The Writer's Block

by Alyssa Ast

I'm often asked, what do you need in order to start a a writing a career? Many are often worried, because they have little to no experience as a writer, only a desire to become one. You don't have to have any experience to become a writer. Take me for example, when I began my writing career, all I had was the passion for the art, a pen and a piece of paper. I don't even have a high school diploma, which may be discouraging to many, but it's not a set back at all. As long as you can create comprehensive sentences that are informative and engaging, you have the foundation to one day be a great writer. But how do you get started? What do you need to begin a writing career? Well, I think there are 5 must haves you need to start a writing career.


Website
If you plan to start a writing career, you will need a website. A website is essential because it allows clients to find you. Plus, it's a way you can connect with your readers and fellow writers. A website should highlight your services, your writing background and any relevant information to help your career grow. Your website should be updated regularly. To drive traffic to your website, don't for get to backlink and link build when possible.

If you don't know anything about websites, that's ok. Don't have the money to spend on a website? That's okay too. You can create free websites or low cost websites using web hosts such as Blogger.com and Wordpress.com. Setting up a website on these hosts are easy. It's a good place to start when developing a website for your writing career.

You can also have business cards ordered to match your website. Hand your business cards out as often as possible to develop a steady clientele.

Blog
Another must have to start a writing career is a blog. You can also set up free blogs on Blogger.com and Wordpress.com. You can even connect your blog to your website. A blog is a very informal type of writing. You can share whatever you want however you want. Although a blog may not seem like much, it is. A blog provides you with experience and credibility in the writing world. A blog's an essential component for a writing career.

Credibility
In order to start a writing career, you must maintain credibility. Your website and blog must have a creditable appearance. If you're on social networking sites, which you will need to be to grow your career, make sure you uphold a creditable profile and network because you never know who will be looking at it. If a client or potential client stumbles across your Facebook pages and finds a bunch of half naked and drunk pictures, they will probably find another, more creditable writer to meet their needs.

Motivation
You need to have a high level of motivation when starting your writing career. You need to have the desire and motivation to put in the hard work needed to push your career forward. You'll also need to develop a thick skin against critiques, editors and readers because not everyone is going to love your work; however, that comes with the writing territory and aids with your growth as a writer. You can't give up no matter what.

Patience
When starting a writing career, you must have patience. You won't start making a full time income overnight. It takes time and determination to stick with it to develop profitable results. A writing career won't make you rich right off the bat, but you can't give up. Overtime, as your skills grow so will your income. Don't become discouraged if you don't start making money right away. Stay with it because in the long run your hard work and time will pay off.


This is my list of must haves for starting a writing career, what are some of yours?

Happy Writing!

5 Must Haves to Start a Writing Career