Tuesday, June 26, 2012

ACHIEVING WRITING SUCCESS

I've heard it before and I've asked the same questions myself; How does one achieve writing success when there are obstacles such as the decline of the short story market, the bombardment of rejections because the supply exceeds the demand and the fierce competition from writers who seem to have secured their niche with certain magazines? How indeed!

In my writing world I have been fortunate to have experienced the odd years where I've surprised even myself with the amount of short stories I've had published, and then there have been the years where the amount of rejections I've received has to be some kind of world record. In those times I began doubting myself. This put me in a bad place. Writing gives me a sense of self, so giving up was not an option. I reassessed my situation. I knew a story acceptance would renew the faith I had in myself, and always a short story sale sparks something inside of me which motivates and inspires - the magic returns and more acceptances follow. I was determined and I persevered.

It had been many months since I'd seen one of my short stories published and now I'm happy to say within a fortnight I've had five sales. What changed? My attitude.

Achieving writing success is about working hard, commitment, believing in yourself and continuing to put the effort in despite all obstacles.

If you don't believe me here is what two successful writers have to say on the subject:

"I will gladly testify that craft is terribly important, that the often tiresome process of draft, redraft, and then draft again is necessary to produce good work, and that hard work is the only acceptable practice for those of us who have some talent but little or no genius." - Stephen King

"When I first went full-time, I worked about fifty to sixty hours a week. I assumed that when and if I became successful, I'd be able to relax a little. Now I work seventy hours most weeks, and as much as eighty hours when I'm especially captivated by a piece." - Dean Koontz

Keep writing....

27 comments:

  1. Congratulations on those 5 sales!

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  2. PMA, as my children's headteacher used to say (positive mental attitude), obviously works. Keep it up, Diane.

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    1. I like that Julia - PMA! There certainly is power in being positive. The trick for me is to apply it during those difficult times.

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  3. Well Done! I just keep tell myself my time will come just keep working hard at it.

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    1. Thank you Paula. What you said is so true. I believe your time will come too :-)

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  4. Wise words Diane - I am slowly learning the importance of draft, re-draft and draft again. Congratulations on your recent sales. xx

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    1. Hello Rae :-) I eventually learnt to get that story absolutely at its best before submitting - give yourself the best possible chance in the first place! Thanks for the congrats x

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  5. Congrats on the sales. Real writers never give up, no matter how many rejections they receive.

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    1. Thanks Lynne. What you said is absolutely true!

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  6. It's an up and down world of acceptance and rejection for writers, Diane - but you've persevered and deserve such great success!

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    1. Thank you so much for those kind words Rosemary x

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  7. Many congratulations on those sales. Five - wow!

    Many years ago, I used to write short stories for the UK magazine market and I know that 2 or 3 rejections on the bounce would convince me I couldn't do it anymore. Then along would come an acceptance, usually one I'd forgotten was out there, and I'd be convinced I was going to be the next Stephen King. Talk about mood swings. :)

    Dogged determination is the best trait in a writer.

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    1. Thank you Shirley - 'dogged determination', well said and so very true! :-)

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  8. Congrats on all your success!

    'Keep writing' gets it spot on. It's the only way to succeed!

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    1. Thanks Talli - exactly! I do believe a true writer will keep on writing, no matter what.

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  9. I know, I know, keep writing is the advice. But when you're still waiting for that first acceptance letter, it's very easy to think you're not good enough. Just one, that's all I need!

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    1. Keep writing, keep believing, keep reading what is getting published. It will happen Maggie May!

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    2. I will and thankyou for your ever encouraging support.

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    3. That is so nice of you to say. Thank you! You are more than welcome Maggie May. If you ever need any help or would like any feedback on your stories please don't hesitate to email me. I am more than happy to do my best to help you. tobeachbum@hotmail.com

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    4. That is so kind and I will bear you in mind if I need some help or advice. Thankyou.

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  10. Thank you Mr Lonely. You have a nice day too :-)

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  11. We’ve all had to wait for that first acceptance, Maggie May. The road to success is paved with rejections. It’s part of the writer’s initiation. Just never give up on yourself. The important thing really is to keep on writing.

    Wow! Diane. Five hits. Brilliant!! Rx

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    1. Well said Rena, and thank you x

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    2. Thank you Rena. The lovely thing about all you writing bloggers is that you are so generous with your genuine kind words of encouragement. I promise I will keep writing.

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  12. Congratulations, five sales in two weeks in incredible.

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    1. Thanks Debs. The sales have certainly encouraged and motivated me. x

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