The idea of Writer's Success began less than a year ago. I had decided to
try my hand at writing for writers. The unique art of simply writing about
writing. I chose to write an E-book about writing, but I wanted it to be unique
from the abundance of other books for beginning writers. I sat down and
brainstormed ideas for it, coming up with things that I wish I had learned
about when I was just starting out.
Being the extremely curious person I am (and most writers are), I wish I had
access to writer's advise-those who had "been there, done that". I
wanted to know how they got their first sale, where they got support, financial
issues, various writing careers, their opinions, etc. I soon realized that my
idea wouldn't work as just one, and it soon turned into two different E-books.
I ended up interviewing 22 fantastic freelance writers. After about six months,
I finally had completed drafts to edit. That was a great feeling, one I will
never forget.
Even though I was no longer a beginner, I had learned so much by
interviewing these writers. I was able to take a glance into their writing
life, and that's exactly what I wanted for my readers. I wanted them to be able
to peek into these writer's business lives, and say, "Oh, that's how they
did it". It was such an important experience. To this day, I still
communicate with a couple of my interviewees, and one has even helped me with
marketing Writer's Success.
I had finally completed The Writer's Forum and Writing Careers Guidebook. It
was a proud moment. The best thing I learned from that experience was that I
really enjoyed writing about writing. I love writing, and over the years had
enjoyed writing about women's issues, business, show vehicles, and more. Yet,
nothing compared to the way I felt about writing for writers. Who would have
thought I could enjoy writing even more?!
Testing my Skills
Soon after, I decided to write some essays about writing. I wrote about my
first sale, writing for free, and on other topics I knew well. I still enjoyed
it, but I wasn't satisfied with the way they turned out. That's when I got the
idea to create an online magazine. Just like anything else, a few things got in
the way of that. I started working full-time, had a death in the family, and then
there are the kids… I was also a little afraid to put it up on the web just
yet. I wasn't ready, and my perfectionism had taken me over. It does that a
lot. Finally, I buckled down, and sent my perfectionist voice on vacation. I
completed the initial website in a little over a month. Finally, I was writing
my own online magazine, and weekly newsletter. It's the best decision in
writing that I have made thus far. I truly enjoy every bit of it, and the
feedback I get from my readers is the best motivation anyone could ask for.
Working with Other Writers
I have had a wonderful time interviewing successful writers for Writer of
the Month. Its purpose was to inspire readers, but they inspire me as well.
It's the coolest thing to see how I relate to these writers. It makes me
realize that they have accomplished these great feats, and every writer has
that chance with hard work, determination, and good business strategies.
I have also had the opportunity to work with some excellent freelance
writers who are writing e-courses for Writer's Success. Their achievements
inspire me. Communicating with them inspires me. They have all come up with
fabulous ideas for e-courses. It's a valuable experience to work with other
writers, and a little different than my usual array of tasks. I have now added
editor to my resume; I am no longer simply a writer. It's been a little strange
for me to be on the "other side", sending acceptances, rejections,
and giving feedback. It is a great deal more work than I anticipated, but it is
every bit worth it. In giving back to freelance writers all over the world, I
still receive something back as well. I am inspired and encouraged by my
experiences each and every week. What could be better than that?