I
recently gave a talk to a writers group about becoming a prolific writer.
Prolific may have different meanings to different people. After all, what number
do you assign to prolific?
Is it
someone who has written over 100 stories, but never shown them to anyone? Is it
someone who has sold over “X” number of books? Or is it someone who can write
in a variety of genres, for a variety of publications?
The
truth can be any of these. However, if you are pitching an idea to an agent,
editor, or publisher, they are going to want you to answer three very important
questions.
1)
How
does this project meet their needs?
2)
What
have you published before?
3) What other projects do you have
in the works?
You don’t
have to be the best in the business, or even a full time writer to become
prolific. Keep these eight tips in mind on your journey to becoming, or
remaining, a prolific writer:
1)
Volume - The best way to get published
is to write – A LOT. Write EVERY day. You must commit to getting something new
down each day. Set a goal, and increase it over time. The more you produce, the
more you will submit, and the more you can publish. Sure, some writers have hours of uninterrupted time to devote
to their craft, but those writers who produce the most volume don’t wait for
those continuous blocks of time. They squeeze in ten minutes while waiting for an
appointment. They draft a quick thought or idea on the paper they keep at hand,
or on their phone while waiting in lines. Any time or place you might otherwise
be idle can turn into moments of productivity.
3)
First Draft – give yourself permission to
write the story YOU want, without worrying about editing, publishing, trends, or
readers. Complete your whole idea before worrying about mistakes.
4)
Rewrites – it’s rare that I share anything
I haven’t gone over at least FOUR times to check for clarity, believability,
and fun. Then, I may have several others go over it before submitting. Even the
best editors often need another set of eyes to offer feedback.
5)
Inner Turmoil – we are often our own worst
enemy. Internal debates, concerns, and downright fears can take over and
prevent us from moving forward as professionals. This can happen whether you’re
a beginner, or a multi-published award winning author. The cure is to keep
writing, have faith, avoid distraction when possible, and socialize with other
writers for support.
6)
Read – A LOT! Gather inspiration,
learn techniques, and find pure enjoyment for writing again when you read every
day.
7)
Multiple Projects – too often we get caught up in
focusing just on our book, or our current article, but the true sign of a
prolific writer is someone who writes in multiple formats for multiple paychecks.
Remember, the more places you’re seen, the more likely you are to get hired by
others.
8)
Marketing – it’s all up to you! Social
media, branding, and public speaking. Writers may be shy, solitary creatures by
nature, but you can also be your own best proponent for success. Need some
guidance on this front? Check out Hope Clark’s The Shy Writer Reborn.
So, what are you doing to become a prolific writer? Any other advice on this topic that you would like to add?
