The Journey Begins: A $50 Gamble on Words

The author's journey into online writing began with a simple DM on LinkedIn. A contact shared her experience making money writing on a platform, igniting a spark of possibility within the author. Despite his initial skepticism and lack of experience, the author decided to take a leap of faith and invest $50 in the platform.

• Driven by the desire to monetize his writing and regain a sense of self-worth, he dove headfirst into the world of online content creation.
• This was a time before he understood the importance of proper systems, a clear vision, and a strategic approach to his writing career.

Early Mistakes and the Importance of Systems

The author readily admits to making numerous mistakes during his first year as a writer. He lacked structure, discipline, and a clear understanding of the nuances of online writing. He wrote about everything that came to mind, often neglecting essential elements like proper grammar and headline optimization.

• He learned the hard way about the importance of tools like Grammarly and the need for research and preparation before writing.
• He realized the value of focusing on specific genres, understanding the nuances of different writing styles, and consistently practicing his craft.
• He came to appreciate the importance of crafting compelling headlines that capture attention and drive readership.

The Value of Learning from Others

As the author progressed through his online writing journey, he started reading the work of established writers like Tom Handy. He found inspiration in their writing styles, learned from their experiences, and discovered the value of continuous learning. He recognized that the journey of becoming a better writer is never-ending, and there are always new skills to acquire and techniques to master.

• He particularly appreciated Tom Handy's insights on crafting effective introductions, a skill that he often overlooked in his early writing.
• The author acknowledged that while his writing may not have improved drastically in terms of technical skill, his ability to communicate his ideas effectively had grown significantly.
• He found solace in the feedback he received from his readers, recognizing that their constructive criticism played a crucial role in his development as a writer.

The Substack Dream and the Path to Profitability

The author expresses his admiration for writers who have successfully built profitable writing careers through platforms like Substack, where they charge for premium content. He acknowledges the financial potential of such platforms and his own desire to explore that avenue. However, he also recognizes the significant effort required to achieve that level of success.

• He acknowledges the importance of a "slow grind," consistently putting in the work to build a loyal following and establish a strong brand presence.
• He draws inspiration from writers like Denis Gorbunov, whose Substack newsletter, "Stay Invested," has attracted over 400 subscribers. This success story motivates the author to pursue his own Substack dream.
• The author is currently planning his own Substack newsletter, carefully considering the topic, content, and monetization strategies. He is determined to apply the lessons he has learned over the past three years and create a successful platform.

The Future of Online Writing: Growth and Evolution

The author expresses his ongoing dedication to online writing, acknowledging the continuous learning and growth that comes with the territory. He is committed to refining his skills, exploring new opportunities, and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of online content creation.

• He views his journey as a testament to the power of persistence, learning, and self-reflection.
• He encourages other writers to embrace the challenges and rewards of online writing, emphasizing the importance of consistent practice, self-improvement, and a relentless pursuit of their writing goals.
• He believes that the future of online writing lies in the intersection of personal experiences, valuable insights, and a genuine connection with readers. This is a path that he is determined to continue exploring, fueled by his passion for writing, his desire for growth, and his dream of making a meaningful impact through his words.