Online Writing has Changed
So I need your help
In the last year, online writing has changed in a dramatic way.
Full glitter suit and a feather boa kind of dramatic.
A lot of us writers aren’t happy about the changes, but they’ve happened so we need to change too.
That’s why I’m reconsidering what I can offer on Because You Write.
Can you help?
Lots of you have been friends here for many years, but if you’re new, hi. I’m Kelly Eden, a writer from New Zealand.
I’ve been a nonfiction writer for over 18 years, selling my stories online and to editors. It’s how I’ve made my living.
I’ve written all sorts! From informational articles about kids picking their noses, to personal essays about ageing. My articles have been read by millions of people (yes, that feels cool and so amazing!)
And in 2019, I was able to make writing my full-time career.
But now, it’s not.
Not like it was anyway. I still had a commissioned piece and an interview this week for a magazine. But it’s not my main job anymore.
In fact, most of my writer colleagues are no longer relying on writing as their main income.
It was hard to let my dream career go. I grieved big time.
But what’s next?
Like me, you probably still want to keep writing, otherwise you wouldn’t be here!
How can we still share what we know with the world?
What do we need to flex our creative muscles and enjoy the incredible craft of writing?
I’ve been reviewing what I offer to nonfiction writers.
Three resources and two Personal Essay Courses
The advanced essay course is a live one and I haven’t run it in over two years.
Would you do me a favor?
Would you take a look at the resources or essay courses and let me know (in comments or an email)…
what you think you’d find useful and what you wouldn’t.
If I repackaged the personal essay courses into one—introductory to advanced and all self-run rather than live, would that be better?
Is there any other types of resources you’d like to see?
Fiction? Nonfiction? Writing Prompts? A Substack guide?
A nonfiction book proposal guide?
An option to get feedback on your writing?Something else?
I want to keep encouraging writers to do this thing we love. Writing is important.
Thanks for helping me do that!
Kelly
Hi Kelly, I would definitely take the advanced personal essay course. I would check out the videos, but I get a lot more from feedback during live zoom calls. Any chance we could do the calls once a week? I would be happy to pay more for your time. Also, do we do any readings (Joan Didion, James Baldwin, Zadie Smith, etc.) during these classes? I've found those to be helpful, too.
Thanks for reaching out to us. We need to support each other in these absurd times.
Hi Kelly. It saddens me to think that talented people like you are no longer able to make a living from writing. I looked at your packages and although not geared to me as a fiction writer, thought they looked incredibly good value.
Have you thought about offering editing to non-fiction writers? Just a thought.
I am seriously thinking about giving up my Substack. I have shown up regularly weekly and sometimes twice weekly and after 5 years have 342 subscribers! That sucks. OK - 6 very kind folk are paying subscribers and they are all happy for me to post monthly rather than weekly. I want to focus on my novel writing and there are only so many hours in the day. Substack is saturated with celebs and famous people who are pushing us little guys aside.
I think writing and getting published is tougher than ever and you really have to get your work noticed - great marketing is key.
I hope things pick up for you, Kelly and I have the greatest respect for you as a writer and mentor. Keep up the good work! 💪✍️📖