Build A Successful Writing Career By Taking Baby Steps

A quick update on my writing journey: Since last posting, I've managed to get a good amount of writing done even after giving birth to a beautiful (and healthy) baby boy just seven weeks ago. I've recently been doing some copywriting projects in addition to article writing...and I just have to say that I really love being able to make money doing something that I enjoy so much!

Now I just wanted to share a link to an interview in which Christina Katz (aka The Writer Mama) discusses how to become a successful writer. In the interview, she notes the importance of taking baby steps towards success.

How to Become a Successful Writer: The Christina Katz Interview

Enjoy!

Balancing Family and Writing Career

I know I've told you before that this is definitely the toughest pregnancy I've experienced so far, but the amazing thing is that I've managed to really advance my writing career during this difficult pregnancy. I now go to three to four doctor appointments weekly, and take care of two toddlers, and write -- all while feeling extremely tired and pretty crappy physically (because of this high-risk pregnancy and the medications that my doc has me taking). One word comes to mind: BUSY.

There was a time in my life when I would have said that just making it through these nine months with my sanity intact would have been a big enough feat on its own, much less actually setting and reaching some lofty (for me, at least) writing goals. So I have to say that I am actually quite proud of myself and very grateful for having come to the understanding that I am really capable of doing quite a lot if I set my mind to it, busy or not.

In fact, I think that might be one of the most important things I've been able to do -- realize what is and is not a priority in my life, and then plan - and act - accordingly.

In my case, my family takes precedence over everything. While writing is important to me, it still comes second on the list of priorities. Knowing this, I am able to schedule my days so that I can be a good mother to my kids, spend quality time with hubby, and still have time to write. Granted, I don't always have as much writing time as I would like, but I make it work. And, for me, the pressure of time limitations works a lot better than self-imposed deadlines, so I've managed to remain quite productive.

Unfortunately, this means that I have to be extremely selective with how I use my time. For example, I often find myself in a situation where I have to choose between drafting an article or sending out a pitch versus writing a blog post. Nine times out of ten, I write the article or pitch letter. But it can be disappointing having to do that because I really enjoy blogging.

My goal here isn't to complain, but rather to show that you really do have options -- you can choose to have a writing career while raising kids. And succeed at both. It's a choice. Everyday you make little choices that end up dictating the life that you lead. Those choices reveal what's most important to you, and have a large influence on the person you are and the person you are becoming. These choices allow you to develop and share little bits of yourself with your family, friends, editors, readers, etc.

In a nutshell, I am busy. A busy mom. A busy writer. A busy wife. A busy preggo woman. Would I prefer to be less busy? No way! Because that would mean that I was giving up something that I love.

So are you a busy writer? And would you change anything?

Writing Query Letters

I know, I know - I disappeared again. You're probably not surprised anymore, though, are you?

Well, if you're not getting sick of my occasional updates on the life of this particular writer mama, then please read on and don't give up on me yet. I promise that I will soon gain some consistency with blogging. It just might take a little while.

So where have I been?

Well, let me just say that this is definitely my most difficult pregnancy. You see, in addition to feeling just plain miserable due to all the medications I am taking every day, I also have to go to at least two doctor appointments every week. With two toddlers at home, it's been quite difficult to procure babysitters to fill in for me while I attend all of these appointments. Not to mention, I'm shelling out cash to cover my ever-rising co-pay for each appointment. However, I again must say how grateful I am that the baby seems to be developing just fine and everything is basically going pretty well. If the baby does not come sooner, I am scheduled for delivery on August 30th, so the end is in sight.

In addition, I have been taking Christina Katz's writing class, Pitching Practice, which has been a real learning process. In this six-week class, you write a query letter each week, which she reads and comments on (also providing two detailed critiques in Weeks 3 and 6), and you are given weekly workbooks to go through as well. I just turned in my Week 5 work, and feel like this class is a tough workout, but totally worth the cost and time-investment. In fact, I just wish that I had more time to spend on it, and I really don't want it to end anytime soon because I feel like I am finally starting to make some great strides.

Working on writing a query letter each week has been really good practice for me in sticking to a deadline. You see, when it comes to assigned articles and writing projects, I always turn them in early. But when it comes to marketing, it's much harder for me to stick to my self-imposed deadlines. I guess this is where I can see the importance of being disciplined if one wants to maintain a successful freelance writing business.

Am I the only one who has a hard time with staying on top of marketing? Can you offer me any insights or helpful advice for tackling this in a productive and efficient manner?

Creating a Writing Career

Every week I look forward to receiving The Prosperous Writer in my inbox. I read it faithfully, and always finish with the intention to respond to the thought-provoking topics -- but obviously fail in that pursuit.

As I sit here on this beautiful, sunny, Saturday morning, I decided that I will finally blog about this week's topic: being or becoming self-producing.

