The World Of Freelance Writing

Word Count Tool

2009-05-31T23:07:00.000-07:00

This is a word count tool that will help you when you need a word count on your articles. Click Here.

Writing Fiction From Experiences

2009-05-31T22:48:00.000-07:00

Life is a book. No saying can hold more truth than that one short quote. Life is indeed a book waiting to be written. Ideas for the best novels and stories often come from the authors past experiences, what they observe, or what they hear from people around them. Stories often start with an idea that gets stuck in your brain after hearing or seeing something of interest to you and expanding it with other ideas you might have stored in your memory. These ideas may also be figments of your imagination, stemming from dreams, hopes, ambitions, and the what-ifs we tend to ask ourselves every now and then.

Experiencing life is one great story in itself, but having the tenacity to mix it up and write it down takes some skill, some hard work, and a lot of creativity. To come up with a story that is both coherent and interesting, one has to be a bit of a dreamer with an eye for detail and a strong sense of reality. Writing from past experiences also lends some reality to your work of fiction since it is based on different events in different peoples lives or even just one life in particular. Emotions can be expressed accurately enough, depending on how you felt when such an event happened or how you would have felt if that happened to you.

Although some research also needs to be done to give a story some backbone, this may sometimes depend on the storys setting, character orientation, and the places where the events take place. Oftentimes, locations for fictional stories are replicas of real-life locations, mixed and matched with other real places and venues, then renamed. People in the stories can be derived from people you meet in real life, people you admire, people you abhor, or even people you come across once or twice in your entire lifetime.

Writing from experiences can reflect past hurts and disappointments as well as hidden fantasies and dreams. It is, in effect, like putting down your heart and soul on paper. It is a writers legacy to share with his reader part of who he is by writing from the heart, for in doing so, the story becomes more real and more captivating due to the realism that people can relate to. Falling in love, falling out of love, falling from your bike, falling from a tree all these events can be used to a certain extent in writing, with modifications to who, what, when, and where to suit the needs of the story being penned.

Digging through past experiences to use as elements for your story can sometimes be dangerous. While rewriting these into a fictional story, some of the real events tend to blur into the one being written, which can then warp your own memories of what really happened to you and what is just an elaboration or an add-on to the scene in the tale. Taking care to differentiate one from the other can be somewhat tricky and is a skill that any author has to learn.

Characters in fictional stories, when based on real people you are close to or even people youve only seen from afar, come to life easily if you can picture them in your head. Descriptions come to you in a flash since their picture or image is embedded in your memory. Their personality may or may not be based on the model and could be derived from another person altogether. The main point of writing from experience being mixing and matching events, people, places, and imagination to come up with a story that isnt exactly pure fiction in feel, but fiction in the coming together.

How To Overcome Writers Block

2009-05-31T22:30:00.000-07:00

How To Overcome Writer's Block
By: Robert Paul Williams

Everyone has suffered from writer's block at one time or another. It is not uncommon to hear college students sharing stories of how frustrated they felt trying to get through the last writing assignment. Surely, you can picture that timeless image of a journalist with pencil in mouth tearing her hair out in front of her typewriter because the words are just not coming as easiliy as she would like. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to get those creative juices flowing again. Typically, writer's block is most common at the beginning of a writing project. It helps a great deal if you have an outline of what you plan to write. Start with an overall concept then take it in steps from introduction to conclusion. Work backwards if needed. Consider your work environment; do you like background noise or do you prfer silence. Would you be more confortable writing at a library or in front of the television? Is their a difference if you write with a pen versus a pencil? Perhaps writing is easier at a computer screen. Experiment with different settings and you'll see for yourself what helps to boost your productivity. After you have started, you should find the words and concepts just keep flowing. However, if getting started is the hardest part, try "free writing". Simply write whatever comes to mind. Write about the room you are in, what you had for breakfast, or the color of your socks. It doesn't matter what you write about. Once you start writing about something, you will find that you will be able to keep writing. The words will just start to flow out of your brain and onto your paper. If you find yourself getting stuck in the middle of a project, print out what you have written. Take the paper to another room and proofread it. Holding the paper in your hands versus reading from a computer screen should stir different senses. Going to a different room to read will also engage your senses and may be enough to fire up some ideas and end your writer's block. Sometimes, you just need to clear your head and take a break. Go for a walk around the block, throw a load of laundry into the washer or some other small task. You might find a bright idea comes to you the second you start focusing on something else. After a few minutes, you will be able to come back refreshed and ready to write. It is important that you don't give up. Writer's block is a temporary condition. Stay focused and you will get through it.

