So, you’ve completed the from IGNOU, and now you’re wondering—what next? Should you start working on a novel? Become a freelancer? Or just tell people at social gatherings, “Oh, I’m a writer,” and watch them assume you live in a cozy cabin by the hills, sipping coffee and typing away? (Spoiler: That’s not how it works!)
Don’t worry! This guide will help you figure out how to turn that diploma into an actual writing career. No complicated jargon—just simple, practical steps (and maybe a joke or two to keep you awake!).
Step 1: Identify Your Writing Niche
Writing is a broad field, so before you dive in, ask yourself—What do I really want to write? Here are some options:
- Fiction (Because who doesn’t want to be the next J.K. Rowling?)
- Non-fiction (Think self-help, biographies, or articles that make you look super smart.)
- Content Writing (Websites and blogs are always looking for fresh content—because Google never sleeps!)
- Scriptwriting (For movies, YouTube, or that web series idea you keep talking about but never start!)
- Poetry (For the soulful folks who believe in rhymes and deep metaphors!)
Pick something that excites you, because trust me—writing something you don’t enjoy feels like eating bland food without salt!
Step 2: Start Writing (Seriously!)
Okay, so you’ve got the diploma, but guess what? It’s writing that makes you a writer—not just a piece of paper. Set a daily goal. Even if it’s just 300 words a day, do it. Writing is like going to the gym—if you don’t exercise your muscles (or your brain), you won’t see results.
Pro tip: If you’re staring at a blank screen for hours, just start typing whatever comes to mind. Even if it’s— “I have no idea what to write, but I will keep typing until I do.” (See? You just wrote something!)
Step 3: Build an Online Presence
In today’s world, a writer without an online presence is like a chef without a kitchen. You need a space where people can find your work. Here’s where you can start:
- Create a blog (Because Medium and WordPress love fresh content!)
- Join social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn can help you connect with fellow writers and clients.)
- Publish your work (Submit articles to magazines, guest blogs, or even self-publish on Amazon!)
You don’t have to become an influencer—just let people know you exist. Even Shakespeare would have struggled if he only wrote for himself!
Step 4: Pitch and Earn Money (Yes, Writers Can Make Money!)
Writing for free is nice, but writing for money is even nicer. Here’s where you can get paid gigs:
- Freelance writing websites (Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, etc.)
- Magazines and Newspapers (Yes, people still read them!)
- Self-publishing (Amazon Kindle, anyone?)
- Ghostwriting (Write books for others and get paid—who cares if someone else gets the credit? You get the cash!)
Start small, gain experience, and then aim for bigger opportunities. Even the greatest writers started somewhere!
Step 5: Keep Learning and Growing
Even after completing DCE, learning never stops. Writing evolves, and so should you! Here’s how:
- Read more books (Writers who don’t read are like chefs who don’t taste their own food!)
- Take advanced writing courses (IGNOU isn’t the end; there are many great online courses too!)
- Attend writer meetups and workshops (Networking isn’t just for businesspeople!)
And most importantly—never stop writing. If you take long breaks, your writing muscle gets lazy (and no one likes lazy writing!).
Final Words: Just Start!
Becoming a writer isn’t about waiting for the perfect idea or the best opportunity—it’s about starting now. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Write, publish, share, and improve as you go.
And remember: every great writer was once an amateur who refused to give up!
Now, go grab that notebook or open your laptop—the world is waiting to read your words! ✍️
