In this inspiring piece, Clay Stafford explores patience as the hidden foundation of every successful writing career. Through insight, encouragement, and practical advice, he reminds writers that progress happens quietly, through consistent effort and long-term devotion to the craft—one word, one page, one day at a time.
Every writer faces moments of creative block. Writing prompts can help bypass perfectionism, spark new ideas, and remind us that the act of writing—imperfect as it may be—is what truly matters. Prompts help us rediscover curiosity, playfulness, and the joy of simply putting words on the page.
Discipline, not inspiration, is what separates dreamers from writers. By committing to consistent writing—even on uninspired days—you build the mental muscle that transforms fleeting ideas into finished work and creates the foundation for a sustainable writing life.
Every writer needs to know their audience. Writing for “everyone” often means reaching no one, but tailoring your story for a specific readership builds clarity, resonance, and loyalty.
If you’re like me, writing isn’t just about putting words on a page. It’s about writing something with meaning. It’s a promise. Every time you write, you make a silent contract with yourself that your thoughts, stories, and ideas are honest, fair, and worth capturing....
I am humbled to be a Guest of Honor at Bouchercon 2024 this week. So, in honor of all the wonderful authors I am meeting this weekend, I’ll share with you the common questions I’m getting from writers as I appear on panels, walk the halls, and generally interact with...
So, writer, you are your boss. And what is it that a boss might have that an employee who is told what to do every day might not have? Self-discipline. You must put your butt in the chair, as some say—every day. I'm getting asked many questions as we go through Killer...
If you're aspiring to have a career where you write full-time, it's crucial to understand that it's not just about the writing itself. It would be best if you also grasped the business side of it. I aim to equip you with the knowledge to achieve that balance. To be a...
Writers are often told to produce one book per year, but at what cost? Discover why every book should be a breakout book and why quality should never be sacrificed for speed.
Becoming a great writer doesn’t happen overnight. Like any profession, it takes years of dedication, study, and practice. Explore the traditional 25-year path to mastering the craft of writing.