Comments on: Writing for a Living: How Badly Do You Want It?

By: Leah

Leah — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:21:09 +0000

After finding out that my company is being closed permanently, I am hoping that the lack of comfort zone will aid me in launching into a full time writing career. But in the little research I can do while still sitting at work (doing nothing), I’m really beginning to get overwhelmed and nervous about what direction to take. Odesk at first seemed promising until I saw a slew of available jobs paying $2 per article. I thought my talent was worth more than that! The more I research, the more I realize that it is in fact worth more than that, but now what? I don’t have much of a portfolio, although it is probably larger than I think it is – I actually forget how much writing I have been doing. I am waiting for some books from Amazon, and then I’m just scared out of my mind! How do I get that FIRST job??

This is all very scary, but at the same time, the NEED to be able to do this is pushing me towards it. I’m so tired of wasting my talent and time at jobs I don’t care for. I’m not looking to get rich, but I am looking to make a living while working from home. I know it will be work, and I have it in me to do the work, but where do I find the right help, and more importantly, the right work? The resources are so all over the place: I found this blog from a reference on whitepaper.org to Peter Bowerman’s blog, which I had already been reading but hadn’t seen the list that mentions your blog. It’s all so confusing, so what is the best roadmap to navigate this world of ideas, resources, and help without taking a thousand wrong turns down $1 Per Article Avenue?

By: Donielle

Donielle — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:02:21 +0000

I agree that you should not look for anyone to “get you into writing.” For me I think the person wants to know some of the beginning steps. I write all the time. I have a lot of thing I want to say to the world. My mind is filled with all types of stories that I want to get out. I am currently working on 2 books that I want to publish. My only problem is when I finish with the final product then what? Where do I start. Who do I go to? Do I have to copywrite my work before I start trying to market it? I don’t know any other writers. Hopefully this website will be a starting point.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:12:56 +0000

Oh how true! I’ve been a writer on both sides of the fence. I have done a lot of article marketing over the years and am now freelance writing, and I am amazed at how much work is out there!

But you’re right – it is hard work and you really do need to manage your time well. You also need to focus on the task at hand, otherwise you won’t get anywhere fast.

By: Margo

Margo — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:21:23 +0000

Haha. Hahahahaha… I have had so many people ask me how I got into writing, and how they can get started. I point them to a few sites, explain a few things, and then tell them to let me know if they have more questions. No one ever gets back to me. When they realize that I don’t get handed money for playing around, they aren’t interested. People really have no idea what is involved. Sure, I’m doing good now, but I work hard.

Even if it is usually in my pajamas.

By: Jeanne Grunert

Jeanne Grunert — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:25:30 +0000

I’ve had many people ask me how to make money writing online. When I tell them and give them websites to approach, they tell me “Oh that’s too much work!” Did they think I sit home and wave a magic wand over the keyboard to produce income? Would that it were possible…

By: Genevieve

Genevieve — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:05:36 +0000

lol So true! I started writing 3 years ago, never planning to bother with publishers, etc. It was simply my own self-prescribed therapy Now I can’t stop. I’m online, I’m on my keyboard, I’m scribbling vague ideas … AAAA But getting paid? That’s another question altogether. I have decided (and I have NO organization in my life – NONE) to dedicate one day per week to the business side of this. The rest of it is mine.

Good luck to anyone out there who thinks this isn’t work!