How Writers Can Boost Confidence, Deliver Like Pros, and Earn Big
Debunking myths about online writers based on my experience and insights from a new story of Tim Denning
Inspiration and Motivation for writers. Medium writers/readers can read this story for free via my friendlink.
As writers, we must embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and never lose sight of the power of our words to survive and thrive. And to those who might not fully understand what authentic writers do, remember that they do not just tap away at keyboards and seek attention. They pour their hearts and souls onto the page to make a difference.
Tim Denning’s recent article on ILLUMINATION-Curated struck a chord with me. It is a raw, unvarnished look at the world of online writing—a virtual world Tim and I have inhabited for years. For those who don’t know, Tim is not just a writer but also a mentor and entrepreneur who inspires and empowers other writers. You can learn more about his background in an interview I conducted with him last year.
Like Tim, I can assure you that online writing is not always pretty. It is a tough gig, but if done properly, the rewards — personal growth, recognition, and even financial gain — can be immense.
One of the biggest hurdles online writers face is the misconception that writing online is easy or even a scam. Nothing could be further from the truth. It takes hours of sweat and tears to craft a piece worth reading. Even then, there is no guarantee of financial stability. It is a constant hustle, a balancing act between passion and practicality.
Online writers are often painted as desperate for attention or sellouts for trying to monetize their work. But the truth is, they write because they have something to say, a story to tell, knowledge to share, and to touch on the hearts and spirits of others. It is a calling, not just a career. However, like every profession, writers must earn a living from creativity.
Yet, it is not just about the external struggles. The life of an online writer is a constant mental marathon. As a seasoned writer and mentor of many beginners, I know we are always thinking and constantly creating, even when we are supposed to be relaxing. It can be exhausting and might lead to burnout due to psychological and emotional issues leading to chronic stress.
However, our constant struggles are also where the magic happens. Writing is a form of therapy, a way to process our thoughts and emotions and connect with others who might be going through similar experiences. For example, Expressive Writing Can Heal But Also Generate Income If Done Correctly.
The journey of an online writer is far from easy, but it is gratifying. It is about more than just words on a screen. It is about connecting with others, making a difference, and leaving our marks on the world. Like any profession, authentic online writers also deserve to earn from their creative work.
I want to highlight Tim’s story because it articulates the challenges and misconceptions online writers face, emphasizing the difficulty of making a living in a field often dismissed or misunderstood. Here is a quick summary of my understanding of Tim’s exceptional story to give you helpful perspectives from a writer’s and editor’s experience.
Challenges and Misconceptions
Tim’s story powerfully articulates the challenges and misconceptions faced by online writers. Despite being an established writer, thought leader, and entrepreneur, Tim emphasizes the difficulty of making a living in a field that is repeatedly dismissed or misunderstood.
He compares online writing to competing in the Olympics, emphasizing the immense dedication and resilience needed to succeed. I wholeheartedly agree, as the mental energy we invest in creativity rivals the physical effort of athletes.
He also addresses the misconception that online writers are part of a pyramid scheme or mere attention-seekers. This misconception undermines writers' genuine efforts to inform, entertain, and help people. This perceptive situation can psychologically affect new writers and cause them to stop creating and sharing their voices.
The Reality of the Writing Profession
Tim mentioned the pressures of constantly creating content, the therapeutic benefits of writing, and the necessity for writers to adapt to a changing digital landscape. I highlighted the value of expressive writing before and believe that any form of writing can be therapeutic.
His story emphasizes the extensive time and effort involved in producing quality writing, including numerous revisions and edits. If not controlled, these efforts can cause burnout. He discusses the financial instability faced by online writers and the stigma against monetizing their work, which can discourage writers from pursuing viable income streams.
Regarding aspirations, he touches on the ambition of many writers to write books published by traditional publishers and the challenges posed by the current market and the rise of AI-written books. Unfortunately, this competition makes it difficult for writers to be book authors. If they achieve this status, the financial rewards are less than they are perceived, so the authors might be disappointed.
Over the last 30 years, I have written several books published in traditional ways, which have brought me no income. However, owning my content, publishing process, and marketing slightly helped me earn some income from my creativity, as discussed in a story titled Here’s How I Sold 1,000+ Books in a Month with Minimal Investment First Time.
The Value of Creativity and Challenges of Mental Engagement
His story highlights society’s lack of appreciation for the craft of writing and creativity compared to other skills like business or finance. This devaluation can demoralize writers and make it harder for them to justify their career choices.
Recognizing and valuing creativity is vital for nurturing a vibrant cultural landscape. As he pointed out, the constant mental engagement required of writers can lead to mental exhaustion and burnout. We don’t want this to happen to creators who inform, inspire, educate, and entertain us.
Many writers use writing as a form of therapy to process personal experiences and emotions, highlighting the emotional and psychological benefits of writing. Understanding these aspects of a writer’s life can encourage more empathy and support from others, helping writers balance their work and personal lives while maintaining their passion for storytelling.
I only highlighted the key points which deeply resonated with me. You can read the details in his exceptional story.
What I Wish People Knew About Online Writers
All the assumptions are wrong
Conclusions and Takeaways
Understanding these challenges helps us appreciate the dedication required to be an online writer. It also provides insights into managing these obstacles and finding support to thrive in this field.
To overcome these psychological hurdles and succeed, I want to remind you of a few key points for your consideration that might boost your confidence and focus on your work rather than noise.
1 — Good writing takes time, effort, and numerous revisions. The satisfaction of crafting a piece you are proud of makes it all worthwhile. So boost your confidence and deliver like pros to delight your readers.
2 — Monetize confidently and scale your business like an entrepreneur. Don’t fear being labeled a “sellout” or “scam”. Earning a living from your passion is not only acceptable but necessary. Explore various income streams without guilt.
3 — Find your tribe. Surround yourself with supportive fellow writers. Sharing struggles, learning from each other, and celebrating successes can make the journey less lonely and more rewarding.
4 — Stay curious. The digital landscape is ever-changing. By staying curious, experiment with new formats, new styles, new voices, and be willing to adapt and evolve.
5 — Finally, remember your “why”. When challenges arise, reconnect with your passion for writing. Remember why you started, and let that passion drive you forward despite hurdles and roadblocks in your journey.
By understanding our challenges and supporting one another, we can elevate the craft of writing and ensure writers receive the respect and recognition they deserve. Let’s continue championing the value of creativity and the power of words in our ever-evolving digital landscape.
Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.
I wrote numerous stories about writing and content strategy to guide new writers. You may find some relevant ones from the attached list. I will distill all these stories in my Content Strategy, Development, & Marketing Insights soon.
Writing, Content Development & Marketing Strategy Guides
To inform my new readers, I wrote numerous articles that might inform and inspire you. Some of my topics include brain, mental health, cognitive function, significant health conditions, longevity, nutrition/food, valuable nutrients, ketogenic lifestyle, self-healing, weight management, writing/reading, including 100+ Insightful Life Lessons from My Circles for the Last 50+ Years.
I publish my health and wellness stories on EUPHORIA and share distilled versions on SUBSTACK. My posts do not include professional or health advice. I only document my reviews, observations, experiences, and perspectives to provide information and create awareness.
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Great article, Mehmet! You are truly a treasure for us writers trying to find our way. Your compassion and wisdom are guideposts for me. And Tim Denning is amazing! It was because of one of his classes that I embarked in this journey 💕💕💕
Thank you to both!
Excellent, Doctor, thank you. I'll just add something else you wrote:
"To stand out and thrive, having unique content becomes paramount. Imagine your content as oil that rises to the top of the glass — that distinctiveness will set you apart."
Amen, thanks again! 🙏