Why Not?

Photo credit: Jim DevittSeriously, why not?

“Why not what?” you say?

Why not be the best. So many people go through life just getting by. You have a say in this, you know.

Sure, it takes a little work … and time … and passion … and tears. I look at the shelves that surround me as I type this and see tons of “A List” author names and New York Times bestsellers.

So what. So everything. I guarantee that you can’t be a bestselling author if you don’t believe that you can be a bestselling author. I’m not talking about thinking you might “get lucky” and hit it big. I’m talking about believing that what you do every day puts you one step closer to your ultimate goal, whether that goal is keeping a journal or writing a bestseller.

If you ask Konrath, Hocking, or Howey, they’ll say they are lucky. I call BS to that. The truth is they might not think it was anything special, but they all have a few things in common.

1. They work at their craft.

2. They write all the time.

3. They have numerous books out.

4. They give back.

Sure, there might be a bit of luck involved, but each of them believes in what they do. If you want to get there, you need to believe it, too. I know a lot of you out there do. We have some writing studs associated with Indies Unlimited. Some real pros. Here’s how I know.

1. They work at their craft.

2. They write all the time.

3. They have numerous books out.

4. They give back.

Sound familiar? It’s just a matter of time before someone in our family at Indies Unlimited hits the “really” big time. However, it starts with believing. If you want to be an author who makes a living on writing, just say it. When someone asks what you do, answer with, “I’m an author.” Don’t answer with whatever job you’re working that puts food on the table today, answer with where you want to be.

If you’re new to this, it might feel a little uncomfortable in the beginning—but so did riding a bike. It starts with your subconscious mind believing that you are an author. I look forward to the day that writing is my only thing. I know that one day I’ll get there. It might be six months from now or six years from now, but it will happen, one day.

I might not be good enough, today. But I’m working on that list above. I’m writing now more than ever in my life. And the most important thing?

I believe.

Author: Jim Devitt

Jim Devitt’s debut YA novel, The Card, hit #1 in three separate categories on the Kindle Bestseller list in early January and was a finalist in the Guys Can Read Indie Author Contest this past summer. Devitt currently lives in Miami, FL with his wife Melissa and their children. Learn more about Jim at his blog and his Amazon author page.

26 thoughts on “Why Not?”

  2. Er, I never learned to ride a bike.(yeah, I know, a Dutch girl who can’t ride a bike. lol) So I’ll substitute swimming, OK? I’ll admit to waffling on the believing bit. But I agree that without it you really reduce your chances of making it. So … shall we make book on which one ‘makes it big’ first? My money is on a steady climb for many of us simply by doing what we do here – as well as your list above, of course.

    1. Now that’s an interesting thought, Wonder what the odds are? I tend to agree with you though, I think a constant steady climb is in the works, as long as we keep doing what were doing, and for me, get more books out.

    1. It’s easy to doubt yourself or get caught up in everyday life. It helps me to write the post as it does for you the same as it helps you to read it. Thanks Krista!

  5. My son had business cards made for me a few years back and he put “writer” on it under my name. I felt self conscious for a while when I gave them out, but he said “you have to believe it and seeing it there helps”. Same is true in what you say about calling yourself an author.

  7. So true in so many ways. There are the hard days, bad days and the ‘why am I doing it days?’ But its the ability to push through the bad that makes the good that much more rewarding. Keep beliving!

  9. I still have trouble introducing myself as an author, but I figure I’m improving because a little over a year ago I wouldn’t even have dared tell anyone that I write. Great pep talk Jim. 🙂

  10. Don’t answer with whatever job you’re working that puts food on the table today, answer with where you want to be.

    I use to say I was an accountant and an author until I realised that, unless it was tax season, most people switched off at accountant. Now I figure that if they are interested enough in me as an author to look up my bio, they will see I am also an accountant (But not a tax accountant!!)

    As they say, to boost your confidence, act as if….
    And as Lynne mentioned it gets easier each time you say it.

    Great post Jim.

  11. I believe! That one day one of you will hit the big time – and I’ll be cheering from behind.
    And I believe that I also have a chance – if I continue to work hard, strive to write better and keep learning from other writers (such as you all at IU).

    Great words of encouragement, Jim.

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