The WMF Archives

By Carol Tice

Until We Meet Again...Write On!

by N. Strauss

Have you thought about offering freelance editing services in addition to your freelance writing? We asked freelance editor Stan Carey to share some tips based on his experience.

Below is the first part of our conversation with Stan Carey. Look for the second part of the interview next Sunday.

WM: Could you describe some of the types of editing work you do?

SC: The texts I edit vary considerably in type, length, and complexity. In size they range from one-page ads and DVD covers to long fiction and doctoral theses. More often, projects are either medium-small (e.g., essays, presentations, and brochures) or medium-large (e.g., websites, reports, and Master’s theses). Most clients use Microsoft Word and request that changes be tracked.

A document might require proofreading, which involves checking for typos, misspellings, grammatical errors, poor punctuation, and inconsistent formatting; or it might need a more in-depth edit, in which case I also attend to syntax, style, coherence, readability, word choice, and so on. With reports and academic texts, I’m sometimes asked to tidy appendices, crop images, create or restyle the table of contents, and help in various ways with layout, preliminary material, and final sections, including references.

Some clients have a clear idea of what they want done, some leave it to my discretion, and sometimes there’s a short discussion first to agree on what’s needed. With first-time clients, I offer to edit a short sample for free, so they know what to expect. Unless I’m instructed otherwise, I take care not to interfere with the writer’s voice any more than is necessary.

WM: Could you offer some advice to those of our readers who are interested in launching a freelance editing career?

SC: Do it for love. Well, that applies regardless of what you do. If you want to be a freelance editor, do it for love of good writing, love of clarity and eloquence, love of the beauty, variety and potential of verbal expression. If you don’t enjoy it, you shouldn’t do it.

You might have to refresh your grammar. You should know your way around the subject. Be aware of the difference between grammatical rules, stylistic conventions, and personal preferences. Be able to identify and argue against pseudo-rules: they are legion. Investigate contentious points of usage. Collect and compare language style and reference books. Be ready to let go of cherished assumptions. Better yet, discover them before they surprise you. Don’t get hung up on pet peeves. You can be passionate and dispassionate at the same time. Be objective but not remote, fussy but not judgmental.

Write and keep writing. Learn from mistakes. Read everything. Read dictionaries and detective novels, instruction manuals and old poetry. Read great writers especially. Be sensitive to narrative structure. Stories are everywhere, awaiting readers and listeners. We make worlds from tiny tales, and even the driest prose hinges on a ‘someone’ doing something (e.g., driest prose hinging). Whether you’re editing fiction or non-fiction, find the characters performing the actions and build paragraphs and plots around them. Readers will thank you for it.

One more: Don’t overdo the imperative mood.

WM: Are there any websites or books that you would recommend for freelance editors who are just getting started?

S.C. There’s an abundance of excellent online references and resources, including dictionaries, books, blogs, corpora, databases, and grammar and style guides. I link to some of my favourites in the sidebar of Sentence First.

A good reference library is invaluable. Among the books I keep within arm’s reach are: The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, The American Heritage Dictionary, Garner’s Dictionary of Modern American Usage, The Oxford Manual of Style, The Merriam-Webster Dictionary of English Usage, three editions of Fowler’s Modern English Usage, and a row of specialist dictionaries. They’re more fun than they might sound.

I also have a few shelves’ worth of books on grammar, writing style, language history, and linguistics; those I’ve found particularly useful in the context of editing include Joseph M. Williams’ Style: Toward Clarity and Grace, William Zinsser’s On Writing Well, Arthur Plotnik’s The Elements of Editing, Rodney Huddleston and Geoffrey K. Pullum’s A Student’s Introduction to English Grammar, and Ernest Gowers’ The Complete Plain Words.

You can learn more about Stan Carey on his editing website and his linguistic blog, Sentence First.

Want to see some language train wrecks that could have been prevented by a good editor? Check out Spanish to English translation bloopers on the TA Professional Translation Services blog.

Stan Carey on Freelance Editing - Part 1

by Rebecca Dienger

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;


These legendary lines have been read to children for more than 180 years. While there are those who question its authorship, Clement C. Moore’s poetic painting of Christmas Eve, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” is evidence that writing for joy can be more than enough.


Moore was inspired while on a shopping trip into town (by sleigh, no less), and recited the resulting work to his children – a special holiday moment for one family alone. It was a friend who submitted it to a newspaper, thereby, and most unwittingly, giving the world and several generations one of its most beloved traditions of Christmas.


As you read this wonderful story to your children, grandchildren or even to yourself, keep in mind that your words, whether tucked in a drawer, shared with a friend or printed for the world to see, are precious observations – the world as seen through your heart and your mind and your experiences.


Moore’s poem was as melodic and delightful when it was a father’s story for his children, as it is now that it’s a story for the ages.


