On Thursdays, I share #amwriting lessons learned on the path to publishing. If you’re a writer looking for tips for writing a book, I hope this will encourage you.

Let me know if you’ve experienced any of these sometimes-painful lessons on writing success.

How do you define writing success?

If you’re like me your definition may change over time.

In the fall of 2017, I experienced a major life change that afforded extra free time. I wanted to do something exciting that felt productive and meaningful. So after learning about NanoWrimo, I decided to write more.

Then after winning nano —  which basically means you just write 50k+ words — I kept going with my new-found obsession.

Yes, obsession. Never a dabbler, I threw myself into the pursuit, confident of near-term success. During 2018 I wrote over 400,000 words. It was probably closer to 500,000 if you count deleted words, freelancing, and occasional blog posts.

It amounted to five full-length manuscripts — most of which will never see the light of day—but ultimately resulted in my first published book: Courage to Tri. I knew nothing about the publishing industry, nor did I have a realistic picture of my own abilities.

Heck, I probably figured I’d see my debut on a Barnes & Noble shelf by the end of the year. 🙂 It was a rollercoaster; there were some serious highs and lows.

Low: an editor telling me to find a new hobby after reading an excerpt of book one.

The success was finally seeing my nonfiction book on a shelf.

For fiction I’m still #amrevising #ameditinglikeaboss

Lesson One: Success is not assured and may look different than you originally thought. If you’re an author [or aspiring], what lessons have you learned on the path to publishing?

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Read More: 13 things I wish I knew before writing my first book

Hi. I’m glad you’re here.

I’m Bethany–coach, author, 2x Kona Qualifier, and twin mom.

I’m a recovering IRONMAN addict who enjoys obsessively pursuing things then sharing with others. I believe life’s most interesting journeys are in the mind, and there’s no buzz like getting lost in creating.

I’m here to encourage, whether you’re an aspiring athlete seeking their first finish line, or a writer struggling with tech challenges and mindset barriers.