In Signs of Self-Sabotage in the Writing Life, I described what being afraid of succeeding looks like for some aspiring and established writers. Here are five tips for overcoming fear of success, and achieving even the most lofty writing goals!
Before the tips, a quip:
“You just have to work with what God sends, and if God doesn’t seem to [...]

These tips for writing great conclusions are from one of my regular guest bloggers, Susan Johnston of the Urban Muse. Keep these ways to end your essays, articles, chapters, or blog posts at your fingertips – they’ll come in handy!
Before her tips, a quip:
“There are no dull subjects,” said H.L. Mencken. “There are only dull [...]

Successful writers need their own voice and style – because brilliant ideas alone don’t a solid writing career make! These five tips for developing your writer’s voice will improve your writing skills and increase your confidence.
Lately I’ve been obsessed with voice because I think that’s why my agent hasn’t scored me a book contract yet. My ideas [...]

These habits of highly effective writers are based in part on 101 Habits of Highly Successful Novelists, which is a fab round-up of writing advice from published authors (a book I wish I’d written!). Some of these writing tips will give you something new to chew on…and others will make you cringe at how difficult writing [...]

One way to be a successful writer is improving your writing confidence — so here are 13 quips and tips to build you up! This is a round up of advice from a variety of freelance writers and bloggers, because a healthy dose of self-confidence will take you farther than insecurity and fear ever will.
Because one of these successful writers mentioned On Writing, here’s [...]

Improving your writing skills and discipline is much easier when you find mentors with whom you resonate. That can be a matter of luck – which is totally influenced by your efforts.
First, a quip:
“The harder you work, the luckier you get” (unknown)
Finding writing mentors can be hard work…but it’ll help you get “luckier” and published! [...]

These five ways to write authentically are inspired by Anne Lamott – one of my favorite published authors. She’ll teach you how to be a successful writer, whether you like it or not!
Before the tips, a quip:
“Write straight into the emotional center of things,” writes Lamott in Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life. ”Write toward vulnerability. Don’t worry about [...]