I just came across an interesting article in which Sarah Paretsky, author of the V.I. Warshawski series, talks about being a successful writer. The bottom line seems to come down to more hours behind the keyboard.
In addition to writing books, the author must be prepared to very actively market them in order to maintain visibility. Although many writers imagine that authors didn’t have to promote their own works in the good old days, that’s not true. Successful writers such as Mark Twain and Charles Dickens have always been willing to bring themselves and their works before readers.
Now it’s easier than ever to write, publish, and market, all without ever leaving the comfort of home. Losing the commute has given freelancers more productive hours than ever before. I’m guessing that means that success is right around the corner!
(If you’re still feeling shy, don’t miss Colleen Lindsay’s rant on self promotion in The Swivet. It’s both funny and true!)
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