10 Traits of Successful Writers

Pondering what to blog about today got me thinking about the attributes of successful writers, so I came up with a Top 10 list. Maybe you’ll find some of these descriptions as motivational (and, in some cases, as convicting) as I do.

Trait #1. Writers write. You get a story idea, but you haven’t settled on the best way to begin, so . . . you don’t. Sure, you may be uncertain where to start, but if you don’t start somewhere, the book will never get written. You can always go back and fix things during revisions. The important thing is not to get hung up on getting it right the first time, because that’s paralyzing. Just write!

Trait #2. Writers finish what they start. I know, I know. It’s way too easy to get sidetracked by glittery new ideas you’re eager to pursue, or finding yourself bogged down in the middle of the story without enough energy (or interest?) to push through to the end. Make some notes for future reference and then ignore those other ideas for the time being. Because, especially for unpublished writers, it’s next to impossible to sell an unfinished manuscript.

Trait #3. Writers don’t wait to feel inspired or until they’re “in the mood” to write. If you’re waiting for the perfect state of mind or that elusive burst of inspiration, you could be waiting a long, long time. If you want to make money as a published author, you have to approach writing in a businesslike manner. Schedule writing time, and when that time rolls around, make sure you’re in your chair with fingers on the computer keys. This is your job, so treat it that way.

Trait #4. Writers identify their target audience and focus on them. When I first started out writing for magazines, I sent off for scads and scads of sample copies and writers guidelines. This was back in the day when snail mail ruled, so I racked up some hefty postage bills. But studying those sample issues gave me insight into whom the magazines were targeting, what kinds of topics the editors looked for, average article word count, and so much more. Even the advertisements offered clues about the reading audience and their interests. Novelists should be prepared to do an equal amount of market study. Visit publishers’ websites. Pick a similar book to your own and scan Amazon’s “also bought” feature. Read reviews. Check out book blogs to see who’s commenting and what those comments say about the readers.

Trait #5. Writers master basic grammar. Okay, do I have to get Grammar Queen on your case? Because I will, you know! If you don’t trust your own skills to catch grammar errors, enlist the aid of a proofreader whose knowledge you trust. Words, sentences, punctuation—those are the tools of our trade. You don’t want glaring grammar mistakes blowing your chances of an acceptance.

Trait #6. Writers continually study their craft. If you need to brush up on topics like single point of view, characterization, story structure, etc., just check the labels over on the right. You’ll always find plenty of helpful instruction right here in Seekerville. Attend conferences and workshops. Invest in some good craft books, check them out at the library, or borrow from your writer friends. (Have you seen my office bookshelves???)

Trait #7. Writers trust the vision. Having a critique partner or two or three can be helpful, provided you respect them both as individuals and as writers. But bear in mind that everyone has an opinion, and the more opinions you solicit, the more varied those responses are going to be. Take it from someone who’s been there—too many opinions can confuse you so much that you lose your grip on your own vision and voice. Limit yourself to feedback from the people you trust the most, and even then, weigh their comments against your own best judgment.

Trait #8. Writers take the long view. Especially when you’re first starting out, it can be all too tempting to jump at the first offer of a publishing contract or agent representation. (Can you hear Sally Field’s Oscars speech in your head right now? “You like me! You really, really like me!”) But be patient. Don’t get locked in with a bad deal—an unfairly slanted contract or an agent who turns out not to be the right fit. Building a successful writing career takes time. Plan wisely.

Trait #9. Writers take responsibility for their own marketing. Whether traditionally or independently published, we can’t escape this crucial part of the business. A professionally designed website is not a frivolous investment. Make sure it showcases who you are and is easy to navigate. If you blog, make sure you’re offering useful information for the readers you want to attract. Use social media for developing relationships and not just to sell books. Get to know your local booksellers and librarians, because you want them on your side!

Trait #10. Writers don’t quit. So it’s taking a lot longer than you thought it would and the long-awaited book contract hasn’t materialized. Or you’ve published several books but the sales numbers are unimpressive if not downright dismal. It’s hard to watch your writer friends’ careers going gangbusters while yours seems to be creeping along at a snail’s pace. But quitting? When you have no idea what could be waiting just around the bend? Take it from someone who, after 25 years of collecting book rejections, was this close to walking away before I got “the call.” That was nine years ago this month, and in just a couple of weeks, my twentieth published book officially releases! If you can quit, then . . . okay. But if you’re hardwired to be a writer, then stay true to the work God called you to. Be patient, keep writing, and wait for His perfect plan to unfold.

Writers, which of these traits causes you the most struggle? Which comes easier? If you need to make some changes, what steps can you take?

Readers, are there aspects of these traits that could apply to your daily life? Please share!

Any other traits you’d add to my list?

Join the conversation in the comments and mention your interest if you’d like to be entered in a drawing for either or both of today’s two giveaways: my very first published novel, One Imperfect Christmas, or my twentieth book in print, Her Hill Country Cowboy. 

About Myra: Award-winning author Myra Johnson writes emotionally gripping stories about love, life, and faith. Myra is a two-time finalist for the prestigious ACFW Carol Awards, winner of Christian Retailing’s Best for historical fiction, and winner in the Inspirational category of the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards. Originally from Texas but now residing in the beautiful Carolinas, Myra and her husband love the climate and scenery, but they may never get used to the pulled pork Carolinians call “barbecue”! The Johnsons share their home with two very pampered doggies who don’t always understand the meaning of “Mom’s trying to write.” They have also inherited the cute little cat (complete with attitude) their daughter and family had to leave behind.

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