New Year's Resolution: Become a Working Writer and 5 Steps to Get There

Occasionally I am asked if I made a New Year's resolution. Usually the answer is a rousing "NO." Honestly, I am not in the habit of tossing about resolutions because I am not in the habit of setting myself up for failure. So I only intend to make resolutions that I can keep.

This year I have made a resolution, and it is this: I am not going to be "just a writer" any longer. I am going to be a regularly published writer. A Freelancer, with a capitol F. (For freelancer, not failure, you smarty-pants.) I will be a working writer in 2010! In the spirit of following through with my resolutions, I have even outlined a five point path to follow on this daring venture.

1 - Write for Associated Content.

Associated Content is a great place to get into the habit of daily writing as a profession. Assignments, deadlines, sources, and everything else that falls into the realm of professionalism are all emphasized. So I cannot think of a better place for me to gain experience, build a collection of clips, and grow an excellent resume.

2 - Write for my church publication.

My local Catholic parish, Sacred Heart of Jesus in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has a wonderful monthly publication just waiting for me to sink my writing chops into it. The editor is always looking for material, and he jumps at the offer of professionally written, appropriate material. To make it better, it's not only read by members of the parish-it is picked up and read by others all around my neighborhood.

3 - Query, query, query.

I have ideas. Big ideas. The best ideas ever (if I do say so myself)! But they aren't going to do any good if I don't get them out there. In order to do that, I need to build up that collection of rejections; because that is the writer's true measuring stick for success. Query, receive rejection, repeat.

4 - Begin keeping two journals.

Years ago, I found that writing at least two notebook pages per day helps me clear the morning cobwebs, helps me warm up my writing muscles, and gets me thinking about what I am going to be working on for the day. And recently, I began using a separate notebook for the evening. That has allowed me to clear the emotional debris from the day, reflect on what I wrote and didn't write that day, and what the next day's writing will involve. It's also helping me sleep better at night-writing in a notebook about anything can be a very spiritual and relaxing experience.

5 - Admit to family members that I am (deep breath) a writer.

I need to come out of the closet. This is going to be the biggest, most terrifying step for me. Do I maybe have some form of biblio-phobia? Is there such a thing as biblio-phobia? At any rate, I have been surprised to find that I am uncomfortable with telling people that I am a writer. And I am scared to death to say that I am pursuing a career as a writer.

Maybe I am worried that someone will think that a man with a wife and children should be doing something that is somehow more decent (and less enjoyable). You know, something that involves punching a time-clock. Even if someone does think that-so what? Besides, I will, punch a time clock for some extra cash while I continue to work if I have to. But I need to allow my life as a writer to grow.

2010 is going to be a memorable year for this writer. For this is the year I take steps toward what I hope will be a self-sustaining writing life. Freelance! That word sounds daring. Dashing. Exciting. It brings images of leaps and bounds, spills, chills, thrills, and moments of danger. Good luck to all writers out there in the same boat as I am in, and God speed in 2010!