DIGITAL MEDIA GHOST
  • Publication
    • Editorial Calendar
    • Subscribe!
  • Services
    • Digital Strategy
    • Ghostwriting
  • About

The Sport of Writing: Becoming a Literary Olympian

8/11/2016

Comments

 
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
Comments
    Picture
    Become a Ghostwriter!
    Picture
    BECOME A GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    Agency Spotlight
    Business
    Digital Marketing
    Ghost In A Flash
    Ghostwriting
    Media Relations
    Privacy Concerns
    Social Sabotage
    Technology
    Writer Spotlight
    Writing

    Advertising Disclaimer

    Archives

    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    May 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012

Find your domain and create your site at Weebly.com!
Digital Media Strategy
Content Marketing
Law Firm Marketing
Search Engine Optimization
Social Media Marketing
eBooks
Writing
Becoming a Ghostwriter
Blogging
Content Marketing
Ghostwriting Services
Guest Post Guidelines
Media Relations
Online Crisis Management
Personal Brand
Public Relations
Reputation Management
About
Our Team
Our Results
Testimonials
Contact Us
Locations:
New Orleans, LA
Nashville, TN


Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Cookie Policy
Digital Media Ghost  @2020
  • Publication
    • Editorial Calendar
    • Subscribe!
  • Services
    • Digital Strategy
    • Ghostwriting
  • About