Blogs About Writing

Want to be a Freelance Writer?

2008-11-22T12:55:00.001-06:00

If you want to be a freelance writer , don't feel like you have to have a degree or research for years, or already have industry contacts.

You just need to jump in! A little research will go a long way, and I suggest you get a mentor (me or not) because it will really help you as a writer. See what others have done successfully, and discover your niche.

You can be a freelance writer. Just take the first step and begin!

2008-11-21T08:19:00.002-06:00

Earning cash on eHow

eHow just joined Twitter (@eHow) and revamped the site. It looks amazing! Not only that, an eHow earner made the news. Are you earning cash on eHow?

Are you earning?

The Writer's Compensation program at eHow makes it easier than ever for anyone to earn money for articles they write. However, some writers are looking to eHow as an important part of the earnings in their profession, and for good reason. Thousands of dollars are to be found at eHow. Learn about optimizing your earnings here.

Are you meeting your earning potential?

Okay, so you are writing at eHow. But are you making thousands? Is eHow a huge chunk of your income, or a few pennies you kick around.

I started out kicking pennies. It was okay, because earning is second to writing to me. However, when I realized that more than pennies, forgive me - the Benjamins were available - I knew that I had to get to work. It began with studying the highest rated articles and the featured articles of the day. Then I discovered the book that increased my eHow income immediately.

Maria O'Brien's eBook: Real Secrets that Work

The day I used her book, I found step by step instructions on how to write an article. Soon memorized, these steps led me to big, big earnings that happened the very same day: I couldn't believe it! My income just kept doubling and doubling, and I couldn't have done it without her book.

I highly recommend this book to online writers. I would love it if you would buy it from me because I earn affiliate income. Regardless, I am truly recommending this book because of the amount on income I received. Don't delay and wait to buy this book. It will increase your earnings and you will be thrilled. Don't wait while others meet their earnings potential at eHow when you could be maxing out numbers you can't believe.

The Bottom Line

Buy it from me and I'd love it. Buy it at all and you will be pleasantly in love with your results.

2008-11-20T13:12:00.003-06:00

The Freelancer's Fable

Written with clear allowance to my eccentric personality.

Once upon a time

a wide-eyed young writer of a non-professional sort dropped his journaling quill and stepped away from the keyboard previously clicking away at his previously impassioned but unsuccessfully monetized blog post.

"A freelance writer!

That's what I should be," and the young writer's heart pittered in unison with his admirable and optimistic goal for the future, which would finally allow that which he blogged and journaled and desired most about: quitting his gruesome nine-to-five.

Only months later, the young writer had been consumed with a desire and a necessity to earn massive amounts from writing just whatever would make him the most.

The writer had abandoned the previously loved blog and treasured ritual of a journal to write about fashion and viral money making opportunities. Now, the young writer's quill a cheap pen scribbling search engine optimized nonsense with consumer buzzwords rather than presenting logical appeals and reflections. Fact flowed no longer from his keyboard as it clicked only to check his Paypal account earnings.

The young writer soon became unhappy and complained of writing as he once did his nine to five.

But then -- a turkey from Thanksgiving past (painfully) perched upon the sill the young writer faced opposite, cooing/gobbling, "You've gobble-gobbled up your heart with greed. Save your soul and write what you love!"

The stubborn young writer did follow the ghost turkey's advice after he vanished fast as he'd came, because wide eyed writers--no matter how professional--must write what they love.

2008-11-20T09:18:00.002-06:00

The amazing earning potential of eHow

If you are a freelance writer who knows anything about paid writing sites, chances are that you have signed up with eHow. Have you found success yet? eHow offers an amazing about of earning potential.

A great (monetary) surprise

Yesterday, when I logged on to my eHow account to check my earnings, I discovered they had doubled. I was overjoyed. I knew that I was earning well, but then BAM they doubled and I was literally jumping for joy.

I posted in the forums, and have had countless others ask me how I did this. After answering many questions, I wrote an eHow article. I cannot be happier that that I have earned big at eHow when it has allowed me to also meet countless numbers of great folks and to gain recognition for my knowledge, writing skills, and research.

