My Key Plan To Become A Successful Writer And You Can Copy This

My Key Plan to Become a Successful Writer

I used to think that writing was all about talent — that you either had it or you didn’t. But over time, I’ve realized that becoming a successful writer is about something much more within reach for anyone: strategy and persistence. It’s not some mystical ability; it’s a craft, and like any craft, it can be learned, honed, and mastered.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been at it for a while, here’s my roadmap for becoming a successful writer that you can copy.

1. Show Up Every Day

One of the most important things I’ve learned is that writing is like a muscle — the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Consistency is key. You don’t need to wait for inspiration to strike because it rarely shows up on demand. Set a schedule, whether it’s writing 500 words a day or spending an hour crafting sentences. Just make sure you show up.

Even Stephen King, one of the most successful authors in the world, writes 2,000 words every single day. That’s his job, his habit. It’s this kind of dedication that turns aspiring writers into published ones.

Tip for You:

Set yourself a small, achievable daily goal. Even if it’s just 200 words a day, write something. Over time, those small chunks will build into something substantial.

2. Study the Greats (But Don’t Copy Them)

Reading is an essential part of improving your writing. Not only does it expose you to different styles and voices, but it also gives you insight into what works and why. I’ve started reading more intentionally — analyzing books, articles, and stories to understand their structure, pacing, and style.

Take, for example, J.K. Rowling. She created an entire universe, but it wasn’t just the magic of Hogwarts that made her books so captivating. Her ability to make readers care about her characters, the pace at which she revealed new details, and the clarity of her writing were all skills she honed over years of practice.

Tip for You:

Don’t just read for pleasure — read for education. Ask yourself what makes a book or article compelling. Is it the sentence structure, the pacing, the characters? What can you learn from it?

3. Write What Scares You

For a long time, I avoided writing about certain topics because I felt vulnerable or uncomfortable. But I’ve realized that the best writing often comes from places of fear, uncertainty, and raw honesty. When you write about things that scare you, you’re writing from your most authentic self — and readers will feel that.

Some of the most successful writers have built careers by tapping into their deepest fears and vulnerabilities. Brené Brown, for example, found massive success by writing about vulnerability itself. She embraced it, and people resonated with her openness and bravery.

Tip for You:

Think about what you’re avoiding. What are you scared to put out into the world? Chances are, that’s exactly what you should be writing about.

4. Find Your Niche (But Experiment)

One of the best ways to stand out as a writer is to find a niche — a specific topic or style you become known for. It could be personal essays, tech reviews, self-help, or even humorous takes on current events. But here’s the catch: before you find that niche, it’s okay to experiment.

I’m still exploring what kind of writer I want to be. Some days, I’m writing motivational pieces; other days, I’m working on fiction. This period of exploration is crucial because it’s how you find your voice and figure out what resonates with your readers.

Take James Clear, for instance. He started writing about habits and became known for his deep understanding of behavioral psychology. Now, his book Atomic Habits is a bestseller, and his weekly newsletter reaches millions.

Tip for You:

Try writing in different styles or genres until something clicks. Pay attention to what people respond to, and once you find your sweet spot, lean into it.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Fail (And Fail Again)

Here’s the truth: not everything you write is going to be amazing. Some of it might even be downright terrible. But that’s okay. Every piece of “bad” writing gets you closer to writing something great. The only real failure is not trying at all.

J.K. Rowling was rejected by 12 publishers before Harry Potter was picked up. Tim Ferriss’ The 4-Hour Workweek was turned down by 25 publishers. But they kept going. Rejection and failure are part of the journey.

Tip for You:

Embrace failure. Use it as fuel to improve. If something doesn’t work, figure out why, and do it better next time.

6. Build a Platform (Consistency + Community = Growth)

In today’s world, it’s not enough to just write well — you need an audience. Building a platform is a crucial step in becoming a successful writer. Medium, social media, newsletters — whatever works for you, find a way to get your work in front of people.

More importantly, engage with your readers. Respond to comments, start conversations, and build relationships. Community-building is just as important as creating content. Your readers will become your greatest supporters, and they’ll help you grow.

