You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One)

Steve Jobs once said, “Real artists ship.”

Three Tools Every Writer Needs It takes more than talent or luck to be a writer. You have to be intentional. Every successful communicator has three important tools, in some form or another. They are: A platform to share your writing. A brand to build trust with readers. Channels of connection to distribute your art. Without these tools, your reach

When designing your look, remember these tips: Be recognizable, inviting, and interesting. Use a professional photographer or designer to help you. Outsource what you can’t do yourself, but make sure you speak into the process. Be certain people will notice you and your work by your logo, headshots, etc. Get feedback from friends, fans, and followe

If you’re going to fall out of love with public approval, something interesting will happen: People will be deeply attracted to your work. They won’t be able to help it. Passion is contagious. If you treat people like human beings and write from a place that is deep and true, you will find your audience.

The only person you need to worry about writing for is you. This is the secret to satisfaction in anything: doing what gives you life and not trying to live up to others’ expectations.

“This business of… being a writer is ultimately about asking yourself, ‘How alive am I willing to be?’” —ANNE LAMOTT

Writing is mostly a mind game. It’s about tricking yourself into becoming who you are. If you do this long enough, you begin to believe it. And pretty soon, you start acting like it.

“Talent alone cannot make a writer. There must be a man behind the book.” —RALPH WALDO EMERSON

In order to create your best work, you’ll have to make room for it. You’ll have to cut out the excess noise and focus on what really matters: the writing.