7 Traits of best-selling authors: #6 Don’t Let This Monster Eat Your Writing Career

The night before, she’d delivered the keynote speech for the NCWA Writers Renewal, and now conference attendees crowded the room where the best-selling author would teach suspense techniques. Rather than isolating herself behind the podium, Brandilyn Collins moved down the aisle touching hands. Only after she had welcomed each person by name did she take her place up front.

 In extending herself to others, Brandilyn exhibited a quality common to many best-selling authors. Humility. When you think about it, only a humble soul will become a student in order to master the craft of writing. It takes humility to meet deadlines, accept edits, and ignore negative reviews. Since publishing thrives on  relationships and pride is so isolating, without humility a writer won’t last long.

If you struggle to obtain humility, don’t despair. Just identifying the problem helps. Here are my tips on conquering the pride monster:

• Acknowledge that you’re self-focused and resolve to change.
•  Confess your prideful attitude and ask those you have wounded for forgiveness.
• Remember that there will always be those with more experience than you and those with less.
•  When someone else’s success makes you jealous, promote that person.
•  When you’re tempted to look down on someone else, remember your own humble beginnings.
•  Deal with others at eye-level.
• Don’t buy your own publicity.
• Build your self-esteem in positive ways. People who postulate lack confidence.

Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful. ~ John Wooden (American basketball player and coach)

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