I got a REAL writing job--woohoo!
By Suzieqmom
@Suzieqmom (2755)
United States
January 6, 2013 4:23pm CST
I have been writing on mylot, triond, helium and other sites for over a year now, and am working on a travel book (as yet unpublished). Although I really enjoy online writing, it doesn't really pay all that much...but online writing has really helped me refine my writing and generating ideas, to the point where I have now been offered a real writing job--writing articles for my local newspaper! I am so excited! I have been working for the paper for three weeks now and have had 5 articles published so far--and have the paychecks to go with them. It is so gratifying to see my name in print, and to get paid money for doing something I love so much. And, of course, i am keeping up with online writing too, and am going to try and do even more. Now that I know someone will actually pay me a significant amount of money, I am going to expand my horizons and try and write for magazines and other publications as well.
So to all of my fellow mylotters who are trying to write and earn money at the same time, my advice to you is keep trying! Perseverance will definitely pay off in the end. Best of luck...and wish me luck, too!
9 people like this
41 responses
@sriroshan (2585)
• India
9 Jan 13
dee777 I knew to earn on Helium is bit difficult and first of all your article should get approved. Why not you are trying Redgage Good site and they pay also their members.
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
7 Jan 13
Remember, in helium, you have to rate other people's articles as well if you want to earn real income....good luck!
I would also try Triond--they pay less, but it is easier to get published there.
And thank you for the words of encouragement!
I would also try Triond--they pay less, but it is easier to get published there.
And thank you for the words of encouragement!
@41CombedaleRoad (5952)
• Greece
7 Jan 13
It would be interesting to know how the newspaper editor spotted you. Did he read one of your articles? Did you see the vacancy and apply? Your article is very encouraging for aspiring writers and it would be even more inspiring to know how you did it. Congratulations - a great start to the New Year.
2 people like this
@Archie0 (5636)
•
7 Jan 13
Wow!! you inspired me so much. Thanks, yes i am really trying my luck a lot on writing, i started writing for bukisa a year ago but somewhat they kept rejecting my articles. I joined triond few days back, there also i got no response and they rejected saying it is duplicated. My articles are original, i don't understand what they need. It frustrates so much to see people rejecting your work calling it duplicated. Can you give some advice what kind of articles or topics to choose?
1 person likes this
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
7 Jan 13
I never had any luck with bukisa; I think their site has some technical kinks in it. With Triond I have never had any trouble. I mostly write about things that are specific to me--traveling, experiences I have had, etc. That way I know they are unique. And I am always careful to refer to any websites or other sources of information in my article, so it doesn't look like I "borrowed" someone else's ideas.
Just keep trying--you will eventually get published. Once you build up a bit of a good reputation, it will get much easier...
1 person likes this
@iva75cpb (729)
• Bulgaria
7 Jan 13
Congratulations and good luck! Finally to see that someone has made their dream come true and to work what they love, good for you! Discipline, patience and constant work, obviously that's the thing. And thanks for wishing us luck, too, we are all going to need it!
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
7 Jan 13
Thank you! Discipline and patience are very important, but constant work is not totally necessary--I find that experiencing life--through travel, friends, books, activities--is very important as well, because it gives you new ideas for writing. Have fun, and give yourself a break now and then, and the writing will come easier, I think.
Good luck to you--I am sure you will succeed as well.
Good luck to you--I am sure you will succeed as well.
@Aja103654 (5646)
• Philippines
7 Jan 13
Wow, that's great! Sure, writing online doesn't always pay that high but in the end what we learn and having improved our skills in writing will be useful!
With hard work, perseverance, passion and patience, people will accomplish things eventually. Thank you for this inspiring this discussion! I will also do my best and improve my English and writing skills!
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
7 Jan 13
Very well said--I think your English skills are very good already. I am sure you will reach your goals as well--best of luck!
@Aja103654 (5646)
• Philippines
10 Jan 13
Thank you, suzie. That compliment on my skills really mean a lot coming from a writer like you. 
@sohel1990 (80)
•
7 Jan 13
Congo buddy !even im also a writer .but im writing about medical science not for money but for passion ...;))
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
7 Jan 13
Hopefully you will be able to combine the two and make money while you are writing something you are passionate about. Good luck!
