Can You Make A Decent Living Writing Online?

By: Andrew Morris

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a writer? I can tell you that it is possible to make a living online writing, and no, you do not have to be a modern-day Mark Twain!

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a writer? Perhaps achieving the status of Stephen King or William Faulkner? Of course these two literary giants (in far different fields) had a talent few can comprehend or touch; and whether or not you write a best seller isn't something I can predict. I can tell you that it is possible to make a living online writing; and no you do not have to be Hemingway, however it would be helpful to have a decent command of the language and understand how to put your thoughts on paper.

For myself, I still have a novel or two inside yearning to escape, and while I haven't completed them yet, I still get paid every single day to write, often for myself, setting on paper what I think, feel or experience, either about life or perhaps a product; sometimes for others, but write I do.

Writing is both a passion and a business and while those are two very different points, they both much be implemented if you want achieve success as a writer. Let me first address writing from passion, since that is what drives me.

And of course by passion I am not talking carnally, rather being enthused about what I am saying, writing and doing. If I want to convey a thought, feeling or emotion in my articles, I first visualize it as clearly as possible in my mind before putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). When I do this, I am able to (in my mind) personally feel and experience what I am writing about. When then happens I am indeed passionate and it comes through in my writing.

Now then business, not the fun part, but very necessary if we want to achieve success. You have to make a choice, is writing for fun or profit? It is your career or simply a hobby. Either is fine and I cast no judgment, but if it is your business, then you must treat it as same.

When you have a writing assignment from a customer, you must treat them with respect, and deliver your articles in a timely fashion. If there is a delay, communication is key, indeed it is your specialty so use it to your advantage. If they ask for a revision, do not take it personally, rather rise to the task delivering the very best you can; when you do, they'll be back for more and your business and reputation will rise because of it.

Stick with it! I of course have no way of knowing whether you are writing an article (such as this); or a story for a national publication. In either case, if at first you do not succeed (as the adage goes) try and try again. Try again to get the verbiage just right. Try again to get your foot in the door. Do this and eventually, maybe tonight, maybe next week, the door will open. When you walk in as a writer, walk in proud, walk in knowing (and being prepared to prove it) that you know how to write and deliver projects and assignments on time.

The internet has given thousands of us writers a chance to reach a global audience. It is entirely possible to make a living online, plan for it, then put your plan into action.

Andrew Morris
www.articlewritingzen.com