by Ruth Belena

Created on: June 23, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

If you really want to become more successful than other writers, consider how some best selling authors achieve their status. You should not try to emulate how they write, or what they write, but you can be inspired by their writing success.

1. Begin Like Dan Brown

One of the world's top selling authors, Dan Brown, grew up reading classic literature and works of nonfiction. He admits he had not read any contemporary fiction until he found a best selling novel discarded on a beach in Tahiti. He read that book, and then decided he could be a popular writer. At the end of his vacation he returned home and started writing. To begin with he wrote articles, and he worked on a number of small writing projects. Dan Brown did not immediately set out to write a thriller, although he was looking for ideas, and had it in mind to write one.

* Note how Dan Brown started small, before attempting to write his first thriller. Every writer has to start somewhere, and few writers enjoy instant success.

2. Persist Like J. K. Rowling

The notion of writing a series of magical adventure stories came to J. K. Rowling during a long train journey. By the time she reached her destination, Miss Rowling had outlined the ideas for several books about Harry Potter. These books are now known and loved around the world, but the first novel in the sequence was initially rejected, several times, before it was finally accepted for publication.

* Note that J. K. Rowling did not give up when her first novel was rejected. As a writer you have to face rejection, and must be persistent if you want to be more successful.

3. Be Realistic

To be a hugely successful writer like Dan Brown or J. K. Rowling, you need to be a great reader, and understand what makes compelling reading. Then you have to find a way into a popular genre.

You can becoming a hard-working writer only if you are adaptable. Understand the demands of the publishing industry and the book trade. Know that you will have to write for your readers, not for yourself.

Writing is a competitive business, but that does not just mean competing for the top of the best selling lists, or achieving the most book sales.

* Don't dream of becoming a rich, successful, best selling author. Start writing and remember that the most successful writers never have time for dreaming.

The point is to be writing, rather than just thinking about writing a novel. Write articles, reviews and short stories. Keep writing until it is more than a hobby or a habit, it is your life.

To be more successful as a writer you need to be highly productive, and continue to improve the quality of your writing. You can only write your way to being more successful than other writers, if you are realistic, persistent and inspired.

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