Navigating the Writing Labyrinth
Being a writer often feels like wandering through a labyrinth. Every path offers possibilities, but not every path leads to success or fulfillment. I know; I’ve been there. Writers who contact me sometimes feel overwhelmed and paralyzed by the complexity of career decisions—unsure where to turn next, how to move forward, or even whether they're on the right path. As I tell them, the key to overcoming this paralysis and achieving success is having a clear direction and an actionable plan.
Writing isn’t just a job; it should be a calling. If you don’t love what you do, it will reflect in your work and your career trajectory. Work should be a fulfilling part of life, not something that feels like an interruption. Many writers struggle because they see their writing separate from their personal lives, treating it as an obligation rather than a passion. The reality is that writing should energize you and align with your core values. If you are consistently unhappy with your writing, ask yourself whether you’re writing for the right reasons. Are you writing because it brings you joy, because you think you should, or because it's something you’ve told your friends and family you are doing, or is it something you’ve been doing for years but find frustrating? If it’s the latter, it might be time to reassess your goals and explore genres, formats, or subjects that genuinely excite you. Or maybe it is time to quit. Be honest with yourself. Whatever the answer, it is more important that you enjoy life than to keep repeating something you find frustrating and makes you unhappy.
A writer’s career isn’t a solo journey; it’s a team effort. Having a team takes the ambiguity out of direction. It eliminates the labyrinth. And you must love your team. Whether you’re working with editors, agents, or publishers, you must understand that it’s not a matter of us vs. them. Or it should never feel that way. If you ever feel like your publisher or agent is your adversary, you may be working with the wrong people—or you may need to adjust your mindset. Careers are made of partnerships. As I advise anyone who attends Killer Nashville, collaborative relationships are essential to long-term success. In fact, Killer Nashville is based on relationships. And don’t burn bridges. Ever. If you’re unhappy with the people you’re working with, take the time to have an open conversation with them before making any rash decisions. Successful writers foster relationships; they don’t blow things up. But if you end a professional relationship, assess what worked, what didn’t, and what you need from future partnerships to align with your long-term goals. Otherwise, as my grandmother used to say here in the South, you jump from the fire into the frying pan.
To avoid the labyrinth, you need a map. Without a clear career map, you may wander aimlessly through your writing journey. Having no plan is frustrating—it turns your career into a maze rather than a clear path. Writing is a business as much as a creative pursuit, and like any business, it requires a strategy. You must map out where you want to be in five or ten years. Do you want to publish books consistently? Break into screenwriting? Lead workshops or write a memoir? Visualize these long-term goals and break them down into achievable steps. Write them down so you can see them daily. A haphazard career is not only unsatisfying but also inefficient. You can’t blame others if you aren’t progressing; ultimately, your success depends on your effort, planning, and perseverance. Ultimately, the responsibility for getting out of the labyrinth falls on you.
Others’ first impressions of you count when launching a writing career or pivoting into a new writing area. Whether you’re sending out query letters to agents, networking with editors, or self-publishing a debut novel, it’s irreparable that you put your best foot forward. Doing so can keep you out of the labyrinth. Too often, writers rush through the steps to quickly get their work out into the world. But first impressions can shape your entire trajectory. Take the time to refine your work, develop your brand, and ensure you’re presenting yourself in a way that reflects your long-term goals. Always maximize your potential by doing things that move you forward, not in a circle.
Expecting overnight success is one of the most common pitfalls I hear from writers who email me. Few careers start at the top, and writing is no exception. Every writer’s journey involves climbing, building experience, and learning the craft. If you plan and prepare, you will eventually ascend to higher ground. You’ll avoid the labyrinth trap. Just remember: the climb is part of the process, and each step forward builds the foundation for long-term success.
Ultimately, a successful writing career is about being proactive, not reactive. You must take control of your journey, make intentional choices, and constantly evaluate whether your actions align with your long-term goals. The career map you create will keep you from getting lost in the labyrinth and help you navigate the twists and turns with confidence and clarity. Most importantly, remember that you are responsible for your career's direction—no one else can make it happen for you, but it must have direction. Don’t be like my Doberman, running in a circle chasing her nub. Stay focused, be patient, and trust the process. We all started from zero. There’s no shame in that. What is shameful is continuing to do things that take you around in a circle like you’re lost in the woods. Find your true North and follow it.
