Summary

The web content provides valuable writing advice from experienced full-time writers, emphasizing the importance of viewing oneself as a conduit for stories, separating writing from editing, maintaining discipline, diversifying income streams, and embracing a variety of writing opportunities.

Abstract

The article "Super-Useful Writing Tips from Real-Life Full-Time Writers (Maybe You’ll Find They Help You Excel)" compiles wisdom from authors who have navigated the path to a full-time writing career. It suggests that writers should approach their craft as a channel through which stories flow, rather than as the originator of those stories. The advice includes separating the creative process of writing from the critical process of editing, to avoid disrupting the narrative flow. The article also stresses the importance of writing consistently, regardless of inspiration, and the necessity of having multiple sources of income to manage the financial uncertainties of a writing career. Additionally, it encourages writers to be open to diverse writing assignments to broaden their experience and opportunities.

Opinions

Carlos Cooper advocates for writers to see themselves as conduits for stories, suggesting a relaxed approach to storytelling and inviting a higher power or external force to guide the narrative.
Tom Corson-Knowles emphasizes the importance of writing freely without immediate self-editing, warning against getting trapped in endless revisions that hinder progress.
Michael Warden insists that inspiration should not dictate writing productivity, encouraging writers to write even when they don't feel like it.
Stephanie Land highlights the financial instability of freelance writing and recommends securing a steady income source alongside writing projects.
Gabrielle Pastorek suggests that writers should be open to trying different types of writing projects, as this can lead to unexpected rewards and career growth.

Super-Useful Writing Tips from Real-Life Full-Time Writers (Maybe You’ll Find They Help You Excel)

Let those writers who’ve trodden the boards before you help you get it right

Every writer has to start somewhere, not only on the page but with their life as a writer. Some take small steps. They inch their way to full-time writer status.

Others jump in at the deep end: They take the plunge, quitting their nine-to-five in favor of a writing career. And somewhere between the two, other writers tap away at a writer’s existence between chores and part-time jobs.

All, however, can offer wisdom when they get to the point they call themselves full-time writers. They’ve trodden the boards before you. Here’s some of their best advice.

Be a conduit

Writer and stay-at-home dad Carlos Cooper makes a living from his work. But, he underwent many writing-based life lessons to get there. One of his suggestions stands out for its wisdom. Carlos says, “the story isn’t mine. I’m just the conduit.”

His point can reduce your struggle when you strive to summon a story or topic to write about. It works on the premise all tales already exist. You just have to let them flow.

Carlos’s message proposes you relax your way into a storyline. Just let it arise without forcing it to stream. He says, “before every writing session, I stop, close my eyes, and ask God (you may want to use the Universe or something less religious-y) to bring me the story.”

His idea reminds me of myself as a child at bedtime. Rather than reading, my parents often asked me to tell them a story. I began with the first subject that popped into my head. It could be a rabbit, closed door, spaceship — anything. Then, I let the story come to me. The process was easy because I felt no pressure to create anything fantastic, and it always worked.

Write now, edit later

Author Tom Corson-Knowles advises writers to get writing out of the way before they launch into the editing process. Of course, it’s important to check your grammar and edit your work, but save it for later when your words are on the page.

If you seek perfection and check each line as you write, you’ll lose your sense of flow, and the story might disappear. Capture it as though it’s a butterfly that might flutter away before it’s too late.

Tom says, “you have to make sure you avoid the fate of authors who work on a single book for a decade with nothing to show for all that time and effort.” Presumably, he puts their lack of achievement down to being stunted by constant rounds of revision before they’ve written anything substantial.

No one’s first draft, or even the second, third, or fourth, is always ready for publishing. You will make mistakes. But that’s all right. You can sort them out when your inspiration’s done its job, and you’re ready to polish your written work.

Don’t wait for inspiration

Author Michael Warden says, “write whether you feel inspired or not. The truth is, some of your best writing will happen when you don’t feel inspired at all.”

As a full-time writer, you’ll meet days when you are fed up. Either inspiration takes a vacation, or you just feel under-par, and you don’t have the urge to put pen to paper.

Rather than take advice from hobby writers, who whimsically suggest you stroll along the beach and wait for your muse, get to work.

Sit at your writing desk and give yourself a stern pep-talk. You will write today. Even if you want to watch Netflix and eat a bag of popcorn (and, let’s face it, you can if you’re self-employed), don’t give in to temptation.

If you’re a full-time writer, you must earn a living, and you can’t do that by watching movies.

You need multiple income streams

Freelance writer Stephanie Land describes herself as just having reached “the point of financial security” after a couple of years of earnestly striving to develop financial stability. Her advice is to ensure you have at least one form of financial certainty — a wage coming in independently from all the pitching to editors and relying on an indefinite income.

Freelancing isn’t a financially stable job. Stephanie says, “there are times of being extremely busy, and there are times of agonizing silence. Try to find a steady gig as a regular contributor to a website or for a nonprofit or some other source that will provide enough money for you to make it through the month unscathed.”

Sometimes, you’ll triumph, and a publisher will offer you a deal, or a client will give you work. But you don’t get paid until later, even if you need the money now. So it’s smart not to rely on money that mightn’t arrive until you’re in the red zone with bills or there’s no food in your fridge.

Vary your path

Writer Gabrielle Pastorek says, “go ahead. Accept the invitation to try a website rewrite or SEO writing, even if you’re not quite sure you want those types of projects.” She began her career as a copy editor but now creates content for plastic surgeons and dermatologists.

You might think you’ll only take certain jobs and stick to your niche: Indeed, some people claim that’s smart. Nonetheless, like Gabrielle, I’m a full-time writer, and I’ve accepted various writing jobs. From creating content for mental health websites to ghostwriting books, I’ve spread my wings and been glad to do so.

You never know what you enjoy or the jobs that will be the most profitable and satisfying until you try them. Plus, the more varied your experience, the better placed you are to find work.

Writers who’ve gone before you know the pitfalls you are likely to face. They can decipher good from bad advice and help you succeed. Heed their suggestions, and you’ll be a step closer to succeeding as a writer.

Don’t want to miss new stories? Click here for limitless access to my writing and every other story on Medium.

Bridget Webber writes articles for magazines and websites; she often ghostwrites for professionals who can’t spare the time to pen compositions. She’s written poetry eBooks and is featured in several leading publications.