Jeff Goins, popular writing blogger, gave me some great news. He said, “You are a writer.” Truthfully, that’s the title of his new ebook, but it really is his message. If you want to be a writer, you can become one simply by writing. I wholeheartedly subscribe to his philosophy: there are no rules about giving yourself a title. Write something, then change your job title on Facebook to “Writer”. Now write more things. You are a writer. This applies to everything you do (hence the title of this post: “I do, therefore I am”), not only writing. Think about who you want to be, then become that person.
Have you ever regretted not starting something soon enough? I have and so has Jeff Goins. In You are a Writer, he shares the truth about his writing career: he waited for permission. He waited to be picked. It was only later that he realized he could have accomplished more if he had called himself a writer and started shipping instead of waiting.
I have read many blog posts and listened to podcasts and webinars that are inspiring, but vague. Jeff kicks off You are a Writer with a strong dose of inspiration, then goes on to explain, in detail, how you can begin to build your career as a writer. He says every writer needs three tools:
1. A platform
2. A brand
3. Channels of connection
Jeff is a popular blogger and does recommend blogging, but it’s just one of many platforms he explores in You are a Writer. His message to you is start something so you can build your platform, focus your brand and meet the people who will help you succeed. Once again, his lessons are written for writers, but apply to everyone.
This book is your own personal vote of confidence from Jeff Goins. It’s also an instructional manual designed to help you start your career as a writer. I highly recommend you read it as soon as possible. In the meantime, why don’t you go write something?
I wrote this, http://www.generositymanifesto.com. Thanks for asking to see it. I’m proud of it for a lot of reasons but, my greatest source of pride is that I shipped it, shared it, persevered and finished!
Thank you. I really connect with Jeff and thought your post was well written.
Best regards,
Mike
Mike, your manifesto is fantastic! This blog is really about helping yourself live a better life, often by helping others life a better life. I think generosity and giving back is an essential part of happiness. Like your manifesto says, ours brains kick out “happy chemicals” when we give. Thanks for the read! I will make sure to pass the link around.
Thanks also for the compliment on my post! I am a new writer as well, so every comment feels amazing!
Thank you Elan. I love your blog design and message. My guess is that you’re not a “new” writer. You’ve been writing for some time but, you’re just now sharing your work with the world
. I’ll cruise through. I like what you’re up to.
Best regards,
Mike
You’re very right, Mike! This is the first time I’m writing for anyone other than myself. I’ve always been a journaler, though.
You are spot on; Jeff is amazing with his pearls of wisdom.
As a budding newbie to this craft, I try to implement all the tips from the pro bloggers. It is a long learning curve, but brings much pleasure.
Blog – richardjlester.wordpress.com.
I agree, Richard. Jeff was one of the first blogs I read regularly and I still look forward to new posts. I’m a new writer as well. Still, looking back at my writing from a year ago, I can tell I have improved. Jeff has been a major part of that improvement!
Thanks for sharing the link to your blog. I left a comment–I’m glad you enjoyed You are a Writer as much as I did!
In addition to my 3-4 posts per week at my blog, I’ve been working on a fiction novel(la) for a few year. An excerpt is here: http://marriedwithdebt.hubpages.com/hub/The-Death-of-a-Man
Great idea for a post, Elan!
John @ Married (with Debt) recently posted..5 Signs You Have a Problem With Spending Money
You are such an inspiration, John! When I’m not blogging, I like to write fiction. But when I’m really focused on blogging, I don’t have the stamina to write fiction too. It’s fantastic that you’re able to do both.
The excerpt you posted was great! Intriguing… please let me know when it’s published!