Finding Success as an Outdoor Writer

Posted: August 15, 2023

There is no simple, straight-line approach to becoming a successful outdoor writer.  The profession is complex and ever-changing, so those who hope to find success in it must be adaptable and resourceful. However, there are guidelines that can be followed to enhance your chances of success.  Many of these insider tips and tricks were discussed at this year's POMA conference. For those who were unable to attend, the following article by Pete Robbins should be helpful!

What is the Number One Rule for Becoming an Outdoor Writer?

The number one rule is to WRITE EVERY DAMN DAY. It doesn’t have to be for a famous website or magazine. It doesn’t have to be for public consumption. It doesn’t have to be a full-length book. It could even be something as short as a well-constructed and well-considered Tweet. Just write. Otherwise you’ll never get better and you’ll never see what you have to offer that others don’t.

By writing every day, you will build stamina and muscle memory. When I started writing for a friend’s website in 2001, it was a struggle to conduct one interview and finish one article a month for the project. Now, that’s not even a good evening. You have to be able to hit word counts. You have to be able to write when you don’t feel like writing. You have to be able to figure out a path forward on assignments when you don’t know anything about the topic. By writing every day you’ll get there sooner than you could have ever thought possible.

Read the full article at "How to Become a Successful Outdoor Writer"