Writers Write
Want to succeed as a writer?
Write something.
Every … single … day.
Even if it’s just 20 minutes a day, you need to keep your writing muscles toned. It’s a great way to ensure you’re always getting better, and it will help reduce the chance of having writer’s block when you sit down to write an assignment.
Rebecca Matter here – with part one of my formula for a profitable freelance writing business. (Remember, this assumes you’ve already chosen the writing path you want to take. If you haven’t made your decision yet, I offered some help in yesterday’s issue.)
Part one – write something every single day – is the easiest of my three-part formula. It’s the one you can start today if you’re not already in the habit.
What should you write?
It can be a blog post, an article, a headline and lead selling a product you use … anything. Ideally, it’s something relevant to your writing business, but it doesn’t have to be. You just need to write something.
“I’ve tried before, but something always ends up breaking the habit.”
That happens to me, too. But I’ve learned how to overcome it …
The key is to choose a measurable goal for writing every day – either a certain amount of time, or a number of words.
For example, you can decide to write for 30 minutes a day … or decide to write 500 words, no matter how long it takes.
I also recommend scheduling your writing time every week. Whether it’s the same time every day or at different times … it doesn’t matter. But mark the time down on your calendar just like you would a meeting with a boss.
You wouldn’t dare fail to show up for a meeting with your boss!
So, give yourself the same consideration and follow through.
And, if something throws you off track (it happens!), get back on track as quickly as possible and reschedule your writing times once again.
Not sure what to write? Here are some ideas …
- Blog post targeting your potential prospects
- Article teaching someone how to do something
- Social media updates for a company you like on Facebook
- Email convincing your friend to share your political views
And if you’re still stuck, here’s an idea AWAI Member Eddie Stephens recently shared with me on Facebook …
I had hit writer’s block that morning, and after getting unstuck, I decided to share my experience. Eddie had been having a similar issue and found that re-writing other people’s work would help him get unstuck.
I tried it, and it worked!
Just remember, writers write.
So, commit to writing every single day.
Now, go ahead and set your writing schedule for the week …
And then tomorrow, we’ll tackle the second part of my formula for a profitable freelance writing business.
I’ll show you how to increase your value, and at the same time save you from wasting valuable time and money.
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I have a journal titled, in black Sharpie marker, Nulla Dies Sine Linea: No day goes by without a line. I try to write three pages a day, but sometimes I don't and perhaps it should be retitled "Multa Dies Sine Linea"! But even if I don't write here I often will write several FaceBook or LinkedIn comments, a letter or report, or something els. I feel a pressing need to develop some of these ideas further, and to finish the Accelerated course, really get down to business with writing for pay.
Guest (Nancy Charlton ) – February 11, 2014 at 2:00 pm
Rebecca, I discovered just how important writing every day is when I tried to write some spec assignments from Bootcamp at Home. Oh, I'd been studying - but I hadn't really put theory into practice. It's one thing to read something and say "oh, yeah - I can do that!" and quite another to actually sit down and put words to paper that come close to a professional's. Comparing the first spec I did with the last, I could see the difference. Lesson definitely learned. I keep writing - everyday!
JudyB-Raleigh – February 11, 2014 at 2:39 pm
Hi Rebecca, I write every day. But my goal is not to write 3 pages, or 2 pages... not even 1 page! I am committed to writing at least one paragraph - about 50 words. I work full time, and do my writing in the evening. Sometimes I can write 3-4 pages. But if my entire day is busy, I know that I can easily write 50 words before I climb into bed. That way, I am able to keep my commitment to writing every day. I never get discouraged because I never fail to meet my goal - 50 words!
James Head – February 11, 2014 at 3:53 pm
I probably write 50 emails a day, and try to add 2-4 pages per night to The Great Canadian Novel, but neither of those efforts is copywriting. They will have to do for the moment as I am just starting my course of study.
JimBob from Canada – February 11, 2014 at 4:00 pm
Rebecca, here is something that I wrote for my day job.
