by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

We live in a comfortable society. But that can be dangerous for writers who choose complacency rather than pouring a steady stream of effort into their writing. 

Have you ever met a writer who expected and demanded results from readers, other writers, and those involved in the profession without doing their share of the work? It’s a sad case of entitlement and can occur among writers of all levels. There’s good news for the one who recognizes a too-comfortable attitude can be changed before signs of rigor mortis appear in a writing career.

We want to avoid a collapsed career at all cost!

What are some signs that a writer may be headed toward a shattered professional life?

1. My last book did well. There’s no reason for me to fix what’s not broken. I’ll simply slap on a new title and tweak the current content. In fact, I’ll make a template for this book project and the rest is sure to come.

2. I’m tired of social media. Honestly, interacting with my audience takes time. They can find someone else to answer their questions. Besides, I have no clue if they’re even buying my book. The social media guideline that posting is “not about me” didn’t take into consideration my apparent success.

3. If the publisher wants to edit my work, I’m good with it. It takes too much time for me to edit and re-edit.

4. Attend a writing conference? Are you kidding? If I’m not teaching at a writer’s event, then I’m not going. I already know it all.

5. The last thing I intend to do is help another writer. What a waste of time. And what if I gave away my secrets to success and that writer does better than me?

6. I’m done with healthy eating and exercise stuff. All the hype about not being able to write well when our bodies are out of shape is just a lie. 

7. I’m donating all my writing books. Not needed for someone of my caliber.

8. Meeting deadlines is just for new writers. My publisher knows I deliver an excellent book when I’m good and ready to send it in.

9. Career counseling? Who needs it? I’m set with my brand. Readers will devour my books just because my name is on them.

What is something you’ve seen from writers that show they are no longer interested in growing as a writer?