I read a very personal blog post today from Yaro Starak about his challenges in 2011. What struck me about this post was how much he decided to let us in. Us being his readers. Yaro is the author of Entrepreneurs Journey and has great success with his blogging career. He has created courses and ebooks giving others advice on how to build their own entrepreneurial path of success.

In 2011, things changed for him. Behind the scenes, he was faced with personal tragedies.

Being a successful blogger and entrepreneur, as he is, means people are constantly looking up to you for advice. When they get stuck on what to do next, they will go to him, or others who show the same level of success, for answers.

This is true for anyone who has achieved success in their life. And it seems the more successful you are, the more people expect from you. When you make mistakes, they are amplified. When you do something amazing, you are put on a pedestal.

Often times, what is going on behind the scenes is never seen. The hard work, the failures, the personal tragedies. If you are successful in whatever you do, your personal struggles become irrelevant as long as you produce what people need. Talk about pressure.

Many successful people don’t share that personal side. They portray themselves as you want to see them. They strive to maintain that image. They continue to work hard and be the professional they are meant to be.  Any sign of personal struggle becomes a sign of weakness. Or a sign of giving up, going down the path of failure.

Or so some people think. I see it differently.

Instead, what I see happening is when a person who has achieved professional success shows a sign of personal struggle, it makes them human. It knocks them off that unreachable pedestal down to a level we can all relate to. It induces respect, admiration, and even a little bit of guilt for expecting so much from someone who has been struggling or putting in the hard work.

I am not condoning complaining or being a “victim” here. Because I don’t. I am merely stating that sometimes, even the best of the best will fail. Think Michael Jordan and Thomas Edison. And often, this only makes them stronger and better.

Signs of Humanness Makes it Real

When Steve Jobs died last year, it was truly amazing how many people came out and expressed their sympathy. The man behind the Apple became human. He was battling cancer. As he developed the number one selling tablet, cancer cells were battling inside his body.

But he kept on pursuing his goals. He didn’t show us his struggles. Until he had to step down. And show us he is a human being, not just someone who provides us the tools to listen to music, type on our computers, and the mobile convenience of iPhones and iPads.

While we can admire his stoical behavior, it is important to understand that everyone has limits as a human being. This is a dose of reality.

Why am I bringing this up?

I guess for one, I wanted to remind people that everyone is fighting a battle. Some battles may be small, others much larger. We may not always see it, but it exists in all of us. We all have bad days. Days we can’t perform or hit the target. Days we can’t come up with a creative thought to save our lives.

Does this mean we lie down and give up? No. But we may need to take a break, gather our thoughts, and move on.  Get back on the proverbial horse. Practice more. Experiment more. Train more. Allow others to inspire us. Some people do this quietly behind the scenes. These people are humble and do not want their problems to be the problems of the world. I respect that.

Some people may never even admit to the pressure. They push forward and understand that they have to perform or impress or be on their best behavior. They remain humble and focus on what they need to do. For the greater good. They understand there is a bigger picture and others may be looking up to them, leaning on them for inspiration, advice, or hope.

One person that encompasses this fully is Tim Tebow. I am not going to give my long-winded speech on how Tim Tebow inspires, because I have already addressed this and so have many others.

But I will say that I have no doubt that he fits the bill of someone who keeps on pushing even through the doubters to be the best version of himself he can be. Does he have flaws? Of course. Is he perfect? Close, but no. Yet people expect the world of him.

After he faltered during the Kansas City game, people doubted him. Did he give up? NO! He only worked harder. And came back six days later for an unbelievable win against Pittsburgh. Now, he has proven himself once again. And now the pressure is on.

But he is much, much more than a NFL quarterback. He is a leader and a mentor who inspires hope, compassion, and love. Don’t hate him for it. Admire him. But please don’t put him on a pedestal. The only spot to go from up there is down.

When someone you look up to let’s you down, forgive him or her. We all stumble. We all make mistakes. At some point in time, we will let you down.

