X-Factor - A-Z Challenge - Starting & Sustainng A Writing Career

X represents an unknown or unspecified person or thing. It is also the first unknown quantity in an algebraic expression.  An X-Factor is a variable in a situation that could have the most significant impact on the outcome, or a noteworthy special talent or quality.

When we set out on our writing adventures, some of us have an idea where we want to start and end in terms of the stories we tell and a vision of success. Most of us though, have no idea where our writing will take us, and which book or special ingredient will provide the X-Factor that tips us over into being a well-recognized writer.

After reading tons of information on writing and marketing, what is clear to me is that nobody knows which component will shoot a writer to popularity, be it good marketing machinery, fans who are mad about our stories, or coming to the attention of a kingmaker who can turn a host of eyes on our work.

Apart from the love of writing and our individual vision of success, we are spurred on by the hope that whatever our X-Factor turns out to be, that it will one day move us from obscurity to recognition.

Do you ever wonder what X-Factor will be your source of success? Are you working consistently on the business end of writing to help the process?


There is no secret to success except hard work and getting something indefinable which we call 'the breaks.' In order for a writer to succeed, I suggest three things - read and write - and wait.
                                                        - Countee Cullen

Success comes to a writer, as a rule, so gradually that it is always something of a shock to him to look back and realize the heights to which he has climbed.
                                                      
                                                        - P.G. Wodehouse