I’m sure you’ve lit a fire at one time or another. You struck a match or flicked your lighter and, just like magic, flames appeared. In the old days, it was critical to keep a fire going all day and night. Survival depended on it.

In our ever-changing world, it’s good to know that some things don’t change. Your survival as a writer depends on keeping the flames burning brightly in your soul. There should be fire in your belly for your story, for your career and desire to be published. Here’s why:

• Fire produces the energy to burn your midnight oil. It propels you forward in quest for that otherwise elusive “The End”.

• Fire burns through your fears, inhibitions and objections to going after your dream. It also gives you the guts to try again after rejection.

• Fire lights your way when the night grows dark. You’ll face times of darkness but it cannot dwell where a fire burns. It’s impossible.

You may or may not have a fire burning in your soul at this moment. Only you know that but, if you don’t, you can easily light one. It is possible to kindle the flame by acknowledging and embracing your purpose as an author. And yes, if you’re reading this, published or not, you’re an author.

Perhaps the flame once burned brightly but it was snuffed out by winds of adversity. Stir up the ashes. The embers still glow underneath and with a little stroking by you, the fire will quickly ignite into an inferno again!

The publishing industry is unpredictable but fire isn’t. It has certain properties and is bound by the laws of physics and natural science. It is what it is and will never change. That’s why your success depends so much on you keeping the flame burning.

Smoky the Bear says only YOU can prevent forest fires. True enough but only YOU can keep the fire burning in your soul for your passion of writing. Blow on the embers and fan the flame. Soon, you’ll be too hot to handle!

Success comes to those who wait but it comes more to the one whose flame burns brightest. So, just like in the days of old, keep the flame burning! You and your readers will be glad you did!

What’s the condition of your fire? What do you do to keep the flame burning? Share it here!