This week, I am privileged to have the multi-award winning author Lena Nelson Dooley. Lena had sold over 800,000 of her books, spoken to groups in six states, and co-hosts a blogtalk radio show. She and her husband live in Texas, have four grandchildren and two great grandsons. She is reprising an article she wrote two years ago that is still important to all writers today.
An Author Needs a Teachable Spirit
A teachable spirit is a major key to success in all areas of your life–family, work, any kind of relationship. You obtain wisdom when you become teachable. Giftedness is a dime a dozen, teachableness (Writers like to create their own words sometimes.) is a great treasure.
All through the book of Proverbs, we are admonished to learn. We can’t do that if we don’t have a teachable spirit. Pride, independence or rebellion, and insecurity lead to an unteachable spirit.
When we have a teachable spirit, we graciously accept correction. We seek wise counsel. We submit to authority and stay accountable. How does this apply to our writing lives?
Seeking wise counsel from the right people will help us grow in our craft. Critique partners can be a major asset as we grow. Use critique partners who understand the call of God on your life. They need to be honest in their assessment of what you wrote. Not someone who will flatter and not someone who will tear you down. Always filter what you’re told through the Lord. Just because you listen to the partner doesn’t mean you must accept every single thing they say. That person might not understand what you’re trying to say or might not recognize your voice or the voice of your character. You need balance. But always be open to learning from every critique partner God brings into your life.
Others who will be wise counselors in your life are editors. Those you’re trying to sell to as well as those who have bought your book.
Two things you need to understand about editors are: It is an editor’s job to make books better.
And without authors, editors wouldn’t have a job. You should form a mutually beneficial working partnership. When that has happened in my life, my books have been better for the cooperation.
The key to your success as a writer is having a teachable spirit–but keep everything in perspective, in balance, and in Jesus.
Copyright 2012 – Lena Nelson Dooley
Visit Lena’s web site at: www.lenanelsondooley.com
Catherine’s Pursuit, Carolyn Readers Choice Award, CAN Golden Scroll Award Third Place Winner, Will Rogers Medallion Award Finalist
Now you have said a mouthful…to be teachable, we have to listen with discernment. Thank you so much for sharing this bit of knowledge. I just added another author on my stack….thanks augie
Augie, thanks for stopping by. I’m glad I could share a bit of the lessons I’ve learned with you. Hope you like my books.
Excellent thoughts and ideas, Lena, and so much truth in what you wrote. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
Thank you, Marja, for stopping by. That was a hard lesson to learn.
Great interview Lena!! We can all be teachers in some way!
Hi, Shelia. That is so true. Thanks for stopping by.
Always a pleasure to have you, Lena. And what a bargain for the readers of my blog. Thank you for sharing with us.
jim
Thank you, James, for inviting me to visit the blog.