As you make plans to grow your freelance writing business or to find ways to make money at the work you love, I encourage you to recognize the extraordinary gift you’ve been given. Don’t write for publication alone. Don’t write for money alone. Save some of that talent to write for the joy of your loved ones, to tell another human being that they matter to you, to compliment the work of a stranger, to make someone’s day through the flourish of your pen.


Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.


WMF readers … this will be my last blog post. Thanks to Alyssa Ast and Angela Atkinson for the opportunity to share my thoughts about freelance writing, and to you, for reading them. Best to you in your writing endeavors!

A Visit from St. Nicholas - Inspiration for Writers

Resumes have been important to writers forever. Writing a strong one could really help you land better gigs.

How Freelance Writers Can Create a Killer Resume

By Lindsay Woolman

I get into reflection mode this time of year. I don’t know about you, but I’ll think back and wonder what I should have done differently--and then come to the conclusion that everything is as it should be. Even though I’m not where I wanted to be in terms of the income goal I set for myself earlier in the year, I feel successful. Here’s what I know:

1. Desire Is Everything

I made a pretty firm decision at this time last year to put my energy into freelance writing. I didn’t really have a plan (yeah, and it helps to have one…), but a desire. I think we all kind of start out that way. I may be more of a risk taker than some people, but I jumped right in and hoped it would work out. I don’t think the universe ever gives you more than you can handle and that has been true for me. It helps tremendously to have a support network, such as the other women who write this blog and the readers who comment. Even though we’ve never met, all of the other writers and entrepreneurs out there are such an inspiration to me.


2. This is an Amazing Life

Sometimes I feel like all I have done is struggled as a writer and trying to make it work, while other times I am thrilled with this writing life I have created. Those of us who are writers are so fortunate to be able to do what we love. I also love the thrill of having every day be different. When I had an office job, it was just too… easy… I’m not sure if that is the right word, but working for yourself is rewarding (and hard), but in a good way. I have the world’s greatest schedule, my “office” is this wonderful coffee shop, and it feels great to be helping my clients. I’m pretty happy these days and I know it’s because I have allowed myself to break out of the mold and take this journey.


3. There Are All Kinds of Writers

My first exposure to writing was fiction writing. I have a basis of story telling and knowing how to create emotion and real-life characters through words. So when I first heard the word “copywriting,” I didn’t know what it meant. When I tried it for myself and realized I was pretty good at it, I still wasn’t sure what I was doing, only that my work was being praised—and it felt so natural! As this year has gone by I’ve realized every writer is different and has different talents to share with the world. Some writers are naturally journalists, while others really shine as copywriters. It helps to market your strengths and step out of the way from jobs that are better suited for a different type of writer.


Anyway, I hope that everyone has a great holiday and thinks about their “wins” for the past year. I am taking more responsibility for creating the life I want than ever before. And as I do this, I feel this wonderful love and light in me that is so thankful to be a writer.

Photo via Flickr user cocoip

The Top 3 Things That I Learned About the Writing Life This Year

by Alyssa Ast

Often, when I stumble upon a blog or piece of web content I enjoy I will checkout the writer's website to learn more about them. Sometimes, I am completely taken aback by what I find. I often run across sites that don't follow author/writer website tips and I am caught with red flags on these sites that make me question the writer's level of experience and professionalism. Here are some of the red flags I see that cause me to pause while learning more about a writer.

Content
Content is key when it comes to your writer/author website. Your website content MUST be related to writing, keep the personal stuff out of it. Yes, it is acceptable to mention your children, but clients don't want to know the life history of your kids. Content filled with typos and the misuse of words is a major red flag for a client when searching for an experienced writer. Typos tarnish your credibility as a writer. Also, content should be written in 3rd person, not 1st person. 3rd person is much more professional. Remember to keep your bio picture professional. A client is not going to care about a glammed up picture or a picture of your dog.

Website Info
I know not everyone can afford to buy a domain, but you really should make this investment. Unprofessional and unrelated URL's for your website can really turn a person off from your writing skills. Be very careful when you create a URL. Contact information is equally as important. I don't know about you, but if I am looking for a qualified writer for a project, I am most likely going to avoid a writer who has an email address of "hotlipsmamma" or "desertrat." Your email should be simple to remember and either your name or something related to writing.

There are tons of writer/author websites floating around. While it is ok to view some of these to create an idea for how you want your website to be, remember to keep it original. I see so many websites that are nearly identical to one another, and it makes me question how is one writer any different than another writer? Always make your website unique so you stand out to a client from other writers they are considering.

If you need help with your author/writer website, remember our very own Angela Atkinson offers free website reviews to offer tips and advice to make the most of your website. Also, her book, The Practical Freelance Writer's Guide to Author Websites, is very helpful as well.

