Since I started distance running three years ago I’ve completed two half marathons (13.1 miles) and am currently training for a 10-K (6 miles). I’ve been writing for over ten years and discovered that success in freelance writing is a lot like training for a marathon. In both writing and running I intimately know the importance of planning, patience and pain.
Successful writers and runners know the importance of planning. Planning involves setting realistic, achievable goals and scheduling a time specific plan to achieve them. When I set the goal to run my first half marathon, I developed a daily training schedule. Writing is no different. On Tuesdays I send out queries, on Wednesdays I post a blog, on Thursdays I do market research, etc. I can’t expect success as a writer or a runner if I don’t have a regimented, disciplined schedule. I have to write some days when I’d rather watch television. I have to run some days when I’d prefer to stay in bed. Successful writers develop a “training schedule” which includes writing, market research, reading and editing. Once I developed my plan, I had to be patient with the results.
Patience does not mean waiting. Patience is your attitude during the waiting. Don’t expect instant results when writing or running. Just like I couldn’t run 10 miles the first time out, I didn’t expect big contracts as a novice freelance writer. But I took my time, started small and got assignments in smaller markets. Eventually I built clips and credits and now I write for higher paying markets. Many writers give up early and don’t have the patience to truly learn the trade. When Reader’s Digest rejects their first query they want to give up. Instead I say send that query out to at least five other smaller, lower paying markets. Build clips and soon the patience will pay off.
Both writing and running also require some pain. Distance runners realize that pain is just a part of the sport. Let’s face it — the human body was not designed to run 13 miles. But many people run this distance and longer, in spite of the pain. The only way to do that is to keep going despite the pain. The trick is to not fixate on the pain. If I was running along thinking, “Man, my legs hurt, my stomach hurts. My toe nails hurt. My hair hurts,” I wouldn’t make it a few miles before I got defeated. But when I concentrate on the prize of completion, the pain doesn’t seem so bad.
As a freelance writer, I have experienced the pain of rejection and harsh critiques. I can concentrate on these or focus on the positive. I know that the pain of rejection teaches me to be a better writer, to persevere. A painful critique forces me to improve my writing skills. Enhanced writing and market research means fewer rejections.
By the same token, lack of pain is sometimes an indication of lack of growth. If I never get a rejection I should challenge myself to go outside my comfort zone. When I’m not challenged in my writing, I’m probably being lazy and safe. While it is good to have periods of pleasure with no pain, some discomfort is necessary to build strength. For my writing this meant querying some new markets, attending a writer’s meeting and adding a critique group. Pain, pain, pain.
My legs are sore even as I write this. But not sore like three years ago when I began this adventure. Today’s pain is the kind where my muscles are screaming, “I can finish this race!” After ten years of planning, patience and pain, I’m writing for the long haul as well.
Angela Dion is the owner of Dion Communications, LLC www.dioncommunications.com. To subscribe to her free e-magazine Write Words and get the free 9 page booklet, Write Killer Queries, go to http://www.dioncommunications.com./newsletter/?p=subscribe.
This article may be reprinted freely as long as the entire article and bio are included.
Tags: pain in writing, patience in writing, persistance in writing, setting goals in writing
As a wanna be freelance writer I write constantly for mostly free online places like Ex: (Helium.com) this is good practice though not too profitable. I always save the articles I write so if I see a place where they want a good article on a specific subject or even if it is close to that subject I may only need to edit instead of writing a full article. I have possibly 200 articles written & saved and write each day a little more. I’m always looking for sites where I can actually make money without paying for the privilege of writing. After all it is a job that I am doing so why would I pay for the opportunity to work for or with you unless you want to make me a partner.
Book Marketing Blog Carnival - July 8, 2009…
Welcome to the July 8, 2009 edition of the book marketing blog carnival.
Marketing and Online Marketing
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