The number one essential to be a succesful writer.

What is the most important thing, a writer must do, in order to be successful? I am often asked this.

Now 'being successful' itself can be defined in several ways. If you are an aspiring writer, I would consider the first step of success as completing a manuscript. If you have managed to sit down and have completed writing a book, you are successful, whether you have managed to find a publisher or not. You  have successfully crossed the first step.


The other question I am usually asked is about my art. One of the things I do, in between my writing is my art. I am asked questions like how it helps my writing, and whether a writer should have other forms of creative expression, other than writing.

I don't think a writer truly needs to have any other form of creative expression, if they are not inclined! If you are passionate about writing and you have no other creative pursuits, that is perfectly okay. To say that one must have other creative pursuits apart from writing is akin to saying, one must be able to dance or sing , in order to be able to write, which strikes me as a bit absurd. I think what is essential for a writer is to be observant, to have a lot of empathy and to imagine yourself in the shoes of others.

While writing and art are both creative pursuits, for me, they come from different parts of my brain. I draw because I LOVE drawing, and am passionate about it. When  I was a child, my greatest desire was to be able to draw a portrait that is a good likeness. I used to practise drawing portraits and used to wonder how artists captured likeness in a few strokes.

As an adult, I know! It's all about learning to see shapes, shadows and then practising every single day. Regular readers of this blog will recall  that some time back, I had done a 'portrait a day challenge' for 30 days, and had completed my very first sketchbook of portraits. You can view it HERE.

After I did it for 30 days, I was hooked. I continued doing it, and now I have completed my second book of portraits! I am sharing it here:

 I have now started my third book :) I continue to do a portrait daily. You can see how much I have improved from my first book of portraits to my second. It's the same for my writing.

The most important thing for any craft--be it art or writing is PRACTICE.

That according to me, is the single most important ingredient for success. You get better and better with each piece you write. I learnt so much, with each portrait I created. I learnt so much with each book I wrote. I grew.

In order for anything to become a habit, you have to COMMIT to making it happen. Set aside time for whatever your daily goal is.  Record it, where you can see it.

If you would like me to write on how to stick to a habit, do let me know in  the comments section below, and I shall write a post if there are enough requests.

And yes,  I would  also love to know what you think of my completed portrait sketchbook :)
Please leave me your thoughts and comments.
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Photo by Chris Spiegl on Unsplash