Here's how you can conquer obstacles and setbacks in your mid-career writing journey.

If something has worked for a long time and then suddenly stops working, try to change it rather than viewing it as a problem and remaining in the situation.

This is similar to being a good chef. A chef may have one particular style or specialty, but it’s the added influence of other cooking styles - the combination - that truly creates something special. Stagnation is the death of creativity (and your passion for writing). It must be avoided at all costs.

Take stock of what you've already accomplished and decide what you want to write about in the future. Take time to list goals and milestones you want to accomplish. Divide the goals into short term and long term goals, then work on each one at a time. Periodically check where you are in terms of progress and adjust your schedule accordingly.

The writing industry constantly evolves, with new genres, platforms, and technologies emerging regularly. Stay adaptable by keeping up with industry trends, learning new tools, and experimenting with different writing styles. Embrace change as an opportunity to grow and diversify your skills. For instance, if you traditionally write long-form content, consider trying your hand at short stories, blog posts, or even social media content. This flexibility not only keeps your work fresh but also opens up new avenues for creativity and career advancement. Embracing change helps you stay relevant and resilient, turning potential setbacks into stepping stones for future success.

Absolutely! Embracing change can be intimidating, but it's essential for growth and creativity. By stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring new genres or writing styles, we can discover fresh opportunities.

Having mentors is invaluable for navigating mid-career challenges in writing. Seek out experienced writers, editors, or professionals in the industry who can offer guidance, support, and constructive criticism. Mentors can provide insights into the nuances of the writing world, help you refine your craft, and offer advice on overcoming specific obstacles. Engage with writing communities, attend workshops, and participate in writing groups to connect with potential mentors. A good mentor can not only help you navigate current challenges but also inspire you to achieve your long-term goals. Their experience and perspective can help you avoid common pitfalls and stay motivated, ensuring you continue to grow and succeed in your writing career.

Search for people who have already done what you want to do. When you listen to them, you will gain more clarity and ideas for your career.

An example I’ve seen among peers is that most writers often feel discouraged to continue ‘writing’ as a job. It no more feels inspiring or encouraging to continue to draft content over the years. This is where mentorship helps mid-career writers develop a roadmap for their next steps. Mentors provide advice that they faced in their early years as writers in the industry. Mid-career writers may seek for different avenues other than writing or editing which is often encouraged and appreciated by mentors.

En mi experiencia, los mentores sirven para ampliar nuestro repertorio y ensanchar nuestro panorama. Sin embargo, hay que ser muy cuidadosos con quién seleccionamos como mentor, ya que hay millares de charlatanes en línea.

Break down your long-term aspirations into smaller, manageable objectives. This approach makes it easier to track progress and stay focused. For example, if your goal is to publish a novel, set milestones for completing the first draft, revising, and submitting to publishers or self-publishing platforms. Regularly review and adjust your goals to reflect your progress and changing circumstances. Having concrete goals helps you stay organized and motivated, providing a clear path forward even when you encounter setbacks. It also allows you to celebrate small victories along the way, boosting your confidence and keeping your passion for writing alive.

It is critical to set goals and work towards them on a daily basis. Goal setting is important, but consistency is even more crucial.

‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ the famous adage used among leaders and entrepreneurs. The same is applicable for mid-career writers. If one needs to build a career that is backed by credibility and integrity, it takes months or even years of commitment, dedication, and effort. In order to achieve your goals, you need to organize and structure your milestones. Setting key milestones in your writing journey will make accomplishing tasks easier. For example- A writer could set a 6-month milestone to complete a writing course/certification program and set a 12-month milestone for the next writing role. Setting goals increases focus, accountability, and a sense of accomplishment.

En lo particular, en lugar de establecer metas a futuro (por ejemplo, publicar un libro cada año) prefiero establecer cuotas y mejor volverme diligente con mi escritura. Mil veces me ha servido más tener el hábito de escribir todo el tiempo sin importar si tengo ganas o no, que tener metas pegadas en el calendario.

I believe linkedIn is the best way for people to network with the right people. A beginner can network with an expert, and an expert can hire newcomers.

‘Your network is your net worth’ Do you believe in this proverb? You may be immaculate in your career or profession but ever wondered how you could make exceptional growth without having a network of similar professionals? As a scientific writer, I firmly believe in increasing your network as I gauge through my writing career. Engaging with writers in conferences or writing workshops helps me understand current industry insights, new writing opportunities, and technological advancements. Lastly, networking doesn’t mean developing an acquaintance, you can also have a best friend/mentor as a writer, agree?

It is more important what you write, whether you follow the trend or write your own way. People sometimes struggle to capture the writer's vibe, but they easily capture trending topics.

No estoy de acuerdo con seguir los "trends", salvo por aquellos casos en que se inventen nuevos géneros o estilos, y esto no por seguir el trend, sino por probar algo nuevo. Al final de cuentas, un escritor puede tomar absolutamente cualquier excusa para escribir, desde experiencias personales (o de otros), como sobre cosas triviales como una comida o una bebida (recuerdo haber escrito una novela entera basada en la idea que me surgió al encontrar dos caracolas en la playa).

One thing I’ve found helpful is to constantly evolve in the writing industry. In the past decade, there was a huge demand for scientific writers. However, today we live in an era, where there is a surplus of writers, but there is a booming market for niche writing skills. For example- There are many content writers, but there are few who have skills in specific types of writing. In scientific writing, there are writers who are involved in regulatory, marketing, or publications. I believe subject matter experts are developed through active learning and staying current in the market.

Prioritizing your health is crucial for overcoming obstacles and setbacks in your mid-career writing journey. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle with regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and adequate sleep can enhance your mental clarity and resilience, enabling you to tackle challenges more effectively. Incorporate stress-reducing activities like mindfulness or yoga into your daily routine to keep your mind calm and focused. Schedule regular breaks to prevent burnout and maintain productivity. By taking care of your physical and mental well-being, you'll be better equipped to navigate the ups and downs of your writing career, staying motivated and inspired to achieve your goals.

I’m amazed and delighted at the same time to have this as a segment for writers! Self-care and health are my top priority. Most writers often spend countless hours behind the screen and lack physical activity. Chronic stress, tight timelines, and complex projects can have deliberating impact on a writer’s physical and mental health. Here is my personal to-go items as part of my daily routine to stay healthy and active- 1. Meditate; 2. Run/jog; 3. Cook own meals; 4. Listen to music

Who are you? What are you best designed to do? We can dive into Strength Finder’s or explore if we are otters or golden retrievers, but does that unveil who we are intended to be? What is the core identity (identities) of you. Not vocation, plumber, electrician, professor, but fixer, un-tier of knots, or pathfinder? A fixer might be a plumber, or professor or surgeon fixing issues others need help with. My un-tier of knots friend helps people untangle life and pursue meaningful life choices. A pathfinder might be an entrepreneur charting new power sources or a caring person launching tiny house living for homeless veterans. Now, midcareer, is an excellent time to explore what you are actually wired to do. Message me and let’s explore.

Es de suma importancia, al escribir una obra de cualquier tipo, el tener UN PLAN, no sobre lo que voy o no a hacer, sino sobre lo que voy a tratar en la obra. Por ejemplo, para libros de negocios hago un plan de los temas que tocaré en cada capítulo, eso me lleva a buscar ejemplos y citas que me ayuden a aclarar el punto, y eso , muchas veces, produce mejores resultados en cuanto a contenido y ritmo que todo lo demás.