I think everybody has a friend who is a “would-be writer.” She’s always talking about how amazing her book is going to be. He reblogs quotes on Tumblr about the “writing life.” She does everything a writer does… except actually write.
For two years, I was that person. I would talk to anyone and everyone about what I was calling the “Otaku Journalist Handbook,” a nebulous piece of writing that I’d sometimes describe as self published, or say I was in the process of writing to agents, or outline in bullet-points a billion different times but never actually write. “That book of yours” (that never actually seemed to materialize) became a bit of a joke between me and my former editor.
That is why today is such an important day for me. Today is the first day you can read my second digital guide, Building a Beat. With six more chapters on the way.
How did I go from that would-be writer to an actual writer? Much in the same way that I became a journalist. I decided I was going to be one.
I trimmed the fat. I took away the magic of book-writing until all that was left was a blueprint for hard work. I spent hours at my chilly local library in my winter coat, typing frantically. I distilled my huge 200-page concept into eight tight 16-to-18-page workbooks of my most concise advice.
But don’t take just my word for it. Here’s what some of my advance readers have had to say:
“Lauren Orsini’s series is a must-read, full of real experience and a practical understanding of new media journalism. Chapter 2 builds naturally from Chapter 1 and helps you sharpen your own interests and hobbies into tools for your new career toolbox.”
“I’ve known Lauren Orsini for years, and she’s done something remarkable—turning her interest in reporting on the things she loves into an online class. She calls on intense real-life experience to deliver clear lessons on how people can become reporters on their hobbies and interests. Whether you’re an amateur, future professional, or current pro, she’s got a solid, no-fat method of developing reporting skills that will save anyone time. Frankly, I’ve learned a lot from the sneak peeks I got and can’t wait to see the whole thing!”
“As a self-made niche blogger that carved a career for myself in my topic of choice, Lauren’s book spoke to me directly. I fully support her approach, and I would recommend it to any writer that is pursuing a topic of interest or needs direction on how to focus their career. Lauren’s voice is concise and clear, and she knows just how to speak to other writers.”
Interested? Click the button below to buy it for just $5 all this week. This is a free download in the Bookstore!
And to all the “would-be writers” out there: it’s not too late to finally begin your own book.