Take Austin Kleon, for example. He started with a small blog, sharing his ideas about creativity. Now, he’s a bestselling author, and his platform continues to grow because of his consistent engagement with his audience.

Tip for You:

Start small but be consistent. Post regularly on Medium, Twitter, or wherever your audience hangs out. Engage with readers, and over time, you’ll build a loyal following.

7. Invest in Your Writing

I used to think writing was something I could do on the side whenever I had time. But if I want to be a successful writer, I need to treat it like a job. That means investing in myself and my craft. Whether it’s taking writing courses, hiring an editor, or dedicating specific hours of the day to writing — it’s all part of the investment.

Think of it this way: if you wanted to become a successful athlete, you wouldn’t skip training sessions or ignore coaching advice. Writing is no different. The more you put into it, the more you’ll get out.

Tip for You:

Invest time and resources into your writing. Take online courses, join writing communities, and continually seek feedback. Every bit of effort you invest will pay off.

8. Overcoming Writer’s Block

One of the biggest challenges any writer faces is writer’s block — that frustrating moment when you stare at a blank screen, unable to think of what to write next. It happens to everyone, even the most successful authors. The key to overcoming it is not to force perfection, but to allow yourself to write without judgment.

When I face writer’s block, I take a step back and remind myself why I started writing in the first place. Sometimes, a change of scenery or a short break helps reset my mind. Another technique I use is free writing: I set a timer for 10 minutes and write whatever comes to mind, even if it’s nonsense. More often than not, this exercise helps shake loose new ideas or unlock hidden thoughts.

One of my favorite stories is about Stephen King, who, even after decades of success, admitted to still having moments of doubt. But he keeps going, and that’s the difference between those who succeed and those who don’t — perseverance in the face of challenges.

9. Networking with Other Writers

Writing is often a solitary act, but connecting with other writers can open up opportunities and help you grow. I’ve found that joining writing groups, both online and in person, is a great way to get feedback and improve my craft. Plus, it helps you stay motivated when you know others are on the same journey.

Platforms like Medium, for example, have communities where you can exchange ideas, collaborate, and even guest post on other people’s platforms. By connecting with established writers or even those starting out like you, you’ll find inspiration, support, and guidance. I’ve had the pleasure of receiving advice from writers who have been in the industry for years, and their feedback has been invaluable.

Success stories like Neil Gaiman’s remind me of the power of community. He often talks about the importance of learning from others in the field, sharing that his early career benefitted greatly from the mentorship of established writers.

10. Dealing with Criticism

When you put your work out there, criticism is inevitable. Not everyone will love what you write, and that’s okay. The important thing is to learn how to handle it constructively. I used to take criticism personally, but over time, I realized it’s an essential part of growth.

Now, I view feedback as a tool. If multiple readers point out the same issue, I take it as an opportunity to improve. It’s also important to differentiate between constructive criticism and negative feedback that offers no value. Some comments won’t be helpful — learn to brush those off.

For example, J.K. Rowling faced countless rejections before Harry Potter became the global phenomenon it is today. If she had given up at the first negative response, we might never have known the wizarding world.

11. Developing a Unique Voice

As a writer, your voice is your identity. It’s what sets you apart from the thousands of others out there. I used to worry about sounding too much like other writers, but the more I wrote, the more I found my own rhythm.

To develop a unique voice, write about things you care deeply about. Your passion will come through in your words. Don’t try to mimic someone else’s style, because readers can sense authenticity, and they connect with genuine voices.

One of the writers who has mastered this is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Her writing is powerful because it reflects her experiences and her unique perspective. She has her own distinct style, and that’s what makes her stories so compelling.

12. Staying Consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to success in any field, and writing is no different. I’ve committed to writing every day, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. The more you write, the better you get, and the more ideas will flow.

One of the reasons Haruki Murakami is so prolific is because he treats writing like a job. He sits down every day, at the same time, and writes for hours. He’s often quoted as saying that writing is about showing up, day after day, even when you don’t feel like it.

By staying consistent, you’ll build momentum, and before you know it, writing will become a natural part of your daily routine.

