Article by Wendy McCance
So you have decided to have a career as a writer. You have played around with words for so long that you can’t remember when you first began writing. You figure, why not do what I love and get paid for it. All good thoughts, as long as you know what you will be facing.
A writing career can be a dream come true. It can be the best decision you have ever made. You get to write and get paid for the opportunity. You meet some fabulous people along the way and find new ways to challenge yourself at every turn. There is just one thing that you need to know, a career as a writer will have great ups and downs no matter how long you are working in this field.
Let’s put aside that initial jumping off point and look several months or even a year down the road. You have worked with several clients and have touched on quite a few different types of assignments. You are beginning to see what is and isn’t working for you. You are excited to see a good-sized leap from where you began.
Even in this scenario, there are going to be times when you are swamped with work, and times where you hear the crickets. It’s the nature of the job, and something you should be aware of. Without the knowledge that not every moment will be busy, it would be easy to let fear set in. You could start asking yourself what you did wrong or why has my luck run out? Well, let me just put you at ease. You aren’t doing anything wrong, and luck definitely has nothing to do with it. Having a career as a writer is just like being on a rollercoaster ride. There will be ups and there will be downs. There will be twists and turns that you won’t see up ahead. The key is to just keep plugging away.
On days where I find myself with little work, I spend my time prospecting for new business. Every time I work at creating new contacts, I know that down the road, I will have fewer moments where I have little to do. It’s all a numbers game. The more you put out there, the more return you will receive on your investment which is the effort.
As long as you are passionate about what you do, the ups and downs won’t be enough to make you want to jump off the ride. Even so, it is nice to know that you aren’t alone. A career as a writer means there will be slow times. Every writer does experience a setback every now and then. Just keep working hard, and you will be just fine.
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Wendy McCance
To contact Wendy McCance about a writing assignment, interview or speaking engagement, please email her at: [email protected]
Latest posts by Wendy McCance (see all)
- A Week in the Life of a Writer - August 3, 2014
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When I first decided to become a professional musician, the road d became so bumpy, that it left a bitter taste in my mouth. The gigs were far in between. Thank God, I persisted, and as they say, the rest is history. That’s how I am approaching my new gig. Great post.Blessings.
Thanks so much for your comment. I believe that there will always be obstacles in your path. It’s how you respond to those obstacles that will decide how much success you will ultimately have. Wishing you continued success.
Thank You Wendy. Happy Monday New week grateful that I am not just standing on the diving board looking down trying to figure out the best way to start & am finally just diving in.
This information makes it that much easier to know to just go with the flow with insight as to what to expect.
Peace & be well.
I’m so glad you liked the post. Just keep plugging away. You’ll get there. All the best.