A plot is the series of events that illustrate a story. It’s not the theme, the characters, the character arc, or the idea behind the novel — just what the characters actually do. Because it’s so simple, it’s easy to overcomplicate the plot and...
You’ve probably heard it’s important to have a strong online writing portfolio, and maybe you’ve thought about it putting one together. If you don’t have one yet, it’s time to revisit this tool — it might be what gets you your next gig. My site is a simple...
If you’re an author who reads about book marketing, it’s already been hammered into your brain that your email list is your lifeline to long-term success. Why? Because your email subscribers are your peeps. They are the readers who love you so much they want to...
What writer doesn’t dream of spending long days riding the rails while cranking out finely-crafted and inspired prose? Don’t forget about the chance to chat with mysterious and fascinating strangers in the dining car, and being rocked to sleep by the...
So you want to be a freelancer… but you don’t want to write under your own name. Maybe you want to be able to write political essays without your employer recognizing you, or submit personal essays without your family recognizing you (Hi, Mom!). Maybe you’re a woman...
If you’re like me, fellow freelance writer, you have a few (or more) clients that you have to pay attention to on the regular. While the ideal schedule might have you batching large chunks of time and only focusing on certain projects or client on certain days, there...
Flip open any print magazine and what do you see? Before the in-depth feature articles, you’ll find a collection of news briefs and short articles known as the “front of the book” or “FOB” section. Packed with short articles, it’s a freelancer’s best friend. This is...
Freelancers with multiple clients know that they can continue earning money even after a client relationship ends. When most of your income comes from one or two clients, however, you need to be prepared for what might happen if you no longer have those income...
Confession time: I write listicles. A lot of listicles. And it’s ruining me as a writer. In a fervent attempt to become a “real writer” (chews pen thoughtfully, staring off into the middle distance), I’ve recently made an effort to stop pitching listicles. No more...
When I first began freelancing, I was looking for a flexible, part-time work option that allowed me to be home with my infant and toddler during the day. Nearly two years later, I am freelancing from home full time and expecting the arrival of my third child within...
