Trying to be a successful writer can feel like a tug-of-war between ambition and practicality. On one side, there’s the dream of penning a bestseller or creating a legacy that lasts for generations. On the other, there’s the reality of juggling jobs, bills, and the fear of rejection.
So, what is the right path? Should you dream big or dream sensibly?
What Are Writing Dreams, Anyway?
Your writing dream isn’t just about being the next Shakespeare. That’s just the beginning. At its heart, a writing dream is about believing in your ability to tell stories that matter.
Maybe you want to write a novel, start a blog, or share your experiences through articles. The medium and mode don’t matter. This is you trying to manifest what you think the essence of a writer is.
The Big But
Think of your dream as fuel—it’s what inspires you and keeps your passion alive. But fuel alone won’t power a car. You need an engine to move forward—in this case, practicality.
The reality is that life doesn’t pause for your creative pursuits. Bills still need to be paid. Relationships need nurturing. The real world will always demand attention.
And then there’s the craft itself. Writing can be grueling. Sometimes the words don’t flow. Sometimes what you write won’t feel rewarding. Worse, you’ll face rejection—over and over again.
But that doesn’t mean you stop. It means you adapt. You’ll have to balance being a dreamer and a realist.
Practical Tips
Dreams can be grand but still achievable. Here are some steps to guide you:
Set SMART goals.
Break your dream into smaller, actionable steps. Instead of saying, “I want to be a bestselling author,” aim for something tangible:
- “I’ll write 500 words a day.”
- “I’ll finish my first draft by [specific date].”
Specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals help you stay focused and track progress.
Develop a routine.
Consistency matters more than waiting for inspiration. Even 15 minutes a day adds up to a lot of time. Create a writing schedule that fits your life.
Invest in learning.
Read books on writing, attend workshops, or mimic your favorite writers. For example:
- On Writing (King), Steering the Craft (Le Guin), and On Writing Well (Zinsser) are all books about the craft written by successful writers.
- Online platforms like Coursera offer courses on different aspects of writing.
Learning new techniques will sharpen your skills and boost your confidence. You’ll eventually process these into your unique writing style and voice.
Explore different paths.
Who says an aspiring novelist can only write novels? That would be boring. Explore the different ways you can become a writer.
Write blogs, create website content, write for newspapers, or do freelance work. Each type of writing requires different skills and perspectives. Varied experiences give you a better understanding of the craft.
Join a community.
Writing can feel lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. Join a local writers’ group or connect with others online. Sharing your work and receiving constructive feedback can accelerate your growth.
Use technology.
Writers discarded the quill when the pen was invented. It’s less messy, easier to use, and more practical to store.
In the same way, modern writers shouldn’t shy away from using modern technology. Writing software, grammar checkers, and management apps can help your creative process. Even AI, though it comes with valid concerns, has the potential.
But don’t be overly reliant on them. Technology should be a tool to enhance your creativity, not replace it.
Have a backup plan.
In a perfect world, you’d have time to pursue your dreams without worrying about anything else. That’s another dream, right there.
There’s no shame in taking other jobs while pursuing your writing dreams. Financial stability can give you the freedom to write without pressure.
Celebrate small wins.
Every milestone, no matter how small, deserves celebration. Finished your first draft? Celebrate. Published your first article? Take a moment to appreciate it. These small victories motivate you and show tangible progress toward your bigger dream.
Embrace the emotional side of the craft.
Writing isn’t just a physical or mental task—it’s deeply emotional. Self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and rejection can feel overwhelming. Even the most celebrated writers faced countless obstacles before finding success.
Take breaks, seek mentorship, or do journaling. Remember, failure is not the end. Every rejection letter or poorly received piece is an opportunity to learn and grow.
So, Should Your Writing Dreams Be Sensible or Realistic?
It’s not an either-or situation. Dreaming big and acting realistically can—and should—go hand in hand. The key is to take actionable steps, balance ambition with reality, and stay resilient.
Dreams alone won’t get you there, and too much caution can stifle your creativity. Find a middle ground.
Success isn’t the same for everyone. Some writers achieve fame; others find fulfillment in completing a piece they’re proud of. Its meaning might even change for you as you grow as a writer.
Every talented writer started exactly where you are right now—with a blank page and a dream. Worrying about the future without putting in the work will get you nowhere.
What are you doing to achieve your writing dreams? Share your thoughts below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- What Is a Writing Plan? 5 Tips on How You Can Establish Your Own
- How to Start Writing: 10 Tips to Help You Seize the Day
- Why Is Writing So Hard? 7 Common Obstacles (and What to Do About Them)
- How to Journal: 8 Tips for Getting the Most from Your Writing Time
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