All That You Wanted To Know About Freelance Writers Jobs

2009-05-16T18:29:00.001-07:00

All That You Wanted To Know About Freelance Writers Jobs
by: Geoff P Smith.

You have finally decided to give freelance writers jobs or freelance writing a shot because you are confident about your writing abilities, you have arranged for the set up by putting in place your laptop, internet connection, anti plagiarism software etc and you have also read up a few articles on freelance writers’ jobs and freelance writing. You can also boast of having a few articles published here and there.

And deep down in your bosom you wish to leave your mark in the publishing world and want to earn a name for yourself as a freelance writer. But have you weighed up all the options before you? In this article I shall talk about a few avenues open for a freelance writer which will let you earn a decent living for yourself.

Freelance writers’ jobs - Magazines

Freelancers can find a good freelance writing job for themselves in magazines. There are many kinds of magazines nowadays on every imaginable kind of topic, be it sports, photography, fashion, women’s magazine, movie magazine, health and fitness or teen magazine etc. Try to get a freelance writing job with a magazine that fits your interest bill, for example, if you are more comfortable writing about sports issues, then go for reputed sports magazines.

Start off with a few niche topics which are close to your heart, say, lifestyle topics and try to stick to these and earn a name for yourself in that particular niche before thinking about working your way up. You will find it is far easier to write about something that pleases or interests you.

With time and practice, as your fields of interests and expertise will increase, try to expand your freelance writing horizons and try out your options with more magazines. When you start out you may have to concentrate on fillers, don’t expect your article to appear as the cover story. But they bring in good money and are fun to write.

Greetings cards freelance writing

You can also consider dipping your fingers in the greetings card segment where you have to write out the content for traditional paper cards and e cards while taking a break from regular writing. As a freelancer you can also try your hand at tee shirt or bumper sticker, magnet, doormats or ceramic mugs slogan writing.

Freelancers are appointed to write those cheeky one liners that you see on tee shirts or mugs. And the pay is pretty good, though there is no fame. But you may get paid for each word you write. As with any project, your skill is enhanced with each and every word that you write. So don't dismiss this type of work as being beneath you.

Posters freelance writing job

You can also consider the freelance writers jobs of poster writing where you can earn through royalties and a steady stream of money may trickle into your bank account for a poster content that you wrote perhaps 4 years back. It is a nice surprise to receive a payment when you are least expecting it. Of course you fully deserve that bonus whether it is a surprise or not.

Resume writing

Another viable freelance writing job for which freelancers are regularly appointed is resume writing which is different from funny anecdotes or flowery prose creation. You could advertize your services both online and offline. In resume writing, freelancers will have to use attention grabbing, crisp and professional language. It is encouraging when you find that your skills are being enhanced with more work.

10 Ways To Earn Even More Money From Writing

2009-05-16T14:10:00.000-07:00

10 Ways to Earn Even More Money From Writing
by: Ruth Barringham

One thing that every writer wants to know is how to earn more money from writing. This is because being a writer can be a fickle business sometimes and so you need to have as many sources of income as possible.

You also need to use your time wisely to be able to write as much as you can and be as productive as you can. You need to use the phrase "Don't Get It Right, Get It Written" as often as possible to get you off the starting blocks and writing as much as you can, instead of trying edit your work and be as perfect as possible as you go along. It's so much easier to just start writing and don't stop till you've finished and THEN go back and edit your work later. Remember that writing and editing and two different jobs and should never be done together.

But what you really want to know is how to earn more money from writing. And below are 10 easy ways for you increase your writing income.

1. Write more. I know it sounds obvious that writers should be writing but you'd be surprised at how many people call themselves writers yet they hardly ever write. To improve your writing, get a book of an author you like (or a writer whose style you admire) and copy their work. Just sit and copy out their writing word-for-word. This will give you a really good understanding of their writing style and how you can incorporate it into your own writing.

2. Read more. Successful writers are avid readers as well as being prolific writers. Reading improves you knowledge, exposes you to different writing styles, and can also help you to come up with great ideas for your own writing.

3. Find more freelance markets. If you want to make more money you need to sell more writing. So spend a bit of time every week surfing online and browsing through magazines looking for new writing markets. You can also sign up for regular writers ezines that contain current writing markets. Always be on the look out for new writing opportunities.

