If you seek to make an income from your writing, you need to become an independent entrepreneur — a solopreneur. As a profitable writer (or soon to be one), you are in business — the business of presenting and packaging ideas that can enhance the lives of your readers.
Allow me to suggest sixteen ways to approach the challenge of becoming a productive and successful writer…
1. As writers, you and I need a daily procedure to turn out work — words on paper or computer screen. Some even write words on the sand. The point is to produce written work. Good or bad, polished or a mess, at the beginning stage all writing is a process of production.
Let’s consider two essential questions: why write and why not want to write…
2. I always wanted to be a writer. All my heroes were writers. Problem was, I wasn’t writing. How could I be a writer if I wasn’t getting stuff written? I was about to give up my ambition.
Then, one day as I browsed a downtown Boston bookstore, I found a book that changed my writing life. I’ll discuss it in my first point below. Here’s what I learned…
3. To help keep you writing and focused, here are three key articles from authors who share their knowledge and love of writing…
4. Here are more great resources…
5. I’ve self-published seven books, six non-fiction and one book of “micro-fiction” short stories. Here, I share what worked for me and what I’ve learned that may help you…
6. I’m on the lookout for resources to help writers become more productive and successful. Here are seven writers with valuable and unique perspectives on writing and publishing…
7. Politics affects all of us, one way or another, especially when our freedom is at stake. So, how can you write to the White House, Congress, the Media, and Regional Politicians? Find out here…
8. Reading about writing is not writing. You and I must write! But it’s not easy. Sometimes, we need a kick in the pants…
9. If you seek to make a decent income from your writing, you need to become an independent entrepreneur — a solopreneur. As a profitable writer (or soon to be one), you are in business — the business of presenting and packaging ideas that can enhance the lives of your readers…
10. It’s vital to know your potential audience and be able to show “What’s in it for Them.” Unless a potential reader sees an immediate benefit, whether it’s learning something new or simply to be entertained, he or she will not know the WIIFM (what’s in it for me?). Fortunately, this author tells you how to find your audience…
11. Allow me to share a tiny story of a writer and his dog living on a deserted island. It speaks to how we sometimes feel about our writing journey…
12. A world-class actor can tell us something vital about writing. Not only is it the secret of good acting, but it’s also the key to good writing…
13. First Write. Then Edit. Here’s why…
14. What motivates your writing? You might have multiple motive. Nevertheless, you are dependent on your unique motive power…
15. No matter how much time you devote to your writing, it makes sense to discover ways to monetize what you write. Consider these five strategies…
16. To monetize your writing, you offer specific value to a well-defined audience of folks you choose to serve with your written work. Two luminaries of online writing can show you how…
Until next time… Let me know what you would like to see in future editions of this newsletter.
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Ken West is the author of seven books designed to help you live the best life possible and flourish in this ever-changing creator economy.