The book that made it possible

I couldn't have done it without Maria O'brien's book. She gives a step by step process for writing eHow articles that earn, and earn big. Equally helpful is her guide to goal setting, to achieve big time earnings. I cannot recommend her book enough. It has done great things for me.

The Bottom Line

eHow offers three great opportunities for writers:

Visit this article to learn more about optimizing your eHow earnings.

Here is the link to the book that made my earnings happen, and then made them double!

2008-11-19T09:21:00.002-06:00

Why freelance writers need other writers

Networking is an important part of any business, and that goes for writing too. Equally important is direct and indirect mentoring that writers receive from other writers.

Reading the works of others

I have always been an advocate of reading and sharing the works of others: never hide something good you find. Be sure to let your writing buddies know when you discover a great new resource or just something that catches your interest.

Getting help from other writers

Writers, when they need help, shouldn't be afraid to go to other writers. Ask questions of other writers, and they should gladly help you. The great thing about many paid writing sites is the ability to send referrals. Whether these are monetized or not, they provide an opportunity to share with other writers. Online writing, especially, lends itself to my "writers helping writers" philosophy.

Writing mentors

Many writers begin their careers, or expand it with mentors. I have had a few of my own, directly (paying for their services or products) and indirectly (reading their blogs and following their careers) throughout my writing life.

I offer mentoring services as well, but don't charge anything for my free advice. I have many writers that I regularly e-mail and answer their questions at no charge. I consider those who pay for my mentoring services donating to the "writers helping writers" cause. The only difference from my free advice and my mentoring services are that I create a lesson plan and focus all of my help toward the individual writer's very specific goals.

The Bottom Line

Writers help other writers. I am never afraid to ask a question, nor answer one! Here are some of my favorite blogs to read, and I am sure they will provide guidance for other writers as well.

2008-11-18T10:00:00.002-06:00

What might surprise you when you become a freelance writer

When you decide you are going to start your own homebased business, that you are going to work from home as a freelance writer, you probably realize that you have found all the freedom to earn and work as you please. Besides the income potential, there are some things that might surprise you about being a freelance writer.

It may be too much fun

Chances are that you are a freelance writer because you want to make money doing what you love -- writing. When you get into the business, you search for jobs, network, ask other writers endless questions, and write write WRITE! But maybe you get caught up with Twitter or some other social networking tool -- when I began with Twitter originally I got caught up in just how fun it was. I found business there so I figured and rationalized I could spend a lot of time at Twitter. Now I have my strategy and elite status and don't waste my time there. (See my article on Twitter here for some quick tips.)

It isn't just Twitter. It is blogs. Chris Bibey's I-Can't-Believe-All-This-Content Blog and No Job For Mom's witty insight pulled me in. I have read all of their posts, and yes, they helped me be a better writer. The point is that being a freelance writer can be too much fun when you spend too much time on NOT writing.

You can learn everything about writing there is to know (then call me, but you are going to need to leave a voicemail...try e-mail maybe?) but if you aren't writing, it won't do squat for you.

I was surprised: I was a writer who wasn't writing

This isn't the story of someone facing monumental writer's block. Not to jinx myself, but I am usually relatively inspired and can whip something up. There are just too many things possible to distract yourself with when you are a freelance writer.

When you begin, you can save yourself some trouble by understanding your schedule, understanding when you are productive, ensuring that you are earning for your efforts, and being sure that you have what you need.

If you have:

a writer's resume ready for your targeted situations
a writing portfolio that can showcase your unique abilities
profiles for all the sites you write for that are professional and link-ridden
a website and/or blog where your services are sold or displayed, as well as your writing
a marketing campaign
a business plan

Feel free to have a little fun and stop working for a bit. You will find as a freelance writer that you need to find balance to successfully write from home and make a real living.

The balance: the acceptable non-writing job activities

Even if you are writing though, there are some things you should still do.

