I’ve discovered over the years that writing is more than just a hobby or a craft. In fact, it has become my mode of earning a living, my passion, a way to gain credibility in my field and my favorite promotional outlet. But it is so much more. Writing has brought me some fabulous opportunities.
Unusual, and often marvelous, things happen when I put myself out there through my writing.
1: I meet interesting people. Both in person and over the Internet, I’ve met many high profile movers and shakers in the world of independent and traditional publishing as well as some extremely talented and successful authors. One can never have too many friends and business associates. Personal and professional connections are vital to establishing a successful writing/publishing career.
2: I get some lucrative writing assignments with some great fringe benefits. And because I’m the author of several solid books related to publishing and book promotion, I am invited to speak in interesting places—like the time I traveled all expenses paid to Dubai.
3: I attract some fascinating clients. Some years ago, I conducted a publishing workshop for a group of home-schooled students as a SPAWN project. (Small Publishers, Artists and Writing Network). We actually produced a perfect-bound book of the students’ work—a book that they also designed. The local publicity for this volunteer project, landed me two wonderful new clients.
A search for people to interview for an article on learning public speaking when English is your second language, resulted in my meeting a lovely woman living in Florida. She just happened to be finishing up a book and needed some help. I was commissioned to edit her book.
4: I always have something to talk about. People are interested in the life of a writer/author and want to spend time with you.
5: As a writer, you learn that the world is full of ideas, interesting characters, fascinating perspectives and other prompts you can use in your stories or nonfiction writing. Writers are more observant—or should be.
Writing is not just about sitting in your cubical drawing material from your own head. A good writer pays attention to what’s going on outside of his everyday world. It’s when you venture out to be with people and nature that you discover a greater writer within.
The awkward month of the year is over. Don’t you think of January as awkward? For some of us, it sets the tone for the year. If you get through January unscathed, you know the rest of the year will be okay. While many people hold off making difficult decisions during the first month of any year, most are ready to commit come February. I suggest that, if you are serious about your article/story writing and/or if you have a book in the works, ready to publish or even published, that you consider NOW joining SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network). Why? You can network with other authors and freelance writers—some of them professionals, glean an enormous amount of information related to publishing from our site and two amazing enewsletters and there are enormous opportunities for exposure and learning.
http://www.spawn.org
I’m processing applications today. Fill yours out and you’ll receive a free book (choose from several) in time to read it next weekend.