New to Online Writing? Persevere for Rewards
Are you new to Triond and online writing? Do you wonder if you’ll ever reap rewards? Let my story give you hope.
My first article for Triond, for any online writing site for that matter, was published on 7 November 2009. I was filled with excitement and the anticipation of making money, followed quickly by disbelief. One cent at a time – how will this ever work? Perhaps many of you are feeling like that. After two months I am totally committed to my new writing life and results are starting to happen.
New Zealand is a country of writers and readers. The printed message is valued and many of us enjoy writing. Having not been able to break into print publication in our small country of four million people, I decided to give online writing a go. I wanted to write, but even more I wanted people to read my writing. On 7 November I submitted my first article to Triond, an article about public speaking I’d written for a print publication and hadn’t had the courage to send on completion.
At first I was dismayed at the time it took for one cent to add to another to make two cents. I read many Triond articles about online writing and realised this was not a quick road to success. However, it seemed that if I stuck at it, persevered, maybe I’d get there in the end.
The answer seemed to be in consistent submissions, getting your titles and keywords right, and supporting other writers. It also seemed to be about experimentation and a rather enthusiastic dash of commitment and perseverance. Having the time to do so, I decided to forge my way forward.
Now, only two months later, I have 92 pieces published on Triond. In a few days time I’ll be receiving my first payment. Small as it may be, being just enough to buy a cup of coffee, I am excited. You see, I’ve only ever been paid for one piece of writing before and I had to wait a lot longer than two months to receive that.
I’ve read other writers advice and analysed the work I felt was working. Some people believe you should find your writing style or subject matter and stick with it for success. Others believe diversification is the key. For me, diversification has been the answer, as I seem to constantly pick up new readers. I try and vary my style – some light-hearted and fun, some a little more serious, some personal, some factual. I’ve even started throwing in poetry.
I’ve learned to link older articles with newer ones, but not a lot else about marketing my work. I’ve learned to take my camera with me and keep my eyes and ears open for writing opportunities. I’ve even started creating opportunities, looking for possible writing material while I’m out and about.
Most important though, I’m having fun. How much I make is no longer important. I’ve achieved my goal of having work read. I write every day, whenever I can. I’ve met many other wonderful writers. Life is fantastic.
So, if you’re a newbie wondering whether online writing is worthwhile, I recommend you decide what your writing goals are, then go for it. Be patient. Be prepared to work as hard as you would for any other reward. And enjoy your new status as a writer. Good things take time.
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Tags: commitment, Online Writing, Perseverance, rewards, triond
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January 6th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
I enjoy the thrill of the write, I don’t enjoy my work being used to fatten up the Triond Editors and that is exactly what is happening while they throw good writers crumbs. It’s about doing good busines and appreciating the people that help you get to the top. Good article.
January 6th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
Thanks very nice write and happy new year to you
January 6th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
Triond is a good place to feel your feet. It gave me courage to go further afield.
January 6th, 2010 at 5:45 pm
This is encouraging article.Thanks for the write.
-Perly
January 6th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
The article will be very helpful for new writers. You are right that the important thing is to enjoy writing, and gain experience.
January 6th, 2010 at 6:12 pm
This article is spot on! Perseverence is the key word when it comes to online writing. Like you, Valmnz, I was ever so slightly horrified at the dearth of hits to begin with but when I received my first payment (I think it was $2) then I was hooked! A few years later and I still am – the fun is in the writing – to be sure – but I also like trying to get it out *there* as well! Once an article gets readers out of the small (when compared to internet user numbers) Triond community it can garner quite astonishing results. I tend to look at the marketing side of things as an online strategy game – I used to play a lot of them but now I use my writing to channel that particular part of my nerdiness!
Anyway, cool article – I like your easy, fluid style.
January 6th, 2010 at 8:40 pm
It is a joy to write and have it appreciated. A wonderful hobby, It certainly keeps you out of trouble. I spend so much time researching and typing I don’t have a lot of time to get in trouble. It’s great fun, and the money’s not too bad when you’re having fun.
January 6th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
I have only been here at Triond for about a month and I am still learning. Thank you for posting this. Great advises!
January 6th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
This is a wonderful article, thanks for the encouragement!
January 6th, 2010 at 10:38 pm
Very inspiring. I have been with Triond over a year now and my first payment of ( ugh, .72) was disheartening. However, after I realized how to use the site in a different way, I started to make a significant income.
January 6th, 2010 at 11:15 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your story… You’re learning the avenues to continue growing your success. For other marketing avenues, try to post links to your facebook account, your blog if you have one, you can create an online website for free and post links there, etc.
All your writing dreams are coming true!
Blessings.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
p.s. I started only making .01 in the beginning… now, my best article has earned me over $520’s and counting… keep up the hard work, persevere and all your dreams will come true.
January 6th, 2010 at 11:49 pm
You go girl. I can’t write as much as I would like to because I work 12 hour shifts and nights shifts on my weekends. I receive a paycheck about every four months or so. I really like seeing my writing published somewhere and online is fine with me.
January 7th, 2010 at 1:05 am
I also feel that I’m now reaping the hard work I’ve invested in writing even if it can only buy me a cup of coffee lol!
January 7th, 2010 at 4:36 am
Thanks for the nice article. It is really encouraging.
January 7th, 2010 at 4:50 am
Great write. You have a talent and this will, in itself, build you an audience.
Good luck.
January 7th, 2010 at 5:03 am
Great article, it is really encouraging indeed!
January 7th, 2010 at 8:04 am
Thanks for sharing with us your experience, for me, I have more to learn.
January 7th, 2010 at 8:30 am
Very Very Informative and helpful. Thanks for sharing.
January 7th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
Completely true, it took me 2 months before I could get a satisfying number of money on Triond so it’s not a quick money at all.
The money was good but not great. However, the experiences and fun I got here are priceless and it’s completely worth the many hours I’ve spent to write here.
Nice article! Thanks for sharing!
January 8th, 2010 at 1:16 am
I really like this article. Am new with writing. It’s been a very long time since I wrote a composition for my English class during my secondary school. More than 10 years I may say.
This is a very good piece of advise, to keep me motivated.
Thank you.
January 10th, 2010 at 3:38 am
Thank you for sharing your experiences. I find the internet as avenue for writers. We are able to learn, educate, expand and grow online with what we love to do. Being able to share what we enjoy really does enhance a writers’ world. To me, it’s knowing I have the chance to help another even it’s in only in print. Words do matter.
January 11th, 2010 at 10:05 am
I have been writing for Triond for more than a year and I see the benefits that are offered here. I am close to reaching my first goal of 100 online articles. You are correct to have a goal and purpose for what we want to achieve. Excellent article and thank you for sharing the advice with us.
Blessings to you,
Chris
January 11th, 2010 at 7:12 pm
Great post! Thanks for sharing your experience and great tips indeed..so true..be patient..lot more to learn..especially on promoting our works..lol..cheers
December 22nd, 2012 at 2:01 am
Good call tweeting this article. The content is ‘evergreen’ – still relevant. I am still watching my income grow by pennies, but enjoying the writing community from around the world.