Success as a writer;
Skill; you must develop it. And, develop it you can.
Hard work; without it no critical mass will be achieve; Getting onto ‘the network’ of readers and influencers (the hard work must be smart work, and part of the smart working is getting onto the network).
Luck; there is no doubt that luck plays an important role in success, being seen or not being seen, being at the right place at the right time. But the hard work, with its increased exposure, will help in growing lucky exposure
               … and, to paraphrase Rudyard Kipling;
               …yours is the publishing world and all that is in it.
                And what is more you will be a best-selling author, my dear.

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• zYou must be organised – otherwise you will miss deadlines.
• Be creative.
• Have a belief in your ability to entertain readers.
• As for all skilled people, you must have pride in your work.
• A storyteller.
• Have things to say, perhaps from life’s experiences.
• Have something to say about an issue.
• Enjoy writing.
• Have the time to write.
• A good grasp of grammar, or the ability to learn as you go.
• You need to be disciplined – if not, it is unlikely that you will Sit down each day to write.
• Determination is another requirement.
• Understand the importance of editing your work to make it as ‘clean’ as possible.

Have you realised that there is not one characteristic in the above list that you cannot cultivate? All are achievable and are taught in How to Write – Right!

   I want to write a book
Some of the topics cover in this blog:

• I want to write a book. How/where do I start?
• How do I advance from a novice to a good writer?
• Do I need to learn grammar before I can write?
• Should I self-publish my book?
• Why most manuscripts don't work?
• Creativity, can I develop it?
• How do authors and writers develop ideas?
• How do you say what you mean to say?
• Why you need to make yourself a brand?
• Where is the book-publishing industry heading?

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And there is more, such as ePubs, editing, and creativity, all designed to support you as a writer who hungers to be published.

• Do you tell your friends that you are a writer, or do you say that you sometimes write?
• Do you share any of your writing?

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This is important as you only become a writer when you say you are a writer, not when the book is published, or recognition comes your way. For instance; Stevie is eight years old and plays soccer. Oh yes, he doesn't kick the ball very well, and has not yet learnt to head the ball – but he is a soccer player.  He and his mother do not wait until he plays for Liverpool to call him a soccer player. He is a soccer player irrespective of his level of skill; after all, he will acquire these with practice.

The same goes for you. You may not have all the skills to produce great prose – yet. But you are still a writer. Do not let the so-called professionals intimidate you – you are a writer. Say it to yourself, I am a writer.
Because of the momentousness of this point, I am going to spend more time on it.

​Be well, write well Pat
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P.S Feel free to comment on this post.