Comments on: Guest Post: What It Takes to Become a Master Writer

By: Do Authors Really Need to Promote Their Own Books?

Do Authors Really Need to Promote Their Own Books? — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:40:14 +0000

[...] me to walk. I’m the girl who walked through every hurdle. Laboring in obscurity for ten years (and 10,000 hours), learning how to write queries and proposals from scratch, networking at conferences, eventually [...]

By: Mary DeMuth

Mary DeMuth — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:22:35 +0000

Great point, Dominick. It's better to write than make excuses for not writing.

By: Justine Musk

Justine Musk — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:47:48 +0000

That's an interesting question — what constitutes 'writing practice'? If you want to be a novelist and you have ten years writing technology or business articles, you'll still have a lot to learn about how to develop plot, character, etc. And if your practice doesn't include frequent reading and constructive feedback, you might also be making things unduly tough for yourself.

Awesome post, Mary — I just discovered Michael's blog (and you). I have three novels published (Penguin and S&S) and I chronicled my own journey of ten thousand hours in my post "Failure Is Good For You" at my own site — so I'm amazed at how reading a similar message from someone else is still so encouraging and confirming (I still have a long way to go) — it's a message that can't be repeated enough, or that doesn't seem to get said often enough. Thanks.

All the best.

By: Dominick Stanley

Dominick Stanley — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:40:57 +0000

I can say that I agree with the article and received good take a ways from it. One thing for me is the acceptance that I am supposed to write. i have always written growing up however felt their was no way that I could really make a living off it. I have since learned that does not matter as much as just doing.

By: The problem with fiction-writing education… | Adele Journal

The problem with fiction-writing education… | Adele Journal — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:26:02 +0000

[...] I read someone’s article on what it takes to become a master writer, I [...]

By: Mary DeMuth

Mary DeMuth — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:38:49 +0000

That's great news, Judi. It's still hard for me to love re-writing, so that's a great indication you're growing as a writer.

By: Judi Meadows aka Danie Marie

Judi Meadows aka Danie Marie — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:38:57 +0000

Mary ~ Thanks for posting such an heartfelt piece. I fully concur with your observations. I’m not sure how many hours I’ve logged, but if butt callouses say anything, then I’m on my way! LOL

I’ve learned to love rewriting. It helps me hone my craft. Tightening a sentence and making it snap is a joyful experience. The Holy Spirit is the best writing partner! God Bless you as you write for him!

By: Chuck Balsamo

Chuck Balsamo — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:04:19 +0000

Hey Michael… I blogged about this post!

Prodigies! That we may be remembered NOT as mere people–but as PORTENTOUS EVENTS in world history!

Hope you like it! Have a most outrageous weekend everyone!!

Chuck

By: ChuckBalsamo.com - Inspiring World Changers

ChuckBalsamo.com - Inspiring World Changers — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:39:28 +0000

[...] I read an article posted by my dear friend and publisher, Michael Hyatt–CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers! Well, he not really my dear friend… and he’s not my publisher YET… in fact, Mike [...]

By: Mary DeMuth

Mary DeMuth — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:43:08 +0000

Such a good race analogy, Ron. And thanks for the links.