Contributed Post
https://unsplash.com/photos/O33IVNPb0RI
Being a writer is an interesting thing. It’s something that so many people want to pursue, but for some reason feel as if they can’t. But that really doesn’t have to be the case. Because writing is very much the process of having a story that you want to tell, and then writing it all down. That is it. It’s not this big glamorous life that you have to build up. It is the process that can be as simple as you want it to be. And if you really want to write, just write. However, if you want to build this up as a career, then there could be a few things that you need to have, or to build, or to work on, in order to get this. So let’s take a look at what you really need for a writer’s life.
A Story
So first of all, you need a story. It’s always about the story. Because more often than not, a publisher or an editor will be looking to buy the story – not your work. When you become notable and a leader at what you do, then they will be buying your work. But first, it’s about having a story that captivates, that sells. So you have to get this right.
https://unsplash.com/photos/ohQPI-OQmcg
Sales Skills
One thing that you may not realize that you need, is sales skills. Because you have to sell yourself and your story. You have to pitch like crazy and bang down doors to get noticed. You have to fight through those setbacks in order to get work. It’s tough, but true.
A Business Mind
The other thing that people don’t always know, is that you need to have a business mind and not just a creative one. Because you want to make money. And your publisher only cares about making money. So you have to be aware of that and know that your story will sell. So get commercial and not just creative.
https://unsplash.com/photos/8hFiT80X-6o
Somewhere To Write
And if you are writing professionally, it’s important to be thinking about having somewhere to write. Because it can be really hard to focus and get your creativity out. But, you cannot wait. You have to meet those word count deadlines each day. So finding your writer’s spot is important. Maybe you want an office? Or can you write from a coffee shop? Maybe you want to get a retractable patio awning because you like to write outside? Just make sure that you have that space that you can always write in.
A Goal-Orientated Mind
But then also, you have to think about goals and what you’re working towards. Because writing as a career is very much about deadlines. And you need to be able to meet them. You need to know what work you have to get done by a set date, and then work your way backwards so that you are able to meet them. So you need to take those publisher or editor goals, and then apply them to your timeline, and be able to tick off your writing process, so that you can get these things done.
So, as you can see, this isn’t always glamorous, and there’s a lot more business and deadline and market-pleasing factors that all go into this that you could imagine. But if that sounds great to you, then it’s time to build your own writer’s life.
