Venturing into the world of online writing can often feel like fumbling in the dark, fingers crossed that you’re somehow on target. Had you asked me if I’d ever make money sharing my musings and opinions online, I would have burst into laughter.
Yet, astonishingly, I find myself three years into this digital writing odyssey, earning a respectable income despite the lack of a college degree and my ongoing apprenticeship in the craft. If you’re seeking to transform writing into a profitable side gig or even a flourishing career, as I am, then perhaps my experiences can offer some valuable insights.
Without further ado, allow me to share my top nuggets of wisdom.
“Write or don’t eat”
A bold sticky note clung to my computer screen, daring me with its proclamation: “write or don’t eat.” This daily mantra was a vivid reminder that if I wanted to succeed in the writing world, I needed to treat it like a full-time job.
So, for an entire month, I embarked on a journey of discipline. I awoke at 5 a.m., brewed an invigorating cup of coffee, and fearlessly confronted the blank canvas of a new document. Selecting a headline from my previous night’s brainstorm, I plunged into the depths of creation.
Around 9 or 9:30, I would pause to flex my muscles at the gym, only to return and polish the morning’s masterpiece. Gradually, as I churned out article after article, my earnings began to grow. That month, I crafted 22 captivating pieces—one of which brought in a sweet $1,000.
Here’s a glimpse at the tactics that fueled my success:
- Forge a personal motto that drives you daily—whether it motivates or terrifies you into action.
- Establish a sacred routine, allowing you to write undisturbed for a minimum of 60 minutes. Commit to this practice for 30 days straight, and when it’s over—do it again.
- Resist the temptation to edit as you write. Set aside specific times or days for refining your work, so your creative flow remains unbroken.
A fancy degree isn’t a prerequisite for success in the writing world, but self-education can work wonders in refining your writing style and broadening the range of topics you explore.
In the beginning, my writing resembled a haphazard, overly formal jumble of words. I sought inspiration from my favorite authors, dissecting their style, voice, and subject matter. Some even offered courses, which I contemplated joining with great trepidation. Ultimately, I took the plunge, and I’m grateful I did — their mistakes became my lessons.
Rest assured, you don’t have to splurge on a multitude of courses or pricey online classes. A treasure trove of free resources awaits online, complemented by a select few books, all geared toward honing your craft.
Discover Your Forte
Picture this: an aspiring writer with absolutely no idea what to write about. Sound familiar? Well, take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. In my early days, I scribbled about anything and everything that popped into my head.
It took the wisdom of my writing coaches to convince me to narrow my focus, a concept I initially resisted. But once I realized that dabbling in too many areas would leave me treading water, I embraced the idea of specialization.
To unearth your writing goldmine, ask yourself these questions:
- What topic could I chat about endlessly?
- What constantly occupies my thoughts?
- What genuinely piques my interest?
- What subject do my spouse, best friend, and I frequently discuss?
Analyze your responses, and identify recurring themes. From there, select two or three primary subjects. Then, be bold and commit to one.
I chose relationships and self-improvement, which now form the backbone of my writing portfolio. As you hone your skills in your chosen niche, feel free to explore other subjects that capture your imagination.
Embrace Passion Over Profit
Patience is Key You’ve established a solid writing routine, harnessed online resources to sharpen your voice, and pinpointed your niche. But alas, you’re not swimming in cash. What gives?
Well, here’s the hard truth: forget about the money – at least for now. When you’re starting out, writing is anything but a get-rich-quick scheme. Believe me, I once thought it was too, until my measly two-cent earnings during my first month humbled me.
It took a year of dedicated daily writing for me to earn my first $1,000. And it wasn’t until nearly two years later, after hustling non-stop and diversifying my writing income streams, that I hit the $5,000 mark.
So, here’s my sage advice: let passion drive your writing, especially in the beginning. Maintain a day job or part-time gig for financial security, alleviating the pressure to make a fortune from your writing.
Trust me, your audience will find you if you consistently show up and demonstrate your commitment to the craft. In the long run, passion and perseverance will pay off.
