If you are thinking of pursuing a career in writing, you have to think long and hard because this path is usually challenging and potentially unrewarding. It means that writing is not the profession of the faint hearted and unless you are truly passionate and can commit the time and effort required to become successful, then you better try something else.
Nonetheless, if you have weighed all the pros and cons and you know deep in your heart that writing is the road you want to travel, here are some helpful tips that will help you get started on your journey:
Write and write some more
It may sound simple, but most writer wannabes only write when they are asked to or when inspiration strikes, which should not be the case. If you want to improve and develop your writing skills, you should write until writing is almost second nature to you.
Keep in mind that while it would be ideal to be able to write pieces you are interested in, it is highly doubtful that you will get the chance, especially if you are just building your portfolio and making your name known. The only way to survive this phase is to train yourself to write regardless of your mood. Be a writer on auto-pilot, so you can produce pieces whenever necessary.
Hone your craft by sending pieces to magazines, websites, and other publications
Do your best to get published by writing for magazines, websites, and other channels. By doing so, you will learn what it entails to become a writer. This process will teach you how to manage your time wisely so you can meet deadlines. It is also a good training ground to sharpen your social skills as you would learn how to work and deal with an editor.
Going through this process will also help you test the waters. If you have forwarded your best work several times but editors are not even interested in discussing what needs to be improved, let alone publish your work, you should go back to the drawing board to see what else you can do.
Apart from all the skills mentioned above, trying to write “for real” will teach you valuable life skills such as humility, endurance, and patience. Skills that will help you stay grounded and ready for whatever challenges and adversities that might come your way as you pursue your writing career.
Keep on moving forward, even if you are only taking tiny steps
Your immediate goal should be to get your name in print or at least be recognised for writing something worth reading and sharing. Aside from writing for magazines and websites, you should also start your own blog.
Blogging will not only help you practice writing, but it can also serve as an opportunity for you to share your best writing pieces for the entire world to see. Keep in mind that you have total control of your blog so you can write about things you love and are most passionate about. Share it on different social media platforms and see how the reading public will respond.
If you take your blogs seriously and receive a wide following, publishers may even contact you directly so you can work for them. Keep in mind that many modern writers nowadays are former bloggers without formal education and training in writing but just love to write.
Find various opportunities to write and build your portfolio
Stop watching movies about famous writers or reading about them and write and live like a writer instead. Search for avenues to write. It does not have to be big; you just need to get your name printed. Collect all your published pieces to create your writing portfolio.
Writing may require talent but remember that hard work and dedication often trumps talent. Ultimately, the best way to launch your career as an advanced writer is to do just that – right. Only when you try and put yourself out there can you learn the most critical things about writing that formal education cannot teach you.
Are you considering becoming a writer? What steps have you taken so far to help you on your way?
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