4. Submit more queries. Once you've found new markets you then need to make sure that you do actually get your writing published. So make a definite decision to send out at least 5 queries or short stories to different writing markets every week. And then make sure you do it, even if you have to get up early or stay up late.

5. Try different writing projects. Instead of sticking to the same kind of things you write, try branching out into something new. For instance, if you mostly write articles for women's magazines, trying writing jokes, verse, puzzles or children's stories and find new places to submit them.

6. Write and publish eBooks. EBooks are a great way to earn a passive income. You can write an eBook in as little as 24 hours and publish it online in only a few minutes. And because there's no cost involved in selling eBooks you can write as many as you want for as long as you want.

7. Write and publish books. There's nothing more wonderful for a writer than to feel the first copy of your book in your own hands. It's so easy now to publish your own books that there's nothing to stop you from becoming a prolific author and publish several books a year.

8. Learn new writing. There may be areas of writing that you don't feel proficient in. Maybe you've never really tried writing fiction, or, like me, you want to learn copywriting or SEO writing. Choose a area of writing that you've never tried before but would like to learn, and then learn to do it.

9. Invest in your writing. Don't be afraid to spend money to further your writing career. Splash out on some really fancy notebooks and expensive pens or treat yourself to a new computer. Or how about taking a seminar or a writing course or maybe there's a book about writing that you've been thinking about buying. Just open your wallet and buy whatever it takes to help you write more and earn more.

10. Write more. Now you probably notice that this is the same advice in step number one. But it is so important that it needs mentioning more than once. To be a great writer you need to be great at writing and the more you write, the more natural writing will be for you and so the better a writer you'll become. As you write more and more your words will flow onto the paper (or computer monitor) more easily and so your writing will sound more natural. Never stop writing.

The bottom line is that writers write. They always write. When a writer is not writing, they are thinking about writing. And when they're not writing nor thinking about writing, they are reading about writing. So if you want to be a writer, be the very best you can and start writing now.

8 Tell-Tale Signs That Forecast Writing Success

2009-05-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

8 Tell-Tale Signs That Forecast Writing Success!
by: Jennifer Brown Banks

‘Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.” Stephen King

Ever wonder what the hands of fate will deal you in the way of success as a writer? Or why some individuals reap the rewards of literary recognition, while others fail and fade into anonymity?

Just as highway signs alert travelers of their impending destination, there are give-away indicators that point to “the road to success” for writers.

Here are checkpoints that reveal you’re in the literary fast lane!

You’re Playing the Field- The more genres of writing you apply your talents to, the greater the odds of continued publication and pay. I began my journalistic journey over a decade ago, writing poetry and greeting card verse.
What I discovered was that poetry (although my first love), was not very marketable. As a result, these efforts alone met with very little success until I decided to try feature writing for magazines. This change in strategy not only allowed me to establish publishing credits and an impressive portfolio, but also financed the self-publication of 3 volumes of poetry chapbooks and opened avenues for paid performances and open mike competitions as well.

You’re an Avid Reader- It is virtually impossible to become a marketable writer without reading and studying prominent writers and various styles of expression. Whether you’re a member of a local book club, subscribe to a few on-line publications, or regularly escape through a good Harlequin Romance, you’re moving in the right direction! Being an avid reader helps you expand your vocabulary, become familiar with different writing styles, and understand the needs of your audience.
You’re Self-Disciplined- Unlike other professions and industries, writing is by and large a do it yourself success story; there is no delegating or getting by on other team members’ strength. It’s either sink or swim! You establish your own goals, develop your own game plan, and assume sole responsibility for your career. Successful writers go the distance by making writing a priority, honing their craft and persevering through rejection.
You Understand that Writing is a Business- Far too many writers fail to recognize that writing is a business. One that requires much more than creativity and a command of the King’s English. To achieve professional status, one must have marketing savvy, time management skills, analytical ability, research knowledge and familiarity with the industry. It also requires putting money back into the “business” by investing in trade related materials such as the Writers’ Market, computer equipment and business cards (to name a few things).

You Recognize the Importance of Critiquing- Whether it’s through a writers’ group, a mentor, a college professor, or people whom you admire and trust. Getting an outside, objective analysis of your work can mean the difference between rejection and perfection. Just as “love is blind,” many of us are far too close to what we’ve created to see flaws or gaps in what we’re trying to convey.
You Know the Meaning of Working Smart- At least 50% of my writing income is generated from resales. The well fed writer realizes the potential to resell and represent the same pieces many times over just by changing the slant and minor details, and by negotiating rights.
You’re Navigating “the Information Super Highway.” Do you Google? Are you able to successfully research, review writers’ web sites, and submit work via the Internet? Doing so decreases down time, increases productivity, and puts you in the fast lane to creativity. Check out the following writers’ E-zines to enhance your bottom line:
Absolute Write Newsletter- http://www.absolutewrite.com- This weekly contains articles, interviews and calls for writers.
Inscriptions-http://www.inscriptions.com- Features weekly calls for writers, interviews, book reviews and announcements.