Red Flags for Author Websites

By Angela Atkinson

Today, we have a question from a reader who wonders how to decide where to place his work. He writes:

Dear WM Freelance Writers Connection,

I am now writing for Suite 101 and Associated Content, and looking at a few others.

Is there any general feeling as to which type, category article does better on each site? In other words, how do I decide which type or category article I am writing goes on Suite vs AC vs any other sites?

My specialty is financial Planning and  Investments - I am doing various types of articles - commentary not on news but on various brokers and TV shows, descriptive articles such as investing in Bond Funds vs individual bonds, some How To articles on retirement planning, etc.

Sincerely,
Peter Owen
Trendline Financial Solutions

Dear Peter,

First and foremost, I would advise you to consider other outlets to promote your work. If you're looking for exposure, you might do better to focus on your own website (which I think looks really professional and could get you far more positive attention than AC or Suite 101.) You could then focus your efforts on marketing your articles through various social media sites and in financial planning related forums and groups. If you're writing for the money, then you already know that content mills aren't worth your time in the long run (though I think they make a decent stepping stone for some people.)

I get the impression from your website that your goal is to draw in new financial planning clients by writing helpful and well-researched articles to showcase your expertise in the area. This can be a highly effective marketing tool.

One high-traffic option for getting your company's name out there is to post for free on Ezine Articles. Many businesses report great success with this type of publicity. Check out this post for more information about how it can work to your advantage, and this one for a success story about a writer who used Ezine to her advantage.

While you can get good traffic on sites like Suite 101 and AC, the problem with them is that they're not heavily edited or fact-checked, and most people "in the know" are aware of this--so the information may not appear as legitimate as it might on another site. That said, only a small percentage of your potential clients are likely to be "in the know," because for the most part, only writers and editors in the industry are aware of the stigma that comes along with content mill sites.

Rather than focusing on the categories in which to place your articles, I would advise you to focus on optimizing them for search engines. Using some basic SEO tips, you can increase each article's visibility and the potential for traffic (and customers) to your website.

If you're looking to make money with your freelance writing, I would suggest putting together a separate author website to advertise your services. If you're looking for advice on how to do that, check out these posts, or pick up my book, The Practical Freelance Writer's Guide to Author Websites (on sale for 1/2 price this month.) It will also serve you well to set up a dedicated Facebook page and Twitter account to help promote your freelance services. You might also join some writing groups at LinkedIn to gain support and advice from your fellow writers.

Sincerely,

Angela Atkinson
The WM Freelance Writers Connection


Don't miss my interview over at Deliberate Ink today to learn more about how my partner Alyssa Ast and I started The WM Network!

Mailbag: Where should I place my content for maximum exposure?

by N. Strauss

Write fiction or poetry? Here are ten websites to keep you inspired in 2011.

A Writer's Diary
Cynthia Harrison is a creative writing teacher, a fiction writer, poet, and memoirist, and author of a book about writing, Your Words, Your Story. In her blog, A Writer's Diary, she shares her thoughts on inspiration and craft, her experiences with publishing, and the day-to-day challenges and triumphs of her writing life.

Advice to Writers
Jon Winokur's blog features memorable quotes about writing by writers. Recent posts include Mark Twain on "books that refuse to be written," and Ray Bradbury on why writing is like sex.

Build Creative Writing Ideas
This website by writer, actor, and film producer Bryan Cohen offers an enormous range of writing prompts and ideas, in addition to advice on time management and creative motivation. You'll find pages of prompts organized by themes such as love and death, as well as information about Bryan Cohen's 1,000 Creative Writing Prompts e-book. In case that's not enough, Bryan Cohen also offers free customized writing prompts and coaching in return for your sharing your creative writing on the website.

Language is a Virus
This creative writing website is full of prompts and games for fiction writers and poets. Try the automatic character name generator, or use a tool called Linguasso to generate random word art. Join other website visitors in collaborative writing activities, such as an online version of the Surrealist poetry game Exquisite Corpse.

Markham Village Writers
This blog of a local writers' group includes content relevant to writers around the world, such as author interviews, articles about craft, information about upcoming writing contests, and links to many useful resources.

Poet Hound
Poet Hound is a blog dedicated to connecting poetry lovers and poets. Check it regularly for poetry writing ideas and challenges; information about poetry competitions and publication opportunities; literary news and original poetry found around the Internet.

Skhye's Ramblings
Author Skhye Moncrief offers advice on writing romance and other genre fiction on this blog, which has recently included a number of interesting posts about background research for novels.

Stony River
An exciting feature of this writer’s blog is Microfiction Monday, where readers are encouraged to write tiny stories of only 140 characters in response to a visual prompt. The blogger also shares her own clever responses to the prompts.

