Many writers have a particular favorite genre that they focus on. Then there are those of us freelancers who like to dabble in just about anything that comes along. Taking new projects is good all the way around—it helps develop new writing skills, it keeps us from getting bored (though we love steady writing gigs, even the most lucrative work gets a little stale after awhile), and it gets us out of our comfort zones now and then. In my opinion, freelance writers owe it to themselves to accept all types of things—clients like to see the range of work that we’ve done, and, as I already said, it’s good to accept a new challenge once in awhile!
But even the most versatile writers have their favorite kinds of projects.
I still prefer features over most other kinds of writing, although they tend to be the most time-consuming, between interviews, background research, and of course, the writing itself. But I find that I get the most satisfaction from putting together a well-done feature for a topic I have strong interest in. This lets my geek side (the lover of research) run wild and get my fix, and also my naturally curious side ask a lot of questions and find out even more about the subject.
I’ve also really come to enjoy blogging since I shifted my focus more to personal experience. I know more about this business than others, but I certainly don’t think of myself as an expert, so it was a challenge to try to come up with material for posts on things I definitely didn’t feel qualified to talk about yet. Since I’m talking more about my own experiences (both good and bad), I find that it’s easier to find things to blog about. I vowed to get back into writing fiction this year, but I think a big reason of why I’ve gotten away from it is that the whole process just seems very overwhelming to me at this point.
What about you? What are your favorite kinds of writing projects?
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
On Turning Down Work
This is a bit unbelievable to me, but I’m finally at a point where I’ve had to pass on writing opportunities twice this week.
Now, I should add that at least one request was from a company I work with writing regular online content. The work is divvied out weekly, so I can always just pick up more next time or another week. I’m finding that’s the nice thing about a regular gig that includes other writers—there always seems to be someone able to pick up the slack should you need them. The other opportunity was writing a few blog posts in only a few days. I’ve accepted these tight assignments before, and though I prefer a little more time to complete them, I’ve always been able to hunker down and get them done (even with a raging sinus infection where I could barely sit up). But this time—well, I had to decline.
I passed on both of these things because I’m working on larger assignments that are much more time-consuming. One article is a rather long feature on various businesses, so I have to do quite a few interviews for the piece, then turn those interviews into workable text. I’m basically chaining myself to the PC to get as much of it done as possible. I’m also coming up on deadlines with a few other larger pieces and, well, I just felt that the regular assignments will be there next go ‘round.
However, I totally surprised myself because I rarely turn down any kind of writing opportunity that’s offered, no matter how small or what the pay might be (although I did turn down a non-paying gig a few months back). Part of me thinks that if I don’t say yes to whoever is asking, they’ll never ask me again, and I don’t want to turn down any opportunity that might lead to more work, or even something semi-regular. But this time, I just had to say no. And you know what? I feel pretty good about it!
How often do you say “no” to opportunities? How do you weigh your decision on what to accept and what to decline? If you’ve turned down work once (rates and nature of the project were great, you were just too maxed out at the time), were you approached by the same person for other opportunities?
Now, I should add that at least one request was from a company I work with writing regular online content. The work is divvied out weekly, so I can always just pick up more next time or another week. I’m finding that’s the nice thing about a regular gig that includes other writers—there always seems to be someone able to pick up the slack should you need them. The other opportunity was writing a few blog posts in only a few days. I’ve accepted these tight assignments before, and though I prefer a little more time to complete them, I’ve always been able to hunker down and get them done (even with a raging sinus infection where I could barely sit up). But this time—well, I had to decline.
I passed on both of these things because I’m working on larger assignments that are much more time-consuming. One article is a rather long feature on various businesses, so I have to do quite a few interviews for the piece, then turn those interviews into workable text. I’m basically chaining myself to the PC to get as much of it done as possible. I’m also coming up on deadlines with a few other larger pieces and, well, I just felt that the regular assignments will be there next go ‘round.
