Writer's Cramp?

Some call it writer's block, I'm calling it writer's cramp.  

When I arose this morning I was ready to write.  It made me think I'd worked through my latest writer's cramp.

When I've thought of the term writer's block, I've always had the picture of someone sitting in front of a blank screen needing to write something and having no ideas or inspiration.  I guess I could say I've felt that now and then. 

A writer's cramp, on the other hand, is more frightening.  For me, it might set in while I'm sitting there doing what I must do--web surfing and collecting ideas I'll put into a fodder folder.  My eyes become blurry, my neck begins to ache, and my self-talk begins to get negative to the point I can no longer carry on.  

With no writer's cramp, I'll go to the fodder folder, review the ideas, and start writing on one of them.  Don't worry, this isn't about plagiarism.  The material in my fodder folder acts as starter fuel. I'll use it to start on a topic, and before long, my mind spews out fresh new ideas.

With a writer's cramp, I'll look through my fodder folder and have zero inspiration.  Not only that, my head may start to hurt.  With writer's cramp I simply can't write. Worse than that, I don't want to write. I want to give up the notion and run away.

One of the perks of being a freelance writer today is I can do both research and writing without ever leaving home.  It is a good era for writers (especially introverts or lazy types).

Unfortunately, though, most of us also spend a fair amount of free time on our computer for entertainment.  So we end up sitting for enormous amounts of time, in the same chair, in front of the same screen.  When we reach a point of wanting to flee our computer, we know writer's cramp has set in.

Worse, when I suffer from writer's cramp, I'm not only unable to write, I want to quit the profession altogether.  With writer's cramp, I'm tempted to run out and find what appears from my standpoint to be a real job, with real pay, and real people to interact with.  

So I'll usually go on a rampage, searching the job boards, and applying for jobs.

Writer's cramp can be painful because what we thought we once loved, we suddenly despise.  We get brain freeze from too many words, grammar rules, and we never want to edit a single thing again!  Worry about slow sales sets in, and doubt about the career grows.

If you were to ask me if I create a plan or put myself on a writing schedule, I'd probably tell you I don't.   Much as a runner with a leg cramp can't run, a writer with writer's cramp can't write.  And we never really can predict when we will become cramped.  Schedule or no schedule, it's not only mentally unhealthy to work with a cramp, it may be impossible.

I don't like really long blog posts, so I'm going to end this one here.  Stay tuned for a continuation where I'll let you know how I work through writer's cramps. 

NEED TO BUY ARTICLES?

ticles. Constant-Cont

Original Articles. Constant-Content.

Collecting Inspiration

I migrate to articles that I feel might be important to read because:

1. They will help my personal growth.
2. They will teach me something new.
    
3. They will keep me current.
    
4. They will be fodder for my own writing.
    
5. They might be something I can share for my own content marketing.

While all the reasons contribute making me a better and more informed writer, it is number 4 I want to comment on.  

Usually when I'm researching or reading, I'm not also writing.  So when I come across what I call "fodder" (material that is used for a particular purpose), I will cut and paste it and save it into a Word document.  Usually the url is included for further reference.  

I might save a bunch of clippings together on one document, or I might save fodder on separate pages under separate file names.  I put them in a file called "Fodder".  I don't always title the file because using the first line as the file name usually works for me.  

INSPIRATION

When I'm looking for something to write on, I'll often skim through my fodder folder,  visually scan a file to see if it's a topic I "feel" like writing on.  If it isn't, I leave it for another time.  

If I choose to write on it, it usually doesn't take me more than a few sentences in to start seeing a new viewpoint I can put on the subject.  I try to rite a fresh angle.  In other words, I am not a "spinner".  I may be a sinner, but I'm not a spinner.  

RESAVING 

The finished article is then saved in my "Rough Drafts" folder under the new file name I give it.  The fodder file is closed and probably should be removed at that point, but usually I just leave it.  

When my article is ready for submission, after a few edits, I resave it in a "Submitted Writing" folder.  It is really helpful if I add a note to myself on the file confirming it indeed has been submitted.


You might have software that helps you do this more efficiently.  If so, good for you.  Why not leave your comments below so I can learn from you.  For now, this is what works for me. 

Just because I haven't written this week doesn't mean I'm no longer a writer.  

Just because I haven't earned pay from writing this week doesn't mean I'm not a professional quality writer.

The same goes for you.

My Writing Love-Hate Realationship

When you're a writer you can't help but write. Maybe you write in a journal.  Maybe you have stories constantly forming in your mind.  Maybe you type pages upon pages of random unpublished material.  Maybe you write a blog.  No matter how it comes out, it seems a writer must get "it" out. 

Writing freelance as a career for myself is a love-hate relationship.  Some days I believe I might as well work out there in the real world where I'd have a regular wage and know where I'm headed day upon day.

When freelancing, there's a lot of unpaid work done.  There's often a feeling of pushing other more tangible chores aside as a gamble that the time spent writing will pay off.

I often feel I must justify myself after not getting dishes done, beds changed, floors cleaned, and so on, because I've spent time writing.  I often get so caught up in writing, I have to rush a shower before getting to an appointment.  I've often hopped into the car a raggedy mess, since I've had a teen to pick up and not left enough time for changing my clothes or applying makeup.

