So you'd like to write a best-selling novel like JK Rowling and enjoy a life of fame and luxury? Well, who wouldn't! Unfortunately, for every successful superstar there are a thousand wannabes receiving rejection after rejection, or for the more successful ones, working night and day for less than minimum wage. Also bear in mind that the public loves a rags-to-riches story, so publishers and new authors deliberately downplay their years of getting nowhere, so to those looking in from the outside their eventual success appears effortless. Writing's a tough gig, and if you're not prepared to put in a huge amount of hard work and still face the very real possibility that you may not succeed, then you may as well save yourself the trouble and quit right now.

Still reading? Good.

It's important to realise that writing is both an art and a craft, weighted probably 80 percent in favour of being a craft. What this means is that most people can develop their writing skills to an acceptable level. Not everyone has the capacity to become the next Bill Bryson, but there are far more ways to make a living as a writer; in fact Bryson did not start out producing the books he is now famous for - he was a print journalist for many years during which he honed his craft. With that in mind, let's look at some less glamorous, but more attainable writing jobs:

Start a blog
These days anyone can start a blog in a matter of minutes, and it needn't cost you a cent. It's possible to earn a bit from placing advertisements on alongside the articles you write, but the bigger benefit is the opportunities this presents: to get your writing out there where it can be seen by prospective employers or clients. Or you can write articles for dedicated article directories which take care of the business of running the website while sharing a portion of the advertising revenue your articles generate with you.

Apply for local writing jobs
Most towns and cities have a local rag who may be prepared to take you on on either as a staff reporter or freelance writer; don't despise humble beginnings because you never know where they might lead.

Pitch feature articles to niche magazines on a freelance basis.
Many publications accept work from freelancers and pay the writer on publication. This is a great way of building a portfolio of work, and can lead to repeat work as you build relationships with editors.

Submit your creative writing to competitions
Apart from the prestige of winning a short story, poetry, or script competition, very often these will guarantee to publish or perform the winning entries, and often have cash prizes as well. At the very least you should get some valuable feedback on your work.

Copywriting
Businesses of all kinds need copy for their corporate and promotional materials. You're unlikely to get taken on by corporates without good experience and a proven track record, but how about approaching the small businesses in your area: estate agencies, car dealerships, hair salons, you name it.

Teach others
Teaching has been a fallback of many a musician, artist or writer. You can offer your services as a tutor to the school kids in your area, to adult education classes, or dedicated writing groups. Or offer to critique other writers' work for a small fee.

Rodney J Smith - Depending on your current writing skills, you may need to do a course or two yourself to develop your own skills - why not try The Crafty Writer's free creative writing course or non fiction course? http://www.thecraftywriter.com/non-fiction-course Start today and you'll be one day closer to your dream!