Instead of using this week's Injection of Inspiration blog post as motivational advice, I'll be taking this time to address a few things that I've been asked on a consistent basis for months now, and that has to do with my work as a writer. For other aspiring journalists out there who wish to express their passion for passion, I've usually asked the same question: "How can I become a wrestling writer?" Well, I felt the need to address the answer to that popular question in this week's blog post. I didn't always want to be a writer, as I originally wanted to be a teacher when I was little. However, as times changed and I gradually became the pro wrestling fanatic that I am today, I found myself writing more and more about wrestling. I started writing for my own website (not this one) in the summer of 2008, and it wasn't until about a year later that I joined WWE Universe, which was WWE's version of Facebook at the time. There, I constructed reviews for each of the shows and expressed my opinions on wrestling there. That site eventually closed down, but before it did, I joined Bleacher Report. I had originally heard about Bleacher Report after reading a few articles on the site as early as January 2010. I applied that May during Memorial Day weekend and was accepted a few days later. There's the first question people ask me. How long does it take for Bleacher Report to get back to you? Well, it only took me a day or two, but it certainly varies. It could take weeks for all I know, but if they don't respond after awhile, then take it as a sign of rejection. However, don't think your writing wasn't good enough for them, because in some cases, even the greatest wrestling writers aren't accepted upon their first entry. Now, I'm not saying to continously send in applications, but try again just to know you tried. If you get denied by Bleacher Report, it's not the end of the world. Sure, that's where I first started my writing career, but there weren't as many smaller sites back then as there is now. For those of you interested in writing for smaller sites first (which is a better idea since it helps build experience), check out Wrestle Enigma, Ring-Rap, Women of Wrestling, PWMania, Pro Wrestling Powerhouse, Podswoggle, and others. I've written for all of those sites at one point (and still do to this day), and each of them are all awesome up-and-coming, successful sites. After being accepted by Bleacher Report in May 2010, I wrote a few articles here and there for the remainder of the year, but I took it a lot more seriously as I rebranded myself as Graham "GSM" Matthews.
For those of you wondering, no, that's not my real last name, but I use it because it fits nicely with my first name. However, Graham is indeed my real first name, as well as my initials GSM. Anyways, I was contacted by Bleacher Report to become a Featured Columnist for them in March 2011, and have been a FC for them ever since. Now, just because I'm a Featured Columnist doesn't mean I get paid, but rather have my articles featured more regularly on the homepage. To make a long story short, my Bleacher Report experience over the last two years has been nothing short of amazing and its been a tremendous learning experience. Along the way, I discovered my true passion for writing/journalism and look to focus that as my field to study heading into college and beyond. Some people may trash the site, but they've only helped make me into a better writer. My ultimate goal is to write for WWE someday, but one can only hope. So, how can you too become a wrestling writer? Start out by writing for smaller sites and working your way up. You can use one of the aforementioned sites or another great site I failed to mention. If writing for Bleacher Report is your ultimate goal, don't waste too much time on the application. Many people aren't accepted (sometimes even if they are half-decent writers), so don't stress it. If you continue to build your skills as a writer, you'll be able to write anywhere you'd like. If you apply to B/R, use your best work, and it could be anything wrestling related if that's what you wish to write about. Obviously, don't write about something if you don't believe in what you're writing, you're forced to write it, or you're just bored with it. The best writers are the ones who love what they do, hence why they continue to improve and aren't afraid to take risks. Success doesn't come overnight, so continue to work hard and strive to be the best writer you possibly can be. For as young as I am, I've got my whole life ahead of me, so I'm still learning as well and no where near the success I hope to achieve, but I'm slowly and surely getting to that point. For the record, I'd also like to take this time to thank all of my supporters. Through Bleacher Report and other writing outlets, I've met a lot of amazing people, who I can't thank enough for reading my work and encouraging me along the way. Those supporters, as well as haters, motivate me to always do my best while writing an article and having fun doing it. Hopefully, this post helped answer any questions you may have about becoming wrestling writer or even inspired you to become one. Best of luck on your journey to becoming a successful journalist, as I'm sure only good things will come out of it. |
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