How does someone write ten novels, including two international best sellers and three narrative travel books, in only two decades?
Renowned novelist and best-selling author Douglas Kennedy recently shared the secrets of his success with me (listen to our full conversation).
On his writing strategy, Kennedy said, “I have a very stupid and successful mathematical way of working and it makes sense to anyone thinking about writing.”
His goal is to write 500 words a day so that in 47 weeks, he will complete about 500 pages. This probably explains how he was able to finish and sell so many books in such a short time, including “The Woman in the Fifth” and his 2010 novel, “Leaving the World,” which became the number one best-seller in France.
But how does someone — especially someone with two children — find the time and motivation to write daily, for several years, especially in a world that seems to fetishizes youth and promises easy success?
“In the ‘American Idol’ culture … Simon Cowell will pass his blessings on you and you will get a recording contract and suddenly you’re Leona Lewis,” Kennedy said. “But basically most things happen through work. Life is short but literary careers are very, very long.”
Of course, like most people, Kennedy faces distractions while writing — including the black hole of distraction and procrastination masquerading as the Internet. On the other hand, he realizes the importance of new technology in marketing his work.
“I’m not someone who writes my novels with a plume in a former monk’s cell somewhere in a French village. Frankly, whatever it takes to get people reading is fine by me.”
To hear more of Kennedy’s tips for success in writing and life, listen to our full conversation here.