What’s the greatest mystery of freelance writing? Generating ideas? Conducting interviews? Sending invoices? Nope. It’s pitching. Where should you send your queries? Which editor should you email? When should you follow up? If you’re anything like me, these questions...
Most writers need to know how to conduct efficient interviews. If interviewing is a major part of your freelance writing life, you’ve probably come across sources who have trouble putting their thoughts into words. Once you’ve found a source for an article, and...
My eyes crossed as I stared at the words I’d written. As they blurred and came back into focus, they looked different. A minute ago they flowed so smoothly, but now they seem ugly and awkward. Highlight, delete. Highlight, delete. I wondered why the blank page had...
While we’d all love to have an article or story appear in The New Yorker, the hard truth is that dream comes true for very few people. And as with any endeavor, one of the most important elements to writing success is creating and maintaining momentum — whether...
I arrived at Rivendell Writers’ Colony for the first time one November weekend just as the sun was setting. Signs along the long, winding gravel drive warned of a seven mile-per-hour speed limit. Apparently, I was on Rivendell time now. From the final bend in the...
From 2006 to 2013, I worked a stressful job that consumed nearly every waking hour of my life — and all for around $38,000 per year. I schlepped into the office for long hours, weekends and holidays, with little time left for “real living” after taking care of...
Writing book reviews can have all kinds of benefits for writers. There’s nothing like reading a book and writing about it to help hone word-wrangling chops. Different kinds of books can also expand people’s understanding of writing, especially varied styles....
When I went to bed on Nov. 8, I knew life would be different in the morning. Regardless of who you wanted to win the 2016 U.S. presidential election, you certainly felt a shift in the air on Nov. 9 — the understanding it was time for a change. From my vantage point,...
You probably know that to launch (or grow) a writing career, you need to pitch…and pitch…and pitch. But pitch whom? If you’re a magazine writer, there are too many publications out there to wrap your head around — or not enough, depending on your field....
Let me start by saying that working for myself as a freelance writer is one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time, for a whole host of unsurprising reasons. I set my own schedule. I have time and energy for creative projects I’ve long let languish. More often...