Look at the everyday heroes in your own life – your kids, your parents, your spouse, your siblings, your friends. The local doctors, policemen, teachers, nurses, and military members. Look at the person as a whole, his or her character. A human being. Stand by them when they need that support. Bring them up and encourage them. Let them show their weakness and then motivate them to get back on their path. Whatever path that may be. Let them be human.

The other reason I bring this up and more importantly, is a reminder that the only person that is deserving of that seat way up on that pedestal above all of us is God. Let’s not forget that.

Related articles

• Tebow Time for Entrepreneurs: 4 Ways to Peak Performance When It Counts (smallbizbee.com)
• Tim Tebow Is Raising the Bar for the Superstar Role Model (bleacherreport.com)
• Do Tebow and Bieber Make It Cool to Be Christian? (patheos.com)
• The Surprising Secret of Success is Failure (danerwin.typepad.com)

I know I am a little late to the party.  Don’t worry, I put my party noise makers and champagne away. I am not responding this late because I have been hungover or taking down Christmas lights. Nope. I guess I have just been trying to catch up with the week. Anyhow, enough about me – how was your New Year’s celebrations or lack of?

One of the things I am seeing in the Blogosphere these last few days is all of these resolutions and new goals bloggers are professing. It is the time of year we all sit down and reassess our life. We look at the good, the bad, and the ugly.

One of the things I encourage you to do this year is to take the time to really think about what you want this upcoming year to look like.  Where do you want to be in December of 2012? I hope it is somewhere different from where you were in December of 2011.

People like to call them resolutions. I guess I have never been a big fan of that word. But it is an accurate way to rethink your goals. To resolve your problems or issues.

Many will come up with the cliché goals like lose weight, be a better parent/spouse/friend/sibling/employee.  I am not knocking those resolutions. I think these are goals we should have every day. I understand how easy it is to lose sight of that throughout the year, but don’t. Try not to.

This year, why not come up with some real concrete goals that you can stick with and attain? These are called SMART goals in some self-improvement circles. The post I just linked to on SMART goals is old, so essentially if you don’t want to click on the link, SMART stands for:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Relevant
• Timebound

When you are creating your goals, think big but start small. Think about what you really want to change besides losing a few pounds or smiling more at strangers. Think big picture and then chisel away at those big plans with small specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timebound goals.

Of course you don’t have to participate in any of this resolution/goals madness. Maybe you don’t have any goals or maybe you don’t feel the need to change anything in your life. That is okay. This is a suggestion and not an order.

But as you sit back and decide to take the sidelines on this process, I just want you to ponder these quotes,

Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.
~Benjamin Franklin

Change before you have to. 
~Jack Welch 

Life belongs to the living, and he who lives must be prepared for changes.
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Change is inevitable – except from a vending machine.
~Robert C. Gallagher

And last… They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom.
~Confucius

HAPPY NEW YEAR and HAPPY 2012!

Discouragement with a side order of doubt is often on the menu of a writer who hasn’t found her way yet. There are days when everything seems to be working against you – no clients, too many clients, or a simple lack of inspiration. Maybe as a fledgling writer, you have felt like giving up. No one is reading your work or inspired by your thoughts. Are you even making a difference in the world?

I love football. I have for a long time. And in 1999, I jumped on the Denver Broncos bandwagon. Even though I am a Chicago Bears fan to the core, the Broncos had just won two Superbowls in a row. A lot of credit going to the quarterback – John Elway. I am sure I am not the only one who jumped on that bandwagon, seat belt tight, ready for the next season.

Now I live in Colorado, which makes it more logical to be a Denver fan.

Being a Bears fans first and a Broncos fan second this last Sunday meant a bittersweet ending for me.  The Bears lost to the Broncos. Once again, much of the credit is going to the quarterback. Where saving the game at the last minute is apparently in his playbook.

