There is no doubt that to build your profile and earn attention (rather than buy it or beg for it), part of your job is going to be writing. Writing your book, your blog, writing articles, Facebook and Twitter updates. This requires knowledge and commitment, so I decided to interview href="http://www.amazon.com/Grant-McDuling/e/B004UTH35M/ref=sr_tc_img_2?qid=1301898717&sr=1-2-ent">Grant McDuling, best-selling author and respected journalist, for his input.

Here is our interview:

You talk a lot about practicing writers in your book, “ href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004T4LH28">Write For A Living In 7 Easy Steps.”

What does this mean and is there a difference between a practicing writer and one who writes to raise his/her profile?

The word practice actually means to do something repeatedly or regularly to become skillful. So the practicing writer must work at the craft regularly. Notice it doesn’t imply it needs to be done continuously or on a full-time basis. But regularly. So, whether someone writes articles or books as a profession, or writes a blog to build his/her profile and communicate with his/her advocates, they are all considered practicing writers provided they do it regularly.

What is required of a practicing writer?

The great news is that the one thing you don’t need to be a practicing writer is a degree in journalism or communications. Sure it helps, but it isn’t a requirement. I am however assuming you know how to string a few words together.

The number one requirement is your attitude. You need to take full responsibility for your future, for your life and for what you are and what you want to achieve.

How does one decide what to write about that will make an impact?

The first thing is to think about your interests. What are you passionate about? What are you experienced in that others would want to know about? Once you have an idea of this, it’s time to do some homework and check the market. What’s out there that will influence your choice? Will you be writing in a cluttered field or are you the only one or one of a few? Are there any obvious outlets for your writing?

How important is story telling in your writing?

id="more-5547">Being able to tell a story is intrinsic to what writers do. And here I’m not referring to just writers of fiction. Have you ever been to a seminar and noticed how experienced speakers litter their talks or presentations with stories or anecdotes? They do this for a reason and it is this: people love hearing stories because it helps them to relate to what’s being said. So even if you are writing about a ‘dry’ topic like computer programming, using stories to explain your point works wonders. Tell your readers how something fits together or works by using a real example, for instance. Tell them how someone overcame that problem.

What comes first – the blog or the book?

I have found it’s important to have a ready-made audience before your book is ready for sale. And one of the best ways of doing this is by blogging. You see, not only does this give you access to some great test and measuring options when it comes to deciding on aspects of your book (like should the hero do this or that) but it can provide solid pointers to whether your soon-to-be-released book may be of interest to anyone at all. All you need to do is ask for feedback in your blog.

Another great reason for blogging is this: if you are careful and follow a predetermined plan, your posts can become chapters in a new book. So, for instance, you could blog about internet marketing, with each post focusing on a specific area of marketing. Then, once you have written 12 or so posts, all you need to do is string them together, add some end matter, a cover and perhaps a dedication page, and you’re ready with your eBook.

How do you create good habits for your writing?

You really do need to treat your writing just as you would a job. You need to commit to it, you need to put aside time to write every day (maybe early in the morning before your other work starts), you need to have a dedicated place to write (just as you would have an office in a regular job), and you need to change your attitude to writing. By this I mean you really must treat it as a business if you want to earn money from your writing. This will involve spending a good proportion of your writing day doing things like self-promotion, marketing, admin and other business-like activities.

Tell us about that big dirty phrase for writers – ‘writer’s block’. How do you overcome it?

The best way to overcome writer’s block is to not think about it. Keep busy and focused on outcomes. Deadlines are a great way to keep you moving forward and focused. It’s what keeps journalists focused, isn’t it?

What are the qualities of a good and engaging writer who truly understands the art of capturing their readers?

I think keeping your readers in mind always is one of the most important things any writer can do. This will also help you to really engage them in your writing. Engaged readers will want to keep turning pages!

What are some fatal mistakes you have seen writers make?

I suppose underestimating what it takes to write a book. You know, it’s much like athletics. Most people prepare themselves for the 100m sprint instead of the marathon. Writing books is like running a marathon: you need stamina, commitment, focus and a good deal of self-belief.

Writing is indeed a business, as has been demonstrated here, and should be treated like one, whether it’s just part of your business activities or it’s the business itself.

Interview by Kerry McDuling

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