“Profess to Possess”: A Creative Manifesto
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Making significantly more money this year is an achievable goal to have. As is finishing the first full draft of your memoir. Or completing a poetry collection. So, I challenge you to come up with five creative endeavors you would like to accomplish during the next 12 months. Then start researching actionable steps you can take to make them a reality. This might include starting to increase the promotion of your freelance services more on social media; taking a writing class in a new genre; or finding a publishing pro to do a full critique or sensitivity read of your manuscript.
The reason I want you to make a list is that it can be hard to move forward when the destination is unclear. You always have the option to take a detour en route if unexpected opportunities appear along the way. However, getting specific about your creative priorities for 2024 is an integral component of holding yourself accountable for taking your writing more seriously.
Because “what you profess is what you will possess.” I recently heard that truth bomb on a podcast. Wanting to be an author is not enough. Hating your day job is not enough. Brainstorming story ideas is not enough. I need you to know not only what you desire to write, but why—in addition to when and where you are going to do the work.
If your daily routine involves limited free time, then start figuring out how to revise your schedule weekly to open up at least a couple of hours during which you could focus on finishing (or revising) a work in progress. Or participate in a virtual workshop. Or marketing content you have previously published—or the personal brand you are trying to build.
Next, before dropping any cash, analyze cost versus value. Think of enrolling in an intensive course, submitting to literary journals, or applying for a fellowship as options that have reasonable ROI (return on investment) potential. Spending money today might help you acquire assets down the road (by improving your skills, acquiring an agent, or increasing your access to wealth by generating more income you can stash away in a high yield savings account).
Plus being in community with other artists can have a transformative effect on your craft and/or career. For several years, the majority of my freelance work came through “word of mouth” connections or direct personal referrals. This included a wide variety of paying gigs such as multiple month contracts for content creation and drafting a diversity and inclusion guide for a tech company in Chicago. Both of these examples earned me a few thousand dollars each. No—I wasn’t a published author yet at that time. Yet, I was a gainfully employed writer who was steadily inching her way toward being day-job free.
If your aspirations are similar, take time to reflect on and answer these questions:
- What enhances—or snuffs out—my imaginative spark?
- Am I starting this year from an abundance or scarcity mindset? (Personally and professionally)
- Fill in the blank: “I chronically feel __________.” (If the word(s) you choose are objectively negative such as overwhelmed, distracted, or burned out, try to identify the primary source of this feeling. Is it mostly triggered by your environment, sleep deprivation, caregiving responsibilities, etc.?)
Rather than being discouraged, trust you have the talent to progressively change your daily existence. Your creativity can buy you freedom. Debunk the myth of a ‘starving artist' by using your writing to construct a path toward achieving financial security and acquiring more free time to spend with loved ones, travel solo or pursue other passion projects. I have now been spearheading a community arts initiative in Wisconsin for almost four years. This ‘brain child’ of mine has not only connected me to dozens of other artists around the state but has given me a way to help other creativepreneurs (of all ages and abilities) make their work more accessible to the general public. Remember, striving for your own success is not selfish. The dreams we dream always include others. Having more time—and dollars—expands our capacity to lift up others as well.
Don't miss out on Rachel's upcoming classes! On January 20th, she will lead a special session called “The Mindful Writer” for BIPOC Writers. Then, on February 13th and 20th, join her for "The Rich Writer's Life," a must-attend for freelancers looking to expand their horizons and secure more paid writing opportunities.