Comments on: The Five Traits of a Successful Writer http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/2009/05/10/the-five-traits-of-a-successful-writer/ ascension through music Wed, 23 Dec 2009 07:02:21 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Heather http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/2009/05/10/the-five-traits-of-a-successful-writer/#comment-1362 Heather Tue, 28 Jul 2009 05:51:20 +0000 http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/?p=2504#comment-1362 Very insightful, It's a good model of what to strive for. Very insightful, It’s a good model of what to strive for.

]]> By: Joe http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/2009/05/10/the-five-traits-of-a-successful-writer/#comment-1238 Joe Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:48:02 +0000 http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/?p=2504#comment-1238 You forgot several of the most important tools for writing mastery: a goodly supply of wine, a regular toke on a joint, and frequent commingling with fat-bottomed women. Utilization of these indispensable tools will engender a mastery of the above-mentioned five traits without a lifetime's devotion to slogging through termite-infested volumes of Kierkegaard, Kant, and Freud. By the way, Mysticle, your photo inspires as does the directness of your words. If you are in the Los Angeles area I would enjoy exploring philosophy, psychology, language mastery, and, of course, poetry in a more intimate setting, perhaps over a glass of wine. You forgot several of the most important tools for writing mastery: a goodly supply of wine, a regular toke on a joint, and frequent commingling with fat-bottomed women. Utilization of these indispensable tools will engender a mastery of the above-mentioned five traits without a lifetime’s devotion to slogging through termite-infested volumes of Kierkegaard, Kant, and Freud.

By the way, Mysticle, your photo inspires as does the directness of your words. If you are in the Los Angeles area I would enjoy exploring philosophy, psychology, language mastery, and, of course, poetry in a more intimate setting, perhaps over a glass of wine.

]]> By: Mysticle http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/2009/05/10/the-five-traits-of-a-successful-writer/#comment-1116 Mysticle Thu, 21 May 2009 02:45:41 +0000 http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/?p=2504#comment-1116 Very nice summary. Very nice summary.

]]> By: Cindy http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/2009/05/10/the-five-traits-of-a-successful-writer/#comment-1104 Cindy Wed, 20 May 2009 07:31:48 +0000 http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/?p=2504#comment-1104 Nice! Nice!

]]> By: Bruce http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/2009/05/10/the-five-traits-of-a-successful-writer/#comment-1057 Bruce Sat, 16 May 2009 14:44:42 +0000 http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/?p=2504#comment-1057 If an erstwhile writer had to wait to acquire the 5 traits you speak of before beginning, very few would ever begin. Language mastery is a lifelong endeavor that ends only with your epitaph engraved on your gravestone. Mastery of psychology is also a lifelong pursuit honed only by observing and paying attention to people around you from every walk of life. Movies help the writer vicariously with character development but result in exaggerated stereotypical characters and unrealistic situations aka pulp fiction. Lots of great story lines (dilemmas of choice etc) can be found in Scriptures from every culture. Mastering narrative is I agree a matter of reading Jane Austen and other literary classics. Mastery of philosophy should be changed to Mastery of the moment - primarily because philosophical outlooks on life change at each chronological stage of life. A partier and risk-taker in his twenties may learn through his good or bad experiences begin a way of life in his thirties that makes him look at his life very differently. Change is a variable constant and keeps our lives interesting and worth writing about. So chase the opportunities to write, never stop writing and write with passion. If an erstwhile writer had to wait to acquire the 5 traits you speak of before beginning, very few would ever begin. Language mastery is a lifelong endeavor that ends only with your epitaph engraved on your gravestone. Mastery of psychology is also a lifelong pursuit honed only by observing and paying attention to people around you from every walk of life. Movies help the writer vicariously with character development but result in exaggerated stereotypical characters and unrealistic situations aka pulp fiction. Lots of great story lines (dilemmas of choice etc) can be found in Scriptures from every culture. Mastering narrative is I agree a matter of reading Jane Austen and other literary classics. Mastery of philosophy should be changed to Mastery of the moment – primarily because philosophical outlooks on life change at each chronological stage of life. A partier and risk-taker in his twenties may learn through his good or bad experiences begin a way of life in his thirties that makes him look at his life very differently. Change is a variable constant and keeps our lives interesting and worth writing about. So chase the opportunities to write, never stop writing and write with passion.

