I know what it’s like to struggle as a writer.
I’ve been there—typing away in a tiny shack, running on instant noodles, my only tools a battered Toshiba netbook and a slow USB dongle connection.
I wrote for content mills, ghostwrote novels (even erotica), and poured my words into other people’s dreams just to scrape by.
But here’s what I learned: You don’t have to stay trapped in the grind.
The real secret to staying motivated as a writer?
It’s not just passion—it’s control.
When you own your words and build your own income streams, writing becomes more than just survival.
It becomes power.
This is for you.
You, who want to break free from low-paying gigs and build a sustainable writing career—whether in copywriting, fiction, or blogging.
You, who’s felt drained, uninspired, or stuck writing for clients who don’t pay what you deserve.
You who want to reclaim your motivation and create a future where you thrive as a writer.
Let’s break the cycle and turn your writing into a source of real, lasting income.
1. Find Your ‘Why’ and Lock It In
Why do you write?
Is it to create worlds?
Tell stories that change lives?
Pay the bills?
Your ‘why’ fuels you when motivation runs low. Write it down and put it where you can see it daily.
When I was younger, my why, or what kept me motivated, was to earn the title “writer”. I tried creating stories and failed miserably. I knew I wanted to write but I wasn’t creative enough.
I learned eventually that I liked organizing thoughts and laying it out in a clear format.
I wanted to educate and to entertain.
So, I shifted my career from being a storybook writer to a copywriter.
I am fortunate to have found my why and adapt accordingly early on in my freelancing career.
So, what’s your why?
What’s the main reason why you do this.
Why do you write?
Comment in the comment section or send me an email.
2. Stop Writing Just for Others—Start Writing for Yourself
If you’ve been ghostwriting or grinding for content mills, you’re making others rich while you stay stuck.
I did that for years. And I knew I had to make a change but I was just too comfortable working for others and earning a meager amount of money for my efforts.
I slowly weaned myself off of it by creating my own ebook and publishing it on Amazon. That helped me earn a little more on the side so I wouldn’t have to chase work as hard as I was already doing.
You have to Shift your mindset: treat your writing as a business, not just a gig.
Here’s how:
- Build Your Own Blog or Website – Publish your work on your own platform. Use tools like WordPress or Blogger.
- Monetize Your Writing – Sell e-books, offer premium content, or run a membership site. There are so many ways that you can earn from writing.
- Build an Email List – Your audience is your biggest asset. Offer a freebie (like a short story, checklist, or guide) to collect emails and build relationships.
You deserve the fruits of your own labor. Maybe at the start, you’ll be doing a little work for some other people but always remember to have a personal project running in the background, growing day-by-day until you’re ready to set off on your own as your own boss.
3. Create a Writing Routine That Works for You
Motivation fades, but discipline keeps you going. Set a daily or weekly writing schedule and stick to it. Use productivity techniques like:
- Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes writing, 5 minutes break)
- Word Count Goals (500–1,000 words a day)
- Batch Writing (Set aside one day for multiple articles or chapters)
Try it. It really works.
4. Diversify Your Income as a Writer
Don’t rely on one source of income. Here’s how to make money beyond content mills:
- Affiliate Marketing – Write reviews or recommendations and earn commissions.
- Self-Publishing – Publish your own books on Amazon KDP or Gumroad.
- Freelance Copywriting – Offer services on high-paying platforms like Upwork, LinkedIn, or directly to businesses.
- Writing Courses & Coaching – Teach what you know and charge for it.
5. Master SEO and Content Marketing
If you want people to find your writing, you need traffic. Learn how to:
- Use SEO tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Google Search Console.
- Write content that ranks (long-form, keyword-rich, and valuable).
- Share your work on social media and repurpose it into different formats (articles, videos, social posts).
I currently work as an SEO Specialist today and what I’m learning through my work, I immediately apply to my personal projects.
Upskill, upskill, upskill.
6. Connect with Other Writers and Build a Network
Writing doesn’t have to be lonely. Join writing communities, engage in forums, and collaborate.
- Reddit (r/writing, r/copywriting)
- Facebook Groups for Writers & Bloggers
- Twitter/X (Follow industry experts and engage in discussions)
Don’t just be part of one group. Be part of them all. The more people you connect with, the better!
Here’s How to Set Up Your Own Website in 5 Easy Steps
Want to start earning from your own writing? Here’s a step-by-step action plan:
- Buy a Domain & Hosting – Use Namecheap or Network SOlutions to register a domain.
- Set Up WordPress – Install WordPress for an easy-to-manage blog.
- Choose a Niche – Write about something you love (fiction, blogging tips, writing struggles).
- Publish Your First Article – Write a blog post sharing your experience as a writer.
- Share & Promote – Post on social media and invite friends to read it.
Yes.
You will have to buy your own domain.
You can use a free domain name if you sign up for a WordPress or Blogger account but eventually, you’ll discover that having your own domain name is a better alternative.
Domain names are cheaper these days with some even going for as low as $11.
If you’re struggling as a writer, know this: you are not stuck.
The key to staying motivated is to take ownership of your work, build your own brand, and create multiple income streams.
It’s not easy, but neither is grinding away for pennies.
The sooner you start treating your writing like a business, the sooner you’ll break free.
So, what’s your first move?
Set up your website today and start writing for yourself.
Your future self will thank you.
Got an eBook to sell? We can help by posting it on our eBooks section. Contact us for more info.