5 Ways to Advance Your Writing Career in 2023 (Without Writing...)

 

Writing. 

It can be intoxicating. Sometimes magical. I love the way it connects hearts, minds, souls-- people of every intersection, belief system, and socio-economic group. Hello?

I love how the act enables us to share a certain intimacy and vulnerability with strangers; without wondering if they'll call in the morning.  

I love how it memorializes time, thoughts, experiences.  How it inspires, informs, empowers, educates, entertains. I love the sense of community.  

I love how it validates.  How it makes us feel "heard".

Anybody with me here?

Here's the flip side. It's not always a walk in the park...

Writing can be exhausting, time consuming, frustrating, depleting. Things like writer's block; rejections from editors; a lack of feedback from blog readers; technical glitches. They can all take their toll.

All reasons why it's important to sometimes re-fuel our spirit with other tasks that allow us to be progressive and productive, yet don't categorically involve writing and the creative process.

If you're on board, let's explore a few alternative options in today's post.

5 WAYS TO MOVE YOUR WRITING CAREER THAT DON'T INVOLVE WRITING:

(Pencils ready?)        

1. READ

Savvy writers realize that reading is integral to expanding our horizons, our vocabulary, and our professional skill set. Whether it's a romance novel, an autobiography, poetry, or a reference book devoted to the writing craft, read to succeed!

I would highly recommend Yuwanda Black's "The  Ultimate Freelancer's Guidebook." Find it on Amazon: 

https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Freelancers-Guidebook-Learn-Build/dp/1440596786

2. RESEARCH

If your goal in 2023 is to earn pay for your efforts, you'll definitely want to spend time on research on the regular. To increase your bottom line and your visibility, you'll need to research grants for writers, job boards, contests, conferences and more. 

Check out the array of resources available here @ Winning Writers.

https://winningwriters.com/

3. ORGANIZE

Organization leads to greater levels of productivity, research shows. Why not take some time to purge papers from your office, delete files from your computer you no longer need, or clear your crowded desk? There's no time like the present. 

4. NETWORK

Network to get work. I've been fortunate, over the span of my career, to receive job leads, publishing opps and more, from the supportive alliances I've built with other bloggers and fellow authors. You should too. 

5. RELAX

This may seem counter-intuitive, but it really works. Sometimes to produce more you have to work less. That's right. Relax to recharge. Step away from your computer and take a break. 

When I am feeling stressed or too much "in my head" I tune in to some good music, or have a movie marathon, or get "creative" in the kitchen. As a matter of fact, it's where I often re-connect with my muse. Try it, you'll like it.

Want more ideas and actionable tips? Read this previous post at Pen & Prosper on 10 ways to move forward in your writing career:

Your turn.

Agree or disagree? Which tip is your favorite today?

Image credits: Pixabay.com