But there have been two things in particular that have stood out to me that I think can be applied to any writer, and they both tie to in to how we, as writers, define success.
The first was in Bly's Ten Secrets of Success. What topped #1 on his list?
"Define what success means to you."
Bly says that once you've defined what success means to you, then you should pursue success based on that definition rather than by the definition others have for success.
For me, success is be able to make a living doing something that I love to do (write), and someday to get a novel (or more, of course) published. The last thing success means to me is the amount of money I make. I have no need or desire to be rich, I simply want to live comfortably and do something that I love to do.
So that's the success I'm pursuing.
How about you? How do you define success for yourself?
P.S. Since I reached my ideal post length focusing on the first thing that stood out to me, I'll talk about the second on Friday. :)
I would love to see a book(s) published - that validation would be a definite success.
ReplyDeleteLately, however, I'd consider it a success if I could just finish my current WIP ;)
If I love what I'm doing.
ReplyDeleteI know, I know, it's a horrible cliche, but it's where I am.
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ReplyDelete*hee* can't say yet! It's a secret ;p
ReplyDeletehttp://damselinadirtydress.blogspot.com
Success to me is simply loving what I write while also hopefully making an impact on my readers in some way. As much as I want to travel the world and drive a Gallardo, to me, money is more of a bonus than an incentive for writing.
ReplyDeleteJaydee - I know the feeling! Sometimes just finishing is the hardest part. :)
ReplyDeleteJolene - That's a great definition of success, cliché or not. That's pretty much where I am, too. :)
Nicole - Secrets?! Secrets are fun sometimes. :)
Amanda - I agree money is more of a bonus. I have no desire to get rich off my writing, but I would love to be able to make a decent living off it. Mostly because I want to be able to love what I do for a living. Will I keep writing even if I don't reach my goal and I don't make any money off it? Absolutely.
I agree with yours. I don't need to make a ton of money (although, who wouldn't like it, amiright?) but I would like to be able to live comfortably and not to have to worry over bills and whatnot.
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in hearing more.
Hey Hannah! You're totally right, I definitely wouldn't mind it. ;)
ReplyDelete