Ambition is merely the strong desire or drive for something. It's the yearning or longing felt in each pore, that fervent interest or wanting, each cell in our bodies toward a
. Hmmm…it may sound like a kind of addiction or obsession, isn’t it? That’s because it really is-- that fantasy is exciting, it is incredible; so keep it up. Almost all writers aspire for recognition, but are they dedicated enough? Sometimes they become too addicted to the fantasy of what is it like to live as a working and paid writer. Just do not let it take the place of dedication.
On the contrary, according to Dictionary.com, dedication is defined as “selfless devotion”. Recently, I just read a book by Pat Walsh entitled “78 Reasons Why Your Book May Never Be Published & 14 Reasons Why It Just Might”. In his introduction he speaks about the distinction between dedication and ambition. The author said that most persons who write a book have the driven ambition, which is different from dedication. With dedication, the whole process is the reward, while in ambition, the goal's the basic element. Pat Walsh is right. How truly dedicated are you to your chosen craft regardless of your aim for popularity and publication? So if you only aspire for
, then the fantasy is not just good enough.
However, if you are selflessly devoted to your craft in writing, the final outcome should be the act of manifesting, the act of creating, and the act of communicating and telling a version of your story that is far better than your greatest possible version. Dedicate yourself—your 1st step in attaining your goals is to let go (although only temporarily) of your ambition and to dedicate yourself all over again to your beloved craft. I know it may sound recursive, but it is quite similar with the old saying: “just when you are not even looking, you will find that Ms./Mr.
Right.” Annoying—yes. True—another yes. Anyway, below are just a few tips to work you on your way onwards your newfound determination. Read more—reading more about publishing and writing about story arcs is really helpful. Most importantly, reading in your genre or category is very essential for any writer. For a list of current books published for writers, just try to visit http://www.lawritersgroup.com/Books.htm. Participate in a group for writers or you can start one yourself. This would compel you to write and to stick to deadlines and see other individuals or writers (like you) meet deadlines and accomplish goals. Now, that is what I call peer pressure at its best! Practice writing each day.
Yes, it might feel like an overused cliché, but although you have heard this too may times and it makes you even want to throw your personal computer out of your house, but if you're sincerely dedicated to be a writer, you should do it habitually, preferably daily. Take seminars and
. You would certainly experience the most growth from these courses and you get to meet new friends along the way!
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