As a writer who loves the craft, I look for clues everywhere to improve. In Malcolm Gladwell’s book Outliers [affiliate link], he elaborates on the importance of sustained hard work as a condition for success and mastery.
A study orchestrated by K. Anders Ericsson who looked at musical prodigies found the common denominator for mastery and success: 10,000 hours of practice. “The emerging picture from such studies,” says neurologist Daniel Levitin, “is that ten thousand hours of practice is required to achieve the level of mastery associated with being a world class expert—in anything.”
Think about that for a moment.
If you work hard at something for twenty hours a week, in ten years, you’ll have mastered it. And yet, when I teach and evaluate manuscripts at writers conferences, it seems very few understand this or embrace this.
When I share my publication story, that I spent ten years writing in obscurity, folks inevitably want me to share the “fun part” when I met my agent at a conference and my success seemed to blossom overnight. So many want to know the secret of instant publishing success.
Those who write novels ask me how to deepen characterization, or create a character out of a setting, or evoke mood, or widen suspense. I usually can’t answer that. Why? Because most of what I write now is instinctive, born from years of experimentation and failure. It’s something I cannot teach. It’s something an author must do on their own behind a desk, in quiet places where rewards of publication seem far off.
In evaluating nonfiction and fiction pieces, I see the disparity. Some naïve writers think they can bank on their friend/parents/kids’ over-the-top praise, believing themselves to be an instant prodigy. Or they’ll invoke God’s name, saying He told them to write. And yet some of these “geniuses” won’t receive critique. Some are unwilling to count the cost by practicing BOC (butt on chair).
While it is true that some publishing sensations happen overnight, it is more true that most authors spend years and years toiling over craft, trying techniques and failing, submitting to smaller entities and suffering from perennial “rejectionitis.” That’s the reality.
With all that as the backdrop, here is a checklist I’ve created to determine if you’re the type of person who will invest 10,000 hours to become a master writer:
- I am willing to write unpublished words.
- I am thankful when a writer farther along the journey offers critique.
- I understand that honing my voice is not merely a weekend exercise, but a decade-long fight.
- I am developing thick skin with each rejection, while maintaining a tender heart. (I realize that rejection can make me bitter and entitled.)
- I see obstacles to my publishing journey as hurdles to jump over, not walls to stop me.
- Folks who describe me use the words tenacious, dedicated, and disciplined. I am a lifelong learner of the craft.
- I set word count goals or production goals each week. Then I meet them early no matter what.
- In the beginning of my journey, I write pieces for free, understanding the importance of apprenticeship.
- I am passionate about helping others in their writing journeys even if it means they surpass me. Because when I teach, I learn. And when others succeed, I rejoice because I’m expanding my writing ministry beyond myself.
- I understand the beauty of God’s sovereignty in the midst of the journey. He gives and takes away. Blessed be His name, no matter what happens—published or not.
How did you do? Are you a ten? Are you willing to put in 10,000 hours to master your writing?
This journey is not for the casual. It’s a disciplined way of life. This is one reason I’m so thankful my first book didn’t catapult me to success. I believe God kept me slow-going to prepare me for each new project, for each new height.
I’m still not a well-known author, but I do believe that each book I write is better than the last, perhaps because I’m working on my twenty-thousandth hour.
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Lovely piece Mary. Of course, the mathematician in me is now breaking down those 10,000, at 40 hour weeks, and trying to add it all up.
When I first saw the posting I thought you were talking about The Master Seminars that Chip MacGregor and 4 other writers are doing on craft and marketing, so I ran over to see what you were saying. Then I saw it was on The Outliers and read because I read that book in August. I read "The Tipping Point" and "Good to Great" first then read The Outliers. I learned so much from these books. I found Outliers a bit depressing to be honest. While Good to Great made me really think, Outliers seemed to imply "if you weren't born with this advantage then you'll never get this high".
Despite that, I still pulled a large amount of useful information from it. This blog posting is an excellent summary of useful information.
Thanks Tiffany. I like to think about sovereignty instead of being "stuck" in the wrong situation.
Mary,
This morning I prayed and prayed for my writing journey. They weren't pretty prayers. They were rather desperate. I know that you did not write this post just for moi ;). Still, I consider your wise words an answer to prayer–and not just mine, but the prayers of many.
When I read your writing, I think the words must fall from the sky right into your lap. But like in music, the best artists make it seem easy, yes? Thank you for being honest about how long it takes to find and hone the voice, and to learn and apply craft. Thank you for loving the art enough to encourage with truth and not platitudes.
May God bless you richly today, as you have blessed others.
Perhaps I did, Gwen!
Alas, the words don't fall from the sky. I wrench them from myself in a terrible wrestling match. The cool thing: I've learned to wrestle better over the years.
