Industry
Moving from Free to Paid Assignments
I still have trouble justifying getting paid to write. The reasons are almost too numerous to mention, but almost one hundred percent of them have to do with self confidence. To succeed as a freelancer you MUST learn to ignore that voice in your head that insists you’re not good enough! Also, it’s important to remember that the…
What Should I Query as a Freelance Writer?
Making a living as a freelance writer sometimes requires nerves of steel. It’s a business where you have to be willing to take risks. What does that look like in a profession of words? It means applying for many different types of assignments—often where you have little or no expertise. I know that makes some of…
Story Engineering by Larry Brooks
by Ron Estrada Like many aspiring novelists, I tend to collect “how to write” books. I think I have about a dozen on my bookshelf and have read another twenty from the library. All have been useful, inspiring, and informative in their own right, but only a chosen few have made it to my “must…
How to Write a Freelance Query Letter
The first skill you need to develop for your freelance career is the ability to write a compelling query. How to Query This simple concept has caused more anguish for writers than anything else around. But it’s a necessary evil. Your queries may find their way to the editor’s desk in hard copy format or email,…
Getting Started as a Freelance Writer
With the economy as it is, lots of writers are feeling the need for additional or even primary income. With some hard work and diligence, freelance writing could be the answer you’re looking for. Freelance writing isn’t a get rich quick scheme. It takes hard work—and a certain amount of a daredevil attitude. BUT, if you…
Interview with Writing Mom and Author Jody Hedlund
Be a Trailblazer Contest: During the month of September, Jody is running an epic contest with a prize package worth $300. Here’s the link to the contest page: http://jodyhedlund.com/contest/ Tell us a little about your family and your call to write. I’ve been married for twenty years to my college sweetheart. My husband has been…
Are You Ready for Publication?
Not your manuscript. You. Here’s the test: Strip down to your pre-fall Garden of Eden nakedness and stand on the fifty-yard line during halftime at the Super Bowl while everyone submits critiques of your body on the JumboTron. If you can handle that without buckets of drugs and/or a lifetime of therapy, then you’re probably…
What Percentage of Your Social Networking Should Be Promotional?
Several years ago, a marketing firm revealed what many already knew: 40% of Tweets are pointless babble. That’s “babble” as in tweeting about What you’re eating, What you’re wearing, What you’re watching, and What time you go beddy-bye. Of course, what constitutes “pointless babble” is mostly determined by the follower’s interest in the Tweeter. I…
Scrivener for Windows Review
When I found out Scrivener for Windows was in beta testing, I dropped everything to find out more about it. This writing software by Literature and Latte includes tons of cool features for writers, but until recently was only available to Mac-users. Because I’m using a trial version and the developer is still actively collecting…
Published Authors Speak Out on Why They Don’t Write
Yesterday, Wayne Scott shared candidly about why he isn’t writing, even though he knows he should. Authors not writing is more prevalent than you think. Published authors NOT writing! Even award winning authors. But after having publishing success, why don’t they write? What keeps a published author from avoiding the chair? And are they susceptible…