3. National Association of Women Writers- http://www.naww.org- Produces a newsletter that provides useful insiders’ tips, motivational quotes, contests, conferences and more. It also serves to support and promote the works of female authors.

A great book to also help you improve your surfing savvy is 300 Incredible Things to Do on the Internet by Ken Leebow.

You Write for the Love of It!- Do you practically eat, sleep and drink writing? Love to communicate and connect? In this field, perhaps more so than any other, passion precedes success. Having the desire to educate, entertain and empathize through the written word is indeed a noble ambition. And it is this philosophy that will allow you to persevere and avoid “road rage” in your daily travels!

5 Questions To Ask About Every Article Idea

2009-05-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

5 Questions to Ask About Every Article Idea
By: Mridu Khullar

I know a good idea when I see one. So should you. Dump those time-tested ideas you’re sending off to editors every other day, and find ideas that will get you the assignment each time, every time.

How do you know whether your brilliant idea will strike a chord and get you the assignment or land your neatly crafted query in the slush pile? Use the following checklist to find out whether you have a winner or another stale idea that the editor’s been rejecting since she set foot in her editorial office.

Here are some of the questions an editor will ask of each article idea:

What’s new?

If you’re writing for a pregnancy magazine, chances are the editor has already covered topics such as exercises and diet regulation. What are you going to say that stands apart? Can you provide a unique spin to these topics? If yes, you’re in the door.

Think different. Instead of talking about diet issues, list twenty food items that are to be avoided throughout pregnancy. Be innovative. Come up with topics you’ve never seen featured before. Are there any negative feelings, unresolved issues or body changes that might not be so great that would-be mothers need to know more about?

Will the reader connect?

You may have the most innovative, brilliant and mind-blowing idea. Yet, it may lead to a rejection if you’re targeting the wrong market. Send an idea about getting over broken live-in relationships to a magazine in India, and don’t expect anything but a rejection. But send it over to a singles magazine in England, and you may have a chance. The first thing the editor wants to know when she lays eyes on your query is whether her readers will value your subject matter. If her readers won’t take to it, she won’t either.

Will it keep my reader captivated?

Picture this: I come home from a long day at work. While I relax on my couch, I could flick channels on the remote or pick up the magazine and leaf through the articles. My eyes rest on your piece. Is your piece intriguing and interesting enough to make me stay with you, or would I prefer to watch what’s on TV?

It’s every editor’s fear—that her loyal reader will ditch reading the magazine for something more interesting. And with the number of entertainment avenues available today, that won’t be a problem. In order to keep the reader (and the editor) keen on your idea, you’ve got to suggest something that will keep them wanting more. Does your idea have that virtue?

Is there a surprise element?

The more unexpected, the better. Readers love surprises. That’s why, editors do too. Surprise doesn’t always have to mean an anti-climax or a situation of complete irony. Surprises can be subtle, yet effective. Add a little known statistic or a funny anecdote in your article. Go out of your way to find an amazing fact or figure. Don’t go out of context though. There’s nothing worse than getting sidetracked from the theme of the article.

What’s in it for me?

What does the reader take home with her once she’s closed the magazine and gone her own way? Has she learnt a lesson? Will she take with her an experience? Will she be a better mother, daughter, wife or friend because of it? In every article that you write, this question should have the utmost importance. What can you give to your reader?

Making an impact is very important. The article idea that won’t sell is the one in which the editor will read through your query and not have any unanswered questions. You have to give your reader that something extra. Something she can think about on her way to work. Something she’ll remember as she rests her head on the pillow and falls asleep.

Regardless of the kind of writer you are, your ideas are what make you a success. A good editor can fix the holes in your writing, but cannot flesh out your idea. That is something only you can do.

Editors love writers who consistently come up with fresh and innovative ideas. Being swamped with a dozen queries every day, most of them containing the same old angles, they’re always on the lookout for writers who can provide a unique twist.

Keep a steady stream of ideas coming, run them through this checklist, and send them off. That’s all there really is to it.