Writers, Invest in Yourself

I am often asked: when I took the leap into starting my own business, how did I know I was ready? The answer is simple. I started investing in myself. I took multiple courses online that were both creative and business-oriented. I bought the tools and resources I needed to succeed, such as planners, books, and computer software.

I feel that this same advice applies to writers. In order to move to the next level, you need to invest in yourself. In my eCourse, Self-publish with Confidence, I explain some productive ways that writers can invest in themselves – eCourses, writing groups, software for authors, and attending writing conferences.

I know it can be challenging to do these things without having money readily available to spend. So it’s important to create space in your financial budget for your writing. Just as you would plan for your monthly water or phone bill, you should begin to plan on how much you can set aside for your writing. It may not be easy if you are already living on a tight budget, but I also believe that it’s not impossible.

The first no-brainer is to locate where you spend money unnecessarily . Are you eating out, ordering pizza, buying a lot of coffees from your favorite barista, or meeting at a local hangout to get some drinks with your friends? This is the easiest place to save money. Setting aside a month worth of Starbucks coffee money could probably buy you a weekend pass to a nearby writer’s conference.

Maybe your budget is so tight that you are unable to spend any extra money on food or drinks, or any “fun” activities. I hear you and understand that. So here are some ideas I have for you:
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• Do you receive tax returns? If so, are you able to set a portion aside to spend on your book or writing career for a year? For 6 months?
• What skills do you have that could help bring in extra income? Babysitting, pet sitting, house cleaning, social media management for a small business owner, blogging, or selling things on eBay or Craigslist?
• Some workshops offer scholarships for those who fall into a certain financial bracket. It’s worth asking about and looking into!
  

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At the very least, utilize your local library in the way of ebooks, print books, audiobooks, and free business courses. Call your library branch, let them know what you are looking for (free classes or reading material) and they will guide you in the right direction.
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Most importantly, don’t give up! Even if you can only collect a little bit at a time, that’s okay. Just keep moving forward to your goal.

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