Pro-Writer Tips — You Can Make Money as A Writer

Don’t Listen to Your Limiting Beliefs

I've been a writer for 15 years. The first years, where I was finding my voice, and learning the skill, don’t count. Let’s say I’ve been a writer for 13.

I’ve got three published books on small presses. One of my short stories entered the Writer’s Digest 90th Annual Short Story Contest, won an honorable mention. I had an agent for a manuscript, and my book was out on submission (meaning it was looking for a home with a publisher). I’ve written 81 stories on Medium. I have a penname on Wattpad where I write erotica/romance.

I’ve earned a whopping $500.00 total in 15 years. I’ve spent tons of money on conferences, workshops, and tools.

I went into this writing gig from the start with the mindset that — writers don’t make money. It’s been drilled into me at every conference I’ve attended. The limiting mantra is announced from the stage by professionals, “If you’re in this industry to make money, you can forget it.”

Sadly, I listened to those professionals. They know what they’re talking about, right?

I set my life up (moved across the country) so I could write full-time. But always with the idea I needed a job to earn money, my writing always came last.

Then I quit my job — with only 1 month of living expenses in the bank.

I started my own business. I got some clients. And tried to write part-time. But the business sucked up all of my energy. For the past two years — I haven’t had the joy of writing I once had. I don’t have the friendships I used to have with other writers.

Then, I had a giant AHAAA moment -two, really.

ONE — I listened by chance to a Podcast — Super Soul Special: Oprah Winfrey: INTENTION (see link below this is a must). Here I learned through her guests that I was ignoring my INTENTION.

Two — I listened to my audiobook “You’re A Bad Ass at Making Money” by Jen Sincero for the third time in two years, and everything clicked.

I’d put my writing, which is my INTENTION and PASSION, on the back burner because I didn’t think I could make money with it. I’d been manifesting and praying for money and clients based upon something that wasn’t my intention. It was all pointless wishing.

My PASSION is writing. My INTENTION is to be the person who creates the words I needed to read and devoured as a child. Words that helped me escape, imagine and see the world from different points of view — not just my own.

I’m switching off the narrative I’ve heard and believed that I couldn’t make money as a writer. I’m flipping that switch.

I am making money as a writer.

I am making money helping other writers with their passion.

If you want to make money as a writer, you don’t have to be good at it — just take a look at some of the best-sellers.

If you want to make money you have to write, with passion and intention.

You MUST change your vocabulary from:

I wish

I can’t

I need

I never

I won’t

To:

I HAVE

I DO

I AM