]]> By: Top Posts « WordPress.com http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/2009/05/10/the-five-traits-of-a-successful-writer/#comment-1048 Top Posts « WordPress.com Sat, 16 May 2009 00:24:20 +0000 http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/?p=2504#comment-1048 [...] The Five Traits of a Successful Writer writing is much more than stringing together sentences of words. This is maybe what it looks like, but there is Magic [...] [...] [...] The Five Traits of a Successful Writer writing is much more than stringing together sentences of words. This is maybe what it looks like, but there is Magic [...] [...]

]]> By: downcharlestonblvd http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/2009/05/10/the-five-traits-of-a-successful-writer/#comment-1036 downcharlestonblvd Fri, 15 May 2009 00:37:00 +0000 http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/?p=2504#comment-1036 Organized well, and written well. Thank you for sharing this. good job. Organized well, and written well. Thank you for sharing this. good job.

]]> By: Molly http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/2009/05/10/the-five-traits-of-a-successful-writer/#comment-1034 Molly Thu, 14 May 2009 19:34:07 +0000 http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/?p=2504#comment-1034 Hey, great article on writing. Fabulous, really. Love the new website. Hey, great article on writing. Fabulous, really. Love the new website.

]]> By: roentarre http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/2009/05/10/the-five-traits-of-a-successful-writer/#comment-1031 roentarre Thu, 14 May 2009 08:11:47 +0000 http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/?p=2504#comment-1031 Very creative serie in deed. I like the last 2 shots the best Very creative serie in deed.

I like the last 2 shots the best

]]> By: Rinari http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/2009/05/10/the-five-traits-of-a-successful-writer/#comment-1028 Rinari Wed, 13 May 2009 13:42:22 +0000 http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/?p=2504#comment-1028 Sheltered in shadow of flickering flame, my muse awaits our dancing game. Clear the clutter, set the scene, lay the fire, dull the sheen of modern life, crisp and clean. Sheltered in shadow of flickering flame, my muse awaits our dancing game. Make a start, spread your wings, stretch your mind, consider things that challenge thought or pull heart strings. Follow fancy's fickle flight along the lonely trails of night until you find your guiding light that leads you to the final site of inspiration shining bright. Bite the bullet, grasp the horn, fight the fast approaching dawn for now your masterpiece is born. Sheltered in shadow of flickering flame, my muse awaits our dancing game. 25th March 2009 Narinder Grewal Sheltered in shadow of flickering flame,
my muse awaits our dancing game.

Clear the clutter, set the scene,
lay the fire, dull the sheen
of modern life, crisp and clean.

Sheltered in shadow of flickering flame,
my muse awaits our dancing game.

Make a start, spread your wings,
stretch your mind, consider things
that challenge thought or pull heart strings.

Follow fancy’s fickle flight
along the lonely trails of night
until you find your guiding light
that leads you to the final site
of inspiration shining bright.

Bite the bullet, grasp the horn,
fight the fast approaching dawn
for now your masterpiece is born.

Sheltered in shadow of flickering flame,
my muse awaits our dancing game.

25th March 2009
Narinder Grewal

]]> By: Language hack http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/2009/05/10/the-five-traits-of-a-successful-writer/#comment-1024 Language hack Wed, 13 May 2009 05:37:59 +0000 http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/?p=2504#comment-1024 Like everyone says it's important to read every day. But the main point here is that one should also be reading to expand one's mind to increase knowledge of topics like philosophy and psychology and why not add science to that list? Like everyone says it’s important to read every day. But the main point here is that one should also be reading to expand one’s mind to increase knowledge of topics like philosophy and psychology and why not add science to that list?

]]> By: Miruh http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/2009/05/10/the-five-traits-of-a-successful-writer/#comment-1023 Miruh Wed, 13 May 2009 05:01:52 +0000 http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/?p=2504#comment-1023 I agree, reading poetry is essential to develop writing skills, no matter what writing style we focus on. The art of poetry develops our imagination with its imagery and metaphors that express the writer's thoughts and feelings. Very well written; had a beginning, a middle and an end.:D I agree, reading poetry is essential to develop writing skills, no matter what writing style we focus on. The art of poetry develops our imagination with its imagery and metaphors that express the writer’s thoughts and feelings.

Very well written; had a beginning, a middle and an end.:D

]]> By: Shade Law http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/2009/05/10/the-five-traits-of-a-successful-writer/#comment-1007 Shade Law Mon, 11 May 2009 21:35:46 +0000 http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/?p=2504#comment-1007 This is a well thought out piece Love. I enjoyed it very much! This is a well thought out piece Love. I enjoyed it very much!

