I once took a graduate seminar about the writing profession where I told a room full of Creative Writing MFAs that they didn’t necessarily have to get formal education to be a professional writer. “There are so many opportunities to get experience and learn the trade,” I said. Coming from a History background, I pointed out that MFA programs were only created after WWII when the federal government wanted accredited classes for the money they pumped into universities. “After all, Shelley, Twain, and Hemingway didn’t have MFAs,” I added.
As you can imagine, this went over like a lead balloon. In a terrible attempt at encouragement, “look how easy it is,” I ignored their hard work and lacked perspective on how hard it is to make it in writing.
Now, here I am working as a writer in my second career without having gone through a formal program. It’s a tough go, but it’s worth it. These are questions I had to consider, and you should too, before embarking on a second career in writing.
Establish What You Want to Write
This is the factor that will guide your decision making going forward. Do you want to write long or short fiction? Poetry? Freelance for magazines or websites? What about branded content? Whichever you choose, take on projects that move you towards your end goal. Sure, taking varying work early on is a way to get experience, but eventually you’ll need to taper to your longterm goal. Keeping your longterm goal in mind will help you make smart decisions about where you spend your daily time and effort.
Be Financially Realistic
The romantic notion of a struggling writer is just that. Be real with yourself. What do you (and any dependents) need to live a healthy life? Do you have recurring costs beyond general living
expenses? What about down time and traveling? Before you venture out full time, save enough money for six months rent, at the very minimum. Following your passion is noble, but it is important to count the cost before venturing out into a career that may not pay real dividends for years.
Write. Write. Write.
When transitioning to a career in writing, find the time to write in your current career before going into it full time. Write before work or before bed. Keep a notebook with you to write when inspiration strikes or outline current projects in your down time. Set realistic goals and work towards them daily. Give yourself one day a week to rest and reset. It will be strain, but it will form you and your work to be something worthwhile. Oh, and don’t tell people about how hard you’re working. It’s nice to commiserate every now and then (cough, Florida Writers Conference, cough), but other than that, keep your words on your page.
Work Smart
Use your time efficiently by becoming incredibly regimented. Set annual, monthly, and weekly goals. Stick to your established writing times, and find out how you work smartest. Create a story ideas folder and a project spreadsheet to track progress. Learn how long you can write and when you can edit. Do you like to free write until the story becomes clear or are you better with page/word limits? How many drafts do you need to craft your project before letting it go? Writing is an art, but it requires structure and processes to rely on when the creative energy is low.
Get Connected
The best way to get experience is to find a regular outlet. There are so many niche blogs available to write for that you can find ones that overlaps with your interests. They don’t pay much, but they are resume builders. Prove to be a reliable and an interesting writer, then you can parlay that into multiple smaller gigs or even a larger one.
Then network. Networking feels like it is people using others to get what they want. It kind of is, but it is also people with similar ideas and interests, trying to do similar things you are. Both can be true. Find where you can help each other, then be kind and affable to everyone you work with, especially editors. When it comes time to apply for new jobs, you will have someone who can speak highly of you and your work.
Consider connecting on Twitter. Follow editors and other writers. Be part of the conversation and keep an eye out for projects. Technology can steal solitude and imagination, so limit it to thirty minutes before or after your daily writing routine.
Be Patient
This is the hardest part of it all. You may be doing everything right, but you will have to wait for opportunities and on yourself. It may will take years. Like any ancient craft, writing is about patience and proving your ability over time; from apprentice to journeyman to master craftsmen. It’s easy to become frustrated with yourself, often times that’s due to unrealistic time expectations. Allow yourself the time to grow as a writer, a person, and a professional. Then when the right project comes along, you will have the skills to make it your masterpiece.
