7 Habits of Successful Writers

For as much as I love the process of writing (and I do), I also adore learning how other writers handle their business—from the creative process itself to how they promote themselves and their writing. After all, who better to study than other writers who are finding success, right? And so, I sifted through scores of author interviews I’ve conducted over the years and assembled the following habit list of successful writers.

- BY ROBERT LEE BREWER

READ VORACIOUSLY

All writers write, but most truly successful writers read. A lot. “Read as much as you can and read the very best books you can find,” advises Philippa Gregory, award-winning author of Boleyn Traitor. “I reread the classics constantly. Austen, E. M. Forster, Henry James—it’s a long list—but they are all masterclasses in storytelling and language, and they’ve all shaped my writing career.”

Some writers read deep in their specific genre or field to understand what has or hasn't been done before, but many successful writers also advocate reading a variety of subjects and in different formats. “Read vastly from everywhere and be curious, because there are thousands of stories around you,” says Amber McBride, award-winning author of The Leaving Room.

FOLLOW YOUR PASSIONS

Newer writers often ask editors and agents to share what the emerging trends are in publishing, with the hopes of finding success by trend surfing. However, the safer bet for most writers is to follow their passions. “Write about whatever speaks to your heart,” says Aurora Palit, author of Honey and Heat. “Especially now, it can be tempting to follow trends that might get you published, but writing a book is hard enough as it is! The only thing that will get you through that draft is to write about what excites you and makes you want to write your heart out.”