of these habits do you have down pat? Which do you need to develop? Are there others that you would add to the mix?
photo credit: swirlspice
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9 Responses to “10 Habits of Successful Writers”
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Very good list! Some don’t apply to me, but maybe that’s why I’m not more successful?
My biggest one is the write when you don’t feel like it, for work anyway. Creatively, I go months without writing, then write 50,000 words in a few weeks. My creative writing is garbage unless it is inspired. My work must be done whether I feel like getting out of bed or not. And now… Onto just that.
Thankya, Amy.
I know what you mean, especially with creative writing. When it comes to my fiction, which is a hobby for me, I will go weeks on end without even looking at it. Don’t believe me? I haven’t updated my novel blog in what feels like about a brazillion years.
I’m finishing up my dissertation right now, and I have to say that the most helpful thing for me was setting small, manageable goals. Then I didn’t say, “today I have to write my dissertation!” in the morning. Instead I could say, “I have to write five pages about x today, and then I am done!” Awesome.
I think successful writers also read. My partner Lance said this in his problogger post, and I agree. You get to see what works, what doesn’t, and why. Inspiration + escape = prolific-ness.
Hm. GOtta work on that last bit
I don’t follow all of the good habits you mention, but before I stop writing for the night, I make a list of all the tasks I want to accomplish the next day. Then when it’s time to sit down and write, I can refer to my list for “inspiration.”
I also liked what you said about good writers working slowly. I’m always stunned by the ads that say they need writers to churn out dozens of articles per day. They obviously prefer quantity to quality!
@ Honey - excellent advice, on both points. Welcome to Writing Journey, by the way! Glad to have you.
@ Debra - volume is OK for certain types of writing. Sometimes you have a hack job for a client that will be solely SEO. Those go fast, but they are boring as hell.
[…] 10 Habits of Successful Writers […]
Great list!
This is one of the most insightful articles I’ve come across in a long time. It is wonderful!
Lindsey
[…] good habits for successful writers. One specific question I had was how long should I write? This site suggests 1,500 words a day is sufficient. I thought that was more tangible way of looking at a […]