1. Mastery of a language.
2. An idea that sparks interest, excitement, deep thought, or a call to action.
3. Pen and paper, a phone with a keyboard, a laptop — nothing complicated.
4. The ability to sit still long enough to lose oneself in a story.
5. Basic research skills (internet access, a library, books, etc.).
6. Resilience — the ability to keep moving forward despite setbacks or obstacles.
7. Discipline — the ability to consistently learn, develop, and refine a habit or skill over a long period of time.
8. The desire to tell a story or share a piece of information.
9. Enough bravery and/or self-confidence to distribute your work.
10. The ability to accept and utilize criticism, whether positive or negative.
11. A willingness to constantly grow, adapt, and change.
12. An understanding that publishing is a team effort. Your way is not the only, or best, way.
13. Recognizing that part of success means taking what you know and passing it along to others.
14. A hunger for knowledge, regardless of the subject matter.
15. Good snacks, a comfy chair, and a little bit of free time.
Anyone has the potential to succeed in writing.
If you truly want to make it happen, you will find a way. You will stick with it. You will get there.
Wherever “there” might be, for you.
Meg is the creator of Novelty Revisions, dedicated to helping writers put their ideas into words. She is a staff writer with The Cheat Sheet, a freelance editor and writer, and a nine-time NaNoWriMo winner. Follow Meg on Twitter for tweets about writing, food and nerdy things.
Meg Dowell Writes 
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