The True Meaning of a Successful Writer

The True Meaning of a Successful Writer
By Donna Sozio
www.ImPublished.com


It amuses me how I’m always asked the same question, “So, when did you decide to become a writer?”

What strikes me as funny is the person asking the question assumes that I became a writer by choice. The reality is that becoming a writer felt more like something happened to me rather than something I decided to do. An unknown force -commonly referred to as an idea - woke me up in the middle of the night and changed my life forever.

Then came the inevitable question, “Do you have a literary agent?”

Back when the answer was no, I remember a strange look of hidden indignation and pity move across their faces that said, “Poor writer… all dream but no agent.” I looked forward to when I could proudly say, “I have a literary agent!” I thought it would vindicate me as a successful writer in other people’s eyes. And then I wouldn’t have to deal with The Look.

Well, now that I do have a literary agent, I’m still not a party pleaser. Inevitably, someone always asks, “Who is your agent?” When I say his name, most people shake their heads and say, “I've never heard of him.” Then comes The Look.

This made me ask myself two important questions. First, is my literary agent not a real agent just because someone I met hasn’t heard of him? No. Nor does having a literary agent make me a successful writer. What it means is that I should never look outside of myself for approval of my work. Literary agents (and prying busybodies) included.

The second question I asked myself is: Then what is the true meaning of a successful writer? It didn’t take long before I came to a few conclusions.

Few writers actually finish what they start. If you’ve made a commitment to your book to finish it and share it with the world then you are a successful writer. The true meaning of a successful writer is someone who follows through on the ideas they get in the middle of the night - or in the shower - and finishes them. When you’ve committed to making the leap from writing in the comfort and privacy of your home to sharing your talent with the world – you are a successful writer.

Once you begin to think of yourself as a successful writer… others will too. Including your future literary agent and publisher.


To learn more about how to get a literary agent and get published visit: http://www.impublished.com/.