Write to Done
Write to Done provides advice on technique, inspiration and writing habits for creative writers as well as copywriters and bloggers. Don't miss their recent list of best writing blogs, which includes WM blogger Carol Tice's excellent blog Make a Living Writing (Congratulations, Carol – it’s well-deserved!).

Write101.com
Founded in 1998, Write101.com is now a classic among writing websites. What will you find there? The real question is what won’t you find there! The website’s vast collection of articles covers every imaginable genre from fiction writing to lyric writing, and includes topics from the nuts and bolts of grammar to book royalty negotiations. Write101.com also offers a free e-mail newsletter with writing tips which has gone out every Friday since 1998.

Sign up for Creative-Writing-Now.com's 7 Days of Inspiration and get a new story idea by e-mail every day for one week. It's free! You'll also find hundreds of other story ideas on the Creative-Writing-Now.com website.

New Year's Inspirations for Writers: 10 Creative Writing Websites

By Pam Houghton


I hadn't blogged much (or at all!) before I started writing here a year ago. Didn't read blogs. Hardly went on Facebook. Did NOT see the point of Twitter. And I was lucky if I had 30 LinkedIn connections.


How quickly life changes.


Now I read blogs. I write blogs. If I let myself, I'd waste just as much time on Twitter as I do Facebook. And I have over 150 connections on LinkedIn.


I also went up the ladder of writing gigs, because even though I had decent publication credits, I wasn't sure how to rev up my writing career after my corporate job was eliminated. So I experimented with content mill writing and the Examiner. By year's end, I worked my way into a bi-monthly parenting column on Patch; a  column that focused on working moms for a regional parenting mag; and a regular gig profiling businesses for a local lifestyle magazine.


I've also had a few other interesting freelance gigs and opportunities come my way - and I've seen the value in overcoming my own anti-social tendencies by networking - in person!


I don't think this would have come about had I not gained the confidence I got by blogging here every Saturday. We all have to start somewhere, don't we? So let me thank Angie and Alyssa for the opportunity to write about whatever writing topic comes to mind. I also enjoy watching my fellow bloggers here on their own writing journeys. I love being a part of this group.


If there's one takeaway for today, it's this: if I can do all this, so can you. Just keep putting one foot in front of another, even when you don't know where you're going. (I didn't know. Just had an idea.)


With that in mind, let me share a few goals I have for myself - some reachable, some crazy ass.


Goals I'm pretty sure I can achieve in 2011

1. Use Kerrie McLoughlin's Get Published in Regional Parenting Magazines eBook to sell reprints and pitch a few new ideas.


2. Do additional research on issues important to working moms and continue to sell working mom columns to parenting magazines.


3. Continue to write and grow with current writing gigs and nurture relationships with editors.


4. Continue to grow online presence and "authority" (I found that term in a social media book) - the more "published" you are, the more authority you are SEEN to have, which results in more work.


5. Continue to flex networking skills both online and in-person.


6. Promote marketing communication skills and try to find corporate and small business writing gigs.


7. Make my website more entertaining.


Crazy Ass Goals I'd Be Lucky to Pull Off Before I'm Dead


1. Interview Kid Rock for local parenting magazine - he lives around here and is raising his son, Bob Jr. (I think that's his name), as a single dad (hopefully, minus the strippers!).


2. Publish some vague idea of a book I always have rummaging around in the brain - humor? memoir? advice? Anyway, one that sells and sells and sells...and ends with me chatting up Ellen or Oprah or...you get the idea.


3. Big-ass famous columnist...


4. ...whose columns are inspiration for television series.


5. Hire someone to do our laundry.


Crazy-ass, huh? Ah, well, they're fun to think about.


What about you? How are you progressing? Have any crazy-ass goals?

photo by guitargoa/stock.chng

New Year's Inspiration for Writers: Progress, Goals within Reach, and Bad-Ass Ambition

by Rebecca Dienger

The posts this week have been wonderful, inspiring, specific and goal-oriented. My contribution may be less of a rally, because I have no tips for you or specific plans for taking my freelance business to the next level in the new year. I'm not sure what the new year will bring because the old year has been quite a mix of surprises despite what I thought I wanted to do with it!

All year you've probably gathered, through reading or actually experiencing it, that it's not easy to get paid writing work on a regular basis, to mind the business side of having a business, or to publish creatively. Between doing nothing and doing it all, what do you do in the new year to progress?

On this blog you can see great examples of how to set goals, work hard, tune in through social media channels and take advantage of networking opportunities to start a freelance business in earnest. If this is what you want to achieve you should definitely follow the advice here. I've had some success with this and can tell you that's exactly how it works. No shortcuts.

This year I freelanced at my own pace, taking jobs here and there while working a part-time job. My jobs came from existing contacts close to home. I was fortunate but I also worked hard to earn their trust long ago.