13. Taking Care of Your Mental Health

Writing can be an emotional process. It’s important to take care of your mental health throughout the journey. I’ve learned that it’s okay to take breaks and step away when I feel overwhelmed. Writing should bring joy and fulfillment, not stress and anxiety.

For me, mental clarity comes from balance — finding time for other activities I enjoy, like reading, spending time with loved ones, or even just going for a walk. Some of my best ideas come to me when I’m not actively trying to write.

Bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert often talks about how crucial it is to keep a healthy balance between work and life. Her advice to writers is simple: “You are not your work. You are a person who writes.”

14. Embrace the Process, Not Just the Outcome

The final tip in my plan is to enjoy the process of writing itself. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of being “successful,” but I’ve realized that the joy of writing comes from the act itself — creating something from nothing.

Whether I’m writing a short article, a blog post, or a longer piece, I try to remind myself that the journey is just as important as the destination. I want to look back one day and feel proud, not just of my achievements, but of the growth and dedication I put into my craft.

Maya Angelou said it best: “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”

15. Building a Portfolio

A portfolio is like a writer’s resume. It shows potential clients, publishers, or readers what you’ve done, what you’re capable of, and what your style looks like. When I first started, I knew it was essential to create a body of work I could share with others.

To build my portfolio, I wrote on platforms like Medium, where I could publish my articles easily and gain an audience. It was also a great way to track my progress and experiment with different types of content. You don’t need to have a fancy website or dozens of pieces to start a portfolio — just a few well-written examples can showcase your talent.

Over time, as you gain more experience, you can curate your best work. Look at James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits. He started by writing on his blog, where he regularly shared short articles. Today, his portfolio has grown into bestselling books, but it all began with consistent writing and sharing.

16. Monetizing Your Writing

Once you have a solid portfolio, you can start thinking about how to make money from your writing. There are numerous ways to do this: freelance writing, content creation for businesses, publishing ebooks, or starting a blog with ads and affiliate marketing.

One of the things I’ve been exploring is earning through Medium’s Partner Program, where writers get paid based on the engagement their articles receive. Another option is to pitch articles to online magazines or blogs that pay contributors.

For example, Freelance writer Carol Tice has made a successful career out of pitching articles to high-paying publications. She now earns a full-time income and also teaches other writers how to do the same. Following the path of writers like her, I’ve learned that it’s possible to turn writing into a profitable business if you’re strategic and willing to put in the work.

17. Embracing Rejection

Rejection is a part of every writer’s journey, and it’s something I’ve learned to accept. Not every pitch will get picked up, and not every article will go viral. But rejection doesn’t mean failure — it’s just feedback that helps me refine my work.

I’ve heard countless stories of famous authors being rejected multiple times before they found success. Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, the authors of Chicken Soup for the Soul, were turned down by 144 publishers before finally getting a deal. That book went on to sell millions of copies.

The lesson here is persistence. Rejection is inevitable, but it doesn’t define your worth as a writer. Each rejection is just one step closer to the right opportunity.

18. Continuing to Learn and Evolve

Writing is a craft that can always be improved. I’ve made it a priority to keep learning, whether it’s through books, writing courses, or feedback from others. The more I read and write, the more I learn about my own style and how to communicate ideas effectively.

Writers like Malcolm Gladwell are known for their deep research and ability to tell complex stories in an engaging way. By studying how they structure their writing and approach storytelling, I’ve found new ways to enhance my own work.

Writing workshops, webinars, or online communities like Coursera or Skillshare offer great opportunities for continued learning. There’s always room to grow, and I believe the best writers are those who never stop learning.

19. Patience and Long-Term Vision

Finally, I’ve learned that writing success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, consistency, and patience. While I have big dreams for my writing career, I also understand that it’s a long-term commitment. It’s easy to get discouraged when success doesn’t come quickly, but I remind myself that every word I write, every article I publish, is a step toward my goal.

Writers like George R.R. Martin spent years working on their craft before achieving worldwide recognition. It wasn’t an overnight process. Having a long-term vision helps keep things in perspective, especially when the journey feels slow.