Tag Archives: blog

Write About What You Love

4dancersby Catherine L. Tully

I don’t know how many of you know this, but in my previous life I was a dancer. Actually, a dancer and a choreographer. This photo is me. (A long time ago.)

Why am a sharing this with you?

Besides the fact that I hope Freelance-Zone readers would like to get to know me a bit better, I have another, very practical reason for sharing this information. When you write about what you love, chances are good that you will get somewhere with it.

I broke into writing with a few lucky pitches and a series of magazine articles for Dance Teacher magazine. I also wrote for publications such as Highland Dancer and Dance Spirit. Not only was it easy for me to write about a subject I know a lot about, but it was fun.

I still have a passion for writing about dance, which is evidenced by the fact that I write another blog over at 4dancers.org.

If you are a new writer, why not start out writing about something you enjoy? Do you have any hobbies? See if there is a trade magazine devoted to it. Pitch an article. What do you like to do in your state? Why not share the experience with others by querying a travel piece about the activities you do for fun?

This works for seasoned writers as well. It can be easy to get trapped in a slog of decent-paying, boring work to pay the bills. Don’t let yourself drown in the doldrums–make sure you are writing some things that you love as well. Start a blog. Pitch the fun stuff. Gather material for a book down the line…

Have you scored big writing something you love? If so, do tell…you just might inspire another writer to give it a shot!

Social Media With Chris Brogan

Chris Brogan
Chris Brogan
by Catherine L. Tully
 
If you are trying to get the hang of social media but are tired of all the same old information, check out Chris Brogan for some enlightenment. Well known as a social media guru, Brogan gives advice on his site in a “best of” section that hits some pretty good highlights. Learn “50 Ways To Take Your Blog To The Next Level” or read “Framing Your Social Media Efforts”.
Social media has pretty much become a must for the writer, so if you have yet to dip your toe in the pool, there is no time like the present. Brogan also offers advice for those who have been around a while and are looking to maximize their presence on the web.

Working Ahead Pays Off

airplaneby Catherine L. Tully

I hope that everyone enjoyed the time off for the holiday. Another one is around the bend, and I don’t know about you, but I intend to work ahead so that I can really spend the time relaxing with family. At least that is my plan.

Working ahead is really a form of delayed gratification. Doing my blog posts ahead of time means more on my plate now. But…it also means that I won’t have them staring me in the face right when I should be winding down to spend quality time with those I love. 

Since I’ll be traveling again soon (which means more plane time, airport time and general down time), I plan on taking advantage of those days by preparing queries to send out when I return. In the meantime, I’ll be wrapping up what I can here at home before I hit the friendly skies.

So here goes…my top five tips for working ahead this holiday season… Continue reading Working Ahead Pays Off

Help A Writer

payforby Catherine L. Tully

Today is a pay it forward post. Something to encourage you to help someone else out. Give an aspiring writer a lead on some work. Sit down with someone who is interested in learning the ropes and fill them in on how to get a foothold. Post a nice comment on a blog that you like. It can be easy to forget how hard things were in the beginning once you have had some success.

One of the reasons that Joe and I started this blog was to be in a spot where we could share our knowledge with other writers. This is a labor of love, and we take it very seriously. After all, we were once newbies too.

So today…do something for someone else in the field…no matter how small. Take a minute to share a bit of your know how with someone else, or, if you are new to the writing game, post a comment on someone’s blog and make their day.

Linked Up With LinkedIn

  LI

 by Catherine L. Tully

Did you know that you can link your WordPress blog up with LinkedIn? You can–and it is really easy. As a matter-of-fact, there are a number of cool things you can do with the applications on this social networking site. Be sure to check them out and see if there is something there that can help you save time or be more organized. LinkedIn is a great resource–I strongly advise setting a page up if you don’t have one already.

Freelancing Horror Stories Contest–Win A $10 Prize!

Copyright 2008, Catherine L. Tully
Copyright 2008, Catherine L. Tully

OK writers–here’s a chance to earn a prize–just for telling your own freelancing horror story…

Jake Poinier posted all the info you need to enter at Freelance Writerville II on Ning, but you have to hurry–the entries will only be accepted until midnight on Halloween. Read Jake’s nightmarish story on his blog, and while you are there, have a look around…he has some great stuff on there. One of the few blogs I read…
I have too many to share and not enough time to write them up, but I’ll be checking in to see what horrible story wins the grand prize!