Beth's Picks of the Week
I correspond with more freelance writers each week than I can usually count. It's a rewarding task, for sure. But through the years I've noticed that the majority of questions tend to run across two lines: How to make a decent living and how to keep ideas flowing towards you at a predictable pace (a.k.a. how to prevent the dreaded "writers block."

Never fear, I've got some fantastic resources for just these dilemmas.

The first resource, The Wealthy Writer: How to Earn a Six-Figure Income As a Freelance Writer (No Kidding!), is often referred to as the "Bible of freelance writing."

It's awesome, going beyond the average "how to get into print" advice and digs deep on landing lucrative assignments. Solid advice straight from Writer's Digest Books, The Wealthy Writer: How to Earn a Six-Figure Income As a Freelance Writer (No Kidding!) will become a reference you'll turn to again and again.

Yesterday I spoke with an aspiring writer whose passion for the written word nearly bubbled straight out her pores as she spoke.

She loved to read and yearned to pen a yarn that would change the world. "But I don't know how I can find ideas for my stories."

"Not a problem," I answered. Just check out Writing Magic: Creating Stories that Fly. It's easy to read and (best of all) dirt cheap.

This reference will ignite your creativity and get you writing fast. I highly recommend Writing Magic: Creating Stories that Fly. Whether you're a newbie just getting started in this fabulous biz or a seasoned veteran, you'll find the contents of this book to be a godsend every time you sit down to write.

The June Issue of The Creative Mindset Print Newsletter

I've been freelancing since 1995. Throughout that time, I've gone from the rosy-cheeked newbie with stars in her eyes on to the reality-based freelancer who ran after cash harder than Beckham pursues the soccer ball, and on to the thoughtful freelancer who understands the power of mindset; thoroughly believing that the inner conversation that takes place within each of you will always determine your level of success.

It's all about mindset, folks.

The electric dance that takes place between your ears is beyond important. Without a strong, solid mindset; without understanding the simple techniques you can use to control this all-important self dialog; without a solid plan to maintain a healthy rapport with yourself, your freelance career can suffer.

If you're a serious freelancer who wants to protect your muse, listen up.

The Creative Mindset Newsletter will arrive in your mailbox each and every month. Each issue thoroughly covers an important aspect of freelancing along with concrete strategies to keep your mindset at its creative peak.

It can be a tricky process, given that sometimes it feels like the world is conspiring to make you sink to their level; to extinguish your muse.

If you're anything like me, sometimes it's just exhausting to continually swim upstream, hanging out with everyone who lives in this so-called "real" world. All the while we struggle to exist in the magical worlds create inside our own minds.

It's crazy.

And we creative-types ought to stick together.

I hope you'll join me on this unique journey.

Click here.


Landing Paying Writing Gigs Is Easier If...

I've discovered that one of the most common mistakes newbie freelancers make is thinking that they are their own preferred reader... that the person who reads their writing shares many more similarities with them than they probably do.

You're a writer. That tells me you're passionate about writing, spinning a good yarn, conveying information in an engaging style. You maintain your writing biz and probably connect very strongly with the creative lifestyle. You love developing your own voice. You (in all likelihood) thrive on the challenge of a job well cone.

You probably read voraciously and live, breathe, and strive to be a living example of the writer lifestyle. 

Many writers assume that they are their constant reader.

Unfortunately, most readers are basically clueless about the writing process. They just want to read. In fact, they're more interested in discovering what your book, article, white paper, sales letter, whatever can do for them. They want to be entertained, learn something exciting, they want to "get" something out of what you write. Copywriters call this phenomenon "WIIFM", otherwise known as "What's in it for Me."

The average readers generally don't care about the secret structure of direct mail. They don't give a rip about how you stumbled upon a particular word choice. They've more than likely not taken the same classes you have, they haven't read the same (or even similar) books, they don't live, breathe, and immerse themselves in words.

So as you write, you need to pour yourself into their world.

You need to speak their language.

You need to read what they read.

You need to step into their shoes and start walking.

You need to connect with your target reader. Here's how...

If you live near a large bookstore, go and hang out in the section where your preferred readers hang out. Ask them questions about what they know about your subject and what their particular issues are. You'll discover that most people in bookstores are eager to share their experiences.

Trawl their favorite Yahoo Group.  Monitor their discussion lists.

Crawl into their skin, master their language, know them better than they know themselves.

Understand that the average American reads at about the sixth grade level (give or take). To make sure you're not writing above their head just grab a sixth grader, have them read what you've written and give 'em a buck for every word they don't understand.

With any luck, you won't break the bank. :)

Here are a couple examples I've gleaned from a few anonymous writer sites:

(SNIP) is the online community for writers and readers of all interests and skill levels. Whether you're an enthusiastic, creative writer looking for the perfect place to store and display your writing online or a casual reader searching for a good story, (SNIP) is the website for you!

So.... what 'cha think? Is it conversational? Sentences short? Do you suppose a sixth grader would stumble?

Here's another snippet:

Discuss the (SNIP)

(SNIP) discussion forums bring writers and publishing professionals from around the world together to share writing experiences. Join others discussing and exchanging ideas about the writing life and the business of writing. Share your expertise and experience or benefit from the expertise and experience of others.

How does this one stack up? Do you hear fellow writers talk like this when they're sitting together, shooting the breeze?

If you think even a higher-educated writing audience communicates the way these sites are written, I have a bridge to sell you.

Thing is, if you don't catch your audience from word one, you've just lost a reader.

You've got to get down to hard-core basics when you write. Speak directly to your reader. Connect with them on an emotional level.

Once you're able to connect with your precious readers on a deeper level... including the person who reads your latest query... you'll land far more writing gigs, you'll sell more, but best of all, you'll effectively communicate your message.

'Til next time,

Beth :)