Writing really is just like riding a bike.
It sat glistening in the radiant sun; my new bike – just waiting to be paraded up and down the cul-de-sac. My father gave me a pep talk and sent me down the driveway. Fear changed to excitement as I wobbled and steadied my course. I was doing this! This newly discovered talent afforded me a different lease on life, now I could ride my own destiny.
Fast-forward 33 years and as a freelance writer, my journey has tracked a similar course. After a six year corporate stint, I decided to pursue a different career. Writing. I know for many, extricating yourself from the ‘9–5 grind’ can seem like an elusive dream. I’d like to dispel that myth and advise that it is attainable, but firstly any ‘romanticising’ of the notion needs to discussed.
Freelance writing is a ‘lifestyle’ and can provide you with certain freedoms. You can operate when you want and from where you want, literally. In most instances access to Wi-Fi, laptop and ideas are all you need. The thing no-one really teaches you is:
- How to structure your day and follow a system: key things like research, crafting story angles, pitching to editors, writing articles, editing and then doing this all over again!
- Staying focused: working from home throws up all manner of distractions from watching TV, eating, doing housework [great procrastination tool], and…social media.
- Motivation: how to find it, how to use it and more importantly how to keep it. Like your house keys, it’s one thing that is easy to lose.
- Coping with the isolation: it can be lonely, quiet, socially restrictive, and you may feel this particularly after leaving a corporate workspace.
- You are faced with your own insecurities most every day: not hearing back from editors, comparing yourself to other writers and wondering if you are doing the right thing, are all hallmarks of a writers inner dialogue.
As a former Marketing Manager in the writing industry I spoke to emerging writers everyday. I get their desires and I also get their fears. Much like the prospect of riding a bike – it can be daunting. I’ve found that we typically hold one common misgiving: I am not good enough.
This is a crippling mantra that can unduly render you wordless. The thing is you are good enough, we all are. With consistency and forward momentum you can make improvements and become better.
Riding and writing are similar trajectories. They are a vehicle for us to get somewhere. The key lies in having a disciplined approach and adjusting your habits, this makes space for you to be the best version you can be.
From my experience, here are some strategies you can implement to start honing your craft:
- Embrace the morning: for a while I did my best work between 1-3am and subsisted on black coffees the next day. On the ‘advice’ of writer confidantes, I tried writing in the morning. I now wake at 6am, and write for an hour or so. If this is available to you, I would highly recommend it. I did this for one month recently and produced 21,000 words of a novel. Not bad for a ‘social experiment.’
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Understand what is holding you back: this is pivotal in unlocking your ‘why’ and reason to write. For me comparing myself to other writers was an incredible downfall. I was a ‘consumer’ not a ‘producer’. Now I only read other articles when I am researching. I view it as ‘inspiration’ not demotivation. Common fears include:
- Feeling isolated? Joining a writers’ group, a meet up and libraries are great ways to meet fellow writers in your area. I do a two-hour workshop every Monday and it is a great way for me to get feedback on my work and interact with other writers.
- Don’t have any ideas: Start eavesdropping – in a good way! Conversations are great starting points for stories. I recently heard one young girl talk about ‘how cool it was a bride got on a tram!’ It got me thinking about crazy wedding locations. Catch all your ideas in a notebook or app, that way you’ll create a bank you can draw on.
- Procrastination. The big one, we all do it. Best thing is to buddy up with a friend, let them know your deadlines or have them set some for you. Accountability is a critical part of forming discipline will truly stand you in good stead.
- Write something every day: whether it is one paragraph, a short story or a poem, keeping the words flowing is critical when you are a writer. Words are your tools of the trade. Like a chef has the best knives, your words help you create. Using daily writing prompts may be helpful. Writing is an opportunity to unlock your unique voice, it’s very liberating once you get started and your confidence increases.
Have you ever tried freelance writing? Do you have any writing tips to share?
