A lot of people say they are willing to work hard. A lot of people say they want to write and publish a book--for them that equates to success. A lot of people say they will work hard to write and publish a book.

How hard are you really willing to work to succeed as a writer? How many hours will you work? What will you sacrifice?

I've been working really hard to get a lot of things in place so that when my agent submits my next proposal, publishers will notice. I've been working really hard on this for several months. Prior to this, I've spent quite a number of years building my platform. In one area of my work, I've been building platform for over eight years.

For about two months I've been going to bed between 1:30 and 3 in the morning in an effort to complete everything I felt I needed to get done for my new book proposal and for my normal life and work.

I've sacrificed sleep, exercise, and other things...not totally but in some cases. I've worked hard, I think.

Could I work harder? Yes. I could spend less time on the Internet. I could be more organized. I could stop fiddling with my blog themes...I could write more.

How hard are you working? How willing are you to work hard to meet your writing goals? How hard are you willing to work to succeed as a writer?  Maybe it's time to evaluate. Maybe it's time to gear up.

I know I'll be able to work a bit less hard soon. I'll be able to catch up on my sleep. My proposal is just about done...I'll rest, then a new surge of hard(er) work will begin. That's how it goes...in spurts, but I'm always working hard.

[This post was first published in the sister blog to Write Nonfiction in November, Write Nonfiction NOW! Visit my new blog!]