In pursuing a writing career, I believe it is essential to assume full responsibility for that career -- because no one is going to hand it to you on a platter. This career, like any other, requires an investment -- an investment of time, money (if you should choose to take writing classses, which I highly recommend), dedication, and good old-fashioned hard work.

For most of us, a writing career does not happen overnight. It takes many steps, repeated, over time. We have to work hard, and slowly reap the fruits of our hard work. Of course, depending on one's determination and the amount of time spent writing and marketing, the process can definitely be quicker. It really depends on each individual -- what their goals are, how much time they are willing to spend working towards them, and how dedicated they are to writing as a career.

In my case, I have wholeheartedly embraced writing as my chosen path. I love it! It is thoroughly enjoyable, very fulfilling, and I am able to do it while caring for my two toddlers at home. In saying this, though, I must mention the many hours that I have put in to get to this point (where I am finally seeing my name in print more and more and receiving payment for those articles.) Doing some freelance writing for local businesses is also helping me to achieve my income goals with my pen.

So, yes, I do think that writers must be self-producing. In fact, I think that it is absolutely essential. After all, if you are not your biggest cheerleader, who will be?

After saying all this (my apologies for being so long-winded!), it is only right to tell you that I attribute my writing success, in large part, to Christina Katz. I picked up her book, Writer Mama, from a local Borders about a year and a half ago -- and before I finished the first chapter, I knew that I had found my calling. Since then, I have taken her classes, followed her advice, and put into practice what she recommends. And now, I am proud to say that I am a writer.

The Writing Life

Hiya Writers!

It's been too long again.

I know.

Instead of making excuses, I'm just going to 'fess up and say that I'm happy to be as busy as I have been lately. More work has definitely left me with less time to do some of the things I really enjoy, such as blogging, catching up with all my Twitter peeps, and having fun on Facebook. But, like I said, I really can't complain because I'm trying to get in as much writing as possible before the baby comes in August.

My portfolio has been growing steadily, I'm editing a book for someone and helping her craft a query letter for an agent, and also trying to spend some more time on copywriting projects. Crazy as it might sound, I really enjoy copywriting, which is definitely starting to increase my (much too small!) income.

I've been wondering: do many magazine writers also branch out to copywriting? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts and experiences in this regard!

I'm also considering adding a bit more to my plate soon by taking a couple classes. I am planning on signing up for Christina Katz's "Pitching Practice" class because I thinks it's time for me to start querying the glossies. I've met with some great successes writing for regional publications, but would love to see my byline in - and receive the check from - national magazines, too. Christina's class starts on May 12, and I am really looking forward to it. In addition to taking that class, I am also looking around for a good copywriting course. If you have any recommendations or suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it!

How has your workload been lately?

Participate in the WM Back To School Giveaway

For the third year in a row, The Writer Mama, Christina Katz, is giving away thirty books in thirty days. All you have to do to participate is answer the question that Christina will pose daily. One lucky winner will win each day. There is no limit to how many times you can enter. The drawing is for U.S. residents. You don’t have to be a mom, but of course, the event is created with moms in mind, so please tell all the writer mamas you know! See ya in September at http://thewritermama.wordpress.com.

Taking A Writing Class

Things have been so hectic around here that I haven't actually taken the time to just stop and think about my progress from last year, let alone set goals for this new year. I will do that soon, though. Just not yet.

I have decided, though, to take a writing class - something that I think will be extremely beneficial for my writing career. I have been wanting to take the class for a while now, but have only hesitated because of the cost and because I wanted to make sure that I took it at the most opportune time. 

I have begun to realize that the perfect time will never come because life just seems to get busier by the day. And as for the cost, I did have to budget and save for a while, but I'm sure that it will be well worth it. 

My first class begins tomorrow and I am SO excited to begin! Christina Katz, the author of Writer Mama and Get Known Before the Book Deal, teaches the class via email. I have learned so much just from reading her book, Writer Mama, that I can't wait to see how much more I can learn from taking her class. 

The class is called Writing and Publishing the Short Stuff (for Moms). From what I gather, Christina focuses on teaching the basics of writing "short and sweet." This sets a good basis for any type of writing that I may want to pursue in the future.  The way I see it, if I can start small then maybe I can finish big.  So for now, I am beginning this new year with anticipation, looking forward to seeing how this step will help me advance on my journey as a writer mama. Wish me luck! I'll post updates on my progress in the class. :)

Writer Mama Scholarship

Over at Christina Katz's website, she has a great blog that you should definitely check out. Christina is the Writer Mama who has inspired many women, including myself, to venture out on a writing career. 

 In addition to her awesome book, Writer Mama, Christina has recently written another book entitled Get Known Before the Book Deal.  Her books serve as wonderful tools for any writer mama who is working towards publication.  

Also, she offers several online writing classes that can be conveniently worked into the busy schedule of mom writers. She offers a quarterly scholarship for her class Writing and Publishing the Short Stuff.  If interested, pay a visit to her blog: The Writer Mama Riffs