Unless you have not turned on ESPN for more than 4 minutes this last couple months, you are well aware the talk of the NFL is Tim Tebow. Tebowmania is in full swing. It makes some people a bit more positive and leaves others nauseated.

Tim Tebow Inspires

He changed the face of the Broncos literally, and figuratively. They were a losing team, and the rookie quarterback, Tim Tebow, brought them back by helping them win seven games in a row. The whole team has come together as a unit and beat my Bears in overtime, with an amazing 59 yard field goal. Bittersweet.

Yes, I have tightened my seatbelt even tighter. But now, the bandwagon is even more crowded. Even if you are not a fan of the NFL, you can still find inspiration in Tebow.

Tebow leads the team. He  pulled them out of a losing record and put them on the track to the playoffs. He inspires. Not only because of the winning streak, but Tebow gives hope to the team. He gives hope to Denver and the NFL. He gives hope to Americans, even those who don’t even watch football. He inspires me – to work harder, be a better Christian, eat healthier, work out more. To follow my dreams.

With all the not-so-admirable behavior in the media surrounding professional athletes and celebrities, it is refreshing to see a positive influence. Tebow is a mentor to many. Not only is he a positive influence as a football player, but he is an unwavering Christian, and that passion translates to his foundation, where he gives back to the community. The guy’s got heart. His charming smile and openness to the media make it easy to like the guy.

Yet some people still hate the man. They mock his open displays of prayer and gratefulness to God. Yet, he does not let that stop him. Not even close. He is focused and keeps on training for what he loves to do. Win football games.

Translating Hope and Inspiration in Your Life

Why am I sharing this with you? I have been a writer for a long time, but have only shared my thoughts publicly since 2007, while I was in Iraq. I realize my writing has improved since then, but that is not the point. Soon after, I started writing for money.

Back then, I was just like Tebow, leaving one life behind and starting another one. I was moving up to the pros – a rookie in the blogging and professional writing world. Filled with hope and aspirations. Understanding what is important.

I started this blog because I wanted to inspire and help others whatever their journey may be. When I changed the title to Inspired to Write, that was my intention and mission statement.

I know what it feels like to go against the grain and go with what you love, not what pays the most. I understand what is means to take the chance and do something outside of the norm. Even while people doubt you. I get what it means to put sweat, tears, and long hours into something you believe in, regardless of the skeptics and naysayers.

Whether you are a writer, a singer, an entrepreneur, or a football player, if you love what you do, it is important you give it all you got. I wanted this blog to help others find that hope in following their dreams – no matter what the odds.

I lost sight of that over the years, and the writing has become about work. Making money. Getting out blog posts to keep my readers. Writing about things I don’t have a passion for. Worrying about SEO rankings and my competition.

Isn’t that what happens to NFL players a few years after college?  They lose the love of the game. Instead, they demand more money, their ego’s blow up, they play dirty, and start fights on the field with other players. The love of football is no longer the motivating factor. Money gets the best, or the worst, of them. Self-righteousness overpowers their sportsmanship. Bad attitudes erupt. They forget what is important. They lose inspiration.

This is why Tebow inspires – he still loves the game. And people love him. He has a positive attitude, and is not out partying or getting into trouble with the law in between games. He gives glory to God, leads his team, and loves his family. And he is one heck of a player.

I hope as he progresses in his career, Tim will never lose sight of that. I hope he always remembers when he was bright-eyed and ready to conquer the world. For the love of the game.

While there are Tebow haters, the same happens to others who are successful. Or anyone who does things different than everyone else. Or gets too much positive attention. I think it stems from fear, jealousy, and anger. Or something even more petty.

As someone with your own dreams and hopes, don’t let those people discourage you on your journey – whatever dreams you may be following. Even if those dreams seem out of reach. When people question your success or envy it, you have to keep your eye on the ball. Push yourself to rise above the doubts and uncertainty because it is your passion. Keep that faith and remember why you had that dream to begin with.

For the love of it. Simply, for the love of it.

