Be a Well-Equipped Writer by Cultivating These 10 Traits
By Edie Melson
When each of us chooses to label ourselves as a writer, we are embarking on a journey that’s not for the faint of heart. To find joy—and yes, even a little success—we need to make sure we’re well-equipped for what lies before us.
I know many writers, and I have to confess I’m thinking of
them specifically as I write this. Yes, these are things I’ve tried to
cultivate in my writing life—but they’re also things I SEE in their lives.
You are an inspiration to me, to each other, and to those
around you.
So today I’m sharing what I’ve learned—and what I know will
make your journey easier. Developing these characteristics will help you find
more joy as you climb to the places God has for you.
10 Traits of Well-equipped Writers
1. You know who’s really in charge. Those of us who are
believers who write must remind ourselves that while we can make plans, it is
God who directs our paths. So often through the years, what I’ve thought was a
setback was actually a shortcut to the place I needed to be.
2. You learn to adapt to change. I’ve
heard it said more times than I can count that the only constant in the
publishing world is change. The ability to adapt when life throws a curveball
is what sets well-equipped writers apart from the rest.
3. You focus on solutions instead of problems. Writers are
creatives. We concoct stories out of thin air and offer commentary on the world
that others haven’t considered before. But oftentimes when challenges arise, we
forget to look for answers. Instead, we focus on what’s gone wrong.
4. You are aware of your own strengths and weaknesses. A well-equipped
writer knows what she’s good at and what she needs to work on. You know what
you need to get where you want to be.
5. You put rejection in its place quickly. Rejection
is part of this business. It hurts, and oftentimes—because publishing is
subjective—it’s unfair. To keep going, you’ve learned how to take a little bit
of time to rant and then move beyond the hurt.
6. You learn from mistakes. Not
just your own mistakes, but you’re wise enough to learn from those that others
make. Truthfully, I’ve learned way more from what I’ve done wrong than what
I’ve done right.
8. You know how to stay focused when the pressure is on. Instead of throwing
in the towel, you double down and do what has to be done. I’ve watched many of
you finish books through illness, family issues, and loss. You’ve lost
contracts, had publishers go out of business, and yet you persevere.
9. You remain connected to the ultimate Creator. You make the time to
meet regularly with God. Because of that, your words reflect His light. They
illuminate a world that is dark and in desperate need of hope.
10. You know there is no competition. The Christian
writing world is the most generous community I’ve ever imagined being part of.
To the rest of the world, it looks like we’re training our competition. But the
truth is, there’s more than enough work to go around. We are stronger when we
help each other along the path.
These are the things I’ve discovered that make the writing
journey joyful and a path I want to explore for the rest of my life. I’d love
to know what you’d add to the list!
Don’t forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Stuart Miles.)
TWEETABLE
Edie Melson gives us ten traits to be a well-equipped writer. via @EdieMelson (Click to tweet.)
Edie, your lists always inspire deeper thought. Thanks for sharing this one.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, thanks so much for the encouragement and for stopping by, Blessings, E
Delete