It's a horrible way to live. It often feels like an imaginary job.  But having a real reliable job would minimize free-flow writing time and perhaps become frustrating.  A writer must write when the inspiration is there mustn't she?

When I make an article sale, I announce it as far and wide as I can.  Article sales justify my work.  Having a few digital ebooks eventually, will give me passive income (if promoted well).  Having a book on a shelf may or may not bring the satisfaction I crave.

Because I have other sources of income, I have been able to indulge my passion.  I've learned that my writing is mostly about the message I must get out more than the income I must bring in.

I have been justified by the boundaries of having/wanting to be there to drive my kids to school and their jobs, and to pick them up as needed.  I've justified my work by being the one to buy the groceries and put dinner on the table by 6 or 6:30.  But soon both kids will be in university.  I suspect then I should get a real job.

Now, the time has come for me to jump into the shower before an appointment.  If there are proofreading errors, please forgive them, this writer must now change hats.

WRITE RIGHT

Individuals "write" for a number of reasons. 

• It's a therapeutic hobby.
• They need blog posts.
• They want to create an e-book.
• They want to write a book.
• They want to sell articles.

I advise writing with a purpose in mind.  Sometimes it is to make a living.  I sell articles for a living.  That isn't what I'm referring to, though, when I say write with a purpose.  Here are some examples of purpose I have in mind:

• Your writing will instruct someone.
• Your writing will inspire someone.
• Your writing will point customers to your products or services.
• Your writing will entertain someone.

WRITE RIGHT

Focus on what your reader will gain by reading your writing.  As an example, my hope is as you read this blog, you will gain perspective that will help you hone your writing skills.  It is instructive, but I hope inspiring too. 

Done well, each of the scenarios can become income-producing.  Write in such a way that a would-be buyer will connect with your writing. Give them tips of value. 

Write about what you know.

I write on a variety of topics but try to stick to what I know best.  I have had invitations to write on a host of other topics from technology to solar power, but if these topics require too much research or involve a learning curve, I will never profit.  They will cost me too much time. Plus, I usually feel like a "fake" when I try to tackle things I know little about.

WRITE FROM EXPERIENCE

Instead I try to write on areas I am experienced in. 

Now you might be tempted to think you are only experienced in what you do as your main career.  Each of us, though, has many life experiences worth writing about. 

I have experience as a home buyer, parent, woman shopper, gardener, artist, church goer, car buyer, dog owner...Get the picture?


Writing what you know gives you the unique advantage of knowing an inside angle.  You might know how such an issue can go wrong and write about that.  You might know the right people close to the subject, giving you an insider's viewpoint.

WRITE FOR YOUR READER

When writing from what you know, resist making it about yourself.  One magazine platform I write for doesn't accept first person articles.  Removing myself from the writing has been a helpful exercise.

In one manuscript I'm working I have included first person.  I now find myself deleting large sections in the editing phase.  Some sections have too much information about me. 

Always keep your intended reader in mind and don't just fill their mind with encyclopedic information.  Give them solid takeaways.

Now, be kind enough to comment below.  Let me know if this gave you a takeaway?

Proofreader Errors Online

Forgive those with proofreading errors as you would have them forgive you.

Even good proofreaders and copyeditors make errors from time to time.

Buy Content from Outside Writers

When you have an online magazine or a website you want to keep optimized you will need ongoing fresh material.  Whatever your chosen themes, usually there are several angles they can be written from.  That means you can repeat themes.  But don't repeat them just for the sake of loading content or keywords.  Upload content that says something worth saying.

Choosing to purchase from outside writers will give you a greater chance of discovering fresh angles. 

Why is Content Updating Important?

It's important to include new material on your site because, in an ever changing world, clients need to be kept up-to-date on trends.  You can become their go-to place for new information.

When you are an expert in a certain field, your clients will let you (maybe even expect you to) do the homework they have no time to do themselves.  Over time, with good content, they will learn to trust your expertise.

Your goal should be to have customers look for your latest content, share your content, comment and talk about your content.  Your content should make a reader want to bookmark your page, add you to their RSS Feed, sign up for your newsletters, hire you, or buy your products. 


New fresh content will help optimize your site as web crawlers search for the latest material to include in their search engines.  But search engines aren't the only ones using crawlers, crawlers can be used by anyone searching for  information in an organized manner to be used for a variety of reasons.  Ensure you're found!

Use Freelancers for Article Writing and Blog Posts

Yes, you can purchase web content from an outsider to be used on your site.  You can put your name on it if you buy the full rights.  This doesn't make you less of an expert, it just means the craft of writing isn't your focus of expertise; the subject matter of the articles is your focus.

When you purchase pre-written or requested articles for full rights you can still personalize the material. You can put your name or your company name into the article and add links.  You can change thoughts that don't apply to your business or things you don't quite agree with. 

Purchasing rights is always the better way to use material thereby avoiding plagiarism by trying to re-write something you haven't paid for.

Content is a Vital Marketing Tool 

It is a constantly changing society and one that reads daily.  More people spend time on their computers than reading newspapers or books.  More people look online for solutions and they want to discover what's most current. 

Since there are many ways to cross-promote your business online, if done well, you will never truly be able to predict how a client will find you.  Would-be clients might click a link in Twitter.  They might click a link in LinkedIn.  One writer they follow may have a link on their page your website.  You'll need to have ongoing new material to post if you're to be discovered.

