Don’t panic. I know tax time is right around the corner, but you don’t have to stress yourself out. I’m not going to give you any tax advice, but I will point you in the right direction. The IRS has a “Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center” that can help you figure out the maze of details that come with filing your taxes as a writer. It can be a great help in figuring things out.
Personally, I don’t mess around. I go to a CPA and have his expert eyes look everything over so that I don’t miss anything. I highly recommend this if you are making some money from your freelance writing. You’ll want to be sure you are paying everything you should, as well as taking the deductions that you are entitled to.
How much do you know about keeping your e-mail account safe? Writers spend large amounts of time online and e-mail is typically the way we communitcate. That said, if you don’t know much about how to keep your computer safe when using it–now’s the time to get up to speed. After all, you can’t afford a virus or other issues. Take a look here to see what you know–and more importantly–what you don’t.
If you are a writer, pronouncing words incorrectly can actually cost you a job. If you are speaking with an editor on the phone and flub a word, don’t think they won’t notice. It can literally pay to get things right.
Here is a list of the top 100 most often mispronounced words in English. Hopefully, you will laugh at some of these, but there are many that are helpful reminders as well. Take a minute and browse the list.
So you’ve gotten an assignment and want to try your hand at taking a picture of a particular person for the article. If you aren’t really a photographer yet, how do you go about gettting a good shot? Here are a few tips that are based on my own experience:
Natural light is generally the most flattering, so take a picture outside if you can. Just make sure that the sun isn’t casting weird shadows on the person’s face.
Get the person to relax a bit before taking the photo. Talk to them about hobbies, kids, etc. If they are tense, it will show in the picture.
Take tons of different shots. You never know which one you’ll wind up using.
Try different angles. Do full length shots and closeups. Variety is important.
Count down so that they know when you’ll be snapping the picture.
Look at the review screen to see if the person’s eyes are open. (This is assuming you have a digital camera.)
Don’t get too close or the camera will not focus.
Watch your background. Try to avoid things such as trees growing out of the person’s head or a lot of distracting clutter.
There is no reason you shouldn’ t be able to take a photo like this, so give it a go! Here are some more tips for shooting portraits to help round things out. Remember, confidence is key, so don’t let on that you’re a novice!
I found a smart article that talks about the discipline involved in setting a writing schedule here. It offers some solid, specific tips that are useful to any writer. If you struggle with sitting down to write, check this out.
Since writing is such a solitary pursuit, you may at times ask yourself, “how can I network”? There are plenty of ways to expand your associations and get to know people who may bring you work. Here are some ways to get started:
Is there a writers group in your area? Join and see what other writers have to say. You can pick up tons of information this way, and many have an online presence as well these days. If there is no group where you live, consider starting one yourself.
Check into your Chamber of Commerce. Although this can cost you a little money, Chamber members do try to look out for one another. Depending on the place you live and the type of writing you do, it may be worthwhile.
Photography clubs can be a good resource. Even if you don’t shoot, dropping in to meet local photographers can be fruitful. Next time you need photos for a piece, someone may be willing to help you out.
Book clubs are another possibility. If you enjoy reading and have the time, it can be enriching. It can also be a great way to expand your pool of contacts.
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