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
7 Jan 13
I have a friend who writes science articles--she had several freelance customers, and also wrote for science journals and such...now she works at a university. It is a good path to follow...
@sohel1990 (80)
•
7 Jan 13
really u have point !! i cant survive only with passion ! money is a basic thing man ...but i don't know who can pay me ??
@sriroshan (2585)
• India
9 Jan 13
I know my friend the thrill one get writing in the magazine and news paper is completely different then what you write online. I too write some article for newspaper but not as profession. Good going, keep it up and all the best in your career.
@sriroshan (2585)
• India
28 Jan 13
You are correct and i knew about this since my husband writes the articles for local newspapers and some marketing magazine also.
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
9 Jan 13
Thanks--and same to you. It is easier to get published online, which does give you a feeling of accomplishment, but there is still nothing like being in "real" print...
@mtrguanlao (5522)
• Philippines
7 Jan 13
Wow,that's truly an awesome accomplishment for a writer!
I think I would jump high if ever I'm in your place,lol! Seriously,I can't pass this post of yours without saying CONGRATULATIONS to you! You deserve it friend! As for me,I don't think I will be having that kind of job as it will surely stress me,lol! Well,I'm really not a writer that's why it is stressing on my part but I do enjoy writing especially when someone comments that they enjoyed reading my article,that makes me high,lol! I guess having my own blog is my biggest accomplishment as a writer,as of now. And I'm happy to say that my food blog has a page rank of 2,yahu! Despite the seldom posting of recipes,oh my!
Keep it up friend and enjoy your earnings!
I think I would jump high if ever I'm in your place,lol! Seriously,I can't pass this post of yours without saying CONGRATULATIONS to you! You deserve it friend! As for me,I don't think I will be having that kind of job as it will surely stress me,lol! Well,I'm really not a writer that's why it is stressing on my part but I do enjoy writing especially when someone comments that they enjoyed reading my article,that makes me high,lol! I guess having my own blog is my biggest accomplishment as a writer,as of now. And I'm happy to say that my food blog has a page rank of 2,yahu! Despite the seldom posting of recipes,oh my!
Keep it up friend and enjoy your earnings!
@else22 (4317)
• India
7 Jan 13
I write offline mainly for Hindi newspapers and magazines.Hindi is my mother tongue and I love writing in it.I would like to congratulate you for having an offline writing job.I know you are very much excited,and that's a good sign.It shows that you will succeed as an offline writer.I wish you a resounding success in your new profession.At last,my suggestion,try to read more and more.Read as many great books in the language you are going to write in.It will help you improve your writing skills.CONGRATULATIONS ONCE AGAIN!
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
7 Jan 13
You write very well in English, too. Isn't it rewarding to write for newspapers and magazine? Especially when the article is an in-depth one.
Your advice is perfect--and the same that I give to everyone, including my kids. Read, read, read and you will become a better writer. I read everything I can get my hands on, and it has paid off. Plus, I love to read, so it is a win-win.
Thanks for the support! I appreciate it.
Thanks for the support! I appreciate it.@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
12 Jan 13
You are welcome. I hope you succeed with your goal of writing Beautiful Hindi literature--that would be a true gift to the world.
@else22 (4317)
• India
8 Jan 13
Hi Suzi,I don't deserve the complement.In fact,I commit many grammatical mistakes while writing in English,a language which is foreign to me.I have been trying to improve my knowledge of English by reading English books and newspapers.Still I commit a lot of mistakes.Hindi is my mother tongue and I love it as I do my mother.I have a desire to write to write some really great and valuable books in Hindi so that my mother tongue becomes rich in literature.
I highly appreciate you for your inspiring your children to read more and more.Do continue inspiring them,even forcing them.It's really a win win situation,as you have said.
I am grateful to you for commenting back to my response.Have an exceptionally prosperous New Year,2013.
@Happielady85 (384)
• United States
15 Jan 13
Good for you. Congratulations. The message here is to never give up. If someone else would have lost patience and not continued to try as you did, they would not have found a job. I admire the fact that even though you found a good paying job, you still plan to write on the internet. I know exactly what you mean by writing on the internet. I have written for Triond and never got a cent. If you are looking for a site that might pay a little bit better, try Yahoo Contributor Network. Good luck to you.
