Writing is a passion for people who are passionate about life and expression. Multiple rewards exist for both those who get paid to write and those who do not. Writing is not always about money, but for talented writers, the money will come along with the craft. The best way to create a brand that is you, is to put your writing where it can be seen. Online writing offers the best opportunity to be seen and read.
Investing time and effort in something you love, hardly seems like work and it's understandable that those who love to write would do this willingly and without monetary compensation. Online writing groups offer feedback, helpful critique, and validation. Without these components it's sometimes difficult to assess our own skills.
An online Internet presence can propel you to the next level of getting paid to write. Citizen Journalism is a growing industry with opportunities to cash in with some big name professional web sites. Some web sites allow graphics and videos along with written work. Pictures indeed can enhance your subject. Gaining a following allows writers to earn nominal amounts of money while honing the craft of writing.
MTV, BBC, and a number of other newspapers, news media and online sites are offering to pay for citizen journal submissions. MSNBC won't pay for your submissions, but they will accept them. Watching your video or reading your story on MSNBC news is still a reward and will get you noticed while you're trying to get a foothold in the writing world.
Generating confidence by establishing your presence online is an excellent way to build readership.
What keeps you motivated? Your motivation comes from your long-term writing goals. Writers who maintain long-term goals and keep them in focus keep moving forward and continue to learn by studying other writer's works. They study peers and professionals, contemporaries and classic writers and they select and use the best elements that work for their own writing.
Online writing helps you find your writing niche and your voice. Is your writing style more favorable to creative writing or are you proficient at providing a clear "how to" article that explains the workings of a technical gadget? Do you provide concise information or would you rather debate an issue by supporting your stance with facts and figures? Follow your voice for success.
Perhaps your true passion is in a cause or in taking a stand on certain issues. Writing is the best tool you can use to make your voice heard to the largest audience in the shortest amount of time. Your inner passion is driven by the need to make a difference in the world and your motivation fuel tank is full to keep your motor running.
As we use our writing voice, we learn how to get the most from writing and over time we handle our topics effectively and comfortably.
In February of 2008, Helium partnered with the National Press Club. Online writers who meet the criteria, can apply for membership and be recognized as a legitimate journalist even if you're not paid to write. Selection is based on the quality of writing and not on success as a paid writer. It's a worthy goal for writers everywhere.
The motivation is to become the best you can be using all the tools at your disposal. Online writing offers forums for new and established writers. Writers establish blogs to get their message out to others. Except for a few, most bloggers are not paid, but are writing about their passions and loving the opportunity. The chance to earn money is there, but only if you want it.
Whether you're paid or not paid to write, you owe it to yourself to become the best writer you can be. Anything less would be selling your self short. Online writing gives us every opportunity to expand our knowledge and grow as writers.