There’s a question that’s been on my mind lately: do I have what it takes? Do I have what it takes to achieve all the writing dreams I have and to really get everything I want?
It’s an important question, because the answer will make or break your writing dream.
Do you have what it takes?
Like, really have what it takes?
Only you can answer that.
The Truth About Being A Pro Author
There’s something kinda scary that no one really talks about, but that needs to be said right now.
You may not have what it takes.
Not everyone does.
Not every writer is meant to be a pro.
It’s scary to say that (I felt panicked just typing those three sentences).
But it’s true.
And the reason is simple: most writers won’t do the work.
Sure, most writers may actually write. Get blips of inspiration and sit down and start writing.
Because you can’t just write stories and be a professional. Not even if you write 100 stories.
Being a professional means you’ve actually finished something, published it and put it out into the world.
And not half-assed either. (Self-published authors who put their books out there without editing, Beta Reading or some kind of vetting process are not professionals.)
A professional author not only does the work and finishes, but also invests in (or barters for) professional services to do the self-publishing (an editor, a cover designer, a layout person, a story coach, whatever they need).
And the cold, hard, real truth is that not all writers have it in them to finish. Or to show their work to someone who knows what they’re doing and accept feedback that will improve their story.
Pro vs. Most Other Writers
Here are the main differences between a professional author and most other writers:
A pro author:
- Finishes. Period. (Most writers have tons of half-finished or completed drafts that they never revised or have been revising into oblivion and never getting anywhere.)
- Publishes. Period. (Most writers don’t actually publish anything. They talk about it and they may even say they’re working on it. But you never see it.)
- Shuts up and does the work. Period. (Most writers have whiny complaints and excuses about why they haven’t finished or can’t finish or haven’t written their novel or don’t have the time or life is falling down around them or they are procrastinating…)
- Hires help when they need it. (Most writers think they can do it all themselves and they can’t.)
- Takes constructive criticism and uses it to make their writing better. (Most writers will shake off any kind of criticism. Because they’re right and they know what they’re doing.)
- Has what it takes. (Most writers don’t.)
Having what it takes just means having the brass ovaries to get over your shit and do the work. No matter what is happening around you.
And you’ll know the answer as soon as you ask it.
I have HUGE writing dreams. And I refuse to stop ’til I get there (and even then I won’t stop).
But I had to ask myself if I really have what it takes to achieve everything I want.
And looking back on all I’ve accomplished in my life, I know that I absolutely have what it takes. I show up. I do the work. I put myself out there. I take huge risks. I just need to give up all excuses, be more consistent and keep doing the fucking work.
I’m committed to all of that now. So I know my dreams are a done deal.
Now you need to ask yourself: do you have what it takes?