The Internet is like a playground where new friendships and discoveries are made.  It's important to be involved in the playground to effectively do business today.  Don't underestimate the power of adding web content to your blog or website and then adding the links to your Twitter feed, Facebook and Linkedin pages.

Transcripts and Re-Writes

I do audio transcriptions in addition to writing, proofreading and copyediting.  

     A client might want to have his/her audio transcribed to turn it into an e-book, to offer as a freebie, or to offer as an alternative for the customer that doesn't want to listen to an audio or watch an entire video.

    Now, if you're a speaker, chances are you have repeated yourself in your audio.  Speakers are encouraged to repeat important points for impact.  

     In writing, if something has already been said, to say it again might imply the reader is too daft to get the point.  For this reason, you may not want your transcription to be exactly the same as your audio.

     You could have your audio transcribed verbatim and save money by then editing it yourself since by then it will be in an editable MS Word document.  

 

     An alternative is to have your audio edited and/or re-written.  In this case, it is good to hire a transcriptionist who is also a copyeditor and writer.  

GET QUOTES 

     Have your transcriptionist/writer give you a quote for both the transcription, editing, and/or re-writing.

     It can be a pricey process.  For instance, it can take me an hour just to transcribe 10 audio minutes.  No, I am not going to do the work for $3 an hour like some offshore transcriptionists might; and, you will get what you pay for. 

     With a transcriptionist like myself, you can expect to pay upwards from $80 for a 60-minute verbatim audio.  With basic copyediting included for flow, it would expect upwards from $100. For additional re-writing, estimate $130.

     If you send the work out to two separate service providers, it will cost you more; transcriptionist $80; editor/re-writer upwards from $130--for a total of over $200. 

 

Style Guides and Rules of Writing

We embrace innovation.  We encourage new forms of communication.  We love creativity. We self-publish.  Rules are broken...well, not all the rules.

I've been taking a proofreading and copyediting course recently.  I'd like to broaden the work I do in that area.  Nevertheless, the course has reminded me of all the different style guides and style books I need to study.  Rules continue to be made and followed even in these older more established guides, believe it or not.

It can be overwhelming. Nevertheless, I choose to trust I have great English grammar skills and a good sense of writing flow.  It develops when I write.  So write I must.  And from there I'll see what happens.

What style guides do you follow?

Where Entrepreneurs Can Buy Content

Entrepreneurs have enough balls to keep in the air.  They'll need fresh material for their blog posts, though, articles to add to their website resource files, and perhaps other cross-promotion type material.

Entrepreneurs may be good at many things and writing may or may not be one of those things.  Writing is time consuming.  To help close the gap, there are a number of freelance writers available to write for them.

Writers also post pre-written material on sites such as www.Constant-Content.com.

Why Buy Pre-written?

Pre-written content is helpful to the entrepreneur who's run out of ideas of what to add or write on next.  A buyer can look through a batch of pre-written articles at Constant-content.com and choose those that are suitable.  He can buy exclusive rights.  With the full rights license the business owner can alter the articles to suit his needs.

The entrepreneur can take purchased articles and compile them into e-books or use as workshop materials.  Any entrepreneur can use pre-written articles, making them their own.  

How I Write and Sell Web Content

I write and sell web content. I write articles, blog posts, website blurbs for clients.
 
Without the need for web content, I don't have a job.


HOW DO I WRITE AND SELL WEB CONTENT?


I write on a variety of topics.  My work is picked up by a conglomeration of varied buyers.  I actually prefer to sell my own pre-written material on topics I’ve chosen, but always look at what’s been requested and what’s selling.

I usually try to specialize in what I’m most knowledgeable about or interested in.  I do research constantly too and try to keep up with current trends.
 

I sell most of my work through www.Constant-Content.com.  They take a cut, but it’s kind of like my cost of doing business.  Why do I sell this way?  


a) Because I’ve developed a trustworthy relationship with Constant-Content.

b) Because they provide expert editing.  The editing advice I receive on pieces as needed, helps me learn what I may not already know and helps me mature as a writer. 

c) They draw buyers which saves me having to look for them.

d) They collect the payment from the client.

e)  They pay me on time as promised.


Help freelancers like myself stay in business!  Buy pre-written content for your newspaper, magazine, blog, website or ezine.
 

For my web content, see my profile page under my pen name Joy R. Calderwood at www.Constant-Content.com or visit my website at www.RosalieGarde.com.

Magazine Writing

GIFT SHOP BROWSING

I just returned from a short trip that included a stop at a gift shop. There's something about me that may never change which is my love for visiting gift shops.  I'm a self-confessed gift-shop junkie.  

One area of airport gift shops I'm always drawn to is the magazine racks.  There are magazines on almost every subject to be had.  

Yes, of course we can read all types of information on the Internet, but one thing magazines do is provide gorgeous glossy pictures.  I'm a visual learner and artist, and pictures draw me in.  

MAGAZINE WRITING 

It is still tedious querying to write for a magazine.  I don't know how many magazines have stepped out of former routines and are now purchasing content through new means.  For instance, articles and fillers can be picked up easily through content provider Constant-Content.  

