Chapter 1: The Misconception of Mastery in Writing

In pursuit of increasing my income, I once believed that becoming an exceptional writer was the key. Inspired by Nicolas Cole's "The Art and Business of Online Writing," I yearned to emulate his success, grow a substantial following, and establish a thriving business just like he did.

However, after a year of writing, I've come to realize that the top earners in the online writing world aren't necessarily the most skilled writers. This belief that mastery is essential can hinder your financial growth.

A thought-provoking conversation with an old friend during the holidays further solidified this notion. He has been crafting short stories since his youth and even published a coding book. Yet, he abandoned writing as it consumed too much of his time, stating, "I never felt like anything I wrote was any good."

I concurred with him, acknowledging that becoming a great writer requires significant time investment. If he couldn't prioritize it, focusing on other pursuits might be wiser. He pointed out, "I earn significantly more in my engineering job than I could ever hope to with writing."

Reflecting on our discussion and considering the successful content I've encountered—pieces that attract considerable views and revenue—brought me to a revelation.

Most successful written content does not stem from the finest writers.

Writing does not necessarily consume an excessive amount of time.

It is possible to earn more than you do in a traditional job.

These assumptions are deeply entrenched in our minds. Renowned authors often emphasize the struggles of writing, claiming:

"You must accept that you'll waste many pages before producing anything worthwhile." — J.K. Rowling

"Writing is simple; you just sit down at a typewriter and bleed." — Ernest Hemingway

"Creating a book is a grueling, draining challenge, akin to a prolonged illness." — George Orwell

Such sentiments have led us to believe that true greatness in writing is only achievable through hardship. However, this notion is flawed.

Understanding the Shift in Expectations

The landscape of writing has evolved significantly since J.K. Rowling introduced the world to Harry Potter. Today, being a masterful writer is less crucial. The most succinct or well-organized writing does not always translate into the highest earnings.

Modern readers seek different outcomes from online content compared to what was expected from books in the past. They prioritize practical solutions, personal growth, and relatable skills over eloquently crafted prose.

The essence of building a business lies in the content's core message, not merely the words used to convey it.

The Key to Success: Generating Ideas

To create a successful online writing venture, the focus should not be on laboriously striving to become the best writer. Instead, it should be on developing innovative ideas and presenting unique solutions to specific problems for your audience.

Engaging your readers with compelling narratives that resonate emotionally is paramount. Attempting to meticulously refine every sentence can stifle your creative flow.

In today's market, strong writing skills alone are insufficient. You must cultivate a rich repository of ideas by exposing yourself to diverse readings and perspectives. Challenge yourself by consuming materials that differ from your usual preferences, whether popular or obscure.

Once you've produced a body of work, pay attention to your audience's reactions and build on those successful concepts. Prioritize idea generation over stylistic perfection.

By focusing on generating valuable ideas, you position yourself among the elite 1% of successful online writers.

Hello! I'm Celia👋 Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts! I'm continually striving to enhance my writing, so your feedback is always welcome in the comments. If you're interested in more insights related to writing, psychology, and productivity, feel free to follow me!

Chapter 2: The Reality of Writing Success

In the video "AUTHOR: Writing a Book A Waste of Time?" we explore the challenges and misconceptions about writing success, providing insights into what truly matters in the writing journey.

Chapter 3: Embracing Unconventional Wisdom

"6 Crazy Things I Did to Become a Great Writer" shares unconventional strategies that can help aspiring writers break free from traditional constraints and find their unique voice in the writing world.