How to cut your writers teeth and get some good practice writing for the web.
Great writing tips for newbies, session 3
This is the third part of an ongoing session of writing tips that I post regularly to this blog. For those of you who are keeping up with these postings, thanks. In session two I talked about some steps to create an online portfolio of any writing you have. To illustrate how one can be set-up I took the time to build a nice WordPress site for my written material. I also have another portfolio site here.
These sessions are provided at no cost to the reader. The goal is to help others learn to become better writers. I learn new ways to improve my writing every day. I never call myself a great writer. Like every writer, I am a student of the process. As a good student, I help others when I can.
Session 3
There are many ways for one to get practice at writing. You could sign up for an expensive college course to get told your writing is no good. You could search the internet for hours on end and view page after page of people trying to give you a free starter writing course- so they can set you up later with high-end charges for the real stuff. Or, you could venture out on your own and get your writing feet wet with websites that will pay you for your ideas, views, and well deserved writing.
What I mean when say this is, do some research. Find what you’re good at writing and do a web search on getting paid to write in that genre. For instance, I like to write poetry, so I found some good reputable sites that pay for good poetry. Rattle, the Poetry Foundation, and Boulevard are just a few. Mind you now, you cannot just send any poem in and expect one of these sites to pay you for it. You have to put in the leg work and take some time to see what these sites publish on a regular basis before you submit anything. See what they like, then craft your poem accordingly.
You could also stretch your writing legs and write a number of articles, reviews, or web content material for people looking for freelance writers. There are many sites that you can sign up to and write material for. At some of these sites, you bid against others for work like Upwork and Freelancer. Others like iWriter let you jump right in and cut your writing teeth on anything you chose. You have to be thorough with your writing at any of these sites, always read the sites guidelines, rules, and go over the FAQ page before signing up. Make sure the site is right for you.
Once you find the right site for you get to writing. Send in as many bids as you can on the material you feel comfortable with. The more you send off the more chances you have of getting a response. If you chose a site like iWriter, try to write a variety of material for different clients. This really helps you cut your teeth and write in multiple genres.
Thanks for taking the time out of your day to review the information presented here in session 3. If you missed session 2 feel free to review it at your own leisure. I hope this article was of some help to those seeking to be better writers. Session 4 will be posted soon. It will go over more ways to start building your work and becoming a better writer.
As always- find what works best for you in everything that you do, including writing. Always write what you feel and never let others sway your opinions or ideas.
Write something GREAT today!
(The sites linked to in this blog are not in any way endorsed by the author of the blog. These sites are used as reference material only).