The ebb and flow of life did a lot of flowing this year. And that's okay. I keep reminding myself, people first, the Great American Novel, second. My part-time job has now turned into an all-day job and I love it. I'm writing every day and doing creative projects that I enjoy. I work with amazing and gifted people who inspire me both personally and professionally.

Naturally this happened at the same time that through the diligent process I reference above, I landed a contract writing job with an excellent rate of pay that may or may not turn out to be a regular gig. I'm not sure what will happen but I'm thrilled to find out. It's also at the same time that the word is trickling out and through contacts of contacts after putting up my website I'm getting inquiries from Florida and Pennsylvania and Massachusetts as well as locally. My reach has grown (I'm in Wisconsin). A long-buried creative project is nagging at me in a most profound way again. I've turned some opportunities down.

I used to ask the universe what I should do, where I should go with my writing. Do you know what the universe said? "You can do whatever you want, my dear. Pick!" Not so helpful, that universe.

My point is that writing can be whatever you want it to be. You can fit it into your life however you wish but it's up to you to decide. It's a skill that you can turn up and down like the burners on your stove and once you figure that out you've got it all. How lucky are you? You can do anything!

What you can't do is to stop writing.

I don't know what the new year will bring. But I hope it brings to all of us renewed confidence in our abilities and the focus we need to put words on the page, one after another, and then send them out to the universe in the best way we know how.

New Year's Inspirations for Writers: A New Attitude for a New Year

By Carol Tice

New Year's Inspirations for Writers -- Celebrate Your Achievements

By Lindsay Woolman

I’ve noticed this strange phenomenon that when I write down my goals they are way more likely to happen. On the other hand, when I just merely think about my goals, the results don’t seem as likely to materialize.


I know there is something powerful about putting pen to paper and writing down what you want, being clear and specific. I’ve seen this kind of practice create results for myself and for other people just by the act of writing. So, next time you’re sitting down, take a moment to make a “wish list” for yourself as a writer and for your life.


There are a couple different methods for making wish lists. You can write for a set number of time or write things on your life when they come into your mind. One exercise I did a long time ago was to spend 30 minutes writing down 100 things I wanted to accomplish in my life. The time limit was great because I literally had to write as fast as possible, and the ideas started getting crazier the longer I made the list.


It’s also helpful to start your list with things you’ve already accomplished so that it stays in present tense (and to honor how far you’ve come). You can make places you check off items—and plan on marking them off. With another year of life ahead, things will continue to evolve, both as a writer and on a personal level. Having a wish list is another way to celebrate and create possibilities.


Here’s some ways to make your wish list:


Be selfish. Go ahead and say exactly what you want. This is like your wish list to Santa Claus you wrote as a kid. If you were flipping through a catalogue of “what is possible for a writer,” what would be on your list? Try: Write a bestseller. Win an award. Have more time and energy to work, etc. I think it’s good to also add personal items and lifestyle choices on your list. Think in possibilities and write down those burning desires in your heart!


Get some help. The website Creating Your Best Life has ideas for writing 100 things before you die lists. Obviously, the focus is on life and making the most out of yours. For me personally, being a writer is much more than just about writing. It is about being creative on a daily basis, having the freedom to manage my own schedule, and using my strengths in the best possible way.


Hang it on the wall: I can still remember the office where one of my friends had her list of goals written out. Since then, she has moved to Hawaii and seen many of her dreams come to fruition. It’s interesting because even though things didn’t turn out exactly how she wanted on her goal list, they actually turned out even better for her.


Plan to cross off items: Even if some things on your wish list sound crazy, they are not. Overtime, those crazy ideas like “writing for a living” become a reality and one day you wake up and realize it’s happening. Put the list where you can see it with a pen nearby as your intention to cross off goals. You might also find that lists you made 5 years old that are hidden in drawers contain a lot of what is happening now in your life right now -- so don't be afraid to declare what you want to happen next.


What would your writer “wish list” say? Better yet, go make one right now!

New Year's Inspirations for Writers: Make Your Wish List

New Year's Inspirations for Writers: Looking at the Bigger Picture

By Angela Atkinson

Image Credit:  Billy Alexander

This has been a great year for me professionally. I've worked with a number of great clients, picked up a fun new gig with Patch.com, and have recently signed a new long-term client. I released my first ebook (which happens to be on sale for 1/2 price till the end of this month.)

I added web design to my list of freelance services and worked with my partner Alyssa Ast, WMN's senior admin Pam Houghton, and all of the amazing WMN bloggers and admins to continue to build the WM Network.

I've made new connections and new friends. I have generally been more successful in my freelance career than ever before. And, being a positive-thinking kind of girl, I look forward to continuing to build my freelance career.

As I look to 2011, I realize that one of my major challenges is keeping track of the large number of projects I may be managing at any given time.

That's why my career goals for the New Year include refining my organizational process.

