by Edie Melson, @EdieMelson

As writers, we’re warned early on to avoid the trap of comparison. Each of us has a different path to success—and a different path to publication. These varying ways of living life as a writer aren’t good and bad or even better and best—they’re just different.

Today I want to encourage you to do just the opposite.

While we shouldn’t judge our value as writers by looking at one another. There are some comparisons that can make a difference between fulfilling our dreams or losing heart and quitting when success is just around the corner. These are some key differences between successful and unsuccessful writers.

The Differences Between Successful & Unsuccessful Writers

1. Goals vs. Wishes

A successful writer sets goals.

An unsuccessful writer makes wishes.

2. Striving vs. Complacency

A successful writer finds others who are further along on the writing journey and strives to catch up.

An unsuccessful writer finds others who are further behind on the writing journey and relishes being ahead.

3. Taking Responsibility vs. Whining

A successful writer takes responsibility for making the dream happen.

An unsuccessful writer whines about all the reasons the dream will never happen.

4. Acting vs. Talking

A successful writer invests time, energy and money in learning how to write better.

An unsuccessful writer talks about writing better.

5. Belief vs. Unbelief

A successful writer believes in her dream.

An unsuccessful writer believes it will never happen to her.

6. Positive Companions vs. Negative Companions

A successful writer surrounds himself with others who are willing to pay the price for success.

An unsuccessful writer hangs out with others who make excuses for not attaining their dreams.

7. Talks About Ideas vs. Talks About People

A successful writer talks about ideas.

An unsuccessful writer talks about other writers.

8. Takes Responsibility vs. Places Blame

A successful writer takes responsibilities for failures.

An unsuccessful writer looks for others to blame for failure.

9. Rejoices in the Success of Others vs. Rejoices in the Failure of Others

A successful writer takes joy in the success of others.

An unsuccessful writer takes joy in the failure of others.

10. Embraces Change vs. Avoids Change

A successful writer looks for ways to embrace change.

An unsuccessful writer looks for ways to avoid change.

11. Afraid of Mistakes vs. Afraid of Trying

A successful writer isn’t afraid to try something difficult and make mistakes.

An unsuccessful writer believes that not making a mistake is better than ever trying at all.

And ultimately… 

12. Keeps Trying vs. Gives Up

A successful writer never gives up.

An unsuccessful writer quits when things get tough.

This is my list. What would you add?

Maiden of Iron by Edie Melson

 Edie Melson—author, blogger, speaker—has a passion to help those who are struggling find the God-given strength they need to triumph through difficult circumstances. She’s written numerous books, including her most recent, fiction, Alone, and nonfiction, While My Child is Away. Her popular blog, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each month and is a Writer’s Digest Top 101 Websites for Writers.In addition you can find her sharing articles on the military family blog at Guideposts.org. She’s also the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and the Vice President of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, as well as the Social Media Director for Southern Writers Magazine, Social Media Mentor at My Book Therapy, and the Senior Editor for NovelRocket.com.