120: Start Small, Plan Big.

Every writer wants to make it in this business and planning is one of the biggest things we can do to find success in writing.

In this weeks episode, I’m going to be talking about the four things you need to work on to get published and make some money. Why does passion matter? Why does platform matter? And how do I begin building my portfolio?

These questions are the very ones we need to be asking ourselves in our writing endeavors. When we take time to invest in growing as a writer we’ll discover people will desire to read the stories you write. And that’s what we do, we tell stories that connect with the reader’s heart.

I want to give you four ways to help you start small and yet plan for bigger things in the future.

1. Platform – How can you build a platform? A platform is your ability to reach people, whether it’s online, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or especially email. A platform allows you to connect with your audience and connect with them in a tangible way.

How do you build one?

Start slow and start simple. I’m still figuring this one out myself, however, take it one social media platform at a time and begin building your email list–that’s one list I wish I had started sooner. Email is the most powerful way to connect with your readers and get more eyes to your work than even through social media.

2. Portfolio – what you show – printed copies of your work.

• NEWSPAPERS
• Magazines
• Online blogs etc.

Each of these are great places to begin putting together a robust portfolio. Every little piece you write gives you that much more to add to your credibility. Take the time to learn the publication so that you know their style and voice. In other words, don’t just submit, know the voice and style of the publication.

I suggest getting a copy of the Writer’s Market Guild or the Christian Writer’s Market Guide. These two books will give you the resources you need to get your stuff published.

3. Passion keeps you writing. When you write what you’re passionate about it allows you to become an expert on the subject. The more you become an expert, the more you’ll get published, because people trust you.

Passion for what you write not only keeps your heart in the game but also keeps your writing pure. You’re not forcing anything and the light of your passion will shine through. Don’t lose that joy of writing and keep that fire lit.

4. Plan. To get published in magazines you must have a plan. I remember a song from childhood by Youth Alive Australia called, “Serve the Man with the Plan.” It was kind of a California hard rock song that became very repetitive. But if you don’t have a plan and if you don’t serve that plan you’ll fail at every turn.

Take the time and put together a wishlist for publications for the next year. If you take that little bit of time, research where you desire to be published and what you desire to accomplish with your writing, you’ll be light years ahead of most writers.

Remember, it takes hard work, dedication, and tenacity with keeping a plan to become the writer you desire to become.