Guest Blog: Angie Lofthouse on The Right (Write) Stuff

My guest blogger today is Angie Lofthouse, a fantastic writer and friend.  I forget exactly how I met Angie - must have been through the LDStorymakers Writers Conference - but she's just one of those people I feel I've known forever.  She writes science fiction and her stories have appeared in several magazines and anthologies. You can read all about her at her blog, Notes from the Writing Chair.

Angie, I turn the time over to you.

Do You Have the Right (Write) Stuff?

 Baron Von Richtofen (aka the Red Baron) said, "Success flourishes only in perseverance—ceaseless, restless perseverance."

 That has become a motto of mine. Perseverance is in my opinion the most important quality a writer can possess. If you want to be a success as a writer (however you define it), you're going to have to stick with it. You have to have the right stuff. Here are some of the qualities I think you need to be a successful writer.

 Successful writers write. They don't wait until they have time. They make the time. Now, don't get discouraged if you feel you really don't have the time. I know how life is. Sometimes writing has to take a backseat to other priorities, but if you want to be a writer, at least write something, even if it's just a little bit.

 Successful writers aren't afraid to take the heat. Criticism, rejection, bad reviews, harsh critiques, discouragement, fear and doubt are all a part of being a writer. A real writer learns how to deal with this sort of thing, and never stops believing in himself and his ability to succeed.

 Successful writers never, ever quit. While watching my husband look up baseballs stats this week (it's fantasy baseball time, you know), I was struck by the phrase "struck out swinging." Really, isn't that the best way to strike out? Who wants to get struck out watching the ball fly by? Writing is a lot like that. You're going to strike out. A lot. But, by golly, you'd better strike out swinging. Don't just stand there looking. Swing that gosh durn bat! Eventually, you're going to connect, and who knows? Maybe you'll hit one out of the park.

 Successful writers intend to die with their fingers on the keyboard. Or clutched around the pen or whatever. I know I do. Even if I never publish another thing, I have every intention of continuing to try for the rest of my life.

 That kind of perseverance, I think, will lead you to success. No matter how long it takes.

Thanks so much, Angie!!