However, I totally surprised myself because I rarely turn down any kind of writing opportunity that’s offered, no matter how small or what the pay might be (although I did turn down a non-paying gig a few months back). Part of me thinks that if I don’t say yes to whoever is asking, they’ll never ask me again, and I don’t want to turn down any opportunity that might lead to more work, or even something semi-regular. But this time, I just had to say no. And you know what? I feel pretty good about it!
How often do you say “no” to opportunities? How do you weigh your decision on what to accept and what to decline? If you’ve turned down work once (rates and nature of the project were great, you were just too maxed out at the time), were you approached by the same person for other opportunities?
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
How Do You Keep Track of Your Ideas?
As writers, our livelihood depends on our ability to keep churning out new ideas—articles, blog posts, stories, new angles on old topics, and finding “newsworthy” material.
I have to admit, sometimes it gets a little overwhelming.
It’s hard enough to keep track of everything we have to do and everywhere we need to be. Add on the extra stress of not wanting to forget what could be a money-making idea and really, sometimes it’s enough to make me want to hide under the covers for a few days.
Am I the only one who thinks like this?
So, how do you handle the very important task of keeping track of your ideas?
I took the advice of many writers I know and started keeping a notebook. I took my time because I wanted to find something that would work for me—yes, I know it’s a notebook, but most writers know how important it is to have just the right tools. So I shopped around until I found one that met my specifications (basically, something sturdy that would also fit into my purse). Once I found it, I wondered how I’d lived without it.
I love my idea notebook. Since I have so many projects to follow up on and keep track of, it’s so nice to just jot something down and not stress about forgetting it. I try to list the article idea and a market that might be a good fit; other times I just make a list of possible story ideas and try to find markets later. It may not be a perfect system, but it’s been working for me. Once I complete a certain number of assignments, I go back into my notebook and see what else might be worth pitching.
I also started keeping a spreadsheet of my queries so I can see what ideas I’ve already pitched, and which ones I need to follow up on. Organization is not my strongest suit, but my system works for me.
Your turn! How do you keep track of your story ideas?
I have to admit, sometimes it gets a little overwhelming.
It’s hard enough to keep track of everything we have to do and everywhere we need to be. Add on the extra stress of not wanting to forget what could be a money-making idea and really, sometimes it’s enough to make me want to hide under the covers for a few days.
Am I the only one who thinks like this?
So, how do you handle the very important task of keeping track of your ideas?
I took the advice of many writers I know and started keeping a notebook. I took my time because I wanted to find something that would work for me—yes, I know it’s a notebook, but most writers know how important it is to have just the right tools. So I shopped around until I found one that met my specifications (basically, something sturdy that would also fit into my purse). Once I found it, I wondered how I’d lived without it.
I love my idea notebook. Since I have so many projects to follow up on and keep track of, it’s so nice to just jot something down and not stress about forgetting it. I try to list the article idea and a market that might be a good fit; other times I just make a list of possible story ideas and try to find markets later. It may not be a perfect system, but it’s been working for me. Once I complete a certain number of assignments, I go back into my notebook and see what else might be worth pitching.
I also started keeping a spreadsheet of my queries so I can see what ideas I’ve already pitched, and which ones I need to follow up on. Organization is not my strongest suit, but my system works for me.
Your turn! How do you keep track of your story ideas?
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Welcome Back, Baby-sitters Club!
My inner 10-year-old self did a little jump for joy when I saw this article about the plans for a prequel and a relaunch of the Baby-sitters Club series in the Dec. 31 New York Times!
It was hard to find a ”tween” (though we didn’t have that expression yet) in the ‘80’s who didn’t totally dig the Baby-sitters Club. We weren’t as sophisticated as girls are today—no Twilight or Jonas Brothers for us!—but somehow, I think these books were a little better. Ann M. Martin included characters that all girls could relate to. There was a leader (Kristy), a quiet, bookish type (Mary Ann), a sophisticated city girl (Stacey), the artsy gal (Claudia), the California girl/health food queen (Dawn), the wannabe children’s author (Mallory) and the dancer (Jessi). The girls taught us about friendship, responsibility, the importance of being yourself, and they tackled some pretty heavy-duty issues. I remember that Stacey was a diabetic. One of the kids they sat for was autistic, and that was the first time I’d ever heard of that condition. They also talked about death and dying, divorce, stepparents, first love, and a host of other things that were totally alien to us, but helped prepare us for when we had to deal with them in our own lives.
