Comments on: What It Takes to Become a Master Writer

By: Carol Andersen

Carol Andersen — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:04:00 +0000

Thank you Mary for your honest inspiration. Several of these items ring true in other areas of my life as well — so persistence, hard work and resilience have a lot to do with longstanding “success” and joy in pursuing our passions. Gonna print these out & paste on the wall above my writing alcove :) — to keep me on track towards excellence!

By: Melinda Todd

Melinda Todd — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:16:00 +0000

Always great advice, Mary! Thanks for sharing and giving me something to ponder and chew on.

Blessings,
Mel
Please feel free to stop by: Trailing After God

By: What it takes to become a master writer | Write Uncaged

What it takes to become a master writer | Write Uncaged — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 07:03:15 +0000

[...] There are ten traits. I blogged about it over at Michael Hyatt’s blog here. [...]

By: Rob Sorbo

Rob Sorbo — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:55:00 +0000

Based on the concept that it takes 10000 hours to excel at anything, I’m unsure how to approach my job. I’ve been here for about 2.5 years, and I getting tired because I’m not learning anything new. In fact, I would consider myself an expert at all of the major tasks I take on. However, 2.5 years of 40 hour weeks is only about 5000 hours. I guess I’m challenged on what I can learn the next 2.5 years.

By: What It Takes to Become a Master Writer « Writer's Cramps

What It Takes to Become a Master Writer « Writer's Cramps — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 04:27:30 +0000

[...] What It Takes to Become a Master Writer by Mary DeMuth. [...]

By: Robert Ewoldt

Robert Ewoldt — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 01:52:00 +0000

Thanks for the post, Mary. Even though I’m not an author (though I guess you could say I’m a faux-writer, being a blogger), I think that this principle of perseverance can apply to pretty much any area that a person is in.

By: Isidro

Isidro — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:24:00 +0000

well that’s great, basically all I learned is that it takes 10,000 hours to master anything. Well that’s great. I’ll guess I’ll do that, I mean I’m not trying to become a writer I stumbled upon this post on accident. But whatever I’m going to go on and pursue now I know. 10,000 hours, which can easily be turned into 5 or 4 years if dedicated enough. This is what I originally knew as the time for mastering anything, but having an actual number of hours is cool.

Also its not just me. Once you learn how to do something it can be rather hard to explain to other people. It’s fun to learn that this doesn’t change even if it takes 10 years to do so. Interesting read, really like it. thanks.

By: J. Daniel Sawyer

J. Daniel Sawyer — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 23:10:53 +0000

If you’re an atheist or an agnostic (and many of us who read this blog are), substitute for #10 “I understand that the universe is capricious, and that practice and persistence is a calculated gamble that betters your odds in the long game, not a guarantee.”

Otherwise, bravo!

By: Tweets that mention What It Takes to Become a Master Writer -- Topsy.com

Tweets that mention What It Takes to Become a Master Writer -- Topsy.com — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 22:48:29 +0000

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Kjersten Halvorsen, Alejandro Briceño R. Alejandro Briceño R said: What It Takes to Become a Master Writer http://t.co/bzmLv17 [...]

By: What it takes to be a master writer | Mary DeMuth

What it takes to be a master writer | Mary DeMuth — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 01:33:28 +0000

[...] share the “secret” of writing success over at Michael Hyatt’s blog today. He’s the CEO of Thomas Nelson. Let me know what you think. How many hours have you tallied? [...]

By: “Listen to your Broccoli..” « Write On…

“Listen to your Broccoli..” « Write On… — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 20:32:59 +0000

[...] post by Mary DeMuth highlights what is takes to be a master writer, noting that it takes “10,000 hours of practice [...]

By: marydemuth

marydemuth — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:35:57 +0000

You're welcome, Angus!

By: marydemuth

marydemuth — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:35:48 +0000

You are quite welcome, Storyteller.

By: marydemuth

marydemuth — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:35:36 +0000

I'm so glad you love the journey. That will serve you well, Kelly.

By: marydemuth

marydemuth — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:35:08 +0000

I like that, Bonnie. You should write a guest post for Mike about just that!

By: marydemuth

marydemuth — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:34:37 +0000

You can do it! Go Barbara, go!

By: marydemuth

marydemuth — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:34:25 +0000

Keep at it, Michael. It does take a lot of practice and lots of editorial eyes to make something exceptional.

By: Angus Nelson

Angus Nelson — Mon, 31 May 2010 19:09:25 +0000

Humbled, yet again, by your brilliance. Thanks Mary!

By: Kelly

Kelly — Mon, 31 May 2010 17:19:31 +0000

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!!

By: Storyteller

Storyteller — Mon, 31 May 2010 17:11:39 +0000

Amen! The last point is the best of all. Thanks for posting this!

By: BarbaraBoucher PTPhD

BarbaraBoucher PTPhD — Mon, 31 May 2010 16:40:27 +0000

Only half-way there on my decade. Actually, that is comforting.

Blessed be His Name.

By: Bonnie Grove

Bonnie Grove — Mon, 31 May 2010 16:24:47 +0000

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.

By: marydemuth

marydemuth — Mon, 31 May 2010 16:16:47 +0000

Thanks Margaret. I could say the same about you.

By: marydemuth

marydemuth — Mon, 31 May 2010 16:16:28 +0000

Thanks, Paul.

By: marydemuth

marydemuth — Mon, 31 May 2010 16:15:09 +0000

That's great that you have a blogging response, Chuck.

By: Michel Lanphere

Michel Lanphere — Mon, 31 May 2010 16:14:39 +0000

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.

By: marydemuth

marydemuth — Mon, 31 May 2010 16:14:25 +0000

Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed it, Theresa.

By: Beyond the Rule of Rules « Scita > Scienda

Beyond the Rule of Rules « Scita > Scienda — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 05:03:03 +0000

[...] content. That’s not what “the medium is the message” means. A writer puts in that 10,000 hours of needful practice wielding the tools, and they get to be in charge of the medium, to shape it to be an effective [...]

By: Theresa Lode

Theresa Lode — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:51:37 +0000

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

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.

By: Mary DeMuth

Mary DeMuth — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:42:16 +0000

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.

By: Christopher Hopper » Hard Work for Authors, and a NEW Imprint from Thomas Nelson

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 03:24:12 +0000

[...] woman named Mary DeMuth (follow her on Twitter: @mdemuth). Without getting too much into her entry, she outlines the key factor it takes to become a master at anything…and in this case, [...]

By: Ron Ash

Ron Ash — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:33:02 +0000

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.

By: Ron Ash

Ron Ash — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:17:18 +0000

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."

By: Mary DeMuth

Mary DeMuth — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:13:49 +0000

Thanks for passing it on, Dan.

By: Mary DeMuth

Mary DeMuth — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:13:29 +0000

Wow, Liz. I wish I were there with you. What an amazing opportunity!

By: Dan Black

Dan Black — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 06:16:56 +0000

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.

By: Mary DeMuth

Mary DeMuth — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:41:47 +0000

Set those CONCRETE goals. Then meet them.

By: Mary DeMuth

Mary DeMuth — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:41:29 +0000

No insight there, but I get your point. I'm thankful you liked the article.

By: Mary DeMuth

Mary DeMuth — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:40:48 +0000

Kourosh, that's great to hear. It's always nice to know someone likes your article enough to print it. Happy writing!

By: Kourosh Keshavarz

Kourosh Keshavarz — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:50:32 +0000

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