The Sport of Writing: Becoming a Literary Olympian

by Will Viharo

​We’re in the midst of the Olympics, which means you’re likely reading this blog with the television on, critiquing both from the comfort of your couch.
 
Many writers have a sedentary lifestyle, since it’s hard to write standing up (Ernest Hemingway’s famous habit notwithstanding, as it were), much less while running.
 
But that doesn’t mean you can’t exercise your craft with an athlete’s sense of discipline. 

I confess that I am not a sports fan, but as a writer, I find sports analogies often useful, because the details of this subject offer reference points most people can understand. It allows vague or complex concepts to be communicated in a clear, unambiguous fashion.
 
So in the universally inspiring spirit of the Olympics (which I am not actually watching), here I go again. Since I know you’re probably anxious to get back to the games, I’ll keep this relatively brief but make it count, like a sprint:
 
Five Ways To Win the Gold As a Writer

1. Set Realistic Goals – for one thing, it’s not a competition. Naturally you want solid sales, and many, many other authors are vying for the same limited audience in a vast marketplace. But the best way to compete is not to even think about everyone else in “the race” for the number one spot on the bestseller list. Just apply your “personal best” to your craft, from creation to promotion, and you’ll reach your audience, if not the first at the financial finish line. ⤺ Tweet This!
2. Practice Makes As Close To Perfect As You’ll Get – Olympian athletes undergo a particularly rigorous training program to achieve their desired results, i.e. a championship medal. In your case, you’re probably your own trainer. So come up with a regular self-training program that suits your schedule, and stick to it. No excuses. Laziness is for losers.
3. Be a Team Player – that includes you, the indie writer, because generally speaking, you are your own team. But even if your book isn’t being published by a small or major press, you will still require healthy collaboration with subcontracted editors, cover artists, interior designers etc. in order for your product to be all it can be. Creative control is part of the appeal, but check your ego at the door when entering into any kind of artistic and/or commercial partnership. Listening means learning.
4. Choose Your Category Carefully – the Olympics are as eclectic as they are diverse, meaning there are numerous types of sports attracting all kinds of athletes from all over the world. So when deciding which genre best suits your particular interests and skills, weigh the factors: popular appeal, specific marketing strategies, current trends, number of authors already in the field, etc. Of course, unlike athletes, you can pick more than one, and even mix ‘n’ match to invent your own unique hybrid. This is not allowed in the sports world. Though it would be interesting to watch swimming soccer...
5. Award Yourself – writers typically aren’t in this game for the money or glory, but for the creative self-satisfaction of personal expression. Unless of course you’re a professional freelancer, in which case you’re just a hired gun, which comes with its own rewards (like money). Don’t expect instant validation for your efforts. If you can manage to realize your dreams of becoming a published author, then revel in the satisfaction of actually achieving this simple goal. Because once your book is out on the market, it’s a whole different ballgame, with its own set of rules. But just by publicly displaying the personal bravery to jump into this crowded arena, you’re already a winner, by virtue of being a player. And more importantly, going the distance.

Okay, go back to your TV now. Or better yet, your computer…

PHOTO: PETER BURGESS