Writing is hard. Getting paid to write is harder. Don’t let anyone fool you, to make a living at putting pen to paper (or is it fingers to keyboard), you need to work at your craft. This means you write every day whether someone pays you for it or not!
Being a professional writer is a full-time gig. This commitment doesn’t mean you are writing eight hours a day, but you’re working to become more productive at your art. Managing your work schedule, making lifestyle improvements, and becoming physically and mentally fit are important disciplines to become the successful writer you’re working toward. Here are somethings I’m working on, and any suggestions from my readers are welcome in the comment section.
Schedule Properly
To be successful, you must develop habits which make you more productive. First, determine when is the best time for you to write effectively. For me, its first thing in the morning. This part of the day is when my mind is fresh and I’m at my creative best. Other writers say they work best at night, when it’s quiet. Whatever the time, schedule it for everyday and be faithful.
Next you need to block time for yourself, and not with PlayStation, Netflix, or at happy hour. It is crucial you make time for your body and your mind. Physical exercise increases brain function and creativity. If you haven’t already, find a workout regimen you like and be religious. Jogging, cycling and walking are great exercises for writers because and it gives us time to reflect and think. When I’m concentrating on a writing project, walking is a good time for me to meditate. It allows my mind to focus clearly and stimulate my imagination.
You should include time for study. Books, online seminars and podcasts are great sources for improvement. Learn all you can about writing, marketing, and publishing. And reading for pleasure will help you as well. I get more ideas for my blogs and online content reading authors like Daniel Silva, Lee Child, and Michael Connelly. Weird I know, when my niche is aesthetic medicine and my favorite novels are political thrillers, but it’s true. And reading good writing helps me write better.
Find a Niche
Writers starting out should pick something familiar to them and write about it. It makes writing less a task and gives you a greater comfort level. My start was a Christian blog which I maintain to this day. I write about Christian issues because they’re familiar to me and I involve myself in them. You might be well versed in weight training, wedding planning, or travel. Start where your interests lie because you find them easier to write about.
My first paid project was about plastic surgery, and I knew nothing about it. However, maintaining my Christian blog had a huge impact on my writing skill. I killed the interview because I was a better researcher and writer the day I auditioned. Since then, I have hundreds of projects under my belt on topics like boob jobs, butt lifts, and vampire facials. Crazy huh! My pastor thinks so too.
Now I feel more comfortable to venture out and take on new projects, but my bread and butter is Aesthetic Medicine.
Build Relationships
Find other writers and artists with good work habits and ambition and get to know them. Having relationships with published authors or successful copywriters will give you great insight on how to turn your goals into reality. I’m not there yet, but I know certain individuals who are more than happy to share their struggles and successes with me, making my path much easier.
Write with Value to Others in Mind
Your audience needs help and you have the platform to do it. Nothing is more important to your career than to help your reader. If you focus your time, talent and creativity to enhance the lives of your audience, it will be a career boost. The power of your pen can change lives. When you bring value to others, whether by books, web content or blog, the gain you achieve will blow your mind.
Will Marler 