7 Traits of Best-selling Authors: #2 Where Most Writers Stumble

We love our manuscripts. We hate them. The passionate first-draft period of writing a book evokes emotions akin to an Italianate affair. Such zeal can be heady. But when the relationship cools, what then?

Some of the sagest advice newly married couples hear is to never allow the word “divorce” to crop up between them. By refusing to even mentally visit the idea of dissolving the relationship, a couple safeguards its union.

What does this have to do with writing? Only that the majority of writers stumble when it comes to commitment. Most couples don’t go into a marriage expecting it to fail. Neither does a writer start a novel with the idea of discarding it. And yet, the day dawns when the once-delightful manuscript suddenly sprouts blemishes and plot holes. Rather than embrace it, they turn away, often to chase after an attractive young thing. And yet, had they remained faithful, they might have realized their dreams.

The ability to commit sets apart prolific novelists like Tricia Goyer, Francine Rivers and Brandilyn Collins. These authors all maintain high-level careers that require sacrifice.  Their publishers don’t have to wonder if they’ll get cold feet and back down when a novel isn’t going as planned. Rather than turn away, they push through any difficulties.

Even if you don’t have a publisher eagerly awaiting your next manuscript or a deadline to tap, act like you do. You’ll be glad you did.

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