Tag Archives: writer

advice

Invest In Yourself

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dolla

After looking at Joe’s post on improving your writing, I got to thinking about the fact that as a writer, it is easy to get lazy. Pressing deadlines or the search for more work can easily take priority over polishing and refining your writing skills. I would have to argue that to let this happen is a serious mistake. Investing in yourself is just as important as anything else in this field.

What does “investing in yourself” mean? Tightening your prose. Memorizing new vocabulary. Improving your grammar. Ask yourself–when is the last time that you spent some time doing these things? If you aren’t sure, or you don’t do them on a regular basis; now’s the time to get going. All writers should be aware of what they are a little weak on in terms of writing. Spend a bit of time shoring it up–you’ll be glad you did in the long run!

editorial

How’s Your Alignment?

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”

– Mahatma Gandhi

As we move toward 2009, many of us think about what we can do to be happier–to be more fulfilled in our lives; both personal and professional. Goal-setting and an examination of how one lived life over the past year are often a part of that process. The quote above is a great idea to keep in mind when you are thinking about what you can do in the New Year to make your life better; more whole. When those three things are in line, life is good.

 

Part of our goal with this blog is to help you make more money and find your niche as a freelance writer. We will continue to do that and more for all of our readers in the coming year–and we’ve got some really great things planned for you! Stay tuned…..

advice

Business Cards For The Writer? Yea Or Nay?

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Should you invest in business cards? Well, the short answer is yes. It can’t hurt and it is always a good idea to market yourself as much as possible. Anyone will tell you that. But the real answer?

Nope. Not until you have some cash and you need write-offs.

Now, I’ll tell you this. I do use business cards–sometimes. But they haven’t really been all that useful for me. And I would not tell a newbie writer to go and get some. Not worth the cash when your gigs are few and far between. I will tell you that it is a good idea to do a “business card” type thing as a signature in every single e-mail you send to anyone–ever. I’ve gotten jobs that way. It is worth the time. Get a signature block (you can set it up so it adds to your e-mail in Outlook; as for other programs, I’m not sure….anyone?) that you like and use it. At the minimum, include the following:

  1. Name (first and last)
  2. Address (with zip and everything)
  3. Website (if you have one)
  4. Telephone number
  5. Contact e-mail

Don’t get cute. Skip quotes, crazy colors, fonts and such. Be professional and simple. It works.

And as for buying business cards–you’ll know when you need the write-off. Until then, the sig block works just fine!

lifestyle

What Does Your Desk Look Like?

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What does your office look like? I think I mentioned before that Writer’s Digest once published a piece on the work stations of various writers. It was so interesting to me to see what their desks looked like, how they were set up, and what they had around them while writing….

Well….here’s mine. Yup. Above. It’s brand new too! I’m lucky enough to have a husband who can build cool things! The desk is adjustable, and there is plenty of shelf space for books and other miscellaneous items. I haven’t quite “settled in” yet, but this is what it looks like thus far. (And those of you who have been with us a while will recognize my favourite drink–the orange La Croix that is sitting on the desk!) Any comments? Anything you relate to–or wouldn’t be able to stand?

Again, being a solitary bunch, we don’t often get a peek at the desk of another writer unless it is someone we know…..perhaps I can convince Joe to post his as well……..

I’ll do it again when I’ve had the chance to customize it to my liking!

advice

Writing Goals For 2009

Ok. Here we are, sitting at the edge of 2009…. and I’d like to ask you a question–have you developed any writing goals for the upcoming year? Having a set of ideas that you want to reach for can help you–I’ve done this for years and recommend it highly. It doesn’t have to be a super in-depth sheet listing every detail, but try at least to include the following:

  1. How much money you’d like to make for the year.
  2. A publication credit or two that you’d like to get.
  3. Some type of self-improvement as a writer. (Taking a class, reading a book on self-publishing, etc.)
  4. A “shoot the moon” goal that can help give you inspiration.

Tuck these goals away. Put them somewhere you’ll remember them when the next year is drawing to a close, and then see how you did overall. Or….post somewhere to remind yourself what direction you are hoping to go. You may just be shocked by how close you can come to achieving them!

 

editorial

For The Pros: Becoming A Speaker

I’m going to go into this more in a podcast down the line, but thought I’d introduce the subject now to get things going…post questions if you’ve got ’em…

Speaking engagements are a great way to raise your visibility as a writer. Not only that–but they help out other writers as well, which is always a good thing! I enjoy speaking to other writers and love sharing ideas and techniques with them. It is my personal opinion that there is enough work out there for all of us, so I’m not stingy with my info.

So how does one get a speaking engagement? Well, the truth is that this is an area that is really geared toward experienced writers. Simply put, they have more to offer in terms of advice, and are typically recruited more by organizations because of it. The majority of speaking engagements I have had have been requested, and I am going to share some secrets here on how you can be more visible to others in this regard.

The key is to make yourself available.

1. Have a website. The single best way to get noticed is to have a web presence and keep it updated. Also, be sure it looks professional; otherwise don’t bother as it can do you more harm than good.

2. Include your e-mail and/or website addy in your article bio. This is HUGE in terms of getting your name out there and allowing people to get in touch with you.

3. Carry business cards. This is one of the best ways to keep your information in front of people.

4. Let people know that you are interested in this type of work. You never know who knows someone.

I have gotten most of my speaking engagements through articles I have written. One organization kept my contact information on file for an entire year before getting in touch. You never know who is reading your work and what they are thinking, but you want to try and provide people with a way to get in touch with you whenever possible.

Keep your eyes out for a podcast on this subject–I’ll go into things such as payment, lodging and more when I dig in…