Oftentimes, writing resembles playing the lottery. Whether you are attempting to pick the winning numbers for the million dollar draw or selecting the right publisher for your manuscript, both may seem to require a great deal of luck. But is luck something that is completely beyond our control? Not according to Richard Wiseman, author of The Luck Factor. In fact, Wiseman states that we hold the key to creating our own luck in every area of our lives. If this is the case, then let’s take a look at some of his principles and find out how an unlucky writer could be turned into a successful one.

Build and maintain a strong network of luck – Anyone can take a writing class, become a member of a writer’s association, attend a writing conference, join a critique group, or participate in on-line chats. Get out there and keep in touch with your writing peers.

Develop a more relaxed attitude toward life – the more anxious we feel, the less we tend to notice. Don’t let opportunities slip by due to your negative state of mind. Personally, when I need to blow off steam or clear my head, I like to kick a soccer ball in the air and see how long I can keep it up there before it touches the ground. I also like to work on jigsaw puzzles, knead bread dough or blow bubbles. Whatever activity you choose, relax and have fun. But keep a notebook and pencil close by, just in case.

Be open to new experiences – As the saying goes, if you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’ll keep getting what you’ve always got. Why not try a new writing genre, practice doing school presentations by volunteering at your child’s school, or learn to set up your own website?

Listen to your gut feelings and hunches - Give your logical side a break once in a while and follow your urges. Recently, my son was watching television while I was in the adjoining room kneading bread dough in an attempt to not feel anxious about some aspects of my writing. Suddenly, and for no apparent reason, I felt myself drawn to the TV set. I reached the screen just in time to see the late Steve Irwin from Crocodile Hunter saying how important it is to be passionate and enthusiastic about what you do. Had I not followed my hunch, I would never have gotten the answer I so much needed to hear at that moment.

Take steps to boost your intuition – If you’re not sure what intuition is and how to go about using it, here are some titles that you might find interesting: Trust Your Vibes by Sonia Choquette, The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra, Practical Intuition by Laura Day

Expect good luck in the future – if you expect to fail, why should an editor feel enthusiastic about your work? By expecting good luck, you will write the best possible piece you are capable of, send it off with a cover letter that conveys all your optimism, and while waiting for a reply, pour yourself heart and soul into a new project.

Attempt to achieve your goals even if your chances of success seem slim and persevere in the face of failure – We’ve all heard of writers who found success after being rejected untold times. Their good luck came from simply not giving up on themselves and on their work. So keep at it!

Look on the positive side of bad luck – What could be worse than an editor who accepts your short story then never contacts you again? When this happened to my Halloween story, I tried to reach the editor through the only contact information I had which was her e-mail address. All my messages were returned unread because the address was not valid anymore. I imagine the publication must have folded. Fortunately, after looking at my dejected story, I came to realize that it would make the perfect opening for the second book of a middle-grade series I am working on. Talk about good luck!

Do not dwell on your ill fortune – forget about all those rejections. Focus on all the good things that could be just around the corner.

Take constructive steps to prevent more bad luck in the future – Study markets, read newsletters, learn from other writers’ mistakes, find an inspiring role model or mentor.

So assume control of your luck. Apply these principles and become the lucky writer you’ve always wanted to be.