Getting Started
#1: Read Something – and Think About It
How did the author grab your attention on page one of that novel? How did the blogger keep you reading post after post on their site? What about the subject line persuaded you to open that marketing email instead of deleting it unread?
You can learn something from everything you read. Even if it’s a novel that you give up on after a few chapters, you can pinpoint what didn’t work, so you can avoid it in your own writing.
#2: Learn a New Word or Phrase (or Correct One You’re Getting Wrong)
If you come across a new word or phrase when you’re reading, look it up, and find out what it means. It might not be a word you want to use frequently, but the wider your vocabulary is, the more options you’ll have when you’re writing.
You may also want to make sure you’re using certain phrases correctly. Common mistakes like “for all intensive purposes” when the correct phrase is “for all intents and purposes” won’t do you any favours as a writer. Here’s a handy list of phrases that people often get wrong.
#3: Tackle A Writing Exercise or Prompt
#4: Write As Often As You Reasonably Can
You might not be able to write every day (and I think trying to write daily doesn’t work for many writers). However, it’s important to make regular time to write, ideally at least once a week.
If you’d like some ideas for creating time when things are busy, join the Aliventures newsletter. You’ll get a free copy of my mini-ebook Time to Write, which is packed with practical tips. Plus, you’ll get the weekly blog posts (Mondays) and short newsletter articles (Thursdays) to support and encourage you with your writing.
Step 3: Learn the Simple Secrets Behind Writing Great Copy
The most important skill you can learn first — and the one that will help you master any of the writing opportunities we just mentioned — is the one we’ve been talking about: persuasive writing.
Instead of trying to be cute, clever, or even blatantly obvious with vivid graphics and sales pitches, the job of a good writer is to craft a message that really connects with their readers.
Unlike news or editorial writing, persuasive writing is all about getting the reader to take that requested action. And we said earlier, that action can be anything, whether it’s to click a link in an email, fill out a form, sign up for a magazine, buy a lawn mower, or donate to a local charity. Any action at all.
Become a Successful Writer Today!
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About The Author
Hi I’m Elna and I’m a freelance writer and mom blogger. I help people just like you become a profitable freelance writer. Within 6 months of starting my freelance writing business from scratch I was able to earn a full-time living as a part-time freelance writer while taking care of my twin toddlers. Check out my free email course Get Paid to Write Online and learn the steps you need to take to be a freelance writer.
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42 Comments
Hello My name is Jacquelyn Bostick can you please email me. Some information about become a writer and author . I am 67 year old and I am retired. And I decided I wanted to become a writer and author and make a living at it . Sincerely Jacquelyn BostickReply to Jacquelyn
Hi Alison! Thanks for the compliment 🙂 As a writer, I hope people value what I have to say to become a writer 🙂 And thanks for letting me know the content was easy to understand. That is what I strive for when I write for myself and for my clients! Thanks for stopping by!Reply to Elna
Every author has a story to tell behind their books, and this story always contains a good amount of motivation and inspiration. There is an excellent possibility that the reason why you are burned out is that you’ve lost that fire of spur and drive. So make sure to go back to your story, where you can find that very reason why you started writing in the first place. From there, you can get back on your feet in no time.Reply to Scott
I have yearned to be a writer for a while now, just within my checks online I came across Elna Cain. Certainly, I landed on the best breakdown on how to become a successful freelance writer or author. I’m inspired by Elna’s simple outline, easy and comprehensive way to understand the writing idea. I guess with a little polish, I will have improved and transited to a greater point. Thank you!Reply to Duke
Hi Duke! That’s great to hear you want to be a writer! Learning how to become a writer will help you online tremendously. I know many people writing books and exploding their brand!Reply to Elna
I’m inspired with the exceptional and instructive contents that you provide in such short timing Your blogs are easily accessible and quite enlightening so keep doing the amazing work guys.Reply to India’s
I would love to publish a book as I am used to all of this writing on visual stories now on face book and sharing my comedies and Australian t v series and also enjoy and love writing on Coastal walks for people to enjoy in the Summertime and the comedies for people to reminisce on.Reply to Paula
Thank you for this. I’ve recently have been struggling on what I want to do with my life. Everything has changed for me, I used to want to make lots of money but since I lost my mama in June of 2018 and then the pandemic hit, I don’t want to do what I went to school for. I graduated with my masters in IT in 2019. I got a job as a front-end developer before the pandemic started and then I lost it due to the pandemic in February of this year. I’ve been struggling on what I want to do with my life and your blog has really helped me. So thank you!!Reply to Jeni
Hi Jeni, I’m so sorry you lost your job! The pandemic is really taking a toll here too! But, you did luck into a fabulous “gig” with freelance writing. Many of my Writeto1k students are landing jobs left and right and I’m so proud of them! Make sure to take my free course to help you decide if this is really what you want to do!Reply to Elna
Hi I have alot of free time now because of covid. I’ve realised that there isn’t alot of books for children my language, which ia Samoa. I’m wondering if this is something I should use my time in.Reply to Dorothy
Thank you, I have always wanted to become a writer. I’m 63 years old and started writing a story each week for my grandchildren as a way to stay connected during this pandemic. I have been journaling for many years and have a passion for the stories we all have to tell. To be paid for this passion would be a dream come true. Where do I begin this next chapter if my life?Reply to Beverly
Hi Beverly, That’s great to hear! You can be a writer any time of your life! Regarding your fiction writing, there are many ways to get paid for that. You can self-publish your short stories into a book and sell that on Amazon. You can join Wattpad and gate your stories so people have to pay to read your books. You can also start an author blog and sell your books on your blog! Lots of possibilities to make money as a writer!Reply to Elna
Resource:
https://www.aliventures.com/21-ways-to-grow-as-a-writer/
https://www.thebarefootwriter.com/how-to-get-started-as-a-writer
https://elnacain.com/blog/become-a-writer/