Freelance Writing: Simple Tips on Complicated Topics
How to Become an Author: 10 Simple Tips for Success
So, you decided to become a writer. Great choice! However, did you know about the sacrificial altar of outstanding writers? Sleepless nights, missed football matches and concerts of favorite performers are frequently laid down there. If now you wonder whether there is life after your decision to become an author, the answer is definitely “yes”. Check out these top 10 simplest tips on how to be an author and still have a social life at the same time.
How to become an author of your dreams
Tip 1: Start by choosing the most appropriate option for you. For instance, you might become an academic writer or a copywriter. Choose also your favorite field of knowledge. Do not pretend that you are an expert in Biochemistry or any other complicated field if you are actually not.
Tip 2: Go with the time and take advantage of innovative technologies. There is no sense in reinventing the wheel. Good spell, style and grammar checkers can be simply amazing. You might also want to learn more about the various options offered by your text editor. If you do, much to your delight, your work will likely become much easier. Certainly, software is not a universal cure, but using it to its full potential is certainly one of the most important tips on how to become a writer.
Tip 3: Do not hesitate to use external resources. A lot of people discuss the disadvantages of Wikipedia and other online encyclopedias and dictionaries. Still, these sources can be a good starting point for your research.
Tip 4: Do your online research. You might find plenty of valuable information on educational sites. Include the phrase “site:.edu” after your search requests and Google will kindly provide you with results from educational sites only. In this way, you can search for “proofreading tips site:.edu”, for example. By the way, the same advice can be used for governmental sites, which are recognized as reliable resources as well (include “site:.gov” in your query this time).
Tip 5: You should not use free online plagiarism checkers. You see, it can be dangerous. If you use a plagiarism checker from an unverified source, it can turn out to be a disaster. Similarly to the well-known Turnitin, some of these programs may add the text of your papers to a common database. Then, when you check your paper for plagiarism for the second time, it might be marked as 100% plagiarism. Use software from verified sources (like this website) only.
How to become an author and not to ruin your personal life
In addition, here are some invaluable tips on how to become an author and successfully combine your professional and personal life.
Tip 6: Know when to stop. Yes, there are no limits to perfection, but you should still use your common sense to know what is good enough. The Muse can come to you late at night. If you feel exhausted at that moment, you should ask the pampered Muse to wait until the morning.
Tip 7: Be creative. It will help you avoid the monotonous routine and realize your potential to the fullest. Try to think outside the box and use unexpected approaches to your assignments. Again, use your common sense here not to make your writing too extravagant.
Tip 8: Improve your time management and self-control. Try to establish deadlines for you (and, even more importantly, try to meet them). Become a strict boss to yourself! Make no excuses for extensions! One more valuable hint on how to become an author is to balance freedom and self-discipline.
Tip 9: Take breaks. Do not punish yourself. If you feel that you badly need to have some rest, take a break (surely, if you have not procrastinated until the last moment and your deadline is now due in a few minutes). A small talk with your friend or a coffee break with your family can help you refresh and perhaps even get some new ideas.
Tip 10: Maintain a healthy lifestyle. You may believe it or not, but your brain needs nutritious food, healthy exercise, enough water and good night rest. Your working outcomes heavily depend upon your health. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is arguably one of the most important tips on how to become an author.
So, now you know how to become a writer without laying down your health and personal life on the sacrificial altar. Be yourself and enjoy what you are doing!
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