Of course with all the web content available, magazine purchases have taken a dip.  You might have noticed the resulting compensating price increases on magazines.  (I paid almost $20 for a magazine for my daughter this week),  Still, writers and photographers still need to earn a living.  

No matter what you find on the web, there will always be a place for magazines.  As a writer, pitch in to keep magazines alive by buying a few.

Exclamation Marks

To my friends who are emerging writers, here's an important TIP:

Overuse of an exclamation mark (!) is a sign of immature writing. Exclamation marks can distract a reader. Try to use your words to create emphasis instead.

Make your writing more "mature" by using exclamation marks sparingly.

Use Your Gift

Writers' best gifts are within them.  Their gift for writing stems from a combination of their life experiences,  education, personal passions, current areas of study, their relationships, and whatever else is unique to them.

Writers take all the aforementioned, churn it about, and release it into content in a voice of their own.

Each writer's content is unique because it flows from their unique brain, unique set of experiences and all the aforementioned.  That is, unless they've been caught up in copying others.

Many writers get stuck in a temptation to copy.  Then there are times they write from their heads onto a blank piece of paper only to find similar pieces online.  Temptation to copy is always present.  Feeling as though you've been copied is angering.  These, however, are conditions of a writers' calling.  Their calling includes risk especially when much of their writing is online for the world to see (or copy).  Sometimes the coincidental similarities writers find are merely a product of current trends of the day to which they've been exposed.  Many today do talk in a similar voice.

As a writer, don't deny your gift!  Don't get caught up in all the would-bes or what-ifs.  Use your gift.  Use it in multiple ways.  Use it in good times and in bad.  Use it regardless of pay.  Use it because you know it will make someone's life better and your own more joyous and complete.

Challenge Yourself to Write

Try challenging yourself to write.  Yes, at times I feel I need to be in the mood.  I need to have inspiration.  Sometimes I just need to start writing.  Today I challenged myself to write 4 articles.  I challenged myself to do my first one in 15 minutes.  I did it.  It is now saved and simmering to be edited later.

Here's what helped:

1. On another day I'd come across some material I thought might make a good topic.  My writing is sold at Constant-Content.com so I choose topics I feel will sell to the audience that visits there.  This topic stuck out (topic was fear), so I'd printed out ideas from a few websites and left them on my desk for a later.  Often I'll create a word document and gather ideas and save them.  Both methods are equally effective.
2. Then I sat down not to copy from the printed material, but to have a conversation in my head about the topic. My thoughts would come out my fingertips (as I'm doing now).  The material was merely supportive.  I liked the tips it offered.  When I got to a place in my conversation where I needed a practical tip or the next paragraph direction, I glanced at the paper.  I adapted what I read to suit my article.  

So what I'm saying helps is to gather material you can use at a later date, and to write as though you're talking to someone.

Temptation to Copy or Plagarize

Even deciding to write on this topic in a way I'm plagiarizing because I chose to write this a few days after reading another person's blog post on this topic.

COMMON THINKING

Avoiding copying, plagiarizing breaking copyright laws, and so on, is hard, mostly because there are a lot of topics that we all tend to study and are knowledgeable about.  Writing thoughts on the same topic isn't plagiarism, but writing almost word-for-work is.
 
Many of us sign up for the same blogs, read similar books, newspapers, magazine articles, etc.  The information we learn sticks in our mind.  We are a sharing generation and want to share what we have learned.

It can be hard not to copy when tackling a topic or offering tips you've read elsewhere that are so valuable you want to pass them on to your readers. 

Let's say another article teaches me having a pet can ease lonely feelings.  That isn't just someone's idea, it is a pretty proven fact.  Also, forcing yourself to get out of the house to meet new people is also a good solution.  If I include these fact in an article on relieving loneliness, does that make me a plagiarist?  It's complicated.

TODAY'S COMMON TOPICS

When we "live" in similar circles, we tend to learn the same things, talk the same language, so to speak.

In my writing for a certain website, there are many requests for certain topics.  Yes, I often rehash the same topics other writers have.  Most of us share commonly known information.  The question is, when does it become plagiarism?

Let's say, for instance, I've learned a few tips on building a platform, developing a social media network or pitching a small business.  Some of the tools I might include in my article are the same tools many others are teaching clients in courses or writing about.

DID THEY STEAL THIS?

I've read many articles that I think I could have written.  When another writes in a similar style to me, or shares similar information to what I have written on in the past, I begin to wonder if I've been copied.  The truth is, there are many of us that think alike and that's what it is about in many cases.

Yes, I've been copyright violated.  It makes me mad when I discover that.  I've also sold articles on use licenses and that means the buyer can use my piece where he wants.  I have to be careful not to incorrectly judge a piece--it may have been fairly paid for.



RESISTING CUT AND PASTE

It's so easy to cut and paste and spin an article around or to use another person's information in your own ebook.  It is, however, unethical and, in some cases, illegal.

In order to make your writing genuine:

1.  If you cut and paste, make a note that it is verbatim from someone else.  If you journal ideas, make a note in the column which write author, book and page # it came from. If you don't you may incorrectly think it's a piece you started writing, use it and get caught.
2. Type from your heart.  Don't just list facts.  Think about why you're writing what you are and what you want your reader to learn from it.  Then include only the most important points and make it sound like they came from you (even though you may not be writing in first person).
3. Put your own spin on it.  Try to pull something out that's different about the topic.  Use different examples, look at it from another viewpoint, etc.

