Writing is not for slackers. Even though I know lots of slacker writers. Myself, for instance.
At least lately.
The thing about writing, at least in this day and age, is that you don’t have to write. No one is making you write. There are very few real writing jobs.
Getting published is more challenging than ever. If you are serious about it, then you have to be working your ass off. Kind of literally, as it requires a lot of ‘butt in chair’ time.
And even if you do get published, odds are, you won’t make much. At least not enough to justify the time it takes to be published.
Unless you are one of the plethora of writers who also teach, edit, ghostwrite, and/or sell some kind of writing service.
Writing just because you love to? That’s fine. It’s probably why 95% of writers write.
There was a time, not that long ago, when you could write and make a little money. I remember writing articles and being paid $1200 for them! But that was before the internet swallowed up nearly all the print publications.
Back to my original point. If you want to make a living writing, you have to be willing to work hard, be your own task master, and, too often, write to the audience (or SEO).
I admire the people who are ‘writing’ for a living. I understand how much work and sacrifice it takes. They are redefining what it means to be a professional writer.
But what about the rest of us?
Here is my advice, for what it’s worth:
Write every day. Build your writing muscles. You will need their strength and their clarity.
Don’t worry too much about who will read it. Honesty placates when it thinks it’s being watched. You can’t speak truth if you are concerned about judgment.
Write from your brave heart. Don’t imitate. Don’t aim to please. Don’t worry about offending or being embarrassed or misunderstood. Those reactions are out of your control.
Use your words to make the world better. Speaking up takes courage. But it also joins hearts and comforts souls. Words can be powerful; they can lift up, and they can tear down. Use your words for good.
Use your words to find yourself. They can help you understand what you believe and what you want and who you are. Listen to your core. There is so much to learn from yourself if you let the words flow onto the page without censure.
As I said, writing is not for slackers.
I think this post may be a letter to myself. Maybe it’s a letter to you if you need to hear it.
If you need some help clarifying your intentions –whether in your writing or your life- check out my new journal. It’s meant to be a guide, helping you clear your own path to the life you want.
Find it on Amazon in regular size and large size (for people who want more room to write!).
Honored,
Cara
If you’re curious about what else I’m up to, check out my website, CaraWrites.com.
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I’d love to connect with you on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Substack, and I’m thrilled to get emails from readers (and writers). You can reach me at carasueachterberg@gmail.com.
My newest book is out! This one is a little different. It’s a journal (full of my writing, but inviting your writing) that shares the daily practice I’ve created over years of striving to live my days intentionally. Want to know more or get your copy? Click here.
My Life in Paragraphs 