Don Vito Corleone is a central character in Mario Puzo’s classic crime novel The Godfather. At his peak, in the book, Don Corleone ran the most powerful mafia Family in the United States. There some key lessons, which writers can learn from the person, which Don Corleone (or Godfather as he was also known to those who respected him) was. This article looks at 5 such lessons.

1. Be of service of others

A key trait of Don Corleone in Puzo’s master piece was to be of service to others. By helping others, the Don understood the power of reciprocal behaviour and the feeling of being in someone’s debt. If he helped others out, he knew he could always call upon for a favour. A striking example of this is when the Don orders the punishment of two young men who had attacked the daughter of the undertaker called Amerigo Bonasera. The New York mafia chief then requests a service in return through his adopted son Tom Hagen, after the massacre of his eldest son Sonny, in which he wants Bonasera’s assistance in making the murdered body of his son presentable.

As a published author then, you’re in business. All good business people appreciate the power of networking and helping others. By helping a fellow author sell more books through social media, or referring a colleague to an editor you know who is looking for work, these people who you help will want to show their gratitude by assisting you back. The key is to serve first. People who have an attitude of putting themselves forward to help others are well-remembered and liked.

2. Show humility

With all the power, influence and money Don Corleone amassed, he still treated everyone he came across with the same humility. A baker and a senator received the same treatment and courtesy from the Don. By remaining humble both within you and in your interactions with others, you won’t let your success as a writer, and perhaps fame even get to your head. You will take the limelight in your stride and won’t forget the difficult times, the sacrifices and the sleepless nights you had to endure to reach where you have now. And even if you haven’t achieved the success you want yet, by perseverance you will eventually. Persistence and humbleness are a powerful combination.

3. Build a team

Let’s face it. Don Corleone was an ambitious man. He wanted to expand his criminal empire firstly through the city of New York and then in other parts of the country. One man alone could never achieve this. Therefore, he enlisted the help of his friends from when he was younger such as Clemenza and Tessio and made them into leaders known as caporegimes. These capos had men known as soldiers working under them who carried out the bulk of instructed work. There are a lot of parallels between the Corleone Family and an enterprise. What you can learn as a writer from this is to get help. Build your own team. And it doesn’t have to mean hiring staff on payroll either. Perhaps you can’t afford to do so, yet. However, you can still outsource activities to freelancers be it editors, social media marketing consultants or virtual assistants. Let others make life a little easier for you, while you focus on the core of your products – the stories.

4. Have an adviser

In The Godfather, Tom Hagen was Vito Corelone’s consigliere, which is a type of adviser. Don Corleone would seek counsel from his consigliere whenever he wanted advice, opinions and assistance. Although the Don still made the final decisions in matters concerning the Corelone Family, he appreciated being able to talk through ideas with his consigliere. As someone running a business as a published author, seek out a trusted adviser or a coach with whom you can discuss your plans, frustrations, deepest concerns about your business, and share your successes with. If possible, select an experienced author who has been through what you’re going, and now wants to give back by helping others. Such a person can be diamond, helping to motivate you in times of difficulties and reeling you back in if you’re getting too carried away!

5. Don’t forget your loved ones

Even though the Don was ruthless when he needed to be, he was able to balance his duties as leader and head of the Corleone crime Family and the needs of his blood family. He adored his children, grandchildren, godchildren and valued family life. His success through his businesses didn’t mean he forgot those who loved him the most. A good example of this is the efforts the Don makes to bring his youngest son Michael who has been hiding in Sicily, back to America. A lesson here for you as an author is to prioritise your time, and be dedicated to planning in good quality family time into your daily schedule. You want to avoid risking losing your family and friends, as you chase your dream of becoming a New York Times bestselling author.

Image credit: TRF_Mr_Hyde on flickr and reproduced under Creative Commons 2.0
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://writingtipsoasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/hv1.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Hiten Vyas is the Founder and Managing Editor of eBooks India. He is also a prolific eBook writer with over 25 titles to his name.[/author_info] [/author]