In two decades of writing, I’ve learned a lot about myself, the publishing industry, my readers, and my faith. Writers experience perks and plummets. Like you, I’ve labored to develop the craft, focused on marketing and promotion, and dug deep into the psychology of why I’m committed to this wonderful world of communicating through the written word. I’ve grown older, added a few wrinkles, and hopefully gotten a little wiser.
Take a look at the following 20 items that I’ve learned in the past two decades (actually, 22 years) to see if any resonate with your experiences.
I’ve learned . . .
- Faith is as essential as breathing, and a strong faith is necessary to survive in the writing industry.
- Change is constant in the writing and publishing world.
- Don’t jump on the latest trends until you explore what the trend is all about and if it matters to your reader audience.
- Write the books that move your heart.
- Accept that successful writing and publishing is teamwork, not an “I” project.
- Edits and rewrites are a fact of life.
- Discernment is required for all endeavors with your career.
- Share what you learn with other writers.
- Leave a legacy that weaves kindness with professionalism.
- Any writer can be replaced.
- Social media is about establishing relationships and helping others, not selling books.
- Learn to say no to endorsing a book that doesn’t grab you.
- Commit to giving 110 percent to your writing call.
- Friends and family don’t have to understand writers.
- Take references to being eccentric, bizarre, and weird as compliments.
- Attend at least one conference per year to grow in the craft.
- Read like your life depends on it.
- Study bestsellers to figure out why they received that coveted position.
- Never quit.
- Pray for wisdom and guidance.
I’ve found that the more we live, write, and experience all life has to offer, the more material we can add to our books. I’m still learning. What about you? What has the writing life taught you thus far?
Thank you, DiAnn – love this!
Thanks to the generosity of DiAnn’s wonderful publisher, Tyndale House, I’m giving away a copy of DiAnn’s latest romantic suspense, Fatal Strike – enter below.
There’s a killer on the loose in Galveston, targeting law enforcement officials and using a fatal injection of snake venom to take them down. Authorities have reasons to believe the Veneno gang is behind the hits, and FBI Agents Leah Riesel and Jon Colbert team up to track down those responsible. Their best lead is an eyewitness who identifies a young man dumping the third body on a church doorstep. But their suspect has gone into hiding, and those closest to him are reluctant to reveal anything that might help investigators find him.
As Leah and Jon check connections among the victims and dig deeper into motives, they discover appearances may be deceiving. Someone is desperate to keep their secrets hidden, and Leah and Jon must face their greatest fears in order to stop the next fatal strike.
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne du Maurier, Inspirational Reader’s Choice, and Carol Award contests. Firewall, the first book in her Houston: FBI series, was listed by Library Journal as one of the best Christian fiction books of 2014. Connect with DiAnn here: www.diannmills.com.
Relz Reviewz Extras
The book sounds awesome, can’t wait to read it.
What has the reading life taught me so far? A lot, but one thing is that God is always in control
Mark, even when we don’t understand, weep, and question our faith, God is in control. Thank you for the reminder.
Sounds like a a great story! What I have learned so far is it’s important to read good authors. I have learned a lot from their different style. It stuns me when I am captivated by amazing writing.
Jocelyn, we writers create from our personalities, passion for the craft, life experiences, and the love of story – which is a gift from God. You encouraged me!
Reading good Christian books helps me to focus on God and what he has done for me.
Vivian, Christan fiction sprinkles story with at least one character solving life’s problems from a Christan worldview. Not to preach but to simply show the power of God working in a believer’s life.
Reading life has taught me more about myself. I’ve tried to analyze why I like certain books and authors and why some don’t resonate with me… and the conclusions have surprised me.
MJSH, Just like reading has shown you much about yourself, a writer finds revelations about him/herself in the writing process. I also have authors whose stories show me a perspective that grows me, while others do not. And what resonates with you may not resonate with another reader.
The reading life has taught me to read books I enjoy, regardless of publication date, author, or genre. Also, no matter how odd my reading quirks are, I’m likely not the only reader who has them! :o)
Valerie, we all have something to learn, and that is timeless. I agree with you 100%. Oh, yes, quirks … reading and writing, but these little oddities make us unique.
Ohhh, I love DiAnne Mill’s books! I’m looking forward to reading this one, too! Snake venom! Creepy!!
I learn so much from reading…mainly that we represent Christ. I love seeing a hero/heroine who is so real, but still represents Who He Is.
Necee, Thank you for your kind words! I love creating the unexpected and yet real. My writing process involves pages of digging deep into the psychological aspects of my characters and writing God’s purpose in their lives.
What a thought-provoking post! I’m not a writer, but I so appreciate all the fantastic authors that share their time and talents so readers can enjoy their books.
Winnie, thanks! We writers look at life, people, and their triggers of behavior a little differently than others. We observe and analyze while our prayers are to honor God with everything we write.
The reading life has taught me that stories are an excellent tool to share spiritual truths.
Caryl, you have said it all! Spiritual truths that are shown speak the loudest. Thank you.
Rel, thank you for hosting me and featuring Fatal Strike. I appreciate you.
Reading has opened my eyes to others of different races, cultures, religions and helped me better understand where they come from and has increased my empathy skills. Everyone faces challenges and everyone is loved by God and is therefore more valuable than anything thing in the world.
Dianne, I am so thankful for Christian authors who nurture our love of reading with books that are sensitive to our needs. Fiction can be exciting and entertaining without being explicit or graphic!
Thanks for being there for us and yes, our God is always in control!
That people have different views due to experiences & upbringing. That we can all learn something from others & should be open to it.