Stay true to form, ethical, fair and do your best.  Forgive others as you hope they will forgive you if you slip up.

Why? Because I Can. It's My Property! - Writers Take Lots of Punches

Why?  Because I can.  It's my property!

When starting to sell articles, your nose will get out of joint many times due to a variety of causes.

• You will get rejections from proofreading editors, publishers, and clients.  It will hurt.  When hit with the rejection punch you may want to cry.  You might want to walk away and give up.  Of course, most writers are right brained artist types who are known to have a starving artist archetype, so it only makes sense to beat oneself up.
• When you gain a private request, you will spend time researching the topic, perhaps visiting the website or blog of the person you're writing for.  You will eventually realize you are spending more time researching for the article than you will be paid for.  Your nose skin starts to crinkle as you feel time ticking away.
• Once you write the mammoth 500 word piece, you'll try a variety of phrasing, include some researched topics only to delete them later.  You'll move things around, read out loud, ask yourself if it makes sense, go have a shower, and a cold drink and come back to edit it again.  You probably will even leave it a day and edit it again the next, after all, you want to perfect your craft.  Then it dawns on you that hours upon hours have past and the client's quoted price will only clear $19.50.  Something begins to stink and your nose is met with another powerful punch:  You discover your client charges $39.50 per hour to her clients.  Your client isn't even willing to pay what she herself would charge!  By this time,you've written for 3 hours and still have to upload the piece, write a summary, add keywords, and so on.  You do the math and realize you'll make $5.50 an hour if it sells.
• You hear back from the client that she wants something in it changed. She expresses disapproval of something you've poured your heart and personal time into.  At this point, your nose really aches it is so badly out of joint.  At this moment, you choose whether to agree and edit it further, to ask for more money to do so, or decide to withdraw it.  It is your privilege.   What would you do?
• You decline and the article remains unsold, but to add an over-the-top response, the person who owns the third party site which you have given a percentage of your earnings to for several years doesn't stick up for you.  They don't just declare a non-sale and live with it, they threaten to not give you more work if you don't comply--as though they own you.  That could be the final knock out.  Or not.  You can choose to dust yourself off and keep setting boundaries instead.  Who needs to work for someone that doesn't appreciate them?

In a freelance relationship where no contract is signed or payment promised, you risk using your time for a maybe proposition.  But just as a client has a right to decline your article, you have a right to pull it.  You don't have to agree to anything that seeks to take advantage of you, your time and your skills.

This article cannot be copied.  If you'd like to purchase this article, contact the blog owner. $45 use.

Accepting My Gift

I am getting more writing done than ever.

I am getting better at writing.

I'm loving writing.

I'm not shy to say I write.

I'm not shy to say I write and sell articles.

I'm comfortable with my gift at last.


One day back in around 2004, I was looking for my next significant calling in life beyond being an Executive Assistant and then an at-home mom.  I recall seeing a neighbour home during the day.  I had never met her, but I began to imagine what I thought she did for a living.  I can't explain why, but I imagined she was a writer.  I didn't narrow down who she wrote for or where she got projects.  I just imagined her life as a writer, if she indeed was one, must have been very fulfilling and high paying.  I was actually jealous.

That was before I realized just how hard it is to get writing gigs and make sales.  That was before I realized the publishing business was going into the dumper and writers were paid actually paid peanuts unless they were a major author.  That was before I actually considered myself a writer.  That was before I'd earned any money as a writer.

Well, as it turned out, this neighbour was not a writer.  She'd been laid off from a job and was in between work as--guess what?  An executive assistant!

What I find very funny is now I am that woman I imagined.  I am a writer who gets to drink coffee at a comfy desk in a home office.  I get to manage my workload and use my talent.  I get to find clients and try to sell my work.  I am a writer!
 

What Makes You a Writer?

What makes you a writer?  Every writer can write her own definition.  To say that I have the only definition of a writer would be completely contrary to the open and free less-ruled life today's generation of artists enjoy.  You see today, innovation is king.

Innovation changes the world.  It happens when someone takes a creative idea and puts it into trial.  As a writer you are free to try whatever your creative mind desires.

Is the outcome the measurement of whether or not you're a writer?  If you're putting out writing, then you are a writer.  If you have a piece to show, then you are a writer.  If you show a piece publicly, you are even more a writer.  If you sell a piece, you are truly a writer.  If you write a piece someone else reads or sings, you are a very creative writer.  If you write something that becomes a great and well-known hook, you're an acclaimed writer.

If the piece you put out is poorly written you are a writer who writes poorly.  If the piece you put out is too odd and unique for some, you may be a writer before your time or a niche writer.

A writer is not someone that takes writing courses, journalism classes, or is a member of a writers' guild, that is, not unless they are completing pieces and sharing them.  Just being part of a writing club does not make you a writer.  That is why I laugh when I see advertisements that require an applicant have a degree in journalism.  The question is, have they written anything since school?

Write and complete pieces.  Put your writing out there.  Proudly say you are a writer.

Wanting to Write a Book?

Be leary of self-publishing sites.  There are many.  Some merely want to make money off you and print a book that will never sell.  Why would they turn down someone who's willing to give them several hundreds of dollars to produce something that costs them little?

