TEN WRITING HABITS THAT EQUAL SUCCESS

Every successful author has a habit or two that enhances their creativity. For instance, to combat his poor eyesight, James Joyce used large blue pencils when writing and always wore a white coat to reflect more light onto the page.

Agatha Christie liked to eat apples while in the bathtub, where she examined murder photos.

Lewis Carroll preferred writing only with purple ink.

And Dan Brown hangs upside down to combat writer’s block, swearing that it helps him to relax and concentrate on the writing.

Some might call these more a quirk or, in some instances, a superstition, but whatever word suits best, for that author, it works, whether their “habit” makes sense or not.

Now, I doubt these quirks, as I’d call them, will do anything to enhance the creativity of your work, but there are ten surefire habits that make for a successful writing career, and it's nearly impossible to make a living with your writing without them.

What are they? Well, I thought you’d never ask. 

1. Read Daily and Visit Bookstores Often. Successful authors read consistently; just ask them. And they don’t only read in their genres, but others as well. Personally, I find it motivating and inspirational, especially when I’m between projects. Plus, I so love curling up with a good book, and the better the story, the more motivated I am to get back to work.

   
   

   In addition, visiting bookstores, whether it’s brick and mortar or virtual, is a great way to keep up with what’s going on in your business. New authors can inspire you and sometimes leave you shaking your head. Either way, perusing the shelves can be not just motivating but a great way to gain marketing savvy.

2. Create a Workspace that Fits You. I often come across writers discussing whether they listen to music while writing, and if so, what type of music they prefer, but I can’t remember seeing discussions on the environment that works best for them. Some writers are more creative while working in a bustling environment, such as a coffee shop, while some need complete silence and solitude. Either way, every writer needs a set place to work, even if that place gets switched up upon occasion.

   
   

   Find what works for you, whether it’s a particular table at your favorite coffee shop, a sliver of the dining room table, or an outdoor shed turned writing cave. Before you know it, just getting situated in your chosen spot will send a signal to your brain that it's time to get creative.

3. No Hiding Your Work Away. I know someone who has been writing for years. Every time I see her, she tells me about another story she’s started writing, and when I ask about the others, she says she never finished them, but has put them aside to “maybe” finish someday. If you have a habit of writing half a story, then stuffing it in a virtual drawer or a physical one, pay attention!

   
   

   Prove to yourself that you can finish what you start, because whether in the end it’s better than you imagined it would be, or as bad as you feared, you'll learn a lot about yourself as a writer—things you’d never have discovered otherwise.

   
   

   And remember what I always say, “We all improve with every book we write.” But if you never finish…

4. Don't Share Too Early. Bouncing story ideas off friends and family, or discussing your story in any way while it’s still a work in progress, can be a major spoiler. By the time your story is complete and available to the masses, for those friends and family members, the interest has passed. In fact, talking about your story to others can even dull your own interest, and as you sit down to write, those great ideas might now feel old and tired. And with that sense of anticipation and excitement that you felt when you got started gone, never doubt that your readers will sense the lack of enthusiasm in the writer.

5. Manage your Time.  Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent or have a full-time job outside the home, find an hour that works for your schedule. Maybe it’s early in the morning or perhaps it’s late at night. Whenever that hour fits into your daily life, make it a priority to write every day. And if you write full-time, set your work hours and keep them regular.

   
   

   Also, during that hour or those set hours of writing, stay away from social media, research, email, and anything else that pulls you away from that creativity. Writing time is just for writing, and everything else can come later.

6. Set Boundaries.  If you’re writing with the intent of becoming an author, no matter if it’s magazine articles, novels, or somewhere in between, being an author means you’re running a business. Get that mindset in your head and make sure your friends and family understand that as well.

   
   

   No one should feel free to stop by during your writing time to chat whenever it strikes them, and neither should you feel the need to keep working long after your day is done. Set office hours, and make sure your butt is in that chair—wherever that chair may be situated—during those hours. Then, when your time is up and you shut down, walking away without any guilt will be not just easier but also satisfying.

7. Set Goals and Reward Yourself.  Having goals is good for you, just make sure they’re achievable, yet not too easily attained. If they’re too easy to reach, you risk losing that spark that pushes you forward, and the accomplishment loses its grandeur. So, if you find yourself in that situation, push yourself to raise the stakes.

   
   

   On the other hand, if the goals are too far out of reach and you find yourself consistently failing to meet them, you risk losing any motivation to keep going. At the same time, don’t get down on yourself if you find life getting in the way and forcing you to move that goal to a later date. Life happens, and sometimes we just need to adjust a little. Realizing this and making that change is far from failure—it’s progress.  

   
   

   Also, keep a record of when you reach your goals and give yourself a reward, even if it’s as small as purchasing a new notebook to scribble down ideas or fun stickers for your calendar. Celebrate every achievement, whether it’s as big as finishing your first draft or as small as fine-tuning the second one. Every step forward is an achievement worth recognition.

8. Build a Team.  As much as we might like to, we can't go it alone. Find a good editor who fits you, the right beta readers, and an enthusiastic street team. If you’re in the earlier stages of writing, join a writers’ group or critique group where you can bounce ideas off each other and learn from each other. The camaraderie can be motivational and inspiring, and the more support you have, the more creative you’ll be.

9. Spend Time with Your Readers.  Don’t be afraid to share with readers on your social media pages and comment on posts. Give them ways to contact you directly, whether it’s an email address, through your website or blog, or even on Goodreads. It doesn't have to be daily, but readers should be able to reach you. That personable touch can go a long way toward building a loyal readership.

10. Never Stop Striving to be Better.  Even when you've reached that goal of having thousands of readers who'll buy your new work without a second thought, show respect for them by putting your all into every page.

    
    

    Remember that quote I gave you earlier? Well, the full quote fits here. “We all improve with every page, every chapter, and every book we write, but only if we allow ourselves to soak in the knowledge.” So, never stop striving to be better and never stop learning.