I know I spent my elementary school years zipping through each new book when it came out—I even moved on to the Little Sister series. Now that I think about it, I owe a lot to the Baby-sitters Club. I can trace my love of reading back to those books (and Sweet Valley High/Twins, of course), and I modeled many of my earliest stories after the plotlines in the books. I even developed an early entrepreneurial streak thanks to the girls in the BSC. I tried to start a baby-sitting service of my own, but only made a few dollars. Even with my handwritten fliers made from construction paper, I was only in the baby-sitting viz for a short time.
I’m so excited to see that they’re bringing these books back! I have some great memories of reading each new book and wondering what Ms. Martin was going to talk about next.
Were there any favorite books from childhood that have left a lasting impact on you?
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
What Are You Working On?
Whew!
How's 2010 treating you so far? I have to admit, January's been a bit of a whirlwind for me, so I'm trying to hunker down and get back into several routines--not always easy!
Just wondering what kind of projects everyone is working on. Personally, I'm working on about 4 articles that are in various stages of completion. Most of them require interviews, so it's been a challenge to work around day jobs and schedules and whatnot. 2 of the most time-consuming pieces are due on the same day! Gulp. I also sent out 2 more queries this week and have a third one in mind that will need some real time devoted to it.
Besides the articles, I have some ongoing work, which is nice. I have my workplace column and the online content pieces I take each week (typically 2-3 articles, though this week I have 4 since some of their other writers are busy with various other commitments.) Last week I was also offered a gig as a blogger for a local company, so I'm anxiously waiting for more information on that opportunity. So, lots of exciting things happening!
What's keeping you busy these days?
How's 2010 treating you so far? I have to admit, January's been a bit of a whirlwind for me, so I'm trying to hunker down and get back into several routines--not always easy!
Just wondering what kind of projects everyone is working on. Personally, I'm working on about 4 articles that are in various stages of completion. Most of them require interviews, so it's been a challenge to work around day jobs and schedules and whatnot. 2 of the most time-consuming pieces are due on the same day! Gulp. I also sent out 2 more queries this week and have a third one in mind that will need some real time devoted to it.
Besides the articles, I have some ongoing work, which is nice. I have my workplace column and the online content pieces I take each week (typically 2-3 articles, though this week I have 4 since some of their other writers are busy with various other commitments.) Last week I was also offered a gig as a blogger for a local company, so I'm anxiously waiting for more information on that opportunity. So, lots of exciting things happening!
What's keeping you busy these days?
Friday, January 22, 2010
Guest Post: Building Your Writer's Resume with Published Clips
by Priscilla Y. Huff
Before approaching editors and/or publishers with an articles or book ideas, you should have garnered several published pieces or “clips” that demonstrate that you are qualified to write a coherent sentence or two.
What if you do not have any published samples of your writing?
Here are eleven suggestions:
Write a feature for your local organizations’ or clubs’ or college’s publications. Most organizations have regular newsletters for their members and usually welcome contributing writers.
Write press releases for your local library’s showcase of crafts or events.
Volunteer a column. As an amateur naturalist, I volunteered to write a monthly nature column, with photos and with related Bible verses for my church’s Sunday school newsletter.
Write a blog based on your profession and/or interest.
Enter writing contests.
Write a “Letter to an Editor” for a well-known magazine or newspaper.
Contribute how-to tips to publications’ featured departments.
Look for on- and off-line small literary publications that welcome new writers to add a story or non-fiction piece.
Write a web article for a person’s web site or a “guest” contribution for a person’s blog who is in your professional network.
Write reviews of products, books, movies, or other items for related Internet forums.
Build or do it and feature it. Bake or make a recipe, craft, or project from plans offered in a magazine. Photograph you and your completed task and send it into the publication with a written description.