Read the small print.  Sometimes a publisher retains the rights to your material.  Some will only pay you a small royalty.  Some will restrict where and how you can sell. 

Do you want to make $0.10 or $1,000?

If you merely want a coffeetable book, or one to hand out for free at a special event, and you don't care about earning money and retaining full rights then it matters less. 

If you want to earn from your book, though, you will want a few things included:

• Good editing.  Don't believe publishing houses that tell you your book doesn't need editing.  Another set of eyes is always helpful. 
• A realistic deal that helps you profit from sales.
• A good marketing plan.

Get Your Agreement and Order Right

Agreement and order. 

As I wrote an article for a client wanting real estate articles for his publication, it dawned on me how easily we can skim over agreement and order.  I know there's probably a more official name for it, but I'm not an official type of writer, so forget it.

Here's an example of what I mean.  Look at this:

Rent or Buy Housing:  What is Better for You?  (title)

(body)
Rent or own, there are reasons for both...  (improper)
Rent or buy, there are reasons for both...(proper, notice it reflects the wording in the title.  Of course buy means the same thing as own, it just is better to use the same wording.)

...in their lifetime most will have both bought and rented... (improper)

...in their lifetime most will have both rented and bought... (proper, words are in same order as title)

 

...is a time to rent and a time to own...(improper)

...is a time to rent and a time to buy...(proper)

Now in this blog post, I could have said, "it's easy how we can skim over our order and agreement.."  but notice that would have the words "agreement" and "order" in reverse order.  Get it?

 

 

Do You Have the Urge to Write?

Often a writer will know she loves to write, but jumps from there to asking what will I do with my writing?  Writers often want the reassurance that their writing isn't time wasted. 

When it comes to being a writer, the first person that needs to be convinced is often the writer herself.  If she is to fulfill her life call as a writer, though, she must resist the urge to view it as merely a  dream.  There are bigger reasons she loves to write.  There is a world to bless.

WHAT MAKES A WRITER A SUCCESS?

Successful writers include both those whose unpaid writing stirs, guides or blesses others as well as those who earn pay for their writing.  A writer needs to be convinced that she had been given the gift of writing for reasons beyond herself. 

If you're to fulfill your life calling and love to write, then write.  Then publish it online.  Try to sell it.  Publish in print.  Get it out there for eyes to see.


 

Don't Let What You Don't Know Stop You

Do you ever feel stupid when someone points out a grammar mistake you've made, say on your blog?  Ever feel stupid when you mispell a word or the name of a President or Prime Minister?  Do you feel you rely on Google Search too much as a writer?

Don't let grammar and mispellings stop you from writing.  I have sent in many articles only to have my editors use the harsh words "rejected" due to errors. I'm regularly surprised at errors I make and rules I never knew.

Here's the thing about writers that makes errors okay.  Writers are like meat grinding machines.  That's right, I said meat grinding machines.  I'm picturing the kind of little hand-powered tool my mother used to use to mince either ham or Spam with pickles to make the most delightful little crustless sandwiches for a church function. 

Writers do more than put out writing.  They take something--anything common in life--like ham or Spam--and somehow are able to make it into something more, something new, something spicy.  Writers can make a story or life lesson out of just about anything.  It's how their grinding tool--or rather noggin works.

If you're like me, your noggin is churning all the time, and that is what makes you a writer!  And for that you are forgiven of errors! 

What's Your Tone?

Tone varies from person to person, post to post, article to article.  There is a time and purpose for every tone.

Today, most online articles are written in a conversational tone, which is a giant leap from the "reporting" or "speech giving" tone of yesterday.

Even a conversational tone can vary.  You may chose to "converse" tongue-in-cheek, you may choose to use slang, you may choose to use sarcasm, you may use assertive or powerful words.

Practice a variety of styles and see what works for you. 

If you're trying to brand yourself, you will want to stay with one style.

Writing Online Content

It is imperative content writers learn to write quick and snappy paragraphs.  Most readers today are scanners.  The quicker they can absorb information, the quicker they can move on.

For this reason, many conventional writing rules are broken.  Today's writing requires more paragraph breaks so that paragraphs are short and easily readable.  No long explanations are needed.  Getting to the point quickly is key.

ONLINE CONTENT WRITING TIPS

The most popular ways to write successful content include:

1. Short snappy sentences.
2. Numbered lists.
3. Bolded headings.
4. Modern terminology.
5. Editing out unnecessary wording and explanations.

Adding a closing statement is still suggested.  End your article with a sentence or two that ties it all in together.  This way your reader isn't left hanging.  When you write your next piece of web content, see if you've included most these tips.

Where to Get Your Web Content

One of the places I sell articles, website blurbs, blog content, etc. is through Constant-Content.com.
 
Finding Constant-Content was really a miracle in the making for a writer like me.  It was even an answer to prayer!  One day I did some Google searching for places to sell articles.  I'd been registered with Elance as a writer for some time by then, but wasn't getting work.  During my search, I discovered a few places other places to try and one was Constant-Content.

I tried writing for Constant-Content and had three articles accepted right away.  They have a tough editing process where every article submitted is carefully scrutinized, so you can imagine how I felt getting those three articles pushed through so quickly.  I then sold my first article within the same month of starting to write and submit to them.  How energizing!

