Do you desire success as a writer? Have you asked yourself these questions: “What makes someone a best-selling writer? Is it publicity and marketing? Is it the company publishing their works? Maybe, the author has the notoriety before becoming published?” In a perfect world, these factors would have little impact on writers who achieve notoriety. Although these can contribute largely to an author’s success, once the ‘hype’ of the publicity passes, the only thing left is its content. This denotes, then, that an author can have the ‘marketing campaign of the new millennium,’ but if he or she has no substance, it will diminish the success of the author’s future endeavors. Hence, the key to becoming a best-selling author does not begin with the publisher, marketing, and publicity, but with the author’s writing skill and prowess. These are perfected through discipline, dedication, and determination.

Discipline – Do not expect to become a best-selling author if you have no discipline. You cannot expect to develop your craft and skill if you are lazy. You have to set aside time daily to write; even if it is to only write down ideas and review materials that you have written. During this time, you can development your writing style and technique. No discipline means No development. In addition, discipline is a stabilizing force when one has to write under the pressures of a deadline. It will help you to learn the act of controlled creativity. You will be able to produce your best within certain time constraints.

Dedication – If you do not think like a writer, live like a writer, and have a writer’s worldview, you will only have mild to moderate success. You have to be dedicated to writing and the writer’s life; this includes being informed and educated. Attend writing seminars and conferences. These can broaden your thinking and challenge your current writing level. Always be update with the past and present world events and news, which is especially important for bloggers, analysts, and novelists. If you possess this level of dedication, you place yourself in position to be noted among the ‘greats.’

Determination – Finally, to become successful, you have to have an unwavering determination. Without it, you will not overcome the obstacles that writers face. The biggest obstacle is that of rejection. Rejection shatters the dreams of some, while fortifying the resolves of others. When you are determined, you will submit your work to as many publishers as necessary. Even if you cannot make it mainstream, determination will cause you to enter into areas that you never thought you would. Many best –selling authors resorted to self-publishing. They never would have done it without determination in the face of opposition.

Do you want to become a successful writer? It may take years of hard work with little recognition before any notoriety. Some say success is “10 percent inspiration and 90 percent perspiration.” The successful writer understands that this is not true. The successful writer discovers that “Success is 100 percent inspiration (you need it in order to write) and 100 percent perspiration (you are always working even when you are not published) and the unseen factor of timing and chance (marketing and publicity never hurts either).” However, with discipline, dedication, and determination, you will achieve success.

Well, there you have it. Write for success. Write for your health. Write from your heart. Until next time, take every opportunity to help others.