12 Steps for Writers
Steps to letting yourself know you are serious about being a writer
by Billie A Williams© 2007
Step 1
Admit you are a writer, and then believe it. Tell everyone who asks, what do you do, who are you? “I am a writer”.
“Conceive it, believe it, achieve it.”
Step 2
There is a belief circulating that says if you tell the universe what you want — “I want a book deal with a six figure income attached to it. I want to be rich and famous as a writer.” it will happen. If you say it long enough, loud enough and clear enough it will begin to come about.
“Conceive it, believe it, achieve it.”
Step 3
Recognize that writing is more than words on paper. It is entertaining, or helping, or creating respite for some weary soul. Writing means I can entertain without being an entertainer. I can share from the privacy of myself. I can create an income that keeps coming and I can leave a legacy behind. I can be proud of my accomplishments. I’ll have tangible evidence that I am a writer. More and more people are shadow or closet writers because they do not get the support and encouragement of family, friends or peers. It would seem that writing is not a legitimate work — It is! And you need to believe that. You need to have enough chutzpah to say, “I AM A WRITER.” It is hard work, a work that we love, but grueling sometimes despite that love.
“Conceive it, believe it, achieve it.”
Step 4
Set two goals to accomplish in the next 30 days. Write them on your calendar. Check in to see how you close you are getting. – If it helps write daily and weekly goals that pull you closer to accomplishing those goals in 30 days.
“Conceive it, believe it, achieve it.”
Step 5
Tell your goals to a trusted friend – verbalize what it is you really want to have done in 30 days. Your friend can help to keep you on task if you report in once a week. Maybe have a breakfast or lunch date to chart your progress.
“Conceive it, believe it, achieve it.”
Step 6
Be prepared to act. What are you willing to do to achieve your goals? Action and attitude will go along ways to helping you be perceived as a ‘real’ writer. If you want to have people take you seriously you have to talk the talk, but you also have to walk the walk.
Words without action are moot, the serve no purpose.
“Conceive it, believe it, achieve it.”
Step 7
I’ll say it again verbalize and validate. Do something to move you to that goal – if you are to be a writer you must write. You cannot of have written, until you write—until you do your time at the keyboard or with pen and paper and then submit that writing to the outside world. Not for judgment, but for approval, for validation that you indeed are a writer because you write – because you want to make a living doing what you love to do.
“Conceive it, believe it, achieve it.”
Step 8
What’s holding you back? What is it that you think you don’t have that will make your efforts viable? If you make excuses, any excuse will do. No time, no money, no place to work, the kids, spouse, neighbors are interrupting all the time. There is no excuse if you want something badly enough, you will find a way. When was the last time you wanted something so bad you could taste it? What did you do to move the mountains out of your way to get it? Did you sit around and visualize yourself having it or did you put you feet on the ground and push to get it? That’s how it is with writing, you will never FIND time you have to make it. You have to set rules for yourself and your environment. Then you have to put your behind in a chair and get to the hard part—the writing. As they say, “the proof is in eating the pudding,” you’ve heard that I’m sure—no matter how good it looks on the outside – once tested can it live up to your expectations. In other words you can say you are a writer all you want, proof that you believe this is what you need.
“Conceive it, believe it, achieve it.”
Step 9
What can be done? You’ve shored yourself up, you’ve told everyone you are a writer — now you need to prove it to yourself and your friends, relatives and peers that you honestly are. So what can you do? Better yet what will you do now?
“Conceive it, believe it, achieve it.”
Step 10
Re-evaluate your feelings, your dreams and your goals. Are they in line with the real you, the writer you? Are you comfortable with the way they are stated and will you begin today to move toward them acting appropriately, pursuing them with all your might?
“Conceive it, believe it, achieve it.”
Step 11
Sharing time with other writers will go a long way to help you build your own momentum. Taking writing classes, workshops, going to conferences, or retreats will move you closer to your goal. If you are uncomfortable spending so much time alone, join or form a writers group to support your efforts. These groups can be online or in person, it all depends on you and how you want to pursue your goals.
“Conceive it, believe it, achieve it.”
Step 12
Spread positive Energy. Surround yourself with people who are full of energy and happiness. Those who are comfortable with who they are and what they are doing with their lives will add fuel to your energy. They will help you to see your potential and to realize you can be a writer. You will walk the walk. You are a writer.
“Conceive it, believe it, achieve it.”
SEE IT! BELIEVE IT! ACHIEVE IT! YOU ARE A WRITER!
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