Who buys articles, blurbs and blog content from writers?  There are millions of people who need articles for their websites or online magazines.  They may want articles related to what services they offer or sell, fillers, or fresh content to keep their site optimized.

Writing articles is time consuming and it often makes sense for website owners to purchase the rights to use pre-written articles as they wish.    Some of these buyers spell out the details of what they need.  Others scroll through the extensive collection already written and still available.

Articles generally sell between $20 and $60.

  

Create Dynamic Tension in Your Writing

New Tips for Writers:

Every good fiction book needs to include pain and conflict followed by detailed attempts at pain resolution, if the story is to be more than grandma's garden variety brand of story telling.

If your story is to captivate an audience willing enough pay money to buy it, you will need to create something that catches the reader's attention. 

Once you have an idea of the pain or list of pains your character or characters either have or will endure, the story can then become the unfolding account of attempts at resolving the pain resolution.  In fiction, the pain and conflict can be outrageous and fantastic; after all, fiction stories do their best when they transport the reader into a new world.

WRITING IN PAIN AND CONFLICT FOR NON-FICTION BOOKS

Non-fiction books and articles can follow a similar format in order to pack an impactful punch.  A non-fiction book or article can talk to a need (pain), but the pain will be more common to the intended reader (how can you sell books or articles if there aren’t enough readers with a similar problem, right?).  The problem or pain will be one the reader wants an answer for and to which he is willing to fork over cash in order to solve.

Once the pain is identified in the non-fiction book, the writer can proceed with telling the stories of typical conflicts a person may experience while trying to resolve his/her pain.  To pack a wallop, the non-fiction book needs to have at least one but hopefully more good takeaways, otherwise the reader may feel the book was a waste of money and give it a bad review or rating, or non at all.

To write with this dynamic tension concept in mind, include these guidelines:

·              In fiction, focus on what the character in the story wants

·              In non-fiction, focus on what the reader wants or for a memoir type story, the pain of the author

·              Address self-created obstacles and questionings

·              Address obstacles or aids created by the immediate circle of relationships and environment

·              Outline obstacles thrown in by the outside world that the character may have little control over

·              Have your character lose some battles and win others—and in non-fiction, have your reader consider a number of problem-solving options

Writing Tip - Outlining Your Manuscript After It's Written, to Improve Flow

When a writer is compelled to write, she/he will sit down and spew creatively and freely, not worried about sentence structure, punctuation, wordiness and so on.  (Unfortunately, blogging isn't so forgiving and needs editing right away if you are to appear knowledgeable on any level).  

Once a writer has 300 pages or so of wonderful creativity, the problem then becomes how they edit it to ensure it flows and makes sense since no one can read 300 pages in one sitting? Learning to use the Table of Contents feature in MSWord is very helpful for this. I speak here of non-fiction, though fiction would be able to use this as well.  

USING THE TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURE

Here is how to set up a Table of Contents (TOC).  In my version of Word, I go to Insert, then Reference, Index and Tables, and choose Table of Contents (TOC).

Choose to Show 4-5 levels and choose Show Outlining Toolbar.

Then go to your document and highlight your titles assigning levels.  For instance, Level One might be Part One, or Chapter 1.  After highlighting the title, go to the outlining toolbar and choose Level 1.

Proceed with each sub-title, assigning levels. 

To use a table of contents for editing purposes, I recommend allowing hyperlinks – which means when you Control-click on a heading in your TOC it will take you to that section.

When using this as an unofficial table of contents for editing purposes, you can even add levels that simply explain what the page or chapter is about. 

When you’ve gone through the entire manuscript, then go back to Insert, Reference, TOC and choose Modify.  It will put your TOC all together for you. 

When editing your manuscript, the TOC will help you see the existing order and help you identify if there is flow, identify changes and jump to sections easily.

Unpaid Work of a Writer

It is hard to make an income doing freelance writing.  A lot of work is done on spec.

on spec

Definition (from www.investorwords.com)

Doing a job without any guarantee of being paid, in the hope of winning future business.

My Definition:

Writing to develop ideas and create a product that in the future can be sold.

Writers that write on spec do so because they love to write.  Their writing isn't financially driven alone.  

Where a writer doesn't get paid is in doing research, bidding time, conversing with the client, editing and re-editing time, in the administration of uploading to a potential buyer, etc.  Even once a project is sent in it could be rejected or not picked up. 

There can be other issues too:  One writer had a buyer come back and demand a collection of her rough notes.  There was no agreement suggesting she would have to comply if requested.  The only reason she might comply would be to smooth the waters and keep the customer--and on spec proposition.  

The customer had not suggested he'd pay her for the rough notes or the time it would take to send him the rough notes.  This writer was in a bind.  Worst of all, the writer spent precious time she could have been writing and perhaps earning money elsewhere on worrying and trying to figure out this unpaid problem.  

If I were her I would have asked for additional funding to do this or just moved on and not complied.  Why should writers appease people for free?  Just my thoughts.

A NEW DICTIONARY

On another note, with all the new dictionaries springing up I found this one which I can see meets a niche of its own.  Should be very useful: http://www.investorwords.com

To Write Well You Must READ

To develop as a writer:

Read.  When you read, watch what other publishers have done with punctuation.  There are so many rules around, but today, many are changing the rules.  Many are leaving commas out, for instance.

