how to start writing

by Sandra Knight, Contributing Editor

I studied copywriting for a couple of years.

I thought I wanted to write Business-to-Business (B2B) copy such as white papers, case studies and articles.

The closer I got to prospecting for clients, the more stressed I became.

Nothing was fun and I hated the marketing. Really!

I’m a member of several groups, and one day I saw an advertisement for an online course called Fearless Freelance Writing: Build a Successful Career Writing about What You Know and Love, (FFW).

I had already spent more money than I should have on other workshops, but this one was exactly the path I wanted for my writing.

So I signed up, and everything fell into place.

It was work to get to where I am now (which is still far behind many others), but I don’t dread the daily tasks anymore, not even the marketing.

What’s my secret?

I went back to the beginning and started over.

Here are a few of the steps I took to begin my freelance writing career on my terms and in my time.

If you can’t get your writing career started because you’re too afraid—or you’ve started writing only to realize you’re not happy with the type of writing you’re doing to build a career or business—then these steps might help you, too.

Step 1 – Clean House

I packed and stored everything from my previous business writing studies.

I have a lot of great information, and it will still be there if I need it later.

I cleared my desk, got my supplies together, and downloaded the course materials for week one of FFW.

Looking down at my new clean writing space was liberating.

I was excited and began the next phase of my journey.

Step 2 – Follow Directions

As I read through the lesson and assignment for week one, I made sure to perform each step as required, so I would get all the benefits.

It was hard at first because we like to think we already know what we’re doing.

However, as I slowed down and followed each direction, I found things made more sense.

Following directions is crucial, especially when you get to the point of submitting your writing for publication.

Read carefully and it can save you time and heartache in the long run.

Step 3 – Create and Maintain Habits

I struggle to maintain some of the habits of a successful writer (which we learned in week one of FFW).

Acquiring these habits doesn’t happen in a couple of days or even a week.

It takes as long as it takes, and the trick is to not give up.

Don’t get frustrated when you don’t see quick results.

Take one habit at a time, and when you are doing it regularly, start the next one.

Printing out your routines, where you see them each day, will serve as an additional reminder.

Some of my goals have become habits for me, but it will take more time for others.

Think about which ones are most important to you and start now.

Step 4 – Just Start

This is one of the most important steps and can be one of the hardest for new writers.

You ask yourself all kinds of questions and think everything has to be perfect before you start.

It doesn’t!

I was terrified to put my blog out there, but I did it.

Then I was afraid to post my articles, but I started posting.

Finally, I didn’t know how to start an email list so I got some help.

Within 48 hours I had 10 people signed up!

Since that time I’ve refocused my blog to reflect my true passions and the market I really want to serve.

And I’ve come to realize that sometimes it takes several starts to get things just right.

I’m still nervous about blogging, but we all get nervous.

You just push through anyway and be willing to make mistakes and start over several times, if need be.

But if you don’t start, you won’t move forward and become the writer you want to be.

Step 5 – Become Accountable

Accountability is my friend.

One of the ladies who was in my class agreed to become my accountability partner.

We email a minimum of once per week and we talk on the phone two times per month.

I wouldn’t be as far along without her support.

We talk about what we have accomplished (sometimes it is not very much), bounce ideas off one another, review articles before posting/submitting and give each other pep talks when needed.

We are becoming friends and learning about each other while we pursue our passion.

You may have to try several types of writing before you find your path, and there are many resources available (free and paid) to help you get started.

You will have ups and downs but the sense of accomplishment you feel when you see results makes it worth the effort.

About Sandra Knight

Sandra D. Knight is a freelance writer who lives with her husband in Texas. She creates content for businesses, including in-depth guides, educational reviews and engaging blog posts.