Back in September, when I first received an email telling me that I had been accepted to write for the Odyssey, I was ecstatic! I had so many new and creative ideas I wanted to share with the world, and I am beyond thankful to have been given the opportunity to do so.
I've been a writer since I was able to hold a pencil... balled up in my fist. Oh well, nobody's a perfect writer from the very beginning, but once I learned how to hold a pencil the write way (lol get it? The write way? HAHAHA!), the rest is history! Or herstory, I should say.
I'm getting off topic. Anyways, though I was excited to have been given this new opportunity, I didn't know what to expect, but after learning from experience, now I know what to expect. Here are some things that went through my head when I wrote for the Odyssey for the first time.
Most of y'all can probably relate!
1. "How should I start off my new career as a writer?"
For your first piece of content, I would recommend something that really gives the reader a feel for your personality. Perhaps a listicle of things about yourself. I chose to write about how I rediscovered my love for writing, and I love looking back on it and seeing how far I've come!
2. "Muse takes longer to load than I take to shower!"
Girl, who you tellin'?
3. *Has a perfect idea for an article in my head, sits down in front of the computer, and "My idea is gone. It literally walked out of my head and took my idea for my English paper with it!"
Literally. Every. Time. Even writing this piece. I had about 13 points when I was writing this in my head. Now I can't even think of a fourth. Sigh.
4. "What if nobody likes my work?"
Everyone has doubts about their work sometimes. Everyone. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you're writing for your own pleasure, not someone else's.
5. "Hold up, do I get paid for this?"
Sorry honey, but you don't. However, if you get lucky and your article goes viral, you can expect a little money to come your way! Cha-ching!
6. The word "listicle" sounds like a body part.
I'm about to be a Junior in college, what is wrong with me?
7. *Gets to the Meta page, "Oh dear Lord."
I hate that page just as much as everyone else, dude, but once you get done with that page and move onto the Slug page, it's all smooth sailing from there!
8. I have writer's block! 911!
This happens to me literally every time I write anything. It's currently happening to me as I'm struggling to think of three more points.
If you start to feel your creative juices drying up, step away for a while. Go for a walk, watch a movie or do some homework, and come back after you've had a brain break. Fresh ideas will come to you eventually.
9. My computer died on me in the middle of my article before I could save my work!
Been there, done that. One of my favorite things about The Odyssey (Muse) is that your article is saved for you. So, if your computer decides to hibernate for the winter a little early, your work will remain right where you left it. What a sigh of relief!
10. My article says it's been EIC edited! That means I can post it now, right?
Wrong. I know how waiting to be able to post that first article for your family and friends to read can seem like a lifetime, but just have patience.
11. How do I ensure that I get as many views as possible?
I'm still learning the tricks of the trade when it comes to views. When you post your content to Facebook, make your post public, use hashtags and tag The Odyssey. Also, be sure to share your content to your other social media (Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.).
12. I can't wait to look back on this one day and see how far I've come!
I've only been writing for The Odyssey for about two months now, and I've already noticed an improvement in my writing skills. I can't wait to see how much I've improved when I look back on my content at this time next year!