Read to develop your style.  Read to develop your vocabulary.  The Urban Dictionary may be a valuable resource to use.  Don't depend on Microsoft Word's grammar checker.  It is often incorrect and often isn't up-to-date with new words.

Read to stay current so you can write current.

Read online articles, magazine articles, books, blogs.

Practice writing summaries of what you've read.  Learn the art of highlighting and re-writing--putting things into your words.

Writing You, Your, They, Their - What's Best?

When you're writing articles for web content use, it is suggested you don't write in first person.  That means no "I" stories.  Of course, if your blog is personal in nature you may.

Another tip is to use "we" loosely.  Apparently, once you personalize your piece, you turn a few readers away. 

Generalizing for a wide audience is best. 

Using "you" is good.

It is also best if you don't use the term "one", such as in this sentence:

• When going to the hair stylist, one might decide to bring his own shampoo.

There are ways to work around that.  Use the word "person" or "people", for instance:

• When going to the hair stylist a person may want to bring his own shampoo.
• When going to the hair stylist people may choose to bring their own shampoo.

Change the sentence around even more:

• You may want to bring your own shampoo when you go to the hair stylist.
• When you go to the hair stylist, you may want to bring your own shampoo.
• Clients may want to bring their own shampoo when they go to their hair stylist.

Using He or She

Now, the problem with the sentence above that used "person" also required the term "his" or "her".  (If you say a person, it is never "their".)

You can, however, use "their" or "they" in a similar way as "you", if used correctly.  Example:  Whenever you visit the veterinarian, always thank him; he studied hard to get where he is.  OR  When you visit veterinarians, always thank them; they studied hard to get where they are.

Virtual Editing and Proofreading

Virtual editing and proofreading is something a good writer can get into as a sideline.  If you're good at proofreading (that is pointing out sentence structure errors, punctuation problems and mis-use of words), you could start an online business.

Ask your clients to send you their document in MSWord as an email attachment.  Then use the "track changes" feature in MSWord to make changes.  Return both a marked-up copy to show the suggested changes, and a final copy by return email.  Rarely is a hard copy needed.

Ask for payment by cash, cheque, or PayPal.  If you can live on a trust system, you can send them their document or part of prior to payment being mailed or delivered.  People will want to have their work in hand before they release money. 

Let it Simmer

Sometimes when we begin selling our writing we think we've conquered it and can write fast and put it out there just as quickly.  Also, knowing how long it takes to research, write and edit makes it tempting to try and do quick jobs in order to increase our dollars per hour earnings. 

Yes, writing and editing can be time consuming.  If you are writing on consignment, with no promise of pay, it can be challenging to earn a living.

Still, it is really best to let your piece simmer at least over night, if not over a few days, before publishing it or sending it to your client.  Usually, when re-reading your work with fresh eyes you will see glaring errors and discover changes to make that would make it read better. 

Why waste rejection when you could wait a day or two and send in a stellar piece?

EAL ESL Proofreading and Editing

ESL/EAL?

  

Is English your second or additional language?  

There is a writing, proofreading and editing market for this sector.

Many people need help with written work here in Canada and the USA.  The work can range from a newcomer needing to fill out government forms to an engineer writing a report. It might include a university professor or a student. 

Some people I've helped with their written work have included:

• A scholar submitting scientific journals  
• An executive needing his CV tweaked
• A BSc student applying to med school
• High school students needing essays proofread
• An MBA student's multiple submission of documents 
• A recent immigrant's government documentation 
• A Professional Engineer submitting a report

I offer my services virtually.  I don't ever have to meet a client face-to-face!

If you are a writer and want to help out this market try these methods:

• Put ads in online directories such as www.Kijiji.com; www.craigslist.com; www.foundlocally.com
• See if you can post an ad in your local school or college.
• Use word of mouth.
• Spend time in the ESL/EAL communities getting to know people who may need your help.
• Do quality work and don't get pushed around.

If you will do this work, set boundaries. For instance, it won't help a student if you significantly change their writing. Their professor or potential employer needs to see a true representation of them. 

Be careful to ask if there is a specific guideline/format you're to follow eg. APA, ALA, CMOS or other. Scientific writing is much different than writing for the arts. 

Decide how you will do this work. When I started, I worked in person with one client and another author brought a thumb drive to my house and picked up the changes that way. Then I began email exchanges with clients. I always edit in MS Word with track changes on. I send back a marked up and a final copy. I allow one revision in the price quotation.

I have found I need to charge more for most ESL/EAL writing when the grammar is extremely choppy. It takes time for me to gain understanding of what is being communicated. That is more than simple editing. It is making the writing make sense. 

I used to send back the work and then forward an invoice to be paid through paypal. I had one student who wanted to ignore the invoice and when did pay it complained about having to pay the Paypal service fee. In the future I may only return half a document until it is fully paid. 

If you have an idea of how to do this more effectively, perhaps with a document download prevention program until payment arrives, that would be ideal. 

My Help for the ESL/EAL Student

I live in Southern Ontario Canada but I can edit your ESL/EAL, in most cases, no matter where you live!

If you need proofreading or editing of your project, let me know how I can help, or visit my website at www.RosalieGarde.com for further information.