I’ve heard much discussion on the subject of what it takes to be a writer—more specifically, a successful one. What must you do, what qualities must you have, to set yourself up for success? Is it a degree in creative writing, an MFA, a certification of some kind? Or is it a natural talent, a gift for storytelling or beautiful prose?
These things help. In fact, there are many things that help, many small building blocks from which you can build a successful career. These including education, talent, practice, networking, analyzing published books, studying writing craft, joining writing organizations…the list goes on.
But there’s one item on this list that, to me, is more important than the rest. In my opinion, the only thing you really must have to become a successful writer is this:
You have to want it.
I mean, you have to enjoy writing enough to want to do it. I mean, you have to want success—whatever your definition of that may be—enough to keep going through countless obstacles, failures, disappointments, and rejections.
This reminds me of all the times my high school friends made me watch America’s Next Top Model, and all the times those drama queens told the camera, completely straight-faced: “I deserve to win this because I want it the most.”
This seemed silly to me because, obviously, wanting something does not entitle you to it. That’s why stealing is illegal. You do not deserve a literary agent, a publishing contract, or a devoted Twitter following simply because you want it.
But if you want these things badly enough, you won’t give up on them. You’ll put in the work. You’ll invest in learning opportunities. You’ll spend years practicing until you get better. If you want to be a writer, and a good one, you’ll do all the things you need to do to succeed. If you don’t want it badly enough, you won’t.
As Richard Bach said, “A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.” Writing isn’t easy. If you don’t want it badly enough, you’ll quit.
Never lose sight of what’s driving your journey. Never forget your end goal, whatever it may be (and it will probably change over time). And don’t be afraid to want things you don’t have. The more you want them, the harder you’ll work for them.