Thanks for this perspective. I pray that God works through all of us and that we humbly give Him the reigns. If I count blogging, I'm a few hundred hours into the 10,000 hour journey. May we run with perseverance the race marked out for us, avoiding all that hinders and entangles!
Great article Mary. Thanks Michael.
dm
I love that you recognize God's sovereignty in this. Let's be honest – NOONE's getting published unless He wills it so, least of all those of us who wish to exalt him.
Finding contentment and trust in our lives with Him regardless of our lives behind the keyboards is…well….key.
Thanks for the honest, challenging words.
Now how can I make sure I'm the exception rather than the rule!? (Kidding…)
I actually find this encouraging –that I'm on the right track, just haven't yet logged enough hours to be that "overnight success". I've been prone to look at all the others and think "what is WRONG with me that I haven't made it??" Now I know — it's a matter of hours. Lots of hours.
This post makes me realize one of the many reasons I have come to appreciate Mary. Mary, you are one of MANY writers that I read that offers help and tips to other writers on a regular basis, but you are the only one that continually encourages and prods for free, without holding back the best advice (like this) and such for "paying customers". You do have quality resource products to offer, some of which I have utilized, but you continue to use your blog and skills to bless and encourage the rest of us. Thank you so much, and may I be a writer like you some day!
Sarah, you totally blessed me. Thanks so much. I do love to help writers, and sometimes I grow weary. So your words boosted me!
Mary, So much wisdom! People could look at me and see an overnight success without realizing that I wrote my first novels as a teen — and then "lost" them. Or the reading craft books when I could before I picked up the keyboard. There's so much background of hard work and obscurity. Love your checklist!
Thanks Cara. That's good to know. You've been at this a loooong time!
great article. as an apiring I'm hitting most of them which is reassuring, but it also had some great reminders and new places to look for impovement. Thank you!
Set those CONCRETE goals. Then meet them.
Great post. Sobering, since I'm thinking I'm on about hour number 5,000, but full of wisdom, as usual.
That's halfway there. Do one more hour and you'll be closer!
Great post, Mary. So true.
"I hear the 'God gave me these words,' in the back of my head. What I want to say is: 'Well, then I guess the God of the Universe needs to learn spell check and grammar.'" Exactly. And don't forget, "God needs to reread the Bible, because He mixed up several Bible stories and added and subtracted details." Do you have any insight into those who make these claims?
Beautiful article; thanks!
No insight there, but I get your point. I'm thankful you liked the article.
Thanks Mary for the great insight.
In the early to mid 1990's, I wrote two full-length novels. Since I was just beginning my writing journey, they weren't very good–I tried re-writing one, but I became bored with it because I lost my passion for the stories. Over the years, I have left fiction behind and picked up on non-fiction. Were those manuscripts a waste of my time? Absolutely not! The very act of putting the stories on paper increased my understanding of and my ability in the craft of writing. That's the neat part of writing–no words are ever wasted because they all contribute to the process of becoming a good writer.
I agree. Nothing is wasted.
Excellent post. Love your enthusiasm, realism and determination to carve your success. Congratulations on your every achievement and I wish you continued success!
Sincerely,
Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
http://www.dianacosby.com
Romance Edged With Danger
Thanks so much, Diana. This is a fickle business, so sometimes success is elusive. But I am determined to write each book better than the previous one. With that definition, hopefully I'll be successful.
Excellent post – thank you both. Loved 'Outliers' and this idea strikes true – I'm just at the ten year mark so hoping all those thousands of hours of BOC are coming to fruition!
May they come to pass, Kate!
Thank you for your words. It’s really good encouragement, and it comes at a much needed time. :)
That's great to know, Naoko. I'm thankful you were encouraged.
Loved Outliers and I love this blog post. Great round-up about the writing life. And yes, I'm in for the long haul. I'm five years deep and maybe, only maybe having logged about 2,500 hours or so. Tons of free writing. Lots of rejection. Plenty of professional set-backs, yet the writing goes forward.Always forward.
Thanks for this Mary. See you on Facebook!
I love your attitude to keep going, keep learning, keep writing.
GLORY!!!!
I needed to read this!!!!
Do it again, do it again!
Thanks Natalie. I'd love to write another guest post someday.
After reading your blog post, the first two words that come to mind are discipline and talent. Then I am reminded that talent is not a measurement of maturity. The last word that comes to mind is time. It just takes time to mature talent. I remember Bobb Biehl saying that if you are not spending at least 60% of your time doing something, then that something will be mediocre.
That's an interesting quote, Tim. Where did you find it?
Great post, Mary. Thanks again for promoting 'Celtic Treasure' on your blog.
We all have to continue to work hard at improving our skills no matter how many books we have published. Writing for the American market is making me raise my game still further, which is no bad thing for this Brit!
