Essential Skills for Writers by Melony Teague

We all have our strengths and weaknesses as writers. Some are natural story tellers, others are gifted in perfect grammar and know exactly what to do with those apostrophes and commas. One thing is for certain, we all have different strong points when it comes to writing.

One skill all writers need is perseverance.

Honestly, if you aren’t going to persist through all the ups and downs of a writer’s life, then you won’t achieve your dreams. Talent can only take you so far. I bet there are many super talented writers out there who say to themselves, “One day I’ll write that book I’ve been dreaming of.”

Without discipline and tenacity, it’s not going to happen.

What does perseverance look like?

It means sitting back down no matter how many times you get up to go make coffee or tea in an attempt to procrastinate.

It means always pushing yourself to do the things you fear, be it guest posts, podcasts, reading another writer’s craft book, or sending your first chapters out to a contest.

It means showing up every day to write something. Whether it’s a to-do list, which keeps you motivated to reach your goals or whether it’s a journal post for your eyes only to work through a problem that’s curbing your creativity.

It means praying and seeking wisdom in all your decisions, especially those related to your writing. It means asking questions. Trust me, I’ve asked a gazillion.

It means not permitting yourself to give up until you’ve at least written 200 words. Even if you end up deleting them later, that’s 200 more words than you had yesterday. Most times you’ll end up writing more.

It means staying the course and being disciplined in your writing. I’m not talking about unrealistic, over the top, land yourself in hospital kind of craziness, but pushing yourself out of your writing rut and certainly out of your comfort zone is a must if you want to progress.

For each victory, celebrate! Then take the next step forward. Everyone’s ‘next step’ is going to look different.

Perseverance means giving yourself grace to have that meltdown, to ask for help, to be talked off that familiar writer’s ledge, but knowing those places don’t need to be a permanent camping spot. Wipe those tears, and move on.

Writing is a tough gig folks. Persevere, invest in your writing, put in the hours and you’ll see the fruit.

Honestly, if you aren’t going to persist through all the ups and downs of a writer’s life, then you won’t achieve your dreams. via @MelonyTeague #SeriouslyWrite #amwriting

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Melony Teague writes contemporary romance with a dash of humor, she loves to inspire and motivate others through her written words, and she believes everyone has a story to tell. Melony is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and she is the co-author of As the Ink Flows, a devotional for authors. Her fiction debut, A Promise to Keep released, Jan 21, 2020. Melony was born in South Africa and now lives in Toronto with her handsome husband, their two teenagers, and does the bidding of her two adorable cats.

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A PROMISE TO KEEP BOOK CLUB

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About A Promise to Keep:

Research librarian Savannah Sanderson wants nothing more than to escape into her happily-ever-after novels with their larger-than-life fictional heroes. But a promise to her late husband has her attending her dreaded twenty-year high school reunion, drinking ghastly punch, and taking desperate measures just to keep her vow, even if she has to hide behind the décor to do it.

Once a reckless troublemaker, Michael McCann fled town after graduation. Now a professional technical rescuer, he’s back for the reunion, but on his trip down memory lane, he soon comes face to face with unresolved issues, namely Savannah.

Before the night is over, a pact between these two old friends will lead them on an adventure into uncharted emotional territory where Michael must confront his past regrets and find the courage to reveal the truth. But can Savannah fly from her sheltered nest and risk her heart on a real-life hero?