Enough About Me...

Our regular readers know that we're not all about self-promotion here at The WM Freelance Writers Connection. We're about sharing information and helping our fellow writers. So, considering my own goals for the new year, I thought you might like to know about a tool I've recently discovered for helping me stay organized. And, I think, this tool could work for any freelance writer.

Folks who know me might be surprised to learn that this is not one of my beloved Google tools. In fact, it's a Microsoft Office tool--one that you probably already have on your computer (at least, I did.) I recently put out a question to my social networks and writers groups: How do you keep your freelance writing assignments organized?

I got all sorts of great answers, from using whiteboards and notebooks to using expensive and complicated systems. And then, in one of my LinkedIn groups, came forth an angel in disguise: a fellow writer who told me about a little tool called Microsoft OneNote.

What It Is

OneNote is sort of like a Trapper Keeper*, but like a million times better and conveniently located on your PC. You can set up multiple notebooks, and within those notebooks, multiple sections. Within the sections, multiple pages.

On the pages, you can place text boxes that sort of function like sticky notes that you can freely move around and place anywhere on the page. You can also use Excel spreadsheets, Word tables, photos, web pages, emails--the sky's the limit.

You can easily create to-do lists (complete with satisfying little check boxes), assignment sheets or employ a number of other templates--or you can completely customize the page to your heart's desire. And you can connect it to your email program and calendar, among other things. Since I'm still new to this tool and need to wrap up this section, take a look at the OneNote blog for more info.


Why I Love It

Considering all the features mentioned above, it's perfect for what I need. I have combined my spreadsheet of current assignments, developed a page for today's priorities (handy!), one for source info, meeting notes, follow ups, etc. I have also given each current client and gig a section in which I keep notes and ideas, emails and any other specifics on that job. I've got one for my book, one for the WMN and one for other miscellaneous gigs and sites.

Also, there's a sidenote feature, which acts like a sticky note and will stay on top of windows. It's a handy way to take notes and brainstorm, among other things, and it's super easy to move the info to the section and page of my choice once I'm done--just drag and drop. 

OneNote is incredibly easy to learn to use (just took me a couple of minutes) and even easier to set up. I have honestly been looking for a tool like this for years, and I can't believe it was under my nose the whole time--already installed on my computer. Please note: I am not being paid or compensated in any way for this post. I just really love this tool and thought it might be useful to our readers.

What's Next

I plan to continue to work on building my business. I'm looking at putting out a couple of ebooks next year on varied topics and continuing to build the WMN and my personal networks. I'm excited about the new gig with Patch.com and looking forward to seeing where it takes me. I'm enjoying working with my new long-term client and helping him build his business, and I might just have a couple of other surprises up my sleeve! Stay tuned!

Your Turn

So how about you? What are your career goals for 2011? Any writing resolutions you'd like to share? Tell us in the comments!


*For our younger writer friends, back in the old days of the 80s and 90s, Trapper Keepers and their little attached internal folders were all the rage for the hip student.

New Year's Inspiration for Writers: Getting Organized and Staying Focused

by N. Strauss

(Full disclosure: The book's author, Linda Leopold Strauss is my mother, AND she sent me a free review copy of the book.)

Drop Everything and Write! (E & E Publishing, 2010): An Easy Breezy Guide for Kids Who Want to Write a Story is a friendly, hands-on guide to writing stories. It's suitable for beginning fiction writers of all ages; however, it is principally aimed at young people who want to write.

“I wrote this book for kids middle-school age and up, but to my delight, it’s also been a hit with adults interested in writing, even a ninety-year-old friend who just sent me a story she wrote that was inspired by the book," the author told me. "Evidently one is never too old to 'Drop Everything and Write!'”

Drop Everything and Write!:

• encourages young writers to view writing as fun.
  
  
• engages active participation, breaking up the text every page or two with a writing exercise.
  
  
• presents essential principles of craft (narrative point of view, plotting, dialogue) with such clear language and examples that even children will easily understand them.
  
  
• divides story structure into "beginnings," "middles," and "endings," explaining what should be accomplished by each.
  
  
• offers helpful advice on overcoming fear of the blank page, how to deal with feeling "stuck," and when it's time to take a break and go for a walk.

Linda Leopold Strauss told me that she wanted to write a book that could serve as a companion, guide, and coach for young writers. "I truly believe that the ability to write well is something you can learn, not something that’s handed down from on high to just a few chosen people. But first you have to get past the fear that you won’t be good at it. This book is designed to show young writers that writing can be fun, to ease them into the process with entertaining exercises, and then to teach them the skills they’ll need to write a complete, well-structured story. "

Click here to find Drop Everything and Write! on Amazon.com.

Find more writing ideas and tips on how to write a story at Creative-Writing-Now.com.