I've just been on a writing course at The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, which is one of our largest and oldest literature festivals in the UK. Our top British authors plus celebrities were there, and I was on a specialist writing stream with 25 others being taught fiction and creative non-fiction by some of the best. Feels like I've done writing gymnastics all week. Wonderful. Listening to Audrey Niffenegger (Time Traveler's Wife) at the festival made me realise how deep she has had to dig for her second book.
God bless you and your writing, Mary.
Wow, Liz. I wish I were there with you. What an amazing opportunity!
What a brilliant article. And might I say it doesnt just relate to writing but anything. I am going to print this and place it on my desk so I can see it everytime I am writing.
Kourosh Keshavarz
Kourosh, that's great to hear. It's always nice to know someone likes your article enough to print it. Happy writing!
Leaders and writers are born daily not in a day. Malcolm Gladwells books is great and really puts a perspective on people who want to write or have any type of long term success. Its the Rule of Five principle that I have heard John Maxwell talk about.
This is a great blog and will pass it on.
Thanks for passing it on, Dan.
Andy Andrews told me recently to "persist." He said this is what makes great authors read authors. I recall I conversation I had with Bruce Barbour back in 2008 in which he told me to "stay the course." You see, as we move forward and continue using our Gifts we inevitably find Truth in all that we are created to be. It is our passion which is our soul’s recognition of these Gifts. We are only limited by what we think is impossible. Plant the seed, tend the seed and patiently wait for the fruit.
Also, concentrate on the proposal and not the manuscript. Sell the idea and build the manuscript with publisher input. Bruce let me in another little secret, "Publisher's like manuscripts that are less than half complete."
Yes, Ron, this is true for nonfiction. You want to make sure your proposal shines and compels a pub board to take notice. Mike has a proposal product folks can purchase, and I also have one. There are great books out there that help shape a proposal.
But, to clarify, if you write fiction and you're new to the business (meaning you haven't yet published), you have to write the whole novel.
Listen, I know a lot of us may believe 10,000 hours of writing are a lot. It is not. If we become religious about it and schedule a few hours per week of serious writing time it will accumulate rather rapidly. The key is to start from the heart and take care of all the technical stuff later.
Every one of us has something inside of us that needs to be said. Writing is the process of extracting those words, fine tuning them and letting them run the quarter mile. When the checkered flag comes down it won't be how many seconds we ran. Victory will have everything to do with the number of hours we spent preparing for the race. The prize will consist of how many hearts we were able to touch, minds we were able to change and soul's we were able to teach.
Such a good race analogy, Ron. And thanks for the links.
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
That's great that you have a blogging response, Chuck.
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!
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.
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.
Great point, Dominick. It's better to write than make excuses for not writing.
Bravo, Mary. You are so right….there are no shortcuts. I really enjoy following your tweets, btw.
And thanks to you, Mike for having guest bloggers; it's a fun feature of your blog.
My recent post The Mother Lode’s Power Bag Workout
Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed it, Theresa.
Thank you for your input. I have been writing sermons for the last 30 years and just recently published my first book. No comparison. I have never felt so inadequate before. Writing is difficult but on the other hand it was a very enjoyable and rewarding experience. I don't see a best seller with the book I wrote but it was a great learning experience for me. I do believe some will be blessed by the book as well, but as I read it now, I'm thinking of all of the revisions I will make on the next printing. I'm not a 10 at this point but am working in that direction.
Keep at it, Michael. It does take a lot of practice and lots of editorial eyes to make something exceptional.
Great list, Mary. I’d like to see something on it about embracing the creative. I’ve met many writers who are so concerned about the “rules” they have forgotten to dance to the unique drum they hear. They’ve grown deaf to the siren call of the creative.
It’s better to be immersed in the creative muse, like Alice in her Wonderland then it is to type 100,000 words that follow all the rules. At least, it is for me.
Be dedicated. Be wild.
I like that, Bonnie. You should write a guest post for Mike about just that!
Only half-way there on my decade. Actually, that is comforting.
Blessed be His Name.
You can do it! Go Barbara, go!
Amen! The last point is the best of all. Thanks for posting this!
You are quite welcome, Storyteller.
Wonderful lesson Mary! My favorite is #10, I understand the beauty of God’s sovereignty in the midst of the journey. He gives and takes away. Blessed be His name, no matter what happens—published or not. I'm not looking to "win the race" as long as I work 40 hours plus on a full time job! I am just a "toddler" when it comes to writing, but I enjoy blogging and it occupies my mind the majority of the time. Might not win the race, but love the journey, and always love anything you write!!
I'm so glad you love the journey. That will serve you well, Kelly.
Humbled, yet again, by your brilliance. Thanks Mary!
You're welcome, Angus!