Note: Keep a list of the Internet links of any of your posted published pieces for editors’ quick online reviews. These are just a few of the many ways to get those first published clips that will help you get that paying writing gig or book contract. Photocopy and print them out for your own portfolio.
Happy Writing!
Before approaching editors and/or publishers with an articles or book ideas, you should have garnered several published pieces or “clips” that demonstrate that you are qualified to write a coherent sentence or two.
What if you do not have any published samples of your writing?
Here are eleven suggestions:
Write a feature for your local organizations’ or clubs’ or college’s publications. Most organizations have regular newsletters for their members and usually welcome contributing writers.
Write press releases for your local library’s showcase of crafts or events.
Volunteer a column. As an amateur naturalist, I volunteered to write a monthly nature column, with photos and with related Bible verses for my church’s Sunday school newsletter.
Write a blog based on your profession and/or interest.
Enter writing contests.
Write a “Letter to an Editor” for a well-known magazine or newspaper.
Contribute how-to tips to publications’ featured departments.
Look for on- and off-line small literary publications that welcome new writers to add a story or non-fiction piece.
Write a web article for a person’s web site or a “guest” contribution for a person’s blog who is in your professional network.
Write reviews of products, books, movies, or other items for related Internet forums.
Build or do it and feature it. Bake or make a recipe, craft, or project from plans offered in a magazine. Photograph you and your completed task and send it into the publication with a written description.
Note: Keep a list of the Internet links of any of your posted published pieces for editors’ quick online reviews. These are just a few of the many ways to get those first published clips that will help you get that paying writing gig or book contract. Photocopy and print them out for your own portfolio.
Happy Writing!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Shout Out to Grammar Girl!
I've been making some really interesting finds during my weekly trip to the going-out-of-business sale at the local bookstore. One that I picked up last week was Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing. As I head into a brand-new semester and put my "teacher's hat" back on, this one definitely looked worthwhile.
Grammar Girl is the alias for technical writer and entrepreneur Mignon Fogarty, creator of the ultra-successful Grammar Girl podcast and Quick and Dirty Tips Network. Grammar Girl started hosting weekly podcasts in 2006 to help people answer those tricky grammar questions and ultimately help improve her listeners' usage and overall writing skills. Since 2006, she has become a bit of a writerly phenomenon, appearing on Oprah and sending weekly emails with grammar tips to her growing fan base.
I like what I've seen in her first book so far. The tone is conversational, so she makes it seem as if everyone casually discusses sticky situations like "affect" or "effect", punctuation, and the little spelling tricks that trip us all up from time to time (i.e. "a lot", "alot", "allot"; "they're", "their", "there"). Grammar isn't usually something I think twice about--I would say my usage is pretty strong--but since I'll be teaching first-year English again, I plan to spend quite a bit of time on grammar and I'm trying to pull from as many resources as possible. I can see Grammar Girl's book being right at the top of the list!
Any other required reading for sharpening those basic skills?
Grammar Girl is the alias for technical writer and entrepreneur Mignon Fogarty, creator of the ultra-successful Grammar Girl podcast and Quick and Dirty Tips Network. Grammar Girl started hosting weekly podcasts in 2006 to help people answer those tricky grammar questions and ultimately help improve her listeners' usage and overall writing skills. Since 2006, she has become a bit of a writerly phenomenon, appearing on Oprah and sending weekly emails with grammar tips to her growing fan base.
I like what I've seen in her first book so far. The tone is conversational, so she makes it seem as if everyone casually discusses sticky situations like "affect" or "effect", punctuation, and the little spelling tricks that trip us all up from time to time (i.e. "a lot", "alot", "allot"; "they're", "their", "there"). Grammar isn't usually something I think twice about--I would say my usage is pretty strong--but since I'll be teaching first-year English again, I plan to spend quite a bit of time on grammar and I'm trying to pull from as many resources as possible. I can see Grammar Girl's book being right at the top of the list!
Any other required reading for sharpening those basic skills?
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