Editor’s Note:  This is a guest post from Melissa Cameron.  Melissa, who lives in Texas next to her elderly parents, is married with 2 children. She lives a productive life in Austin, freelancing from home, which allows her to spend more time with her family. She enjoys writing about parenting, history, and how to live a life on a budget.

I am first and foremost a mom, of two lovely kids. However, I also wanted to contribute to the household income to take the pressure off my entire family. After a significant amount of soul-searching, I decided to give it a try. I loved to write, and thought I could easily do this from home. Well, I was wrong about the ‘easy’ part of it.

In addition to all the challenges I had read about, such as the distractions from the family, pets, and neighbors, there were more that I hadn’t considered.

Working from Home (Image by Fabio Bruna @ Flickr)

While I was excited that my new career seemed to be taking off, it was disheartening to find myself with back aches, a sleepiness that I was not accustomed to, and my jeans not fitting quite the same.

I guess it was inevitable when I sat a desk all day, and had a full kitchen within my reach, that my back would hurt more, and my jeans might fit less. But, I wasn’t going to just accept it. So, I decided to do something about it, and not let it get out of control.

When meals and grocery shopping aren’t planned out, they tend to become less and less healthy. Making a meal at the last minute, without a game plan in place often leads to quickly throwing processed ingredients together, rather than those that are more healthy and nutritious.

Then, let’s factor in the sedate lifestyle that sitting at a desk all day brings on. My mom always told me ‘if you don’t use it, you lose it’. Well, she wasn’t referring to losing weight. If I sit all day and don’t use the body that I was given, I’m going to lose IT, not the weight.

Beating the Battle of the Work-at-Home-Bulge

First I needed to conquer the nutrition, or lack of actually. After investigating various websites and articles on eating healthy, I decided that planning ahead was the key. So, I now plan out my weekly menu, and grocery list. Knowing what you are going to shop for, and cook, ahead of time really helps you adhere to healthier eating habits.

I also use the slow cooker as much as possible. This not only lets me get the meals started early, but it frees up some of my valuable time, to spend with the kids. There are several websites and cookbooks with fabulous slow cooker recipes. Keep in mind, any recipe can be altered to a healthier state.

Even though healthy eating tends to cost more than unhealthy ‘junk’ eating, it doesn’t have to. In addition to being a writer, I’m also a frugal woman, and proud of it. Finding great coupons goes a long way in keeping the cost down on healthier choices.

Finally, I knew I needed to exercise, because eating healthy wouldn’t be enough to keep me at my healthiest. After searching for options, I found the Bowflex Selectech Dumbbells were something that could easily fit into my schedule, as well as my limited space.

All of the above is something that my entire family can benefit from, so it became our lifestyle, not a diet.

Morphing into a Healthy Lifestyle

• Plan ahead. Planning your grocery lists and menus ahead of time will help substantially in obtaining, and maintaining, a healthy way of life.
• Use the slow cooker. Free up your time to spend more quality time with the family, which was my original goal.
• Cut Coupons. Saving money will keep you on track, and it’s a fun challenge.
• Exercise. I found a great program for the entire family through a P90X program review.

Using the above advice won’t guarantee success, but it will allow your best chance for it. I could have chosen to fall into the trap that I found myself facing, but I didn’t. It has worked out well for our family. Hopefully you will find it helpful in reaching your goals as well.

The post is about enjoying the unique and wonderful lifestyle offered to those of us lucky enough to work as online copywriters.

An aspect of human nature which can be as damaging as it is beneficial is our ability to adapt to just about any situation.

While this is great if you get lost in the rainforest it’s not so much fun if you end up taking your dream job for granted after a while. Most online copywriters agree that it is what they always wanted to do, but there is always the risk that if you don’t enjoy the benefits you could end up falling out of love with it.

If you find yourself huffing and puffing to finish an article or banging on your keyboard in disgust then try having a look over these benefits and see if they rekindle your passion for doing the job again.

Home Workers Work from Home, Don’t They?