Hi, Bill, John Kroehler here. I was on your website today and noted that you have an extended search for a Global Director Supplier Quality. I appreciate the caution with which you are conducting this search. Industry data document the expense of a bad hire. I help my Clients find the right candidates for their open positions and ensure 100% acceptance of your offers. Call me to see how I can get you the same results. John Kroehler
Guest (John Kroehler) – February 11, 2014 at 4:29 pm
@Nancy Charlton - excellent! Not only that you're writing every day, but that you're planning to move forward with marketing your services. Hopefully I can help you with that later this week in this series. Rebecca
Rebecca Matter – February 11, 2014 at 5:07 pm
@JudyB-Raleigh - what a great lesson to share with everyone. Thank you! And you're completely right. It's one thing to read about how to swim, and another thing to get in the water and do it. I'm happy to hear you're seeing the improvement in your writing too. That has to be reassuring that you can do this! Now, time for clients … :) Good luck, Rebecca
Rebecca Matter – February 11, 2014 at 5:08 pm
@James Head - perfect! It's important to know what's possible. That way you won't set yourself up for failure. And yet at the same time, I like that you're trying to pass the goal when possible too. Keep going! Rebecca
Rebecca Matter – February 11, 2014 at 5:10 pm
@JimBob from Canada - that's ok. At least you're writing the novel. It counts! And then as you get into the copywriting program, you'll be doing exercises that will have you writing copy too. You're on the right track! Rebecca
Rebecca Matter – February 11, 2014 at 5:12 pm
@John Kroehler - well I guess that counts! But ideally you'll also be writing something in addition to work emails :)
Rebecca Matter – February 11, 2014 at 5:14 pm
Writing came to me. I didn't go to it? But I wanted it obviously. I was inspired to write a short story, it changed my life. That was in 2007. No writing experience other than my own business promotions and radio scripts etc. In the past two years I've been paid to write over 2000 short stories and bundles of writings around the globe. I write 500 to thousands of words daily, getting paid for each word,but not what I'm worth. That is where AWAI is now giving me direction. Thank You!
BrookeNetwork – February 11, 2014 at 6:04 pm
I have written my 'Morning Pages'. I also wrote information sheets for a presentation that I will be giving on Thursday Night to a group of ladies about Aromatherapy & Women's Health.
I have been working on my copywriting program earlier today and am loving it!
Thank you for these daily encouraging reminders of how important it is to write even though there is little time.
Patricia Zelm – February 11, 2014 at 7:07 pm
At present, I'm developing a newsletter for the Marketing Committee, Country Club Website to send to potential new members. I volunteer as a member of the Marketing Group. Using mindmap for my B2B website to help write the webpages. Taking the Getting B2B Clients course. plan to work on financial software programs (ERP). Circle of Success doing "Crafting Powerful Leads". Plan to do White Papers, Case Studies, develop websites, do emails and write articles and newsletters.
Gary L McEntee – February 11, 2014 at 9:03 pm
@BrookeNetwork - I'm glad we're able to help. And I think it will be very easy for you, since you're already able to write so much. That's the one thing I can't give someone - I can't MAKE them write. Let me know if I can help you more in any way! Rebecca
Rebecca Matter – February 11, 2014 at 10:06 pm
@Patricia Zelm - awesome! Keep going!! Rebecca
Rebecca Matter – February 11, 2014 at 10:07 pm
@Gary L McEntee - wow, that's a lot! Happy to see you are comfortable with the writing, and it sounds like you're finding opportunities to write frequently. Keep going! Rebecca
Rebecca Matter – February 11, 2014 at 10:10 pm
I have been writing nearly daily diaries for a long time. A record of information, actions or events helps because my memory doesn't always tell me the truth. I have started to also document daily business activities and information.
Now I am trying to reshape my writing so that it is more structured and logical, telling a story more than just giving the facts.
Frederick Gardner – February 12, 2014 at 8:39 am
I used to write all the time but life got in the way. I am now just getting back into it. I write a little every day even it is on break at work. I do work and go to school full time so my goal is just to pick up a pencil and write on a current piece or if I see something interesting in my day I will jot it down. It helps to carry a journal everywhere with you, so you can make notes on everything.
Guest (Jen) – February 12, 2014 at 10:07 am
Hi Rebecca, its a great idea,writers write on daily or weekly basis,most importntly,write occasionaly,on my own case,wen I get stock,I start readin,no matter wat kind of material am read I find inspiration even b4 am through wit d read But dere are instance wen I fill great dis interest to write even if I read,den I thought I need a motivator or motivation,so on my own I suggested perhaps,if my writing where of financial value,dat also could b a motivator,or wat do u say
Inspire – February 12, 2014 at 11:00 am
@Frederick Gardner - that's great. Good writers are always good story tellers. I think that change will be well worth the effort. Rebecca
Rebecca Matter – February 12, 2014 at 1:45 pm
@Jen - good for you. And I agree - I have a notebook in my car and by my bed. That way when an idea strikes I'm able to jot it down quickly before it's lost. Keep writing! Rebecca
Rebecca Matter – February 12, 2014 at 1:47 pm
@ Inspire - very good point. Writers write, but they also read. I get so many of my ideas from reading.
Rebecca Matter – February 12, 2014 at 1:48 pm