It's a Grind.....Sorta'

You've probably heard it all, some from me, about how writing is filled with rejection and doubting yourself.  Not to mention people doubting whether you can succeed in your profession or not.

 When that happens, take a step back....here are five things to get you through, because writing isn't all bad.


1.)  The world is open to writers because as an author, the world of a novel, essay, or poem is shaped by no one but you.  Whatever is in your mind can be on paper and can be read by dozens, hundreds, or thousands, of readers.

2.)  There is more to being a writer than just being a novelist or poet.  While those careers are among the most well known and most lucrative, the options are almost endless.  From small town papers to big time magazines (including The Writer and Writer's Digest) there are openings for freelance writers.  These writers go through industry channels and contacts to find jobs at a variety of papers and companies.  It isn't as reliable as being a screenwriter or staff writer, but then again, nothing to do with writing is all that reliable.

3.)  The lifestyle.  I mean come on,  what other job can you lounge around in your pj's while crafting a possible international best seller, or an award winning article?

4.)  Who cares if it takes a while.  If success is evading you, like it does so many of us, there are options.  Listing your work on amazon and  self publishing are very valid options for the start up writer.  It can lead to big things, once publishing houses see you have a following.  Today's writing industry is always changing....kinda' fun keeping up to date.

5.)  Live where you wanna'.  Read the back of any novel, or the blurb at the end of an article.  Is there one section of the country where all the writers live?  Nope.  Actors essentially have to live in LA or NY, but as a writer, you can live in Albuquerque or Amarillo, Chicago or Madison, and still be successful.

There are dozens of books about getting published (maybe they are easier to get published than regular books....hmmmm?)  but they all make it more complicated than it really is.  If you want to be a writer it takes three things.  Skill, timing, and persistence.   Once you get those three things lined up right, you are good to go!  For most of us, it takes a while, but that's why persistence is on that list, right?

Next week I have more cool stuff coming out!  I'm slowly amping up the content of this blog and you will want to stop back Monday FOR SURE!  Check out the new poll question!!!

Cheers everybody