Have you forgotten why you wanted to work from home in the first place? I wanted to spend more time with my daughter and avoid long slogs on the train but you no doubt have other reasons. There are millions of people in the world who envy you for being able to work with your slippers on and for not having to brush your teeth until midday. Try and picture yourself putting on a suit and boarding that early morning train to hell again every day. Aargh! In order to make the most of your home worker status you should find some time to enjoy the simple things such as dozing off in the garden at 3 in the afternoon, having a midnight picnic with your family or putting your music up really loud and dancing about the room while you think of new ideas.

Let Your Creativity Take Over

You were probably also delighted with the idea of using your brain a bit more in your writing career, weren’t you? Personally I felt an immense freedom at being able to use my noodle to come up with fresh ideas instead of being boxed in by processes and forms all day long. So what happened? Chance are you got worn down at some point by too many dull jobs where you just fought to get over your word count and send the blooming thing off. It doesn’t have to be like that though, does it? If you are a creative writer then you can sprinkle some magic dust on any subject you are given. As well as producing better articles you will also feel a lot better about yourself if you put more thought and creativity into what you write.

Work With Who You Want and When You Want

Do you remember when you were confronted with the ugly face of your boss every single day of the working week? My boss was actually a bit of a handsome devil in a roguish kind of way but you get the point. Now that you are a liberated freelancer you can choose who to work for and you can do as little or as much work as you want or need to. Why not work a huge 16 hour caffeine and chocolate fueled marathon and then lie in bed for a full day? Or take your laptop with you on a trip and fit in your writing whenever it suits you.

You are free to write and live the way you want to so don’t place artificial limits on yourself if you want to get the maximum from your ideal job.

Ahhh… life as a freelance writer.  It can often be equated to a roller coaster ride, especially the ones that you never quite know what is around the next corner.  But, you just hang on tight and enjoy the ride.  As a creative that has not been clinically diagnosed with ADD, my mind never seems to rest.  At least not for very long.

As a writer, I have learned to focus on a few things this last year.   While trying to find my way, I stumbled down dozens of roads that cost me money and time.  Worse – they led to dead ends.  I still meander a few steps down some luring paths, but usually not for very long.  Unless, I feel it actually is the path I SHOULD be following.

Not all roads lead to nowhere.

One of the unexpected pathways of my writing career has turned into the creation of a book.  A freelance writing book in the works.   Another one led to higher paying gigs.  My passion for travel has opened up more opportunities and I added a travel blog to ITW.  Lastly, the cumulation of fruitless detours has taught me a whole heck of a lot about online marketing – and I created a web consulting business.

Whew!  Sounds like a lot.  It is.  I’ve been busy!  But, ultimately, the hard work, the wasted time, the late nights, and all the frustrations all taught me one thing – it ain’t easy being a writer!  (I know “ain’t” is not the best word choice for a professional writer – but you get my point!)

So, what is the right path for a freelance writer? 

El. Oh. El.

There isn’t one!  This whole time I have been trying to carve myself in this little niche and I have learned, I am blazing my own path, a path that no one else has been on.  That is the beauty of being in a creative field.  No one tells you how to do things, no one gives you a blueprint, and no one guides you down a straight, direct path.  Nope.

Yet somehow, we often feel lost.

Where is everybody?  Did I miss a turn? Maybe I’m late!  Am I early?

Writing may have always been my destiny, but the journey to get there certainly was not laid out for me.  There have been times in the last few years I wanted to abandon the idea and live a simple life.  Give it all up an get a real full-time J.O.B.

Nah!

I knew from a young age I could never work in an mundane job like a factory or punch-a-clock-9-to-5 type job.  Probably why I joined the Air Force.  It is just not in my blood to be ordinary. My mom certainly doesn’t live a routine life either or have a boring job.  Runs in the genes.  Sometimes it can be chaotic and unpredictable.  I often follow rabbit trails to satisfy my curiosity.

