Embracing Your Unique Voice: 7 Misconceptions About Writing Online
Written on
Chapter 1: Realizing Your Potential
Everyone possesses expertise in some area, even if it’s not immediately obvious. My journey into online writing began with little knowledge of the craft, as it started purely as a hobby. I never envisioned it evolving into a passion that could become my full-time career.
Over the past two years, my perspective has shifted significantly. After spending a decade in the corporate world, I took a step back to evaluate my professional life and aspirations for the next ten years. I recognized what I truly want to avoid:
- Working excessively long hours without a healthy work-life balance.
- Anticipating disappointing performance reviews and salary increases.
- Experiencing years without any raises due to unfavorable market conditions.
- Dealing with supervisors who undervalue my contributions.
- Collaborating with colleagues who claim credit for my achievements.
For a long time, I accepted this as the norm, believing that mastering the rules was essential to succeed. However, the online writing landscape transformed my understanding of work. I realized I could break free from monotony and create a life aligned with my dreams. I have the power to manage my time effectively and establish a work-life balance that suits me.
‘To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.’ — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Here are some commonly held beliefs you can choose to disregard:
Section 1.1: Misguided Rule #1: You Must Be a Professional Writer
This is simply not true. If it were, many successful creators without formal writing degrees wouldn’t exist. We all engage in writing daily, whether through emails or texts. My own writing journey began with journaling, and look where I am now! Consistent practice leads to improvement. While I excel at writing, editing has always been a challenge for me, so I rely on tools like Grammarly for assistance.
Section 1.2: Misguided Rule #2: You Need to Be an Expert
Not necessarily. It may seem strange, but we often overlook the fact that we possess expertise in various subjects. What’s important is finding something that ignites your curiosity and compels you to learn more. My knowledge comes from a variety of sources: online tutorials, books, podcasts, and YouTube. Information is readily available, and how you utilize it is up to you. Remember, you are a work in progress and can become proficient in any area with dedication.
Subsection 1.2.1: Embracing Your Journey
‘Get it down. Take chances. It may be bad, but it’s the only way you can do anything really good.’ — William Faulkner
Section 1.3: Misguided Rule #3: A Large Following is Essential
While having a big following can be beneficial, it’s not a prerequisite. You can grow your email list with newsletters and word of mouth. Even a small group of dedicated readers can be sufficient. Ultimately, success isn’t solely measured by numbers; it’s about the genuine connections you foster with your audience.
Chapter 2: Crafting Your Path to Success
Section 2.1: Misguided Rule #4: You Must Post on Every Platform
Dividing your efforts among multiple platforms can hinder your progress. I experimented with various sites but learned that not all suited my content style. I prefer long-form writing, and it’s vital to understand each platform’s unique characteristics. The goal is to master one before branching out to others.
Section 2.2: Misguided Rule #5: Content Repurposing is a No-Go
Contrary to popular belief, repurposing content is entirely acceptable. Each platform has its specific requirements, but you can effectively summarize articles for tweets, share excerpts on LinkedIn, or transform quotes into blog posts. As your audience grows, some readers may not have encountered your earlier work, so revisiting and adapting content is a smart strategy.
Section 2.3: Misguided Rule #6: You Must Stick to a Niche
It’s perfectly fine to explore multiple interests in your writing. Personally, I cover self-improvement, mindfulness, and side hustles, each differing from the others. Over time, you will uncover a few key themes that resonate with both you and your readers. Don’t hesitate to shift topics when the mood strikes.
Section 2.4: Misguided Rule #7: The Platform is Everything
Many wonder which platform is most lucrative, often equating it to potential earnings. However, you can share your work across various platforms. The key is to focus on producing quality writing that resonates with your audience.
In conclusion,
‘Let me live, love, and say it well in good sentences.’ — Sylvia Plath
The most challenging aspect is committing to producing quality work consistently. It requires dedication, motivation, and a willingness to show up each day. Cultivating a writing habit, taking breaks, and aiming for states of flow are crucial. Ultimately, life experiences fuel your writing.
So, step outside, enjoy the world around you, and write about it. That’s the path I’m choosing; what about you?
‘A writer never has a vacation. For a writer life consists of either writing or thinking about writing.’ — Eugene Ionesco
What are your thoughts? Share in the comments.
Be Bold
Be Courageous
Be Your Best
3 Secret Writing Tips That No One Tells You
Build a better foundation for success first.
Click here to grab your free e-book to help you put yourself out there and take you a step closer to your dream life. Enjoy reading on Medium? Get a membership for full access and support my work.