Do I Have What It Takes to Succeed in Writing?

As much as we might dream of the writing life, the truth is that success as a writer is largely a mystery. You sit down with your notebook or open up your laptop, and you write—and you write because it gives you immense pleasure. If you’re like many aspiring writers, you might not find this pleasure initially. So, can you imagine spending months, even years, of your life—often in solitude—on a project as daunting as a book? Many find the process so dull, boring, tedious, and uninteresting that the result is a lifeless, uninspiring book that no dedicated editor could bring themselves to read through. Even if such a manuscript somehow makes it past the first chapter, the frustration and resistance of the reluctant writer may make the project nearly impossible to complete.

Expectations vs. Reality

Many people don’t start out with the expectation of becoming successful writers. When you set out to write a book, you might not dream of getting rich or famous. Why would anyone, after all, take on such a laborious and often unrewarding task?

Indeed, it is hard to know until you try. Here is what I believe it takes:

Writing Chops

Writing skills are fundamental. To be a successful writer, you need a certain level of writing ability. It is a combination of natural talent and the hard work you put into it. Some very successful writers may not possess a great deal of natural talent, but they are so prolific and skilled that they shine through. Nevertheless, to achieve success, you must have the basics down and know how to engage the reader effectively.

Persistence

Persistence is key. Being a successful writer is all about persistence. In the industry, rejections are a part of the journey. It is those who keep trying, keep writing, and keep putting their work out there who ultimately win. Persistence also requires being able to adapt to criticism and use rejections to fuel your motivation. It is not just about writing but about staying committed and learning from feedback.

A Constant Desire to Improve

The pursuit of perfection. No one becomes a successful writer if they think they already have what it takes and don’t need to keep improving. Writing is a lifelong journey of improvement. Having a mentor or editor can help you refine your skills, and constantly learning from your experiences is a key to becoming a better writer.

A Lot of Help

The power of a support network. No one ever becomes a successful writer alone! Clients, editors, writing friends, and teachers can all be crucial to your development. When you receive feedback, take it to heart, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or reach out to other writers. Your success as a writer often depends on the support and encouragement of others.

A Little Bit of Luck

The role of chance. Writing success often involves a bit of luck. You might come up with a great idea for an article, only to find that you have submitted it the same week that the editor is not looking for new stories, or has received a very similar pitch. However, you can’t control luck—only stay persistent and hopeful, and continue to pursue your dreams.

Time and Energy Management

The importance of self-care. Managing your time and energy effectively is crucial. Writing is not just about quantity; it is about quality. You must know when to take on new assignments and when to turn them down to ensure that you submit your best work. Additionally, it’s important to manage your time so that you can maintain a healthy and fulfilling life.

Once you have considered all of these elements, the best way to know if you have what it takes is to take the leap and give it a shot. Even if it doesn’t work out, writing can still be an essential part of your life. Best of luck!