As I move forward with all these writing projects, one thing I hope is always in focus, my love for writing.  My love for expressing myself and sharing with thoughts. And hoping someone on the other end is listening.  That’s what you are here for. 

Image by Fevi Yu via Flickr

It is said that 90 percent of all important business deals happen on the golf course and the other 10 percent don’t really matter. Everyone knows that a spoken deal on the golf course is often more secure than a contract signed in a boardroom. It’s not enough to simply golf with your employer, clients, investors, etc., you need to know how to actually have a game that will get you exactly what you want without appearing like you’re trying to hard.

1. Be Patient.  While your only motive behind the game may be to complete a business transaction or ask for a promotion, you need to be patient. Chances are, the other person knows your intentions already and silence gives you the upper hand. Business should not be discussed before the fifth hole. However, you want the discussion to be complete by the 15th hole so you have time to end the game on a positive note without carrying on the conversation in the parking lot.

2. Read Body Language. If your opponent is having a good time on the course, letting loose and cracking a few jokes, so should you. This person may not want to do business with someone who can’t have a good time out of the office. On the other hand, if your potential client is taking their game very seriously, you probably should as well to let them know you’re committed in everything you do and therefore a sound investment.

3. Play Fair.   There is always the question whether to sandbag or tank the game. Either way can be insulting to the other person so your best option is to just play fair. If you’re out there slicing your drive every time and your opponent sees your club and has read a Calloway Big Bertha Diablo driver review, they will know that you’re doing it deliberately. On the other hand, if they’re having a bad game and clearly intense about it, a few missed putts couldn’t hurt just to stay on common ground.

4. Partner Choice.  If you’re playing partners, you need to pick yours very wisely. The last thing you want is someone showing you up or making the person you’re trying to do business with look bad. Your partner should be able to keep up with the conversation without outshining you.

5. Follow-Up. If you just had a round of golf with an international client and things aren’t quite settled, don’t force it! Leave them with a good impression and perhaps grab them a souvenir from the golf course to send to them. This gives you control because they will have to make a phone call to thank you which makes it hard to turn down your proposition.

The golf course is the most important venue for conducting business. If you’re not a golfer and you’re wondering why others seem to be getting ahead in this economy and you’re stuck in neutral, you may need to get yourself some clubs and see how much easier business transactions get when they’re done on the course.

About the Author

Gordon Cherwoniak is married, lives in Saskatoon, SK and is trying to complete his Master’s in International Trade. Golf is his primary hobby and he always knows the best golf gift for any occasion by staying current on new equipment. Gordon offers information on tournaments and quality discussion for the 19th hole.

When I was in my mid-30s I decided – stupidly some people might say – to go back to University and study Creative Writing.  Before I did this I had a perfectly stable job, although with hindsight it wasn’t half as stable as my rather smug colleagues who waved me off with raised eyebrows seemed to think.

After my initial enthusiasm in my new life as a ‘writer’ I began to become increasingly wary of telling people what I was studying.  The question – “but can you learn to be a writer” – was consistently the first that people asked when I did.  In the end, I decided telling people that I was studying ‘media studies’ was a much safer option and didn’t end with me wanting to punch anybody.  It struck me as odd that I could get away with ‘media studies’ – which seems to me a rather vague subject – when ‘writing’ – which doesn’t seem at all vague – should spark such confusion and misunderstanding.

Learning curves

In the UK there has been historically an odd attitude to ‘learning’ to be a writer.  When I first left school the chances of studying for a degree in the subject were limited, to say the very least.  In some respects I’m glad that was the case. I think a little bit of life experience does no writer any harm.

I ended up with rather a lot of it before I actually got the opportunity to study writing.  But that isn’t to say that young writers who are fresh out of High School can’t be successful or that they can’t be taught the ‘nuts and bolts’ of the trade.

In the days when I was still attempting to answer the ‘but can you be taught to be a writer’ question my usual response was – “can you be taught to be a fine artist/musician?”  That usually got people thinking.  Yet the belief that to be a writer you either have it or you don’t still seems to persist.