Look for jobs: then you will be writing and earning.
Networking: it is important to work on your business.
Eating, sleeping, and being with your family: neglecting any of these is bad for your writing business and bad for your life.
Reading. You will learn and get ideas.
Blogging. If you blog is monetized and a major feat of SEO, great. If not, still great. Your blog is your escape and your domain, yet still showcases your writing ability.

The Bottom Line

As a writer, you may be surprised that you waste your time. That you aren't as productive as you thought you would be. The internet connection and other limitless distractions can make it hard. Freelance home writing is too much fun sometimes. But remember to balance: balance your home life and your business life.

And, if you want to goof off more, build your passive income base. Then you get paid while you goof off. (My favorite being Bukisa. It will surprise you how much and how fast you will earn.)

Read more about beginning your freelance writing career here.

What surprised you when you became a freelance writer? How do you keep the balance?

2008-11-17T14:46:00.003-06:00

How do you decide you will follow a blog?

Plenty of us keep blogs. Many read others. How do you know that you will continue to read a blog?

Is it a Worth Investment of Your Time?

When you read something, you are investing your time. Time is a most valuable and quantitative asset. When you are reading something, a great way to manage your time correctly is to know if you are investing wisely?

When reading, ask, Is this relevant to me? Will I use this information? Am I enjoying reading it? Not always will you need to make money or improve your skills in some way for it to be a wise investment. Enjoying what you read can make it valuable investment enough.

Is it well-written and updated frequently?

If the topic is right, the writing should be too. If the blogger writes poorly or at misshapen intervals, you are wasting your time to read their blog. Sure, you can subscribe and wait, or just check frequently, but the truth is that they aren't investing their time to write (I would say at the very least bi-montly but should be weekly) then they aren't worth reading. Move on to a content producer that updates more frequently. The internet is full of resources, just keep looking.

And if the writer has ill-written posts (the occasional error will slip by) that have huge flaws and questionable composition, avoid these blogs. If their text is stilted, they may not be very proficient in English (which will give you a headache or at least take much more time to read) or they are using search engine optimization and targeting Google. Don't waste your time with these blogs.

Is there community opportunity?

Part of being well-written, relevant, and a good investment means that you will have opportunity beyond reading to interact. You may be commenting and get a response from the blogger or find conversation with other readers. This is important because part of the internet is being able to interact with others. Make the most of what you read on the internet by investing your time in an opportunity to read a blog that will allow you to learn and grow. This is a "community opportunity".

The Bottom Line: Will You Read a Blog?

A blog could have a fantastic snappy writer, plenty of available conversation, and be a quick read, but could still not be worth reading if you can't find an important relevancy in their topics. A blog you read should help you learn new things or enjoy your time on the internet. Don't waste your time with blogs that don't meet your personal criteria for a quality read.

2008-11-17T12:00:00.001-06:00

How to Use Effective Market Research to Sell Your Writing

Sell your writing, fiction or nonfiction, by using my outlined steps in this article to give yourself a broad view of the markets available and find the suitable market for your work. (Intended for print publication.)

Things You'll Need

Writer's Market

Library

Bookstores

Paper

Step One

You need to find the right editor, ultimately. Begin by find the appropriate publication. Writer's Market is a general directory that will provide information to match you to a publication that you could write for. Publications are listed in this directory that is update annually with qualifications and requirements. Make a list, in reference to the piece you want to sell, of the publications that you think your work would match. You are matching the editor and the readers (market = editor readers).

Step Two

Through libraries and bookstores, further investigate the publications you have chosen and find ones you may not have found in writers market. Add your own notes to your list. Subtract and add relevant publications. Look also for areas with your expertise you have displayed in your work. Special interest magazines (and other periodicals) will want to see your new content.

Step Three

(...)

Read my article: How to Use Effective Market Research to Sell Your Writing - Visit Bukisa

2008-11-17T10:38:00.001-06:00

Find Popular Topics and Keywords - Fast!

Want to write articles with catchy titles and popular keywords? Google Adsense offers a free tool, there are keyword sites that allow you to help, and you can even use Google or other search engine sites that offer search suggestions. However, you may not have thought to use Helium Title finder.