A Book for Writers: Drop Everything and Write!

By Pam Houghton

Stress!! I may be exaggerating that a bit. But I should be stressed - I have purchased exactly one Christmas present. One!


Stress!!


So I have to get this blog post written quickly.


Today, kids, I'm going to talk about how engineering is like writing. Only because in my last and final corporate role as a quote-un-quote - and I use this term looooosely - I was a so-called manufacturing engineer for a technology services corporation. (Never mind that I was a right-brained Human Resources major in college. Even THAT doesn't make sense.). In the process, I actually discovered a few similarities between the two. Believe it or not. So let's get on with the very sexy topic of how engineering is like writing, shall we?


1. Jazzed by problem-solving. Engineers love to figure out how stuff works, then take things apart and put them back together when they don't. Don't writers do the same thing when they struggle with a piece that just isn't working?


2. Quality control. Engineers are fascinated by quality - achieving top results using better and more efficient methods after much trial and error. (This kind of sounds like "jazzed by problem-solving," but I don't care - I'm in a hurry.) Aren't writers fascinated by quality too? Especially with all the editing and revising and rewriting that goes on to make a piece perfect? As if there is such a thing, that perfection thing there.


3. Work alone. Engineers aren't afraid to work alone and focus until goals are achieved. Well, do I really have to spell this one out for writers? Okay, I will. Writers work alone. Until goals are achieved.


4. Independent thinkers. Man, let me tell you, engineers are independent thinkers. They don't care what others think as long as they are confident in the logic of their own thinking. Writers really have to be independent thinkers too and believe in their work, even when others may not like it. (Now I sound serious.)


5. Outside-the-box thinking. The best engineers aren't afraid to think outside-the-box, as cliche as that term has become. Writers almost have to think outside the box too if they are going to prove others wrong and become successful even when the odds are stacked against them.


I'm sure there are more ways, but dag-nabbit, I've got some Christmas shopping to do. But not before I ask the question that I'm sure will result in a hundred million responses: how do YOU think engineering is like writing?

5 Ways Engineering is Like Writing

by Rebecca Dienger

I opened up a folder and out tumbled an essay I was working on back in April. I had it edited into something I felt was marketable and then moved on to another project. Had I submitted it, it would be out there in the writing universe working for me while I pursue other projects and doodle in my notebook. In exploring potential markets I realized someone else might be doing the very same thing.

A word of caution, two of the three state in Writer's Market that they don't accept simultaneous submissions, which means my essay won't be knocking on doors but lying on an editor's desk for potentially six months. One of these markets buys all rights. Which means once the essay has done its job, I can't submit it as a reprint for some overtime pay.

Here are the three markets I'm targeting:

The Sun Magazine

Publishes essays, interviews, fiction, and poetry. Favors personal writing, but also looking for thoughtful, well-written essays on political, cultural, and philosophical themes.

Pays from $300 to $2,000 for essays and interviews, $300 to $1,500 for fiction, and $100 to $500 for poetry. Nothing more than 7,000 words (really).

Purchases one-time rights. All other rights revert to the author upon publication.

Send complete manuscript, double-spaced and accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. (Poems may be single-spaced.)

Send submissions to:

Editorial Department
The Sun
107 N. Roberson St.
Chapel Hill, NC 27516


The Threepenny Review

Publishes essays, expose, historical and personal experience.

Pays $400 per story or article of 1,500-4,000 words.

Purchases first serial rights.

Send complete manuscript and include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Not reading mss until January. Do not send until after January 1, 2011. Watch for new online uploading submission tool or send via snail mail only.

Send submissions to:

The Editors
The Threepenny Review
PO Box 9131
Berkeley, CA 94709

Here's an interesting quote on website from the author of the new book "Freedom" that caught my eye ...

"There are vanishingly few magazines left in this country which seem pitched at the general literary reader and which consistently publish such interesting, high-quality criticism, reflection, argument, fiction, and poetry… Threepenny is thankfully still out there."
—Jonathan Franzen

I'm providing a link to Franzen's "After the Show" interview with Oprah Winfrey for a glimpse inside his writing process that you may find interesting. He tries to get to work before he fully wakes up so he can write like he's dreaming. I also thought his simple comment that "it's fun to be writing and no fun not to be," pretty much summed it up.


Plum Magazine


Plum is a patient education tool used in obstetrics care. It includes information on preconception, prenatal medical care, nutrition, fitness, beauty, fashion, decorating, and travel for the 35+ expectant mother. It also covers newborn health with articles on baby wellness, nursery necessities, postpartum care, and more.

Needs: essays, how-to and interview.

Pays 75¢-$1/word for 300 to 3,500 words. Buys all rights (does offer a kill fee).

Email query to editor@plummagazine.com

If you don't have an essay tumbling out of your folder, use these guidelines as inspiration to start one. What can you write about from personal experience today?

Three Essay Markets for Non-Fiction Writers

By Carol Tice

When to Walk Away From a Writing Job Offer

By Lindsay Woolman

What did you put into motion this year? Did you get new clients? Did you meet financial goals? Did you put a lot of effort into your work?


Most of us will find that whatever energy we put out comes back to us. If you were energized about finding work, you probably found it. If you were energized about being frustrated, you probably found more frustration.


Knowing what’s happening with you right now is really important. From a place of clarity you can decide if you want more of what you’re getting or if it’s time to try something new.


So, take a moment to ask yourself: What would make the biggest difference in your writing career? This is the best time of year to look at your “writing harvest,” honor the good and the bad, and plant the new crops (if you will!) for next year.


Here are some suggestions:


Work with a mentor or mastermind group: They say it’s hard to succeed all alone and if you look at almost anyone, they have a support system in place that fuels their goals. If you’re ready to get serious, consider hiring a mentor, like Carol Tice, or joining a mastermind group with other writers or business owners.


Stop dreaming and start doing: This is my personal biggest struggle. I am amazed at people who quickly want something and get out and do it. Those people are my inspiration. For me, it’s time to get over the initial anxiety and take action for what I want. Lately it has hit me that nothing and no one is holding me back but myself!


Pump up your confidence: There is a huge amount of validation when someone tells you you’ve done a nice job—or when you get published. Start looking for these opportunities. Share your work. See your name in print or online at a place that has been calling you. Perhaps the biggest difference for you might be the ability to believe in your work.


Raise your standards: Decide that you will not take on any new work unless it pays XX amount. You could even have an amount in mind per month that you want your future clients to pay you. While still being practical, this is a way to empower yourself and declare an intention of your worth. No one want to be undervalued, so start raising the bar.


Cut out the trivial: Maybe the biggest difference in your writing career is time. Maybe you’ve over booked your social calendar, yet you’re yearning to write more. Maybe you need more help with other responsibilities. I know an older couple who retired and were looking forward to relaxing only to find themselves busier than ever—and not happy about it. Even though it was hard, they stopped going to their weekly card game (even after 10 years!) because they recognized they were “over it” and needed to move on.


What one really powerful decision could make the biggest difference for you?


Photo via Flickr user koalazymonkey

What Would Make the Biggest Difference in Your Writing Career?

4 Tips for Overcoming Your Writing Fears

After Rebecca's awesome post on gifts for writers (and considering my own difficulties in coming up with a decent wish list for the holidays), I thought it might be appropriate to share five more holiday gift ideas for freelance writers. Maybe it will help you in making your own list, or maybe you're someone who loves a freelance writer and needs ideas. In either case, here are five more creative holiday gift ideas for freelance writers!

A Digital Voice Recorder

A digital voice recorder can come in handy for any freelance writer. It can be used to record interviews, take verbal notes for stories and ideas and can even come in handy for non-writing related stuff, like grocery lists and recording your kid's latest joke. Prices start as low as $15 and go up from there, depending on the features and recording quality you want.



Writer's Market/Writer's Digest

Every freelancer needs a copy of the current Writer's Market, and these days, a subscription to the Writer's Market website. Kill two birds with one stone and get the deluxe version, which includes both. And, while you're at it, pick up a gift subscription to Writer's Digest magazine.






The Practical Freelance Writer's Guide to Author Websites (ebook)

Pardon the personal plug, but if you haven't picked up your copy of my ebook yet, now's a great time! Using the coupon code LN77U, you can get your copy for 1/2 price: just $2.50. Even better, you get the format of your choice. Click here for more info on the sale, or click here to go directly to Smashwords and get your copy now. 








A Board


Some writers prefer cork boards, others chalk boards--and still others would like a whiteboard. In any case, every writer could use a "board" of some sort for their office wall. They can be used to organize assignments, put up motivational quotes or photo or any number of writerly things. And, in most cases, they're quite reasonably priced. 






A Netbook


I got a netbook for my birthday this year and I'm in love! Any writer who doesn't always work at home or in the office could use one of these. They're light and compact, easy to carry and powerful enough to let you surf the net, write your manuscripts, check email and even play Facebook games (not that you would ever do that while you're trying to write, of course.) 

And they're pretty cute, if you like that sort of thing. Prices start as low as $149 and go up--and you can even get a free netbook with certain wireless carriers if you're willing to pay for a data package--usually around $30 ish per month--and sign a contract. Personally, I have found that I don't need a data package for my netbook since I usually use it at home or in places where free wi-fi is available. 

Note: my netbook has a 10" screen, so it may not be appropriate for people with vision problems. 


So writers, how about you? What's on your holiday wish list this year? Tell us in the comments!

5 More Holiday Gifts for Writers: One for Every Budget