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Sounds a bit provocative, doesn’t it? At least the first one, the Writing. The two others I can even proof black on white, and you might have read it yourself when going through questions at author interviews. Ok, for the first one I have written proof too: Lots and lots of forum entries where writers complain, complain, and complain more about the hardship of writing, their constant procrastination and how difficult it is to write two or three thousand words per day.
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1. Writers Feel They are Artists – and They Really Are.
I know a huge variety of artists on a personal level, such as singers, classical musicians, ballet dancers. They all have lots of training hours and rehearsals to work through – every day, seven days a week, all year round. Same with athletes, look at world class athletes, they have ridiculous training hours to complete.
You are going to spend a hell of a lot of time by yourself if you choose to become an author. It’s lonely, it’s anti-social. You will have to write lots of bad stories to learn to write good ones, and there will be times when you are sure you are wasting your time, that it isn’t going to work out. Force yourself to go on and complete your daily quota – or better more. The first rule that must be met for any writer on their road from interested amateur to dedicated professional is to set your goals and then meet them.
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What About Writer Training?
I have never heard or read so many artists to complain about their work load as writers in personal chats, in writer communities online – and from some of our book marketing clients. I am polite, but often think to myself: why on earth are they in this profession or hobby if they don’t really like it so much, as not wanting to write day and night. For a hobby it’s fine to slack, but if you plan or actually write full-time, why not just enjoy? No one forces a writer to tell stories or research for a non-fiction book. That’s sometimes the point: there is too much solitary working with very few feedback, and no immediate applause. However, as more you write as more fun you have writing. See a former article about how to overcome writers block.
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How to Exercise Writing – Other Than With Writing Books.
Start with small pieces, as short as a paragraph. Then write a 300 word newsletter, a 500-word blog, then a 700-word guest blog, a 1,000 word newspaper piece and finally a 2,000 word magazine article. Why write magazine / newspaper articles or guest blogs? The short answer is:
- to create a writer platform,
- let readers sample your writing,
- it pays way more! and faster! than book writing
- for writing content you can split into small posts or tweets on Social Media,
- and to market your books and get your author name and brand out.
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Great short article-writing shows the real professional writer. Look at Stephen King’s short stories or many of the Atlantic articles. And get encouragement of the blog posts at the end of this article, just click the links below and see more examples of short story, magazine and freelance writing benefits.
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If you Like to Make Money With Writing
Author W. Terry Whalin: “I understand how people value books. I appreciate the worth and cost of writing a printed book for a traditional publisher and I have completed this task over 50 different times for many books. With one article, I have reached millions of people. The greatest feedback (and maybe the most money) that I have received has been for my magazine writing. I have written for more than 50 publications over the last 15 years.”
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Magazine Writing Leads to Book Publishing.
“Many beginning writers overlook magazine writing. Often these new writers (and even some of the older ones) are only trying to publish books. Some people dream of holding their own novel while others are creating some how-to or nonfiction type of book. Each dream is valid and their work is to be applauded.”
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Get a Mentor – or at Least a Writer Buddy.
How many writers do you know personally? OK, I am here not talking about your followers on Social Media – even though they should be your writer buddies too. To get feedback, critique, and most of all encouragement, the company of other writers is one of the most valuable assets for a writer and what anyone can wish for. You can help each other with so many things: pre-editing, critique, beta-reading and even book marketing.
When finishing a manuscript many writers find it very tiresome to pre-edit their text. So, why not exchange your manuscripts with other writers? Join critique groups already during the writing process, and don’t forget to bring your book outline to your meetings. Most creative writing groups focus on critique, and due to time constraints, each member is usually only allowed to submit a few pages at a time for feedback, your group needs to know what your novel’s outline is.
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2. Beta Readers and Writer Buddies Are Very Important
They should be reading your entire finished manuscript. Ask around within your current writing group to see if anyone else has finished their novel and if they would be interested in doing a beta reading exchange with you. Since it’s a trade, both of you will benefit. And since it can be done in off-hours, it won’t interfere with the regular meetings of the group.
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Meetup Groups Can Be Easily Found in Your City.
A quick Google search brings up a variety of writer groups in just one city. Just type in your city or county and they will appear on the screen. Sign up in seconds and get notifications when and where groups are meeting.
Creative Writing Meetup Groups
Writing Workshops Meetup Groups
Coffee House Writers Group
Memoir Writers Meetup Groups
Writers Critique Meetup Groups
Science Fiction Writing Meetup Groups
Academic Writing Meetup Groups
Comedy Writing Meetup Groups
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3. Book Marketing – Your Pet Peeve?
In an ideal world – and if you agree with the first part of this article – you don’t need to market your book much. Just write blog after blog, magazine articles, newspaper articles. guest blogs. .. and add a short bio everywhere. Writing for money “frees” you up from spending too much time on Social Media or other book marketing efforts and you will be able to write your next book, and your next and make yourself a name as a writer. As a smart author you know the difference between marketing and selling. Writing articles and short stories is a great way to subtle market your books without having to “sell” them.
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Three in One: Combine Writing, Editing and Marketing.
If you agree with the first part of this article – just write blog after blog, magazine articles, guest blogs newspaper articles, and add a short bio everywhere.
Whom Would you Believe More:
a) advertisements
b) newspaper / magazine articles
c) samples to try out a product
Most consumers / readers are not excited by pure advertising, they prefer authentic content and like to read writing samples.
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You don’t need to do a lot of “book marketing” – as your writing, such as guest blogs, small and large articles for magazines, newspapers (online and in print), your blog articles, posts on social media and last not least several books will provide your already with fame, money and are a huge part of your author brand and your marketing. Get a copy of The Most Trusted Guide 2015 WRITERS MARKET to Getting Published: Trade Publishers, Magazines, Online etc.
https://www.savvybookwriters.com/how-to-make-money-as-a-writer/
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List of Articles About the Benefits of Magazine Writing
https://savvybookwriters.wordpress.com/2013/10/17/how-smart-writers-write-to-market-their-books/
https://savvybookwriters.wordpress.com/2014/05/16/writing-for-magazines-waste-of-time/
https://savvybookwriters.wordpress.com/2012/06/23/writing-freelance-for-magazines/
https://savvybookwriters.wordpress.com/2013/10/21/how-to-overcome-anxiety-as-a-writer/
https://savvybookwriters.wordpress.com/2013/09/20/why-you-need-beta-readers/
https://savvybookwriters.wordpress.com/2014/02/03/are-these-your-five-excuses/
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If you would like to get a mentor and support in all things publishing, have your book intensively promoted and learn how to navigate social media sites – or to learn how you can make yourself a name as an author through content writing: We offer for three months all this and more for only $179 – or less than $2 per day! Learn more about this customized Online Seminar / Consulting for writers: http://www.111Publishing.com/Seminars
Please check out all previous posts of this blog (there are more than 1,160 of them : ) if you haven’t already. Why not sign up to receive them regularly by email? There is also the “SHARE” button for easy sharing at Pinterest, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn etc.
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