Professional writer's Image
62No one can doubt the value a writer's image portrayed to their readers. To put out quality writing that displays the image of professionalism the writer must develop that image before they write the first word. We will be discussing what a writer should be doing in preparation to begin writing that will aid in the professional look and feel of the writing produce. We will discuss the look of a writer, the workspace a writer uses, and the sight a writer sees while in the process of writing.
Have a professionl writer's image
If a writer doesn't have a personal image of him or her self can they really expect to produce professional quality writing? Ask yourself what a professional writer looks like and how they dress to portray the Writer's image. Set that image in your mind and ensure that you dress in the same manor. If that image is of a man wearing casual slacks and a collarless or turtle necked shirt under a sports jacked and shoes of a certain style, then you, as a writer, should dress in that same manor. You could leave the jacket off as you write but wear that same jacket if you go out in public. In this you set your personal writers image in your mind and your writing skills will produce the kind of work a professional would produce.
Creat a proper writing area
The space you do your writing in should also have the writer's image to you and anyone else that could see it. Your desk top should be clean and free of clutter and unnecessary or distracting items. It should only contain items that are useful to a writer. You could have a dictionary and thesaurus and other reference books and even files of writing projects in progress on your desk, but nothing that does not pertain to writing.
See only what a writer should see
Every thing that you can see while sitting at your desk should pertain to writing. On the walls around your desk you should only have things that encourage your writers image. You could, for example have a framed copy of how to write articles and blogs displayed. You might have a framed reminder of writing themes or article structure. Even your writers work schedule and motto could be hung on the walls. Just keep anything that could distract you from writing out of site.
See only what a writer should see
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In conclussion
When you set the "Professional Writers Image" in the way your dress, where you work, and what you see while writing your mind will be focused on writing quality work. This focus will be displayed in your writing and be noticed by those that read it.
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Comments
Skull Lover,
You are right that a part time writter may get away with having a more cluttered work environment but even as a student and partime frelance writer it is still good to set your writing environment to best help you in your writting. It will even help with your writing assignments for school. I didn't get into things like setting background music as that is often a matter of personal inspirational style. I would say that as long as the music you play doesn't distract you from writing use it, as many people find writing inspiration from the music they listen to.
Thanks for your comment. I am glad you found this page intersting and even useful.
Hi Light Path,
Ok, these are things I never took into consideration when writing. Also, writing for me on hp is something I do for fun. Most of the time I'm in my jammies when I write. So, I'm guilty of doing none of the above while writing. Maybe that's why I can't get my score up to 100? LOL
Seriously, these are good tips, and I can see how these would be very helpful to someone pursuing a writing career. Actually, these are very sound habits to develop when doing serious work, especially for someone starting out. It is definitely true that when you write there should be no distractions. I, for one, cannot have background noise while I sit here. I need peace and quiet. Other people cannot function without noise, so it's a matter of preference and what works best for you.
I probably should take more care about my space too when I write. It's important to be comfortable, and have things you need close by. One thing I would add to this routine is make sure to take a break. If you find yourself unable to think of what to say next, just walk away, even if only for 30 minutes. Grab a coffee, or have a bite to eat, then go back to your work. It helps clear the cobwebs that sometimes gather.
Very well done Light Path, thanks for sharing this information.
trish - thanks for you comments. I will be writing other articles to post on writting that will discuss things like preference for music while you write, the value of scheduling breaks atleast every 2 hours and why that is, and other things writers can do to enable them to produce quality work on a consistent basis.
You're welcome. I look forward to more hubs :)
Great guidelines - wish I could follow all of them!
Thinking about having to dress right gives me the shivers! I thought the best part of a work-from-home job like mine was that you could get away with looking like a slob! :P
Just kidding...great hub Light Path!
Good tips! It helps to dress the part. Checkout the link below. That is one heck of an organized desk! I wonder what this person wears to the "office"?
Hey Feline Prophet ,
That is what so many people advertise as a benefit of a home business, or just working from home, and it is. But if you want to really succeed and be professional in your work at home business you need the right immage to keep you focused. I admint I on a rare occation that I to will slip out of the image and work in my jammies too. But most of the time I take my own advice.
Skull Lover says:
14 months ago
Hi there,
Thanks for contacting me. I haven't used hubpages in ages, as I am actually seeking a real paying freelance job.I think your article is very good, and a simple read, with good suggestions. Yet, I think the image of a writer portrayed in this article is somehow more directed toward full-time writers. As I student, I surely have books on my table -of all kind. Random things here and there. There are factors (external) I might add, that will effect how anyone, be it a pro or amature writer will portary their image.
For me, i'm a university student who listens ro rock music, and has skulls all over (bag, clothes....). Yet, I do write. And my writing (most of it), is somehow related to the way I dress, and portray myself.
After all, good hub. Interesting topic, too =).