Last Updated on by Michael Brockbank
When you first start out as a writer, it can be quite frustrating when no one appreciates your work. For me, I have a hard time with the fact no one is reading it let alone enjoying it.
However, keeping positive will be instrumental to your success. Although I just started with creative pieces this year, I do know something about remaining successful as a ghostwriter. In most ways, the same principles apply.
The Power of Positive Thinking
I recently submitted my first publication on Wattpad. I finished the short story piece on Saturday and have been eagerly watching for anyone to read it. Unfortunately, the only views have been from me during the editing process.
It’s a bit disheartening, but there are many reasons why this could be. The point is, I need to remain positive if I want to make an honest effort out of writing. Here’s a bit of shameless advertising:
You may have heard the saying, “Positive things happen to positive people.” In a way, that statement is more true than what a lot of people realize. However, it’s not some mystical and magical frame of mind that makes good things happen.
In reality, it’s more centered around mental and physical improvements that help build onto success.
Ways Positive Thinking Helps You
Keeping a good mindset influences how the brain works, which then influences how the body works.
For example, there have been numerous studies surrounding how stress impacts everything from sleep patterns to your sex life. Being in a “good mood” affects you in the same manner.
Part of this is because it reduces your stress level.
Fighting Hormonal Imbalance
Certain emotions will trigger specific hormones. For example, many people are plagued with deep-tissue belly fat because of cortisol, the component that is released during high-anxiety situations.
By keeping with a good frame of mind, you can keep your body from hormonal imbalances such as these. Bear in mind that weight gain isn’t the only thing that stress can be attributed to.
Higher Energy Levels
As a writer, you might not think that energy levels will contribute to your success. As a freelance ghostwriter, I can attest to how it impacts you over the years.
Keeping a positive attitude has the potential to make you more alert as well as energetic. This directly affects productivity. Since stress can also affect your sleeping patterns, being in a good mood when going to bed allows you to get a full night’s rest.
This also plays into greater energy levels.
4 Ways to Remain Positive When You First Start Writing
In the beginning, it can be difficult to keep a good frame of mind. Whether you’re writing for a client’s blog or putting a new story up on Wattpad, there is always that nagging feeling of not being good enough.
But, you may not have been writing long enough to make that assessment. Here are a few ways to help you remain positive during those first few months.
1. Understanding Exposure
When you first start out as an author, not many people are going to know who you are. Sure, you’ll find a few friends and family members to read your work on Facebook.
However, the majority of the populace may not know you even exist. You can’t merely rely on search engines alone for people to find you in the world. You need to put a bit of effort into marketing to increase your exposure.
Understanding how exposure works on the Internet can help you feel better about the lack of success you might have in the beginning. You can’t expect to become an overnight success, especially if you only have one short story published.
People need to get to know who you are and what you can offer. You might not gain any followers until your fourth or fifth publication. Everyone starts off at the bottom. It’s how you work your way up that proves whether or not you’re successful as an author.
2. Social Interactions
Encourage others to interact with you through social media and other channels regarding your work. The more receptive and responsive you are, the better the experience may be.
Do you want to be remembered as the author who ignores his or her fans? Probably not. It’s those fans and people who leave comments that can help you achieve success.
For instance, a person you respond to could begin to form a positive impression about you and share your work with people he or she knows. It’s like word-of-mouth advertising for the Internet.
Being social can also boost the way you approach yourself as well as your work. When you start engaging fans and readers, you may receive valuable insights and praises that build confidence.
It’s this improvement to your self-esteem that can keep you going as an author.
I’ve only experienced this in a small way with some of the creative pieces I’ve developed on this blog. But yes, it feels good to know that there are people who enjoy reading my work.
3. Stick with What You Know
I’ve heard many state, “Write what you know.” This is because it will help inspire you as well as help you write realistic content. When you delve into a new genre or write about something you don’t know, you run the risk of trying too hard or creating a great deal of work for yourself.
When you can keep the flow natural, you’re more productive and it may keep you more focused on the story.
I’m not saying that trying something new is bad. But in the beginning, you may want to focus on writing about things you have experienced or that you’re ultimately interested in.
Sticking with what you know when you first start will impact how positive you are about the particular piece.
4. Learn to Analyze Criticism, Not Dwell on It
You’re never going to please 100% of the people 100% of the time. Some people are Trolls for the sake of being Trolls. You’ll need to learn how to analyze criticism of your work instead of dwelling on it.
There are many people out there who can help you fine-tune your writing skills if you take a look at the points they make.
Otherwise, focus more on how you’ve made some people happy instead of those angry individuals who need to find a better hobby other than trying to make others feel bad.
Everyone experiences bad criticism once in a while. Although I haven’t much experience with creative writing, I am faced on a daily basis with clients who don’t like my work for one reason or another.
There are some that are extremely difficult to please when ghostwriting. However, a lot of them have helped me become a better writer for other clients over the years.
It’s Not About the Glory
A lot of potential writers simply want to make as much money as possible. They try to get into publishing their works for the sake of making it rich.
While padding your monthly income with royalties would be nice, it shouldn’t be your primary objective. Trying to write for the sake of making money may greatly impact the quality of your work and may affect how you approach being an author.
Case in point: I know someone who wanted to get into ghostwriting like I do. He submitted a single piece. The brokerage site started him off at Level 3 making a bit less money than I.
Instead of gaining insight as to why he started off lower, he gave up. He was looking for a way to make a bunch of money relatively quickly without putting in the work to improve his abilities.
Now, I believe he works customer service in a department store.
My point is that this gentlemen’s frame of mind wasn’t in the right place. Instead of remaining positive and taking the critiques as a way to improve himself as a writer, he gave up.
This shows me that he wasn’t a writer to begin with. Those who love to write will do so whether someone likes their work or not.
I write because I love it. It’s why I started ghostwriting in 2012 and why I am submitting my work on Wattpad. If I gain some form of luxury from the experience, then so be it.
Focus on the positive aspect of the experience and don’t be depressed if your work isn’t seen at first. It could be a long time before you begin to see the fruits of your labor.
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