Shape Up Your Career:
9 Success Qualities
by Lori Z Scott

"Am I a successful writer? What does a successful writer look like anyway?"

Writers at all stages of their careers ponder these questions, wondering if they have achieved success or not. Since the definition of success varies from person to person, pinpointing an accurate picture of a successful writer poses some difficulty. After all, some measure success by a certain sense of personal satisfaction, and others measure it by a certain "cents" (and dollars) of financial satisfaction. Some judge success by the numbers—how many pieces he has published—and still others judge it by a single
number—did a piece she wrote (published or not) make a difference in someone's life?

When faced with such a quandary, the former elementary teacher in me leans on analogy to better understand it. Following, I compare the qualities of a successful writer to nine geometric shapes to help define what a successful writer looks like.

Shaped for Success

1) Square/Rectangle. A successful writer embraces four-sided shapes: computers, books, magazines, notebooks, and desks. Using computers, books, and magazines, she stays current on the latest print and online publishing trends. She builds a web site that showcases her writing abilities. She keeps a notebook handy to jot down ideas. Most importantly, she sets up a regular writing schedule, sits behind a desk (or under a shady tree or on a comfy couch) and puts words on paper. A successful writer writes.

2) Circle. A successful writer builds a circle of friends and allies. Writing is somewhat cyclical in nature, looping through exhilarating highs (with an acceptance) and spinning into devastating lows (following a rejection).

Writers need support to survive! A successful writer surrounds himself with people who can challenge and encourage him. He also takes active steps to build alliances with other writers by attending conferences, cultivating key contacts, and/or joining a local or online writer's group. A successful writer networks.

3) Triangle. A successful writer recognizes three important sides of her career: 1) writing for publication, 2) marketing, and 3) speaking.

First, she makes writing for publication—not simply pleasure—a priority. She creates a comfortable working space and sets aside time on a regular basis to write. Second, she takes advantage of marketing and speaking opportunities (the other two sides of the triangle that sometimes suffer) to help promote her writing. If she feels marketing or speaking are weak areas, she finds how-to books or talks to more experienced writers to gain knowledge on these two topics. She does so understanding that no one cares about her writing as much as she does, and that promoting her work results in greater exposure, which leads to a larger impact on her target audience. A successful writer manages the trio of writing.

4) Oval. A successful writer looks in the mirror and draws from his own experience to make his stories rich, real and meaningful. Tapping his memory, he recaptures the sights, smells, tastes, and sounds of a particular scene.

With great care, he reaches deep within his own heart to siphon off the essence of pain or joy needed to color his words. And, as he writes, he allows his moral values to shine through his words. He succeeds because the reader gets swept up into the emotion and intensity of the story. A successful writer reflects what he believes.

5) Heart. A successful writer writes about what she knows and loves. She does not shy away from addressing issues that cling to her heart. As she goes about her daily activities, her work-in-progress still consumes her thoughts. Ideas simmer and boil, burning images in her mind until they burst out in a blaze of inspiration. She is passionate. A successful writer cares about her work.

6) Diamond. A successful writer finds great value in honing his craft and mentoring others. He will pursue ways of improving his writing. He'll take online writing courses and attend writer conferences or workshops. Seeking to better his editing skills, he'll critique his own work and the work of his peers. He'll check out writing magazines, and books about the craft of writing. To better understand the needs and style of his target publication, he'll request sample magazines. As he learns and grows, he will mentor a less experienced writer and pass on his knowledge. A successful writer values development.

7) Pentagon. In a recent discussion with author Pam Halter, she suggested a five-point shape that was important to writing. I use a different term here, but the premise is the same: a successful writer is multi-faceted. She takes care of her home. Though she understands the demands of her profession—regular work hours, personal development, organized space—she also understands needs of her family—regular meals, relationship development, organized life. She cultivates flexibility in her thinking, sometimes using creative means to carve out writing time without shortchanging her children, an aging parent, her spouse...or dinner! A successful writer balances work and home.

8) Octagon. A successful writer knows when to stop. He will not say yes to every opportunity—writing or otherwise—that comes his way. Embracing the skills and passions God has given him, he will seek specific jobs, tasks, and projects that fit his particular call to write. He will resist setting aside his manuscript or article every time a new contest or compilation book comes along. A successful writer sets boundaries, knowing when to say no.

9) Star. A successful writer keeps God as the main star of her life. She maintains a relationship with God through prayer and devotional time. She seeks God's guidance on each writing project. And she remembers the purpose of her writing is to glorify God... not herself. A successful writer establishes priorities.

Shape Up Your Career

Defining a successful writer in terms of these tangible shapes may help you identify areas of strength and weakness in your writing career. Where are you now? Do you need more circles in your life? Do you tend to leave the star out of the equation? Does your triangle only have one side? Will you do what it takes to change your first draft coal into a first rate diamond?

Do you have the shape of a successful writer? If not, commit to establishing the disciplines needed to be a successful writer. Then watch your career shape up in ways you never imagined.