Liz Lewis Shares Tips for New Writers - Part 4 - The Final in Our Series

Readers who have been following this series will know that Liz has had amazing success in just 4 months of starting to think of herself as a professional writer. As well as online and print articles, she recently landed a paid blogging position at Alzheimer’s Notes, with b5 media, the third largest blog network in the world.

I asked her to share if she would have done anything differently on her writer’s journey, if she had her time over. Liz has donned the 20/20 vision specs to reflect on where she has come from, and has some advice for new writers going forward. Liz shares some very practical tips and insights, which will be of interest to all writers, not just new writers.

Grow Your Writing Business (GYWB): In hindsight, is there anything you would have done differently, to get to where you are with your writing, and your recent paid blogging gig, more quickly?

Liz: Interesting question. But I think the answer would have to be no, I wouldn’t do anything differently. Truth is, I wasn’t all that clear at the beginning in what I was doing. I was running blind. At first, the internet and online writing didn’t really come into the equation. I was thinking total about getting published in magazines and newpapers.

It was only as I started to research online about how to go about developing a freelance writing career that I discovered the potential for writing online content for pay. Blogging was a foreign concept that I stumbled upon one day. I quickly saw it as a way of developing an online presence and a way of creating more ‘clips’ for editors to view. So I started with a travel blog, Travel New Zealand because I wanted to be seen as an expert on New Zealand. (Unfortunately, this blog doesn’t get much of my attention these days - only so many hours in the day!!!).

My Year of Getting Published came about one day when I had a “brain wave”. It just seemed to be a logical thing to do. And it seems to have a mind of it’s own. I can’t predict the direction it’s going to follow. I’m just happy to follow along with it.

GYWB: What advice do you have for an aspiring or new writer just starting off in the world of paid part time freelance writing?

Liz: Have faith and belief in your abilities. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.
- Don’t wait for editors to come knocking on your door - it won’t happen.
- Create a place to develop your voice and brand.
- Write every day.
- Drink a lot of coffee and eat a lot of chocolate…(chocolate is brain food - I’m sure I read that somewhere)
- Read books on freelance writing. Read blogs on freelance writing.
- Visit other writers websites to learn how to brand yourself.
- Understand that freelance writing is 90% marketing.
- Have fun.

Related Articles

Liz Lewis - Part 1 - My Year of Getting Published - Insider Writing Success Tips

Liz Lewis - Part 2 - Your Personal Brand

Liz Lewis - Part 3 - Finding Your Writing Platform or Specialty Area

Build Your Own Brand - Brand You

Great Idea - Want a Paid Blogging Gig?

Thursday Thirteen = 13 Tips for Aspiring & New Writers

Thanks Liz

It’s been a pleasure to interview Liz for this extended series. I’m sure her experience and successes are an inspiration to other writers. I’d love to hear from you about your writing journeys, and if you would have done anything differently. Do you have advice or tips for new writers?

Business & Marketing, Interviews