Popular Keywords, Titles, and Content Found at Helium Title Finder

This tool helps you find great articles to write about in Helium, but provides free statistics on what works and what gets seen the most: even what has already been said! Here's how to use Helium Title Finder to write popular articles with great keywords.

How to Begin

Sign up for a Helium Knowledge account, and log in to "My Helium" where you will find a sidebar. Click on the Title Finder. Here, the Title Finder will allow you to search for titles and provide different parameters. Helium is unique in that many titles are used again and again and the highest quality article from is each title rises to the top. Without the need to develop snappy titles, great content rises up. This is helpful because the titles are selected by the editorial team for content and search engine optimization. The titles at Helium provide keywords and topics. Look at the articles that are under these optimized titles and you will perform some initial market research by surveying the content already available!

Search Engine Comparable Options

Helium Title Finder offers many, many options to the writer seeking topics, titles, and keywords. First, decide how many articles you would like to search for: 10, 20, 30, 50. You can see more variety or opt for survival of the fittest for popular topics. There are also the options of what to search with and what to search by. Select the words you want to include and discern your options. Fill in all your topic keywords you know you want to write about, any exact phrases, and a few variable options in the at least one word options. Then, decide if you want to search in certain channels. Finally you will decide what to sort by. Relevancy, highest and lowest number of articles, oldest and newest creation dates, and highest and lowest title views.

Optimizing Your (Quick!) Research

To optimize your use of Helium Title Finder, use all the 201Csort by201D options. Write down the top article titles of interest first sorted by relevancy. Then search through the newest to see what is still popular. Finally search by the views to see the most popular. Through all of these results you will find what stands out as a hot topic.

A Few Additional Tips:

You can also view the least frequent and oldest to find topics that are ready to re-emerge and you have a niche!

Be sure to write these articles for Helium, eHow, Bukisa, Constant Content, Associated Content, and any other place you usually write articles for. You can maximize your findings and your earnings.

Be sure to change up your headlines as you post, publish, and submit to other sites so that Google doesn't ignore you.

Fit your content to other sites, such as changing your format to "how to" for eHow and Bukisa articles.

Visit: Helium Title Finder

Read My Article: Find Popular Keywords and Topics: Cut Your Research and Promotion Time! - Bukisa.com

2008-11-14T17:21:00.002-06:00

A Quick Note About My Comments

I just learned that until my blog transitions into my domain (jwriting.info) my comments will be inaccessible. To leave a comment, you can use this link and even if you recieve an error message, the comment is left.

Leave a comment by clicking here.

2008-11-14T15:52:00.002-06:00

Another Freelance Writing Blog

While I personally have never muttered the aforementioned phrase, surely others have. It is true: many freelance writers keep blogs. That is because they are a genius and natural choice for the freelance writer.

I started this blog earlier but am now weeding through and deleting/editing posts as well as writing some new ones. I am commenting with links back to my site. I understand the importance of a freelance writer's blog and I made it a priority to keep a blog.

Calling Other Freelance Writers Who Keep Blogs

Of course, before I rush off to buy any traffic or make elicit gestures to foster (or trick others) into readership, I call for writers who find me to comment and let me know they have a blog they would like to be read! Just because the blog is for you (by you!) doesn't mean that you want it to be just another page on the internet!

My sidebar contains links to ultra fantastic blogs I read that warrant a second look, or daily look as I do, by any freelance writer.

I would like to have a list titled J Friends that links to blogs that I read that read my blog as well.

So if you would like to be my blog friend, leave me a comment. I will visit your site and manually insert your link into my sidebar when I can think of a good, descriptive attribution for you.

A Final Note to Networking Freelance Writers

We should be friends (known as "followers") on Twitter as well! Read this article and get started or follow me today--because writing loves company.

2008-11-14T13:00:00.000-06:00

WritingSpirit.com Resource for Writers

Time and consideration led me to join WritingSpirit.com. I began following Julie Isaac on Twitter (@WritingSpirit) and noticed her daily tips. Her website is a members-only directory for writers to have a 24 hour writing coach.