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
15 Jan 13
Thanks for the tip and thanks for the vote of confidence! Writing on the internet offers more freedom than writing for a paper, so I think it is important to stick with it, so I can continue to expand my writing.
@Suebee (2013)
• Canada
7 Jan 13
Wow! Congratulations! That is fantastic. I have always believed that if you want something, you can get it. You are testimony to that fact. Too many people give up too soon or after a few months. You stuck it out for over a year and are now on your way! Wonderful!
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
8 Jan 13
Sometimes it's a hard thing to learn--age and experience, I guess! 
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
8 Jan 13
Thanks! I believe the same thing--you just have to keep trying and working at your goals. The opportunity you get may not be the one you were originally looking for, but you should jump at the ones that are presented to you....
@suni51 (3429)
• India
7 Jan 13
Hi- I too am writing for many sites regularly for many years and what made me interested to participate on this discussion is your travel book. I too am working on a travel book for more than two years but it's not yet complete for some reason or the other. I am willing to publish it online although I am not sure for its result. I wish you all the best for your efforts.
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
8 Jan 13
I have been writing travel articles online for more than a year now--It does seem to take a while to turn those articles into chapters in a book, doesn't it? But I feel like this job will give me the momentum I need (and perhaps some access to the publishing world) so that I can get the thing published finally!
Hope yours gets finished and gets published this year too. Keep me posted....
Hope yours gets finished and gets published this year too. Keep me posted....
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
6 Jan 13
thats great.. im glad to hear that. great to read good news now and there. Let sus know how it goes, and share some after they are published with us here. Take care...
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
7 Jan 13
I surely will. I wrote a couple of free-lance articles for them, which was so much fun, and now they want to hire me as a reporter. 2012 was kind of a rough year for my family, so this early good news in 2013 is really quite a blessing--and hopefully the start of a fabulous year!
1 person likes this
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
7 Jan 13
that is so neat, I can feel you are so happy there. It comes out here. What a great thing mylot is. Have a super week there.
@sreelatha100172 (23)
• India
7 Jan 13
Glad to know that your work has been appreciated and got an opportunity in publication.Best wishes for your new venture and also help me also to be a successful
writer.
@gnbvi68 (37)
• India
7 Jan 13
Congratulations friend you have given me an idea that i can do something with my writing
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
7 Jan 13
Thanks to both of you--the main reason I started this discussion is to encourage others to keep writing--I am so glad this story will inspire both of you. I look forward to reading more of your posts on mylot--and elsewhere, too! Good luck!
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
8 Jan 13
Thank you very much, and same to you. Hope this year is a good one for you as well.
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
8 Jan 13
Sometimes despite our best intentions, the motivation to write dwindles for a while...I try to take a break during those times and then get back to it when I feel the "urge" to write again.
I hope I get more writing assignments too...and good luck with your own writing!
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
9 Jan 13
Congratulations are definitely in line for you for the new writing job that you've been able to get. I hope that this is a job that you will continue to enjoy for a long time to come.
So far, I have to admit that I can only dream of the day when I will be lucky enough to be a real published author. I've been writing online for a little bit over a year, but I still don't feel like I'm at the point where I am ready to apply for a real life writing job.
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
11 Jan 13
Why not? You write very well...if a job opens up in your area, why not apply for it? You never know till you give it a shot...Good luck!!!!
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
8 Jan 13
Well, writing for a newspaper means you do have deadlines, so yes, there is more responsibility that way. Both have benefits, and both are enjoyable....
@anshu23 (147)
• India
7 Jan 13
I agree that most of the online writing sites don't pay well. But those who really like to write are never worried by this fact. I myself write on my Blog due to interest. It refines my writing skills and keep me on my toes. I wish some day I also get a chance to write something big like you. Good wishes.
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
8 Jan 13
That is absolutely true--that's why I started writing online to begin with, and that's why I appreciate mylot so much. However, it is nice to get paid a little more for doing something you like to do anyway...that way, your hobby or your passion can become your career as well.
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
8 Jan 13
Thanks! Writing is one of those skills that can be improved with practice, so just keep writing and your skill will get better and better.
Writing is one of those skills that can be improved with practice, so just keep writing and your skill will get better and better.