A good portion of my income is from freelance writing. I also write on several of my own blogs – some for fun, others for profit. The important thing is, I write a lot. And that helps me hone my craft. Reading alone won\u2019t make you a good writer (although the importance of reading can\u2019t be understated – see below) and it definitely won't pay the bills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doing, rather than absorbing information, changes the brain\u2019s neural pathways and helps us to better understand complex tasks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Write as often as you can. Hemingway, who knows something about writing, said that \u201cthe first draft of anything is shit\u201d. The advice here is to keep writing and keep refining. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hemingway also said, \u201cYou shouldn\u2019t write if you can\u2019t write.\u201d And that\u2019s an important point to get. Children are told they can be whatever they want to be and many people keep this notion well into adulthood. The truth is that you can\u2019t. Just as I can\u2019t become an astronaut or ballet dancer now, the writer's life might not be for you. Of course, nothing should stop you writing for yourself, but don\u2019t bet your house on making money from it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first draft of anything is shit<\/p>Ernest Hemingway<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Everyone loves the story of the guy or gal who never gives up and eventually succeeds in achieving their dreams<\/a>. I applaud these people. If you feel this way, go for it. But don\u2019t be reckless. There are good and bad writers and the good ones make money. The bad ones might make some money the odd time, but they won\u2019t make a living as a freelance writer from it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, talent is overrated. Hard work and dedication are what get people to places they'd never dreamed of. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just because you can't write now, doesn't mean you won't be able to in the future. Start writing today and learn from your mistakes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n