Hi Beth,
I agree, success is different for everyone, and can just as much be a verb as a noun. Those authors who demonstrate the passion and perseverance to keep writing are winners every day.
Which means success can be reached over and over when we write – whether it’s hitting our daily writing goal, writing when you really, really don’t fee like it, or whether it’s earning a full-time income from your words.
It’s a truly an individual and diverse concept, and the beauty is that we all get to define our own ‘success’.
Thanks for your perspective,
Tamar

I do disagree with your definition of success, though. Specifically “I’m going to define ‘successful authors’ as those who generate a full-time income from their writing…”

Before a writer can earn money from their work, they first have to be a beginner (and intermediate) writer.

All the work that goes into writing pre-publication, and even while selling only a few books, needs to be appreciated, if a writer wants to build on it.

I see each step of the way of building into a lucrative author career, a success.

Success isn’t only that mountain peak of generating full-time income. By that definition, I am not a success, nor is most of the writers I know. That is a goal; but success is showing up to do the daily work to get to that mountain peak.

Thanks!

Hi Micki,
Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation is fascinating! It’s really useful to reflect on both in relation to our writing (it’s the intrinsic motivation that will keep you going through the tough times).
Happy writing,
Tamar

So glad you found it useful! Self-awareness is an under acknowledged but so valuable in our success as a writer 🙂
Happy writing,
Tamar

Hi Cathryn,
I totally agree. Writing is HARD! You need to realize where your comfort zones lie and be willing to extend them. Emotional intelligence helps us navigate that challenge.
Happy writing,
Tamar

It’s fascinating, isn’t it? I’m going to do a study one day…
: )

Great article. As writers, we definitely need to know our strengths and weaknesses, or the trials and tribs of a writing career will sink us.

This is the best job in the world, but it’s difficult. There is a point in every book when it’s a sheer grind to keep going.

And social media? Shyeah. Time for us introverts to stre-e-etch our bubble and let others in, while not spending too much time chasing cute puppy pics.