This is for you, the one who can’t decide. Who trembles on the inside with stories of years untold, who wants desperately to jump in with feet first, but how? You want to be a _____.
Go ahead. Fill in the blank. But it’s hard, isn’t it?
You want to be a writer. You want to be a blogger. An artist. A singer. A businesswoman.
There, the blanks are filled. But now it’s worse because you’ve admitted it. Turns out the first step to solving a problem is not just acknowledging there is one (in this case, you want to be a _____, but you don’t know how). The first step is, well, the first step.
Now how to decipher what that is?
How I took the first step and taught myself how to write
When I was 17, I graduated and decided I wanted to go to college not to be an optician… but a writer. I had no idea what that meant. No. Idea. So I came up with the pat answer of “I want to write for a magazine someday.”
I had no clue about how to write for magazines, either.
But I knew what had inspired me to want to write for magazines. And get this: it wasn’t magazines.
It was blogs.
So I started a blog and taught myself how to write horrid blog posts, then better blog posts. And I did that with the help of Google (research) and time (practice). Once I got somewhat good, I scoured submission guidelines of my favorite blogs and emailed like mad until one took.
I was published. Online. On top of the world. And determined to do it over and over again. Now I write regularly for one of those contributor blogs.
Eventually, too, I landed assignments with my university’s magazine and discovered that, while I do like writing for magazines, blogging is my first love when it comes to nonfiction writing. Who knew? My dream evolved…all because I took that first step and taught myself what I wanted to know.
For you, my friend:
- Google that puppy. Never underestimate the power of research, especially the free, on-your-own-time kind that can be done with mug in hand and slippers on your feet.
- Practice like nobody’s business. You want to write? Write. Sing? Sing. Make pieces of art that blow people away? Pick up the paintbrush. Experience really is a stellar teacher.
How I took the first step and started a business.
This one I can take little credit for. This one came about because people told me I wrote well, turned in clean copy, had a good eye, was a good proofreader. Friends asked me to critique their writing; one friend insisted she pay me. And it clicked.
What if instead of tucking away my dream of being an editor of a publishing house someday…I pursued that dream now?
So I set up a page on my blog and told it like it was: I was good at editing, that I’d done it a lot. And the whole venture blew up far more than I had expected because of some good publicity and people believing in me.
The rest, the finance management, the nitty-gritty paperwork, came later. All I needed to launch … was to launch.
My dream came true…all because I took that first step and put myself out there. Your turn!
- Listen to your loved ones. If they’re always telling you you really ought to consider writing a book, consider it. If they’re always pushing you to think about taking that soap/jewelry/craft-making talent and turning it into a shop? Try it.
- Learn how to spread the word. I messaged people I’d proofread for in the past and asked if they’d write me an endorsement. They often gave me a shout-out on social media without my asking. I emailed bloggers I respected and asked if they were looking for a guest post, even though I wasn’t sure they’d say yes. Then they did. Don’t be afraid to publicize your new venture on social media, through email, or over coffee.
People love stories and to learn that you’re beginning a new chapter in yours will not seem boastful to them, if that’s what you’re worried about. Unless you actually, well, boast about it. So share in the comments: tell me about your new chapter, story, the dream you’re going after…
Caroline Rose Kraft says
This was timely for me, Rachelle!
I am in more of a dreaming hard, plan-making, go-getter phase than I have been in since I graduated high school, or maybe ever. I am working on two books, I am slowly getting back into blogging and contributing online, I am being really intentional at home, with my health and on even more personal levels (relationships, spiritual life, mental health, etc.) I am also working for a lady in my neighborhood for the cash to to publish again. It’s a lot about discipline, but it’s even more about hope. This passage from Proverbs is taped by my bed:
“She has a plan. She tastes success and knows it is good. She smiles when she thinks about the future.”
Chapter 31, vs. 16, 18 and 25.
Rachelle says
I’m so thrilled to hear about all you’ve got going on, Caroline–especially those two books! :) Can’t wait to celebrate with you on those release days. :)
Tonya says
This is really encouraging! I’ve fallen in love with painting and have been dreaming more about painting then writing. I decided I would start a blog with my art and see what happens. I’ve been working on things to post and sometimes (like tonight) I panic because I see all these mistakes. I keep trying to tell myself I’m just starting, I won’t get anywhere if I don’t make mistakes bc that’s how I learn and on an on. I love that you said your first posts stunk bc ugh, i don’t want to have bad posts BUT google “how to blog well” can only do so much. So an imperfect picture I make for posting.
Rachelle says
Sounds like your self-talk is truth: you are just starting and we do learn by making mistakes. Keep researching how to blog well and you’ll get there. ;)
Leigh says
Thank you.
I hesitate to say more, for such is the quantified complete of what this post evokes in me. Thankfulness.
Beautiful, resounding, wisdom. Thank you.
Rachelle says
So blessed to have you visit here, Leigh. Thank you. :)