Conversely, and rather annoyingly, many people assume that ‘anybody’ can be a writer!  I’ve never agreed with either attitude.  In the same way that you need some kind of raw talent to become a painter or musician you need talent to be a writer; but the tricks of the trade – and it is a trade – can be taught.

I was lucky when I was studying to be part of a small but perfectly formed little group.  The ages ranged from 18 to 59, mostly weighted towards the younger end of that scale.  What I saw over the course was some very raw talent being quickly and cleverly formed, drawn out and developed.  There was nobody on the course who had a lack of talent, but plenty who needed to be taught how to use it effectively.

Studying your trade

Studying writing ‘professionally’ does no harm.  But for anyone looking to make a career of it online it’s possible to do so without a degree – but a level of study needs to be part of your preparation.  You can, as with any of the arts, learn as you go – but don’t underestimate how hard that can be.

Prepare yourself by buying some books on the subject and learning, or studying through online copywriting courses.  If you can get hold of it, advice from other writers is invaluable and even if you don’t take it initially – keep it in mind as it may well come in handy at a later date.

Skills & Tips

Whether it is on or offline, print or digital, there are some basic skills that a writer needs.  Spelling and grammar are the very basic tools of the trade and you should be sure that you’re professionally competent at both.

Originality, creativity, personality and your own point of view are valuable tools.  Even when starting out in the world of copywriting, don’t be afraid to express yourself, in your own way.  The internet is saturated with mediocre content and original writing stands out.

Don’t expect overnight success.  I have a friend who has been writing one way or another for twenty years.  She’s just had a six figure advance on her first two novels, and while some friends think this is an overnight success and is what ‘happens’ to writers, her more literary friends know that twenty years is a very long time to ‘wait’.

When it comes to online copywriting there will be no six figure advances!  When you start out, expect and accept low payments – but don’t accept them for ever.  You’ll know by the amount of work you get if you can start suggesting higher rates to clients – and the work you’ve already done will provide you with a portfolio to attract new clients.

Learning to be a writer is perfectly possible and becoming a successful copywriter is one way to establish yourself as a full-time writer.  It’s a career that can be immensely fulfilling and can offer a huge amount of freedom in your life.  The key principles to keep in mind are to work hard, stay committed, learn from setbacks and develop your skills constantly.

Related articles

• Becoming an online copywriter (inspiredtowrite.com)
• Writers, Inspiration and a Distinct Lack of Muses (inspiredtowrite.com)

Editor’s Note: This is a contest sponsored by AOL, Jeep, and Single Edition Media.  As part of  their “Life is Legendary” campaign, AOL wants to reach and convey to single women that they are each pioneers in their own right, living inspired lives, exploring the world on their own terms and embracing their freedom, achievements and the journey.

Contest Rules:

Single ladies are encouraged to create their own “Inspiration Board” on the Life is Legendary site. The “Inspiration Board” is a custom destination that allows you a chance to develop an online “Inspiration Board” chronicling all the things that represent you and what you aspire to become – it’s a forum to express one’s individuality that is sharable with friends on Facebook.

What do you Win??

This is the important part.  Everyone that engages with the micro-site (http://www.jeeplegendarylife.aol.com/) and creates an Inspiration Page is entered for a chance to win a random sweepstake rewarding a $50 gift card weekly, and all users are entered for a chance to win the Grand Prize, a $4500 gift card.

What Inspires Me?

I will focus here on what inspires me as a writer, what ignites my creative self.

While there are many things that can spark inspiration, it does not always come on your terms – while you are staring at a blank computer screen.  Often times, inspiration comes at times that are not so convenient for a writer – meaning times when one does not have access to a computer or even pen and paper handy.  Ask a writer how many great ideas were formed while taking a shower or while out for a run.  But, your environment and mindset are big contributors.

