Make It As A Writer
If you want to make it as a writer, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s 5 simple and straightforward ways to do this that anyone can do (really! This advice works for both authors and screenwriters). Ready? Then let’s go …
1) Write regularly
The more you write, the better you will become … but this is where lots of advice online deviates from B2W’s. Most sites say that if you want to make it as a writer, you should make it a habit to write every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Whilst this IS a good tactic (‘little and often does the job‘!), it’s not for everyone. Many people have demanding day jobs, family and caring commitments, neurodivergence, chronic conditions or mental health issues that make writing every single day impossible.
So instead, write regularly by making an appointment with yourself. For example, if Saturday is a free day, make it your writing day. Decide how long you’re going to write for … and do it! (It won’t hurt if your kids watch a little too much Netflix every now and again. HONEST!). MORE: 5 Simple Tips For Balancing Kids And Writing
2) Read extensively
Stephen King said, ‘If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.’
I totally agree. It doesn’t even matter WHAT you read: comic books, screenplays, articles, non-fiction, it’s all good.
So, find out what you enjoy reading and do it! Reading widely will expose you to different styles and genres of writing, and help you develop your own writer’s voice.
3) Get feedback
Share your writing with others and ask for feedback. This will help you identify areas that need improvement and give you ideas for how to make your writing stronger.
It will also help you realise what you typically ‘miss’ that others need to understand your story. That will help you identify what are your weaker areas in storytelling craft. MORE: Enrol on B2W’s free course, The Foundations of Writing Craft
4) Find your niche
To make it as a writer, you can’t fake it. Instead, identify what type of writing you are most passionate about. It might be novels or scripts; fiction or non-fiction; plays, poetry, or something else. Focus on honing your skills in that area.
No type, style or genre of writing is worth less than any other. However, if you struggle with these thoughts, then think about what Muhammed Ali said:
“You could be the world’s best garbage man, the world’s best model; it don’t matter what you do if you’re the best.” So be the best in your niche!
5) Build your platform
In today’s digital age, having an online presence is crucial for writers. Build a website or blog to showcase your work, and use social media to connect with other writers and potential readers. There’s no point being the best at what you do if no one can find you, after all! MORE: Top 5 ways To Build Your Writer Platform In 2023
BONUS!
Have a submissions STRATEGY
Most writers make submissions by ‘throwing spaghetti at the wall’. In other words, they randomly make submissions at random times and cross their fingers. Whilst this can work, it’s more by accident than design. It’s also difficult to replicate, since you won’t know what worked before!
To ensure successful submissions, writers need a strategy. This means they need to work out what they want and HOW they’re going to get it … but ALSO: they need to evaluate the responses (or lack of them) to their submissions, too.
So whether you’re querying, entering writing contests, seeking representation or something else, think about …
- HOW you’re going to achieve your goal
- WHEN you want to achieve it by
- HOW you are going to evaluate your progress in the meant-time
Whilst it’s true we can’t control how industry pros react to our writing, we CAN maximise our chances by having a submissions strategy. So stop throwing spaghetti at the wall!
Good Luck!
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