by Catherine L. Tully
This is a test…
What do you love?
Why am I asking you this? Because it can help you find what you are looking for in writing. Here’s the quote that got me started on this:
“The things that we love tell us what we are.”
-St. Thomas Aquinas
And if you want to be a writer, there’s no better way to wind up in the right spot than to know what you love to write about.
When you first start out as a freelance writer it’s all about trying to get established. Making sure you can pay the bills and building your portfolio are all-important, and often all-consuming tasks. While this can’t really be helped (everybody pays their dues in one way or another), once you head down the freelance writing path a bit, you might want to start thinking about who you are as a writer.
Or, at least, who you would like to be.
Here are a few simple ways to go about that:
- Keep a list of your favorite magazines. This will help you see themes and overall subject matter.
- Be aware when writing. Keep an eye out for times when writing is a pleasure instead of merely a job.
- Journal. A professional journal is a great tool for learning more about yourself, your work preferences and your likes/dislikes.
I’m going to toss this out to the readers now…
How did you discover your inner writer? Any tips you’d like to share?
My blog definitely helped establish not only what I love but also how I express that love. Something I have not done that you mention is keep a journal. I really need to get on that. Although the blog is a great journal of my thoughts, it’s definitely not all inclusive because I don’t like sharing everything. Just some.
I totally get the “just some” comment and am the same! 🙂 Thanks!
I agree with your point to keep an eye out for times when writing is a pleasure instead of merely a job. When I write about something I’m passionate about, the words just flow as if they are being drawn out of me. There is no struggle. It’s a beautiful thing when it happens.