Writing Fame Isn’t a Cheat Code: The True Writer’s Path to Success
Don’t get distracted by empty promises—real growth is a journey, not a quick win.
📝 911 words. ⏳ Estimated reading time: around 4 minutes.If you’re feeling discouraged about your writing, remember that every great author started somewhere. Even Ernest Hemingway was once a struggling writer (I guess.)
Have you ever seen those flashy posts here promising to make you a famous writer overnight? The ones with big, bold titles like “Unlock the Hidden Secrets to Instant Writing Fame”?
I see them quite frequently, and let me tell you, they are super cringey.
They usually start with a click-bait title designed to grab your attention. Then comes an inspiring personal story about how they went from having nothing to becoming a huge success. All of them promise that if you just follow their exact steps—which, by the way, are mostly common marketing tips—you could be just like them. They even claim to have special knowledge that no one else would share with you, but of course, they’d happily tell you if you sign up for their course.
But listen to me, please:
There are no secret doors or magic tricks that will make you a successful writer overnight.
That’s just a fantasy meant to take your money, as tempting and misleading as a story from a fairy tale.
No Hidden Secrets, Just Hard Work
Yes, there are general best practices. Writing regularly, reading a lot, and learning from others can definitely help you improve.
Further, there are people with experience who can guide you and offer valuable advice. Marketing isn’t some magical thing, but it’s not useless either. It can help you share your work with more people.
But the idea that there’s some closely guarded secret that will skyrocket you to fame? That’s just not true. If someone tells you they have the one thing that will make all your dreams come true, especially if you pay them for it, be skeptical. Very skeptical. Avoid them like the plague.
Why Do We Fall for These Promises?
It’s easy to get caught up in these promises because who doesn’t want to succeed quickly? The idea of a shortcut is appealing. It’s like expecting a treasure map with an ‘X marks the spot’ and zero booby traps—just a smooth stroll to the gold! Has that ever happened to you? Exactly.
But writing isn’t about quick wins. It’s a journey. Sometimes it’s fun, sometimes it's hard, but it’s always worth it if you love to write.
Remember Why You Started Writing
The more time I spend on Substack, the more I see posts about how to get more readers or how to make money from writing. While these can be helpful, I feel they can distract me from the real reason I started writing in the first place.
Did you start writing because you wanted thousands of followers or tons of money? Maybe, but for me (and I guess most of us), it’s because we have stories to tell, ideas to share, or feelings we want to express. Writing is a way to connect—with ourselves and with others.
Don’t lose sight of that. It’s okay to want to grow and reach more people, but don’t let that be the only thing that drives you.
There’s No Substitute for Doing the Work
Becoming a good writer takes time and practice. It’s about sitting down and putting words on the page, even when it’s hard. It’s about writing and learning and sometimes failing, then trying again.
There are no shortcuts. No secret formulas. Just you and your commitment to keep going.
Keep Going. You’re Doing Great
So, the next time you see someone promising instant success if you just follow their special program, remember this: You don’t need a magic key because there isn’t one. What you need is already inside you.
Believe in your ability to grow and improve one day at a time. Trust that your unique voice matters. Keep writing because you love it, not because someone else promises you quick fame.
And when things get tough or you feel discouraged, remember why you started. Let that passion keep you moving forward.
You’re doing great. Keep going.
No Performance Anxiety Needed
Don’t worry about being perfect or meeting some external standard of success. Write because it’s what you enjoy. Share your stories because the world needs your voice.
Forget about the number of subscribers or the amount of money you could make. Those things might come with time, or they might not. But that’s okay.
What matters is that you’re expressing yourself and doing something you love. That’s a success in itself. Plus, in most cases, the happier you are with yourself, the easier it is to find satisfaction in your work.
Before We Say Goodbye
In a world full of quick fixes and instant gratification, it’s important to remember that some things take time. Writing is one of those things. Embrace the journey. Celebrate the small victories, like finishing a story or finding the right words to express how you feel.
Just keep writing, keep learning, and keep believing in yourself.
You’ve got this.
—Simon
P.S. I just want to clarify that I have a liberal approach to writing (and to life in general), and there’s no offense intended towards anyone in what I’ve shared here. Everyone is free to follow their own path (scams excluded, of course!). This post is simply my way of trying to help others avoid the same mistakes I made along the way. We're all in this together, learning and growing. 😊
Hey there! I’m Simon, a business owner who’s totally passionate about writing (and one day, I hope to marry the two!).
I recently read this really interesting blog by
about how sometimes doing nothing can actually help our writing. It talks about taking breaks when we're feeling stuck and how stepping away can spark new ideas.I found it super helpful and thought you might enjoy it too. Check it out when you have a moment!
I’d love to hear what you think about this article! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below so we can discuss them.
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Glad you enjoyed my article - thanks for sharing! 🖤