There has never been a better time to start a writing career. While print books may be soon going the way of the dinosaurs, the written word itself is going to live to a ripe old age-albeit in a digital form. The Internet has opened a doorway to an almost endless need for the written word.
The communication explosion that began a few decades ago is merely getting started. It will continue to change and grow like an ever-evolving chameleon hanging from the branches of technology, tethered purely by the fuzzy boundaries' imagination.
The truth is that the written word touches every field of endeavor and runs the gauntlet of human expression and emotion. So if the muses are whispering in your ear-then maybe it is time you picked up the (virtual) stylus and got to work.
Opportunities really are everywhere. If you have a decent grasp of the language, a willingness to learn, an ability to set your ego aside, a drive to work hard (make no mistake-it IS work) and a modicum of talent you can make an income from writing. It may not be enough to retire to the Bahamas at first, but it can build and become something over time-if you are willing to get knocked down and keep getting back up and moving forward.
You will also need a few basic tools to ply your trade. First, you need a decent computer. You do not have to have one that is faster than the speed of light or capable of making waffles. (Although, if you find one that does-give me a call. Love that wafflie goodness!) You need a word processor, but there are several free and low cost options out there. Try Apache Open Office for starters ( https://www.openoffice.org/). You might want to make a donation; they are a not-for-profit and well worth tossing a few coins in their general direction.
You need a reliable Internet connection, but that can be had for free at many places like Starbucks or even some fast-food places such as McDonald's. You also need a road-map of sorts. The Internet is an awfully big place, and many budding writers are overwhelmed. They have no clue where to start, and they may fall prey to the bottom-feeding scammers that lure the naive in with promises of wealth. If you have the moolah to spread around, feel free to buy a good PC, get Microsoft Word and head down the virtual highway.
Just bear in mind that you do not have to spend a lot to get started. Don't just throw money at it-but do get the best you can afford (without having to attempt to pay your rent with coupons and gum-wrappers. FYI-it doesn't work).
While many writers do not like content mills, I believe that they can help you to get your feet wet, make you a little cash and help you to learn the ropes. Try Textbroker.com or iwriter.com. Some pay better than others, but it is a place to start and as your skill level improves, you can get paid more. Textbroker, for instance, has editors who give feedback and can help you improve your skills.
A simple Google search will provide you with many more, but a word of caution here-make sure you do your homework. Read the reviews first. Furthermore, be aware that a lot of rather seedy companies put out fake reviews to muddy the water and hide the fact that they are less than honorable (read: cheats).
If it sounds too good to be true, it's probably a scam, and you should be very leery about shelling out your hard-earned money in exchange for empty promises that you can be barefoot, writing on a beach with endless wads of cash raining down from the heavens. If they are making THAT kind of money, then why do they need yours? In case I did not spell it out clearly enough, just say, "NO!" to barefootwriter.com or anything they have so much as brushed up against.
There are some real low-life's out there that are practically lying in wait to eat your lunch, but there also some wonderful resources too. For starters, I would heartily recommend Carol Tice's blog. She really knows her stuff and provides a lot of useful-real life advice and guidance for both new and established writers ( http://www.makealivingwriting.com/). All I can say about her work is that it is awesome-sauce with sprinkles and a cherry on top. She also offers classes, workshops and has some great books too. Do yourself a favor and belly up to that bar.
Other than that, what you need most to become a writer is to start writing. Practice may not make perfect (there is no such thing as the perfect sentence). Even walking slowly towards a goal though, will get you a heck of a lot further down the road than wishing you could fly.
By the way, reading about writing is not writing. Thinking about writing is not writing. You actually have to craft words, put something down on paper and well, not to put too fine of a point on it, actually write.
I will post more about this in the next blog, but for now, go forth and multiply (words that is). Set your mind, voice and hands in motion. Stop dreaming. Get off your butt and start doing. In the meantime, feel free to check out my page at Caycewritingcompany.com. The new site is being built, so if it is not up yet, please check back.
You can also contact me at Victoriajane7@yahoo.com or add me as a Facebook friend (Victoria LeVane Cayce). I will be happy to write for you or help out a fellow writer (as much as time allows). Until next time, rock on lover of words!