Most writers are thinkers.  We are always thinking, and writing is an outlet for those overflowing ideas.  Instead of ignoring the thoughts bouncing around aimlessly in our heads, keeping us up at night, we write stuff down. Most creative writers express themselves best in the written word. We are typically right-brained and thrive when in the company of other write-brainers (pun intended).

I travel a lot and over the years, I am always thinking about where I want to “end up.”  I decided that I need to live among artists, culture, and beauty in order to feed my mind with morsels of creativity.  As I blend in with the mundane, shallow crowds marching along in predictable fashion, it leads to insipid thoughts, uninspired to create.

People in fast towns live a fast life, even if they are only passing through for a weekend. It seems when you enter a fast-paced city, your own tempo increases involuntarily, even if you intended the time to be relaxing. The monotonous routine and lack of natural art or beauty leads to a lack of spontaneous inspiration.  With tall skyscrapers blocking beautiful sunsets, mountains, lakes or oceans, I feel lost in the crowd.  It is difficult in this environment to make time to even acknowledge a simple sunset or butterfly. You are on a mission of destination instead of creativity.

It is not that I can’t be inspired in a big city – after all I am from Chicago and appreciate cities that are brewing with life.  Different things inspire me in that environment – people, architecture, nightlife, etc.  Dynamic environments filled with culture and fascinating topics or subjects are also a source of inspiration.  But often times, I need to find a quiet place to let the thoughts be heard.

So, what inspires me?  Anything out of the ordinary. Deep thinkers or unusual situations, art, nature, beauty, music, people. Inspiration comes when your mind is open and you are able to acknowledge the surroundings.   Let the thoughts develop into meaningful ideas or stories.  Ideas formulate and start to build up.  Soon you must find an outlet to purge these thoughts.

We all have to live a legendary life in a fast-paced society.  Whether you live in a big city or a small town, life passes you by quickly. Ladies, find a way to stand out, make a difference.  Find your OWN inspiration and let everyone know about it!

Create your Inspiration Page today!

One of the things that I have struggled with over the last few years as a freelance writer is getting support from people I know.  Not other writers or all of the great people I have met online, but my REAL friends and family. I wonder if they take my seriously.  Do they think it is just something I do for fun, and there is not real money in this “hobby?”  I think the answer is a yes. I have known this, but every now and again, I get a painful reminder.

I equate this lack of support to a scenario of a person who heads to L.A. to try and make it as an actor or Nashville to be a singer.  Even though those career choices might be a real passion, who can take those people serious?  Until they land a supporting role in a movie or produce a CD that sells a million plus copies?  Or write a best seller?

Rejection Always Sucks

What people don’t know is all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.  The rejection letters.  The heart-felt words that never get read.  The hours of knocking out articles for a measly $.02 a word.  It is not glamorous.  It is not New York’s best seller’s list.  But, it is something many writer’s take serious and personal.  Don’t you think?

When you are in the creative art’s, whether you are a writer, painter, musician, or artist, when people don’t support something you have created, it is hard to NOT take it personal.  Often times, a painting comes from the heart, lyrics bears one’s inner soul, and writing reveals your personal thoughts.

Rejection always sucks, but it sucks worse when it something you created from your mind, heart, and soul.

So, when you ask a friend or family member to read your writing and they pretty much blow it off as, “oh, this is another one of Julie’s hobbies she wants us actual take seriously,” I guess it stings a little. No, it stings a lot.

Do you need thick skin to be a writer?

Absolutely!!  Even though you have thick skin, it does not mean that your heart is not vulnerable to the rejection and lack of support on occasion.  It does not mean that even though you have support and positive feedback from strangers that come by and read your articles or blog posts, that you don’t want to occasional, “great writing” comment from someone you love in life.

But, you keep on writing, figuring it out, hoping to make a serious living one day with a real full-time income. and lots of supporters.   Hoping not only for your personal sense of accomplishment, but that maybe then your loved ones will finally take you seriously.

Share you thoughts – do people take writers or artists seriously?

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