Writing Tips from a 10 Million Book Selling Author

I met a guy who’s sold over 10 million books.

I sat with him to learn about writing, story, and the creative process.

Here’s what I learned:

— Nathan Baugh 🗺️ (@nathanbaugh27) March 2, 2023

For context, Mark Sullivan is the author of Beneath A Scarlet Sky and The Last Green Valley (plus 16 other published novels, some with James Patterson).

I had read both books before talking with him and can’t recommend them enough.

Let’s take a look at Mark’s ideas…

— Nathan Baugh 🗺️ (@nathanbaugh27) March 2, 2023

Stop writing when you still know what comes next

An idea from Hemingway to smash writer’s block:

“I learned never to empty the well of my writing, but to stop when there was still something in the deep part of the well, and let it refill at night from the springs that fed it.”

— Nathan Baugh 🗺️ (@nathanbaugh27) March 2, 2023

Finish the project

When writing, never go back to the beginning.

That’s the mark of a beginner.

Mark says an experienced writer finishes, but a neophyte churns.

Finishing one book proves you can do it again.

— Nathan Baugh 🗺️ (@nathanbaugh27) March 2, 2023

Write from a place of joy

Mark equates productivity and deadlines to school, a place he wasn’t too fond of.

Instead, he focuses on writing from joy.

He designs his life to get him sitting at his desk when he’s most excited to write.

That way, his writing has more life.

— Nathan Baugh 🗺️ (@nathanbaugh27) March 2, 2023

Build a routine that works for you

This is how Mark gets to that desk.

He stretches and does some form of exercise each morning.

Then, around 11am, he’s worn out his body and it’s time to put his mind to work.

Very few creatives have the exact same routine.

— Nathan Baugh 🗺️ (@nathanbaugh27) March 2, 2023

Consistency leads to results

His biggest secret to success was not giving up.

He wrote 16 novels before penning his book that sold the most copies (so far).

He credits each of those novels for making him a better writer.

Now, he says, the writing comes much easier.

— Nathan Baugh 🗺️ (@nathanbaugh27) March 2, 2023

Practice, often

It’s easy to read tips (like these!)

But they’re dead useless if you don’t put pen to paper (or face to camera or whatever) and try out the principles yourself.

That’s the best, and fastest, way to learn.

– Study people who have done it
– Try yourself
– Repeat

— Nathan Baugh 🗺️ (@nathanbaugh27) March 2, 2023

Mark works with James Patterson often. Considers him a mentor.

James is a writing legend, having published 200+ books and sold 425M copies.

3 gems from James that stuck with Mark:

— Nathan Baugh 🗺️ (@nathanbaugh27) March 2, 2023

The power of outlines

Even when the words aren’t flowing, you know where your story goes next.

Outlines eliminate much of the guessing game and rewrite process.

— Nathan Baugh 🗺️ (@nathanbaugh27) March 2, 2023

Rest hard

Mark likes to be active. He doesn’t like sitting in a chair.

So, he skis, hikes, and walks a lot.

Says that’s where many of his big ideas come from for his writing.

He also practices meditation and encourages others to find whatever activity puts them at ease.

— Nathan Baugh 🗺️ (@nathanbaugh27) March 2, 2023

Imperfect but trying to be terrific

That’s James motto for life, which has profoundly impacted Mark.

If you’re gonna do something, recognize it won’t be perfect, but do your best to make it terrific.

Do nothing halfway.

— Nathan Baugh 🗺️ (@nathanbaugh27) March 2, 2023

The whole convo was fantastic. Shout out to @andrewhmoses for having me on to co-host the podcast.

You can listen here: https://t.co/89rZBUFmSD

— Nathan Baugh 🗺️ (@nathanbaugh27) March 2, 2023