What conditions must you set in place on your journey to becoming a successful writer?
The first condition I set was that my work came first before everyone and everything else. I write full-time in my home, which gave the people in my life the idea that I had all the time in the world to do whatever they wanted. Their demands on me got tiresome real quick, so now I let the machine get the phone and don’t answer the door unless the person on the other side was expected. I’ve also learned to say no firmly so that they know better than to keep bothering me.
The second condition came in response to the first. Anyone who harassed me about my dream of becoming an author, I either cut out of my life altogether or shoved to the fringes. This even included family members. It’s hard enough to make it in this business without someone constantly tearing me down on top of it.
The third I call the “do without” condition. This is the one where I sacrifice fun times and toys in order to put that money toward research materials, office equipment etc. so that I can keep the wheels turning.
The fourth is my time. I work everyday even on holidays. The hours I put in vary day to day but I’m always sure to complete one to two tasks along with keeping up with my email.
The fifth I just added. A writer should be flexible with their conditions as things arise. The fifth is to produce 500 words a day on my main project.
