The Writer Behind the Words Read Online Free

talent to the dark place where it leads.
    ERICA JONG
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Courage
    It takes a quiet arrogance to be a creative person, to create something that no one really needs and then demand compensation. As a writer your courage will be tested. You will need courage to hold your head high when a book has low sales, fails to find a publisher or is publicly dismissed or criticized. You will need courage to face the outside when: people laugh at your efforts or dismiss them, readers pan an article, or a poem is called “too pretentious.” Making decisions also takes courage. You may have to decide whether to stay with an agent or leave, or to end a collaboration that has turned sour although it is financially fruitful.
    At times, fear will limit your options; you must have the courage to expand those options. You can’t deny the presence of fear, doubt, or anxiety because they never leave. They will be there as you type your manuscript, as you place it in an envelope and as you write your query. All writers feel it; don’t let it paralyze you. Have the courage to write through it.
    Ways to Improve Your Courage
     
Try a foreign dish.
     
Fail fast! Many people are terrified of getting a rejection. So get one and get it over with.
     
Write your book, poem or article badly. It takes courage to face that you’re imperfect.
     
Read your work aloud.
     
Write in a style you consider difficult and then treat yourself for trying.
     
     

Teachability
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Man can learn nothing except by going from the known to the unknown.
    CLAUDE BERNARD
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    Competence can be a killer of excellence. Many writing careers get buried because the writer becomes complacent. They have reached the goal of publication and no longer strive to be the best at what they do. They fall into familiar plot twists, language,
    characters or subjects. It’s safe (they get paid and have a readership), but this tendency puts most writers in a rut. Successful writers are always willing to learn. They aren’t stuck in their ways and can reinvent themselves when the time is right. Perfect examples are Dean Koontz, who went from writing four small books a year to writing big mainstream novels; Jennifer Crusie, who jumped out of category romances into women’s fiction; and Sandra Brown, who also left category romance to write suspense novels. No matter how long you have been writing, you don’t know everything. You will need to keep your mind open.
    Ways to Improve Your Teachability
     
Read a book about the writing craft or motivational books.
     
Try something new. If you write articles, try poetry; if you write books, try short stories.
     
Learn the skills to become a good listener.
     
Read something out of your area of expertise.
     
Seek advice from a trusted writing buddy.
     
     

Persistence
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Half the failures of this world arise from pulling ones horse as he is leaping.
    AUGUSTUS HARE
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    In spite of setbacks and obstacles, successful writers continue to write. They don’t quit. They fall down, but get up again no matter how hard the blow. Many of us feel helpless and out of control when something unexpected happens. We then spend time blaming people or circumstance. Most people get stuck at this stage and wallow in “what could have been.”
    Successful writers, on the other hand, move past this stage and come up with a new strategy. Persistence is the trait of all great artists. You’ll need to develop yours.
    Ways To Improve Your Persistence
     
Make your plans public. If you’re going to write an article, have a friend keep tabs on you. Make yourself accountable.
     
Measure your commitment to your goal. How much does it mean to you? What will happen if you don’t reach it?
     
Write down your mission statement. Keep it somewhere so you can see it.
     
Listen to music you love, especially warrior music (themes from movies where a character overcame obstacles or anything that inspires you, whether it be a rowdy country song, rock, or a gospel