How to Get Off the Writing Treadmill!

Ever feel that despite all your writing efforts, you seem to be going no where?
Like you're running in place.

You spend hours on crafting queries, only to have them go unanswered.
Or you research new markets, but can't seem to find any suitable for the pieces you've created.

Or you're working hard, but your output exceeds your income!
You're exactly the same place you were last month, last year.

It happens to the best of us.
It's like being on a treadmill. And if you don't get off of it soon, you'll likely get frustrated, tired, and throw in the towel.
And you'll have nothing to show for your sweat equity.

As someone who has published professionally for over a decade, in just about every genre you can imagine, I'll share some tips to help you go the distance and better pace yourself for times ahead.

1. Got goals?
In order for you to move forward and stay on a progressive path, you must know where you intend to go. This may seem obvious, but trust me, it isn't. There are numerous writers that write because they "love" to, with no clear vision as to where they see themselves going in the future. Perhaps you're one of them. Productive writing requires planning. Make sure to put your goals in writing for greater odds for success. Studies show that when people actually pen their goals, they are much more likely to achieve them.

2. Quit writing for everybody for free.
You'll burn out much more quickly. And you'll never attain financial growth.
In the infancy of my career, I wrote a lot for nothing. And don't get me wrong, I still write for free now. If it's a valuable cause, or for a good friend, or a start-up that I believe has growth potential. But there's a limit. Over the last few months, I've gotten several requests to become a guest author at some pretty well-established sites, (for free). Unfortunately, I had to decline. As much as I love writing, I need to eat too. :-)

3. Market more.
Let's face it: many creative creatures get caught up in the art of "creating" with very little efforts devoted to selling their work. Getting paid is what makes writing a career and not a hobby. Sure, I know, that sometimes it may make you feel like a used car salesman, but do it anyway.

4. Invest in yourself.
In a tough economy, everybody is trying to get more bang for their buck.
But free ain't always better, folks.
At some point on your path, you'll need to invest in yourself for optimal results.(Meaning you'll need to spend some money).
Other professionals do it all the time. Beauticians go to classes to update their skills and learn new techniques. Whether it's Jherri Curl perms, or weaving procedures.
Teachers take self-development seminars to hone their craft and maintain their certification. Why not you?

To help you move forward, I'm happy to announce my new service---(see here's where I practice what I preach, by marketing to you). :-)

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How will you get off the writing treadmill? Or does this apply? Do tell.

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