]]> By: banana_the_poet http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/2009/05/10/the-five-traits-of-a-successful-writer/#comment-1004 banana_the_poet Mon, 11 May 2009 19:04:03 +0000 http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/?p=2504#comment-1004 Have to agree with Jon Klement if success is measured in money - I am currently a contender for the biggest failed writer of all time. But I shall choose to define success as producing written work that pleases and entertains people I have never met, every single day. Money - who needs the stuff anyway? . . . . . . . . OK me ;) **sigh** Have to agree with Jon Klement if success is measured in money – I am currently a contender for the biggest failed writer of all time.

But I shall choose to define success as producing written work that pleases and entertains people I have never met, every single day.

Money – who needs the stuff anyway?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
OK me ;) **sigh**

]]> By: Jon Klement http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/2009/05/10/the-five-traits-of-a-successful-writer/#comment-1001 Jon Klement Mon, 11 May 2009 18:33:36 +0000 http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/?p=2504#comment-1001 These are fine points, one and all. However, as ruthless as it may make me seem, I would say that writers can have all these qualities and still not be "successful" if you define success as being able to pay your bills from your writing. My personal definition of being successful as a writer involves making a financial living at it. (Which, I must confess, in order ot be honest, I am approaching, but have not by any means yet achieved myself.) These are fine points, one and all.

However, as ruthless as it may make me seem, I would say that writers can have all these qualities and still not be “successful” if you define success as being able to pay your bills from your writing.

My personal definition of being successful as a writer involves making a financial living at it. (Which, I must confess, in order ot be honest, I am approaching, but have not by any means yet achieved myself.)

]]> By: mommymystic http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/2009/05/10/the-five-traits-of-a-successful-writer/#comment-999 mommymystic Mon, 11 May 2009 17:52:03 +0000 http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/?p=2504#comment-999 excellent, would that I possessed even semi-mastery of half of these **sigh** excellent, would that I possessed even semi-mastery of half of these **sigh**

]]> By: Zuzanna M http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/2009/05/10/the-five-traits-of-a-successful-writer/#comment-989 Zuzanna M Sun, 10 May 2009 16:45:53 +0000 http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/?p=2504#comment-989 The Power of Words Words, words, words So many to choose from Makes you wonder how The imaginations flow. Philosophy, Language, History, Geography, Empires and more Ancient Mayas, Romans, Greek, Egyptians, just mention a few. The books I cherish a lot A price possession for all Over the ages till now… Those to empower our minds! May 10 - 2009 By ZuzannaM The Power of Words

Words, words, words
So many to choose from
Makes you wonder how
The imaginations flow.

Philosophy, Language, History,
Geography, Empires and more
Ancient Mayas, Romans, Greek,
Egyptians, just mention a few.

The books I cherish a lot
A price possession for all
Over the ages till now…
Those to empower our minds!

May 10 – 2009
By ZuzannaM

]]> By: Michael K. Willis http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/2009/05/10/the-five-traits-of-a-successful-writer/#comment-988 Michael K. Willis Sun, 10 May 2009 15:09:19 +0000 http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/?p=2504#comment-988 Very nice...a rich and evocative piece. My favorite English teacher (in the bygone days when I was a young whippersnapper) used to mentor and encourage me with words much like these. Thanks for bringing that dear lady back to mind on this quiet Sunday morning. Very nice…a rich and evocative piece. My favorite English teacher (in the bygone days when I was a young whippersnapper) used to mentor and encourage me with words much like these. Thanks for bringing that dear lady back to mind on this quiet Sunday morning.

]]> By: Linda Stamberger http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/2009/05/10/the-five-traits-of-a-successful-writer/#comment-982 Linda Stamberger Sun, 10 May 2009 08:09:35 +0000 http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/?p=2504#comment-982 Enjoyed this, very true. Never give up. Enjoyed this, very true. Never give up.

]]> By: darkened jade http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/2009/05/10/the-five-traits-of-a-successful-writer/#comment-981 darkened jade Sun, 10 May 2009 08:02:54 +0000 http://100musicalfootsteps.wordpress.com/?p=2504#comment-981 Really fascinating read and I agree with all of these traits. One of the pieces of advice I give my students is that in order to write, one has to read widely and experience a wide range of ideas and views. I have always beleived that without this broader knowledge stories and characters can quickly become flat and uninspired. Thanks for an excellent post and a great read. Really fascinating read and I agree with all of these traits. One of the pieces of advice I give my students is that in order to write, one has to read widely and experience a wide range of ideas and views. I have always beleived that without this broader knowledge stories and characters can quickly become flat and uninspired. Thanks for an excellent post and a great read.

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