Monday, May 04, 2015

3 Ps on the Path to Publishing


Ten years ago, I made the commitment to write toward publication. I told my husband it was a choice I wanted to follow, no matter how long it took. I never realized it would require ten years before my first book was published by a traditional publisher.

As I look back, I recognize three major behaviors I needed to succeed.


Persevere: It's easy to quit. It's harder to keep going especially when rejections fill your in-box. If you persevere, you will improve. Read craft books, books by talented writers, and seek critiques of your work.

Prioritize: Time has a way of sucking you in. For the good and the bad. If you choose to write, then you must make writing a commitment in your life. I tell everyone I work from home every day. That means limited phone calls and that I also schedule my writing time. I take writing seriously as my business. It is no longer a hobby especially when I have an agent waiting for the next book. 

Pray: All the time. I pray every day God would guide my writing and that my words might touch one person. I pray He gives me the ideas I need to write and gives me the stamina to finish and not quit. 

No one ever said writing is easy. When someone tells me they have always wanted to write a book, I ask, "What's stopping you?"

Add these behaviors to your life and your answer will be "Nothing!"

12 comments:

Shirley said...

Good advice, my friend. And it paid off. :) ~Shirley

Lillian Robinson said...

Great advice. I am working on my self-discipline. I really have trouble getting uninterrupted time. Maybe I'll turn the old goat shed into a writer's cabin after all...

Margo Berendsen said...

I really needed to hear this today!! These are exactly the three things I think are necessary, too, though I'm not published yet. I trust in God's timing, and He knows the book that he wants me to write that He wants to see published.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I love your last P in particular. So very true.

Saleslady371 said...

I think it's great the way you share your journey to success. I admire your perseverance!

Joanne Sher said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE this post!!! So true, and so YOU! Totally sharing.

Rachna Chhabria said...

Hi Terri, I completely believe in your 3 Ps. Thank you for this lovely and inspiring post.

Great Grandma Lin said...

I would add patience...

Karen Jones Gowen said...

Ah yes, I've gone the round of these myself over and over. Basically with each book!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

I like your 3 P's, Terri - especially pray.

I think almost every writer comes to the place where they must decide if they're willing to commit to the process.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

You set a goal Terri and you went for it. Glad you hit your mark right on.

deeps said...

thats not a piece of cake as it sounds, but surely will form great platforms for writers...
thanks..