Making money, growing a blog, writing books and creating a successful business requires tools and resources. There are products and services on the market that can really give you the kick you need to boost your earnings and get ahead quicker.
Below is a list of resources I’ve used, or currently use, which I have found to be super useful in helping me grow as a writer, blogger and author-entrepreneur.
I only recommend products and services I can vouch for.
Since I want to keep doing this for a long time to come, you will find some affiliate links below. Your support and success is appreciated!
BLUEHOST
Bluehost is my choice of hosting and domain name provider. I’ve used them for a few years and have always found them to be helpful when I have an enquiry or an issue. They are fast to respond and always happy to please.
SCRIVENER
Excellent software whether you’re writing articles, organising blog content, penning a non-fiction boook or the next great literary genius. They offer a 30-day free trial that doesn’t have to be used in consecutive days which is great for those who take time to trial things. I highly recommend this software for all writers. It even has the feature to format your work into ePub and Mobi files!
SO, YOU WANT TO BE A FREELANCER?
I signed up for Gina Horkey’s of Horkey Handbook course to get some motivation and didn’t expect to be wow’d. Boy, was I wrong! Her course 30 Days or Less to Freelance Writing Success has everything you need if you’re just starting out or if you need a push in the right direction. Starting at just $59 for the basic version, it’s a bargain and well worth it.
PICMONKEY
PicMonkey where have you been all my life? Or at least the last six years. Great for editing pictures for your blog. Highly recommend using it. I started using the free version but signing up for the full version is so worth it.
PROBLOGGER
I love blogging. It’s fun, it’s entertaining, there’s a sense of community in it. Problogger is a great spot for all things blogging. You will not be disappointed.
My Top 4 Tips To Becoming A Writer In Any Genre:
1 – Read, read, read some more. Read good books, bad books, mediocre books, great books. You will learn from each one. Read in your own genre, read in every genre. Read fiction, read non-fiction. If you want to write, you must first be a reader.
2 – Write, write, and write some more. Writers write. It’s never been easier. Write for yourself, write for others. Write in a notebook or on a word processor, start a blog or submit to magazines. Write at home, in the bathroom, at the library, train, coffee shop, bus stop, in the backyard, at the beach, in a tree house. Just write.
3 – Get feedback. Feedback is paramount to growth. Some will be good, some will be bad, sometimes it might even be terrible. You don’t have to listen to everything because everyone has different tastes. But feedback will help you improve as a writer. Writing is a solitary activity but it’s not a loner profession, you need a community to keep you going.
4- Repeat the process. Every day. You are a writer. So write.
Recommended Reading For Authors
(whether you’re on your first book or your tenth!)
1 – On Writing by Stephen King
2 – The Snowflake Method to Writing a Novel by Randy Ingermanson
3 – Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass
4 – Business For Authors by Joanna Penn
5 – How To Make A Living With Your Writing by Joanna Penn