The creator economy is heading for a total revenue of $500,000,000 in the next five years.
And being a writer is still the second most sought-after profession in the world after being a pilot. No wonder more and more people dream of becoming a writer like I once did.
But there's a fine but distinctive line between only dreaming of it and having the grit to do it.
Here are 5 sad signs you're only in love with becoming an online writer.
#1 You're more excited about getting published than about writing
Writers write.
Sure, it's a nice ego boost to see your name on a book in a bookstore window, but there are several reasons why it shouldn't be our priority as online writers.
First, getting published isn't as awesome as most think it is. Ask Nicolas Cole why, in most cases (and especially as a full-time writer), it makes more sense to self-publish nowadays.
Yes, you read that right.
Second, as a writer, writing should excite you most. It's the process of picking your brain and making sense of what's floating around in there that makes writing hard but worthwhile.
Getting published is a byproduct of good writing, not its final goal. As writers, we write because we want to express ourselves and/or because we're addicted to the act.
Not because we want to inflate our egos with a published book.
#2 You can't stand criticism and feedback
As an online writer, you'll always be this naked person on the table which others eat sushi from.
Your worldview is exposed, gets double- and triple-fact-checked, and you'll often read comments of people giving their ugly two cents regarding your work.
A few weeks back, a self-proclaimed editor pointed out a mistake in one of my stories in an unfriendly way. I thanked him anyway, amended my story, and saw another comment from him picking apart my entire story and telling me I couldn't write.
All while having zero social trust, barely any followers, and zero stories published. He only calls himself an editor, which I translate to a "sophisticated version of a troll" or "writer who's salty because he can't put in the effort and see others grow."
Long story short, you'll encounter a lot of BS as a writer.
That's why Ajodeji Awosika says you need a thick skin.
Constructive feedback is always welcome and helpful, but you must overcome the doubters, trolls, salty writers, and others who sometimes only try to miserablize your day.
Choose something else if you can't stand criticism or can't get rid of negative feedback.
#3 You focus more on your stats than on providing value
Businesses function because they provide something valuable others are willing to pay for.
As an online writer, you're a business. And people aren't willing to pay you for your followers.
Of course, having more followers comes with some nice perks, like brand sponsorships, ghostwriting gigs, and increased earnings on Medium.
But it's all just a byproduct.
Because what matters most is providing value to others.
People don't care about you; they care about themselves. If you can help them improve and are a decent person with cool stories, jackpot.
Do something else if you can't or don't want to provide additional value to your readers.
It's easier, and you'll save yourself a lot of time.
But if you want to provide value, figure out how you can improve your game and let others participate.
Just like I started doing in my newsletter (Un)Written Essentials.
#4 You rarely finish your writing
This is so obvious it can be overlooked easily.
As a writer, you not only write but also publish.
You can't become an online writer without giving birth to your writing.
Nicolas Cole has a simple rule to eliminate perfectionism and any other doubts standing in the way.
Don't produce perfect content, but "good enough" content. Ship faster, gather feedback faster, iterate faster, and repeat.
Nobody likes perfect anyway.
I had to learn this the hard way by pretending to be perfect and getting friend-zoned by a girl over french fries in a McDonald's.
My lesson? Finish your writing and publish it, even if it's imperfect.
Then, iterate and become a better writer.
#5 You procrastinate and always come up with excuses
My personal favorite.
If you strive to become an online writer, "not having the time" or "life got in the way" won't cut it. I'm afraid.
Don't get me wrong. I've been there for years. When I first dreamed about writing online in 2016, I had plenty of excuses not to write.
I wanted to meet my GF, go to the cinema, sleep longer, rest my brain, do a workout, play FIFA, and even study for an exam instead of sitting down to write.
But then, don't expect yourself to earn your living writing.
It sounds ridiculous, but as a writer, you write.
You write because it's an inner urge, and you have to pay your bills. Procrastination won't get you further; writing will.
Sit down to write as often as possible.
These are 5 sad signs you're only in life with the idea of becoming an online writer. Double-check your intentions and find out if you're only chasing an idea you don't want or are up for something great.
Thank you for reading.
What have you fallen victim to?
Let me know in the comments.
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