How to Level up Your Writing Career: Getting Rid of Sticky Toffee
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Do you like toffee? I love the thought of it—sugary caramel swirling with tenderness. But toffee lingers, stubbornly clinging to your teeth and leaving a tingling kick in your throat. A writing career can feel the same: tempting and sweet at first, but slow to dissolve and stickier than you expect.
There are countless books on how to become a writer, but my journey to authorship began unexpectedly...with a stray tuxedo cat who captured my heart. That encounter didn’t just inspire me to write; it gave me a purpose: to make a difference in the lives of animals. While I ultimately put his well-being above my own desire to keep him (read more in my cat memoir), this was the moment I realized I wanted to use my voice to help as many animals as possible.
Storytelling became my chosen path for making an impact. However, I quickly learned that becoming a successful author involves far more than just writing well. The world of publishing is vast and ever-changing. While strong writing skills are important, authentic storytelling and connecting with readers on a personal level matter just as much—sometimes, even more. There’s no guaranteed formula for writing a bestseller or boosting book sales overnight. Factors such as current events, societal trends, and even the political climate can all influence which books gain attention. For instance, during difficult times, readers may gravitate toward cozy fiction or uplifting self-help books.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy for author success, here are essential skills and tips for aspiring writers, drawn from my experience and advice from established authors:
- Writing skills
- Creativity
- Information literacy
- Marketing techniques
- Life skills
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Writing skills are the foundation of any author’s career. Mastering grammar, punctuation, and story structure is non-negotiable to become seasoned professionals in the field. Fortunately, there are many writing tools and apps available today to help polish your drafts and improve clarity.
Creativity is unique to every individual. In storytelling, it means weaving inspiration with insight, transforming science into compelling narratives available beyond academia. You don’t need formal art training to be creative. Simply observing the world around you can spark original ideas for your writing. In fact, some of my most creative work has come during challenging times, as I turned struggles into a wise, ancient oak tree.
Information literacy is more important than ever in the digital age. With the rise of AI and the constant stream of online content, writers must be able to evaluate sources, fact-check information, and think critically about what they read and share. Anyone can publish opinions online, making it essential for authors to distinguish credible sources from misinformation. Developing strong information literacy skills will help you build trust with your audience and create quality content.
Marketing is now a must-have skill for authors. Even with a traditional publisher, you are expected to champion your book online, especially on social media. Book marketing strategies evolve quickly; what works today might flop tomorrow. Sometimes you do everything right, and success still slips away. Consider it as a calculated experiment. SEO keywords, personal branding, and social media engagement are all crucial for reaching new readers and building a loyal audience.
Life skills are just as crucial for writers as craft. Rejection, harsh reviews, and money worries are all part of the path. Try not to let negativity pull you under, or you will find yourself wading through a sea of sticky toffee. Set realistic expectations and practice self-care. Remember to get some exercise; sitting at your desk all day can cause neck pain, eye strain, and stiff shoulders. Even a short walk can help. Despite the popular call to quit your day job, steady work can offer the security you need while your writing career grows. I learned this the hard way: pouring all my time into writing did not speed things up. In the end, your well-being, financial stability, and the support of loved ones—including your animal families—are the foundation for a fulfilling and sustainable author journey.
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Last but not least, practice. It’s easy to read and learn new things, but sometimes we forget to put them into action, much like buying a treadmill and letting it gather dust. Every small step counts, so celebrate your progress along the way.
🐈Bonus tip: If you’ve got a soft spot for rescuing stray cats, a stable income and a side gig can give you more freedom to do what you love—without getting stuck in the sticky stuff!