How I’m Pushing Myself As A Writer
This morning I woke up at 4AM and wrote a story. Since I was still sleepy AF, it took me a good 3 hours to get it done. But once it was finished, I was pleased enough with the results that I took a little catnap before my 5-year-old daughter woke up for the day.
Waking up to write stories while my mom and daughter are still sleeping isn’t something I do every day, but I certainly enjoy writing in these quiet hours (which are free from interruption) as much as I can.
I feel quite fortunate to write online. Despite working odd hours and well above 40 of them a week, I’m grateful to enjoy the luxury of choosing my own schedule and topics. There’s an enormous amount of freedom there.
Of course, there’s the propensity to become stagnant too. I’ve been pretty blunt about the fact that I just want to write.
Like I really just want to write.
At the same time, I want to become better at what I do, so there are a few small steps I’m taking to push myself further as a writer.
There’s a lot that I really don’t like about making pitches (like everything), so I typically don’t make them at all. Back in the day before I began writing professionally I made a few pitches and got rejected.
Le sigh.
Every once in a while, I’d make a few more pitches. But to be honest, my pitches usually go rejected or unanswered. And as a single working mother, I really hate the feeling of wasting my time when I work. So I don’t bother making many pitches anymore.
However, as a few new opportunities presented themselves, I decided to start pitching again. Last week, one pitch was accepted. So now I’ve got to finish the work I started.
Yesterday was the first time I ever truly interviewed somebody for a story. I’ve got a few more interviews lined up this week too.
Although other writers have interviewed me in the past, this is the first time that I’ve taken the reigns to approach experts who can help add dimension and credibility to my writing.
It’s scary. I’m awkward and Aspie and perhaps as introverted as they come. Asking for the interviews via email is one thing, but actually conducting them over the phone or live chat is a much different beast.
I find that I’ve just got to make myself get through it until it doesn’t feel so bad. And hope the expert is forgiving about my uncomfortable silences.
Ahem.
Last week, I did a video chat with Shaunta Grimes. It was basically a live Q&A with viewers asking questions about earning a living as writers. And it was recorded.
When Shaunta first asked me to do the video chat, the fearful part of me that only wants to sit at home and write was tempted to decline. But I accepted the offer right away because I know that pushing myself out of my comfort zones is a big part of becoming a more successful writer.
Speaking of video, I’ve decided to start a YouTube channel in June (when my mother is finally settled in her own apartment). It’s the type of thing I’ve always wanted to do despite my awkwardness and various reservations.
In addition to the YouTube plans, I’ve agreed to branch out with a friend to lead some coaching. It will mean more live chats. And phone calls. Emails. Plus things I can’t yet anticipate.
I might be pretty damn uncomfortable about it at times, but I also know that once I get used to all of it, it could be a real success. I could grow to like it. Or love it.
The truth is that I might be perfectly content writing at home and never getting out of my comfort zone. But I’ve got big dreams to grow, so I’ve got to keep on learning and leaning into the stuff that makes me nervous.
Is life asking for more from you right now? If you’re honest, you’ll know the answer. Branching out isn’t always exciting. Sometimes, it’s downright frightening, but it’s often a vital part of growing any career.
Of course, it’s okay to do things your own way. That’s definitely how I’ve managed to make it this far as a writer, but expanding your horizons is luckily the kind of thing you can take on and do at your own pace.
You don’t have to rush your progress, but you don’t want to avoid challenging work either. Try to take a few baby steps which represent “the next thing” for you.
Branch out to make room for new growth.
Lean into a few difficult yet rewarding challenges.
Even if it doesn’t pan out, it will give you something to write about.
(Me too.)
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How I’m Pushing Myself As A Writer
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