Ever dream of becoming a writer? Do you wonder how you can reach your writing dreams?
You are not alone.
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According to Brian Tracy International, at least 82 percent of adults dream of writing a book. Outside of writing a book, many people dream of other writing opportunities like becoming a freelance writer.
Unfortunately, without a clear plan, most people don’t write a book or reach their writing dreams.
I am a firm believer that it is never too late to write the next chapter of your life or renew interest in your dreams.
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But why is it important to pursue your writing dreams?
First, life is too short. If you want to become a writer, don’t wait until your children are off to college, or you think you’ll have more time. You owe it to yourself to explore your writing dream today.
Second, you need an outlet. Whether you work inside or outside the home, you need an outlet that allows you to express your creativity. For example, writing a book is a great way to focus on something outside your job or family commitments. The process allows you to research information and share your thoughts with readers.
Unfortunately, too many people hold back from pursuing their dream to write.
According to Mitch Matthews, entrepreneur, success coach, and founder of the DREAM THINK DO podcast; there are two reasons people don’t pursue their dreams. The first reason is people think they have to have all the answers before they start.
But this isn’t true.
Mitch encourages people to start pursuing their dream and then gather information along the way.
In some cases, people don’t pursue their dreams because they believe they must be an expert to prove their credibility. In 2017, I decided to start a blog. While I was familiar with internal blogging in a corporate environment, I didn’t know everything about blogging to external audiences. Since starting my blog two years ago, I have learned a lot, which I’m happy to share with others.
Here are some things to try to reach your writing dreams
Start with the end
Identify your goal and work backward. From your goal, make a list of questions to answers. As you find the answer to each question, use the information to a series of steps that will help you reach your goal. For example, if your goal is to launch a website, some of your questions could be:
- What domain should I use for my website? Should I use SiteGround or Bluehost?
- Which niche should I choose as my focus?
- How can I build an audience?
You get the idea. Continue asking questions and conducting research to find answers. But don’t drag out this process forever. Use your answers to create a plan to get you started.
Make a visual plan
Consider making a vision board that features pictures, words, and inspirational messages focused on your dreams and goals. You can also use a vision journal or planner (see also ‘How To Create A Planner To Sell?‘).
Here’s a list of tools for creating a vision journal or a vision board
- Notebook
- Journal
- Sketchbook
- Pictures and words from magazines
- Markers and colored pencils
- Glue or tape
- Scissors
- Inspirational stickers
- Stencils
- Stamps and ink pads
- Art supplies (paint and brushes)
15-minute experiments
Another great idea from Mitch Matthews is to test your dream 15-minute experiments. For example, consider a 15-minute freewriting session to write about a specific topic or use a writing prompt. As you write, don’t worry about editing, grammar, or punctuation. From start to finish, write, and don’t stop. Here is a 30-day supply of free writing prompts to get you started.
Create an idea system
Coming up with ideas to write content can be challenging. So once you develop a process for generating ideas, it’s crucial to create a plan for saving your ideas.
- Keep a notebook — Jot down a new idea as it comes to you. Get a notebook that transports easily and can fit into any bag. Carry it with you throughout the day as ideas and inspiration may strike at any time. If you are in a position where you cannot write, like a car or on a treadmill, use the recorder on your mobile phone to capture your idea.
- Keep a digital idea log — Any idea from your notebook that you decide to pursue should be transferred to a digital file. Use Trello or Mindmeister to organize your thoughts. You can also use these tools to store photos.
- Idea board — If you work in an office environment, consider adding an idea board in a central location. Encourage staff to add ideas to the board regularly. Reward employees for their willingness to share.
Find support
To reach your writing dreams, find people who will support you. Look to add people who are good listeners and who can offer valuable input. Also, consider asking someone who already does what you want to do. If you want to become a writer, connect with other writers and authors.
Avoid negative people
Stay away from negative people and people who never support your ideas. Please, no dream killers or people who always see the glass half empty. The last thing you need are people who will shoot down all of your ideas or people who are afraid to follow their dreams.
Don’t let fear stand in your way another day
When you think about reaching your writing dream and what it will take, consider what Valerie Nifora, the author of I Asked the Wind: A Collection of Romantic Poetry., said:
“But here’s the part that I didn’t realize — doing the thing you dream about, actually doing it — even in small measures is enormously gratifying. If you don’t worry about succeeding at it (Not sure I’ll ever make NY Times Best Seller or Poet Laureate), somehow it comes. And it doesn’t matter how successful whatever your dream is — the joy of using your talents fulfills itself!”
The time to follow your dreams is now. You owe it to yourself to make time for the creative work that matters to you. If you need a little help to get started, download a free copy of, How to Start Writing Today.
