What Have You Done for Your Writing Life Lately?
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Professionals in all kinds of fields need to do continuing education or training for their certifications and careers. Writers need to keep up with new trends and old standards in the writing, publication, and marketing worlds as well.
This is a lot easier in the pandemic world since many workshops and conferences have gone virtual. I have been able to attend writing conferences, training, workshops, and other meetings that I wouldn’t normally be able to do if I had to travel. And I’ve learned a lot this year.
Writing organizations offer many free or low cost courses. Many of these are recorded, so you can watch them on your own schedule and not have to participate in the live event.
Many tools like Google Analytics, Canva, Bookbrush, etc. have great training videos for their products. And if the vendor doesn’t, more than likely you can find some folks who have posted how-tos on YouTube.
You need to make sure that you’re growing and learning. You need to add new tools to your toolbox and improve your craft, but don’t overdo it and let it cut into your writing time. Early in my writing life, I bought every book on writing that I could find. Then I realized I was reading more about writing that I was actually writing. I kept two of the best books, and the rest went to the friends of the library sale for someone else to use.
Life-long learning is important. The publication world and social media seem to change on a daily basis. Make sure that you do something for yourself.
