“I love writing…”, “Writing is my passion…”, “I’m a professional writer…”
Have you ever come across these phrases? You probably might have. Let me tell you something, which is hyped crap, junk, bullshit or whatever.
Very few online writers actually live up to what they say. Their love and passion for writing is clearly visible in the way they write and their approach too is quite professional. The rest are mostly failures and don’t really know what passion, love and professionalism mean.
In fact passion and professional are the two words that are so overthrown that they have lost their meanings pretty much.
So, are you a writer? Haven’t lived up to your expectations? Are these the reasons why most online writers fail?
1. Grammatical Errors – #1 Reason Online Writers Fail
For instance, consider this audacious statement – “I likes Bananas”
You probably know what I mean. Firstly, your grammar is faulty and secondly you’re not really good at playing with words.
The above statement can be perceived in a 100 different ways. So my advice would be to stop calling yourself a professional in the first place.
I’d also suggest you to work on your grammar, which is a minimum requirement. For this, reading good books is what I suggest. Online writing is different from offline writing, so you should read top-notch blogs like Copyblogger, Problogger etc. You should also consider on proofreading your work before publishing.
2. Using Inappropriate Puns too Makes Online Writers Fail
Here’s another example – “Roger” is not the same as “Roger that”
It’s the same again, when you’re not familiar with puns (playing with words), avoid them. Just look up the meanings of what they mean and you’ll be totally surprised.
Unsure about puns, don’t use em’! To use puns better, I’d suggest knowing it’s complete meaning and checking the meaning of its close similarities as well. Once you know how to use puns, you’ll attract a lot more offers because being playful with words matters a lot in online writing, readers love it!
3. Asking too Many Questions is a turn-off
“What? Why? When? Where? Who?”
Frankly that is too much for anybody’s liking. Asking questions is good, it arouses interest but if you’re asking too many, it’s a turn off.
Why? Firstly, it breaks the natural flow of your post. When you’re conveying something through your post, T and failing to answer them can be a big blow to your authority.
4. Wikipedia-Style – Most Popular Reason Online Writers Fail
You’re writing is boring, bland, lifeless and unappealing because you write Wikipedia-style.
I’ll give it you straight; Wikipedia is an Encyclopedia; so an encyclopedia irrespective of being online or offline is for reference or educational purposes.
Online writing (sometimes educational) is fast, cutting-edge and straight to the point.
5. Making the Same Mistakes Over and Over Again
For you, 1+1 is always gonna be 3 i.e. making the same mistakes without varying your approach.
Yep, you’re always making the same mistakes. You don’t vary your approach and when that is the case, expecting astronomical results will only be a distant dream.
Know what mistakes you’re doing (admitting them is a really tough job), how you can improve on them, what methods and approaches have failed consistently and what clicked.
Remember this, everyone makes mistakes, learning from them is important because you’ll know where you’re strong at plus you’ll also have the experience to guide others as well.
Online writing is not at all easy.
I’ve done my own share of mistakes and cheap errors. The thing is I learnt from my mistakes, picked up tidbits of valuable information along the journey and read quite a lot of blogs to better my writing skills.
I won’t call myself an expert or professional but I’ve gone through enough experiences to guide you with your writing.
Your Turn?
Are you a failure with your writing? Been through a rough patch? Do any of the above reasons apply to your writing?
There’s a lot to share with me, let me hear your thoughts.