I gathered six of the best pieces of writing advice from writers and authors who are ~way~ smarter than me.
My hope is that these bite-sized pieces of writing wisdom will help you with whatever type of writing it is you’re working on this week.
How Freelance Writers Can Stay Creative with Side Projects
You know, sometimes…sometimes I don’t feel all that inspired by my writing work.
Am I good at it? Sure.
Can I deliver on time? Yep.
But that doesn’t mean that I’m always excited to write the same types of articles day in and day out. Plus, my work can be fairly technical and research-heavy, which doesn’t always lend itself to a lot of creativity.
How to Be a Better Self-Editor
Is there anything worse than submitting a piece of writing somewhere and getting it sent back with endless edits?
Opening a document filled with notes is like an instant gut-punch.
It says, “You didn’t nail this one.”
How to Overcome the Blank Page
When it comes to writing, sometimes getting started is the hardest part.
It can result in hours of procrastination, sweaty palms, and a last-minute scramble as a deadline approaches.
So what’s behind the first draft intimidation — and how can writers overcome it?
Insights on Productivity & Freelance Writing
This post is a teensy bit longer than usual--and it’s not about writing. If you want writing-related content, perhaps check out this post: The Cure for Crappy Copy. It’s a good one.
Otherwise, settle in and keep reading.
A few weeks ago, I shared a master list of everything that’s helped me freelance and write for the past four years on Twitter.
How to Write for Fidgety Skeptics
The title of today’s writing lesson is inspired by the book 10% Happier, which I’ve been listening to lately on audiobook.
Dan Harris (the author) talks about being a fidgety skeptic in regard to meditation...and that got me thinking:
That’s how I feel about a lot of sales-oriented writing.
Fidgety. Skeptical. It just doesn't work for me.
2017: A Year of Freelance Writing In Review
10 Things That Help Me Write
Today’s not so much a writing how-to in the traditional sense; it’s more of a how-I-do.
Cue the Montell Jordan!
Ahem, sorry about that.
Anyway: I wanted to share a few of my favorite things that help me write in hopes that maybe they’ll help you, too. Even if you’re not a writer, some of these items could make a nice addition to your workspace.
How to Get More Ideal Work as a Freelance Writer
If there’s one question I get asked more than any other, it’s this: How do I reach my target audience and get them to hire me?
So that’s what we’re covering today.
The approach I’m outlining below is applicable to almost any niche and for any type of freelance work. If you want the long-form version, you can read it here. Otherwise, I’m doing the shortened version below.
Let’s get to it.
I Helped Create an Online Course for Freelancers!
The story of how I helped Paul Jarvis revamp The Creative Class, a course about the business side of freelancing. Currently open until 10/17.
Read moreHow punctuation influences your writing
When we talk about writing, we often think only about words.
But the more I write, the more I realize that punctuation…it’s huge.
It determines how your words are read, understood, and interpreted.
I’m not talking about proper grammar, either. I don’t care so much about that.
This is a conversation about how punctuation influences the style and voice of your writing. Let me illustrate with an example:
End-of-Summer Freelancing Reflection
Summer’s over.
Usually this makes me sad.
I think, “Where did the time go? I didn’t do all the things I wanted to do!”
But this summer, I feel like I finally got it right. I allowed myself to enjoy the flexibility of freelancing.
Write when you have something to share
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about quality vs. quantity when it comes to writing.
The reason: I did some math recently.
If I’ve been averaging 3,600 words per week for almost four years now, that means I’ve written more than 691,000 words.
Um…that’s a lot of words. It’s kind of hard to wrap my mind around.
My Daily Routine as a Freelance Writer
Several readers have asked about my daily writing routine, so today, I wanted to share it with you.
Now, keep in mind that just because this routine works for me, it doesn’t mean it’s going to for you.
Sometimes I see these types of posts and it gives off the impression you have to mirror another person’s routine to achieve the same results. Not so.
Messaging Strategy Document: What It Is and Why You Need One
Writing anything is difficult when you don’t have clear direction.
If you don’t know whom you’re writing for (or how the writing voice should sound, what your goals are, etc.) you’re kind of just winging it every time.
But successful writing doesn't ever "wing it." It's strategic, clear, and powerful.
That’s where a messaging strategy document comes in handy. I recently put one of these together, which is why it’s fresh in my mind.
Where to Work When You’re Tired of Working from Home
So, I’ve been working from a home office for about four years now.
I love our little house, but sometimes…I don’t.
Working in the same place day in and day out where I also spend my non-working hours can get a bit monotonous.
How to Improve Boring Writing
Ever feel like what you’re writing is just kind of...bland?
Writing ruts happen to the best of us.
- Maybe it’s because you’ve been writing about the same topic for so long.
- Maybe you’ve become immersed in your niche, and you’ve lost external perspective.
- Maybe you’re just real tired and need a lil’ nappy.
I Went to Europe (And Fell Behind on Freelance Work)
I got a little behind on posting this, and I haven't done that for more than a year. Writing here is important to me, so I always try to work ahead and schedule things out...even if I'm going to be away.
Read more8 Must-Read Books That Will Improve Your Writing Skills
This week, I wanna talk about books on writing.
The business world needs better writers, as indicated by studies that show writing training is a billion-dollar industry and research that shows writing is a skill desired by 73% of hiring managers.
Making Friends & Being Kind is Good for Your Freelance Career
The other day, I tweeted something that got more engagement than anything I’ve ever tweeted before.
It said: “Freelancer math: Connections + conversations + being nice = $”
I think it was popular because it distills a fairly complex concept into a simple idea, which is: