How do you picture success as a writer? To many it’s a familiar portrait; the publishing deal, the movie on the big screen, the syndicated series, the talk show appearance, the number one best-seller… the red carpet appearance.

Whether you’re already writing an acceptance speech, or simply dreaming of seeing your work produced or published, new writers rarely consider the realities of achieving success.

What would you sacrifice to achieve your goals?

No matter your chosen medium, remember this: it will take you ten years to master your art. Ten years of unforgiving, relentless and thankless work, dawn until dusk.

That’s ten years of turning off your phone during work hours. Ten years of ignoring social media. Neglecting friendships and relationships. A decade of headaches as you sweat your heart and soul onto the keyboard. Endless hours in the library, toiling as you research worlds old and new in search of mastery of your craft.

Ten years of rejection.

Writing is more than time and talent. It requires dedication of heart and a singularity of purpose. But more than this, it requires sacrifice.