8 Lessons Learned from 8 Years of See Jane Write

Eight years ago I walked into Cantina Tortilla Grill in Birmingham, Alabama to have dinner with about a dozen women I’d never met before. We talked about writing, blogging, social media and more. We talked about our current writing projects and the projects we dreamed of pursuing. And with this meeting See Jane Write was born.

At the time I had no idea that See Jane Write could become a business with members all over the world. At the time I had no idea that because of See Jane Write I’d get the opportunity to write a monthly column for B-Metro and Birmingham magazines. I had no idea I’d have the chance to share the story of See Jane Write on the TEDxBirmingham stage. I had no idea I’d win awards because of See Jane Write or meet some of my dearest friends through this group. Eight years ago I had no idea that See Jane Write would completely change my life.

Over the past eight years I’ve learned a lot about writing, blogging, and entrepreneurship. And I’ve learned a lot about myself. Here are eight lessons I’ve learned from my eight years of managing See Jane Write.

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7 Ways to Build Your Writing Confidence

I’ve been lying to you. And I’ve been lying to myself. See Jane Write is not actually about writing.

Sure, I host group writing sessions and critique workshops for See Jane Write Collective members. I post tips about writing on the See Jane Write blog and even share tips about writing on social media. But I’ve come to realize that See Jane Write isn’t really about writing or blogging or even building a personal brand.

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Why Writers Should Write Every Day

Write every day. You’ve probably heard this advice before. You’ve probably heard this advice from me before. But chances are you have yet to actually follow it. And I think I know why.

“Because Javacia told me I should” is never going to be a good enough reason to write every day. That reason alone isn’t going to be enough to motivate you to write when you’ve had a terrible day at work and you just want to spend your evening watching Netflix or when your bed feels really, really good and you don’t want to get up early to write before your kids wake up.

So today I’m offering you much better reasons to write every day, reasons I hope keep you motivated today, tomorrow and beyond.

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How to Create a Morning Routine

My alarm sounds at 4 a.m. playing an instrumental version of Beyoncé’s “Yonce.” When my alarm goes off the message on my phone reads “Beyoncé would get up.” Sometimes I set my alarm message to read “Be writeous, babe,” a nod to my old blog. Other times the message simply says, “Write!” But when this alarm sounds I get out of bed and start my morning routine.

Because I teach full-time, write part time and run a blog and business people often ask me how I do all the things that I do. My morning routine is the answer. If you’re struggling to find time to build your blog, finish your book, or launch your freelance writing career, creating a morning routine may help you finally make time for your dreams. 

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