When my debut novel, Words, won the Christy Award for Best First Novel, my agent joked that I’d become an “overnight success.” Before the award, few had read my writing. After the award, Words sold well and now, nine-years post release, still consistently sells better than my follow-up novels.
But an overnight success? Not exactly. The road that led to the publication of that first book was seventeen-years in the making.
So, what did I learn during that seventeen-year pursuit? A lot. But my primary lesson was this: the path to success is paved with small steps.
That isn’t a glamorous lesson, or even a new lesson
But it is a dependable lesson.
And it may be one of the most important lessons for writers to embrace. When we’re focused on the fast and easy route to publication we’re apt to sacrifice our growth as writers. It requires time and effort to hone our craft. It may also take time and a commitment to our personal growth in order to ensure we’re offering our readers the depth of experience they seek.
Does that mean you have to invest seventeen-years learning the craft of writing before you reach publication? No. Instead, it means there’s value in the small, steady steps of learning. Accumulated, those steps may lead to your success as a writer.
But the small steps, the slow steps, require patience, and patience isn’t always easy. But when we adjust our mindset, along with our inner dialogue, to reflect the direction we’re headed rather than the destination we haven’t yet reached, we can begin to appreciate the road we’re traveling.
In his New York Times Bestselling book Atomic Habits, author James Clear presents both the benefit of and the science behind small steps or changes that lead to big results. Clear writes:
“Too often, we convince ourselves that massive success requires massive action. Whether it is losing weight, building a business, writing a book, winning a championship, or achieving any other goal, we put pressure on ourselves to make some earth-shattering improvement that everyone will talk about. Meanwhile, improving by 1 percent isn’t particularly notable–sometimes it isn’t even noticeable–but it can be far more meaningfull, especially in the long run.”
Nearly ten years into my publishing career, I’m still learning and employing small steps that lead to learning and growth. Now they’re often focused on increasing productivity, or learning new marketing or business practices. I also continue to take steps to improve my craft–I never want to stop growing as a writer.
While I still have unmet goals, I’m now content, patient even, as I take small steps. I know those steady steps will lead me somewhere significant, to a result I’m not willing to rush.
How about you? What small steps are you taking? Are you anxious to reach your destination? Maybe if we travel together the time will pass more quickly.
Big News for Fiction Writers!
Join Me at the Red House!
Fiction writers or those who dream of writing fiction, the Advanced Fiction Writing Retreat at Kathi Lipp’s Red House is for YOU! Why “Advanced”? Because I’ll cover the craft and structure of a novel in depth, including advanced techniques. Kathi Lipp, marketer extraordinaire, will cover building your tribe of readers. The five day, six-night retreat also offers you a week in the gorgeous California mountains, working in a small group setting, where you’ll have time to focus, write, and build relationships with other novelists. Join us for the FIRST Writing at the Red House retreat for Fiction writers! June 7 – 12, 2020.
Spots are already filling up, so register now. I can’t wait to spend five days with you!
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