Have you ever wondered if you could turn your hobby into a career? Do you have something to say or an incredible story to tell the world? Today, technology allows us to become true published authors.
Writers are a dime a dozen. This doesn’t mean you can’t stand out. As long as you get it right and have creative storytelling skills, you will go far in this area.
Don’t know where to start? Let’s take a look at the top tips that will turn your hobby into a lifelong career.
Make writing a daily habit
Some writers make it a point to read a chapter a day. Others try to reach a certain number of words. Do what works for you. You will never finish a book if you stop writing. Everyone gets writer’s block, it’s inevitable.
However, if you set aside a few hours a day for your literary masterpiece, you will see progress. This is of great importance in this area.
Read as much as you can
Chances are, if you’re interested in writing a book, you read a lot. Now you just have to be single minded with the literature you absorb. Don’t just check for the same author or genre. Branch out and fall in love with countless writing styles.
Whether it’s humor, romance, mystery, or the thrill of a chase, every story should find its place on your bookshelf.
Define your style
Now that you’re familiar with different authors and writing styles, it’s time to find out what makes you special. Are you a chicken fire enthusiast or someone who tells great horror mysteries? And don’t be afraid to experiment.
The whole point is to find your authentic voice. There is no reason to sound like you are writing for another famous author. Be original in every way!
Do your research
Whatever you write about, research is needed. Take, for example, historical fiction. You have to know what life was like in a certain period of time. What were the clothes? How did they spend their day? Did they say something special? Accuracy is not something insignificant. There are plenty of resources on the Internet. Access to geo-blocked content may require secure residential IP addresses, so keep that in mind!
Review your letter
No matter how great an author you are, you can’t create a bestseller from the first draft. That’s why you need a dedicated editor near you. They will review your work and tell you how to improve it. You need that fresh look to explore your pages.
If you don’t have an editor, find a freelancer. They charge per hour or word count.
Realize it’s ok to make mistakes
If you’re launching a book that isn’t getting as much attention as you hoped, don’t give up. Some of today’s most successful writers didn’t see their sales skyrocket overnight. Fortunately, they didn’t give up. Otherwise, we would not be able to enjoy such masterpieces as Harry Potter and Dr. Seuss!
Writing is an ongoing process, and mistakes are part of it. The point is to learn from them.
Focus on your goals
Distraction is a serious problem when writing, which is why you won’t succeed in your endeavor if you let it creep into your day. Since writing is usually a private activity, no one will be held responsible for you. Therefore, you need to realize what is important and eliminate all potential obstacles.
This means finding the best place to write, whether it’s an office or a coffee shop, and turning off mobile notifications.
Connect with other writers
As mentioned earlier, writing is mostly a solitary journey. However, this does not mean that you need to go through it alone. Both online and offline, you will find groups, platforms and events dedicated to this area. Don’t refuse to participate! You will be very interested to know how many like-minded people you will meet.
These meetings are sure to bear fruit when you need advice or post contacts.
Stay Engaged
If you don’t like writing, there’s no point in doing it. While frustrating at times, you will find this career path extremely rewarding.
The chance to find your voice and tell a story is priceless. In a way, you are cementing your place in history. Isn’t this a wonderful idea? You can always improve your writing skills, but you won’t feel hungry or need to continue unless there is passion.
Why are you doing it?
So there you have it—the best tips for the burgeoning author in you. Take them to heart and, if you can, print them out! Read them whenever you feel the need for encouragement.
Most importantly, always remember your “why”. Figure out why you chose to become a writer and let that be your beacon!