April 19, 2010
Recommended Reading
Hiya Freshman Writers! Hope this finds you well and writing. Today I hit a wall and couldn’t think of what to share with you this week about the wonderful world of writing. So, I decided to share my weekly reading list. I get several enewsletters every week as well as RSS feeds from writing websites that I check out every day. Not only do I feel great about learning about the craft of writing, but I also get information on new tips, ideas and products for writers.
Happy Reading!
Freelance Writing at About.com – As the freelance writing guide, Allena Tapia provides fresh content every week about freelance writing. Not only does she share industry news, tips, and listings, she also shares her thoughts and experiences as a freelance writer.
Funds for Writers - Hope Clark offers Four great newsletters for writers: FFW Small Markets, Writing for Kids, and Funds for Writers, which are all free and Total Funds for Writers which is a paid subscription of articles, market listings and more! Hope shares news on grants, writing jobs as well as insight into freelance writing.
Freelance Writing Jobs – Deb Ng’s network is a great place not only to finds jobs daily, but also to read up on various types of writing: freelance writing, article writing, blogging, etc. Deb invites all her readers to jump into the fray and offer their two cents about writing.
The Prosperous Writer – I’ve been writing about this newsletter A LOT over at my portfolio. Each week I get this goody in my inbox from Christina Katz highlighting one of 52 qualities that successful writers have. I found out about Christina after signing up for one of her classes back in 2005. I’ve followed up by subscribing to her newsletters. In this newest one, Christina shares how these qualities can help you be a success! Not only that, she still offers classes and mentoring as well as shares her adventures in the world of writing.
June 29, 2009
Summer Plans
Hiya Freshman Writers! Hope this post finds you well and writing. And thinking about your plans this summer. As the weather gets warm and the days get longer, we writers get inspired to go outside and enjoy. After being cooped up all winter long, it’s no wonder we run outside as soon as the weather hits 60 degrees. At least that’s what I do.
But, while some take time off after working so hard during the year, others take this downtime to plan for the coming year. This is the perfect time to start drafting ideas for the fall and winter seasons. Or finally setting up your writing portfolio and website. Or even taking part in a writer’s retreat. Or taking a short writing class.
Whatever you choose, now is the time to get your writing career focused and in gear. So, step it up and get your writing going! Happy Writing!
February 1, 2009
Last Chance to get a Discount!
Hiya Freshman Writers! Today’s your last chance to get in on the discount from Elain Appleton Grant for her course, Magazine Basics! See below for the savings!
01.15.09
Magazine Basics Course
Hiya Freshman Writers! Just wanted to come back and let you know that Elaine Appleton Grant has offered a special to you.
If you email Elaine by February 1, 2009, you’ll get a discount from the course. If you choose the premium class, you’ll get $25 off as a discount. If you choose the basic class, you’ll get $10 off. As you know money is tight these days and every little bit helps. Take advantage of the course. Not only will you learn about magazine writing, you’ll also keep some money in your pocket.
Take Care Freshman Writers!
January 26, 2009
Switch It Up
Hey there Freshman Writers! Hope this Monday finds you well and writing. If not, that’s okay. I haven’t written much lately either. I’ve been reading a whole lot and reviewing some old ideas in my head.
Getting stuck is hard and getting unstuck can be harder. After being on Plurk, I had an idea.
A writer-bud, Jennifer Nipps, told me that she was going to focus on her fiction for awhile before focusing on a non-fiction piece. I told her that switching things up can be helpful.
Ever feel like you’re so focused on something that your brain gets fried? That happens to me every once in a while. When it does, I like to do other things. If I’m writing a non-fiction piece, I change to a personal essay. If I’m working on a fictional piece, I switch gears to work on a non-fiction piece. Or I might read a book about writing. Or I won’t and get a fun book to read (just because).
It is very difficult to focus on one thing for hours on end. You must’ve heard by now the saying that for every hour on the computer, you need a ten-minute break? Same for your brain. Really the break from the computer is just that; time for your brain to recharge. Getting up and stretching brings fresh oxygenated blood to different parts of the body, including your head.
Working hard at the computer all day can make you fuzzy and disoriented. Get up! Walk around. Get a drink of water. Stretch your legs or shift gears and work on something new. Or doodle.
There are so many ways to recharge your batteries and get yourself back into writing mode. Just pick one and take care of yourselves, Freshman Writers!
Happy Writing!
PS – Don’t forget you have until Feb. 1 to get in on the discount for Magazine Basics offered by Elaine Appleton Grant!
January 19, 2009
Scan the headlines for Ideas
Hiya Freshman Writers!
Yesterday, I wrote an article for the Examiner site about a letter that our President-elect Barack Obama wrote to his girls. I had been looking around the news on my yahoo homepage and found out about the letter.
I was so moved by it that I decided to dig a bit more. I went to Parade.com to read the actual letter, which was published yesterday as well.
When we writers get stuck, we surf the net and read. Maybe we read boring things like oil prices. We can also find stuff to read that makes an impact on us as readers. Then we can react to those pieces as writers.
In his letter, Obama was a father, not the President-elect. I could relate to that because I’m just a mom. I’m not out to do anything famous, but I can relate to his hope for a better world for his kids. My hope is the same. What did I do with this information?
I wrote about it. I wrote about how I felt as a parent with dreams for her child and the fact that the incoming President dreams for his own children.
Not only did it make for a good article, it made an impact on me. So Freshman Writers, what have you read lately that has impacted you?
Happy Writing!
Heiddi
PS – Don’t forget you have until Feb. 1 to get in on the discount for the Magazine Basics course with Elaine Appleton Grant!