Does a Freelance Writer Need a Writing Coach?

I wasn't sure if a freelance writer needed a coach. I thought about mentoring writers, and the writers that I usually follow (see my sidebar menu item "J Reads" for some top-notch resources for writers) and decided that no one needs a writing coach more than a freelance writer.

Why WritingSpirit.com?

Ask Julie a question on Twitter. Read some of her sample articles and see the resources available to writers. Not only does this woman know her stuff, she knows countless others with great help for writers.

Her simple tips on daily Twitter updates are insightful, precise, and geniunely helpful to the writer. Because the articles I read that were open to the public were fantastic, I went ahead and signed up for a trial. All the encouragement and resources a freelance writer needs are found in the WritingSpirit.com members area.

If you write and you want support that has long term assistance and not a cheap and quick fix, you can find sustainable assistance in WS. This site allows for growth, inspiration, and productivity and fosters professional accomplishments.

The Bottom Line on WritingSpirit.com

If you want

Relevant and well-written articles that give you actionable advice about writing
Tips that show off their results in your career
Access to interviews and tools that help you succeed
Motivation and support in your writing craft and career
The support of a writing coach available to you 24/7 at your fingertips

I urge you to pay a dollar to try out WritingSpirit. I highly doubt you will be disappointed.

2008-11-05T10:50:00.001-06:00

Five Simple Steps to a Freelance Writing Portfolio: NOW!

So you want to be a freelancer writer? I applaud you for stepping out into a curious career field that can be the cruel mistress or benevolent goddess to its different suitors. Enough with the cheesy analogies; a common problem faces many aspiring freelance writers. There is a catch-22 of sorts that to get the jobs you want you need to have a fantastic portfolio and to have a fantastic portfolio you need to have jobs you want. I was facing this same problem, and initially came at it with all the motivation and pizzazz in the world. Unfortunately, I was taking entirely the wrong approach. If you need a portfolio, and you need it now, fret no further. You can have the portfolio of your dreams as soon after a few simple steps. Put hard work into this portfolio, and it will return a million fold with dedication and desire met with more hard work. This also provides market research and further familiarity with your chosen markets. Consider this a trial run or an on the job training experience for a career that isn't your typical nine to five. I want you to make up clients, write for them, and go through the motions of performing the work. Read below my strategy for doing so, and you can have the portfolio you need to move your career forward.

Establish some goals and imagine your career as you want it.

I am hoping that you have a business plan and marketing plan. I am hoping you have long thought and meditating on what you want to do and earn and learn as a writer.

However, to complete this step and move on to the next, all you really need to do is decide where your experience and abilities and desire meet. Then choose three markets that match this. Consider heavily your motivations for writing. I myself aim to teach and inform most often when I write. My first business was a professional realtor assistant business, and I love the real estate services industry. So for this step, I chose real estate, education, and hobbies such as journaling as my three markets for which to perform.

Write these down in a list, and move on. Try not to obsess, but try to find the right three to establish what you need in your portfolio.

Determine the projects you want to work on.

Now I just want you to imagine the kind of writing you would like to get paid for.

Now I want you to write another list of three.

For me, I said feature articles, web content, and sales copy.

Write your list down with your other list from step one and move on.

Determine the Size of the Beginning Portfolio.

You may want to stick to three samples for each type. This is a good starting goal. For me, this means that I will choose to write a one feature article, one simple web content package, and a sample of sales copy for each of my markets, totally three of each project type. This creates a good beginning of your work. While you will probably need more, I tend to stick with the philosophy that some good is better than nothing and that you can build in layers. Finish this much and later come back to create more. Don't give yourself too much work at once. You will find yourself falling out of love with anything around you when you do this.

Imagine the Clients.

Here is something you have done already if you have a business or marketing plan. Even so, you may not have determined your target market as well as you thought. For each market you selected, decide what you client could be like. Face preliminary interviews with each of them. Here you will determine the needs and information you will use to create their work.

Take notes, even though you are talking to yourself. You are providing yourself with work you need to do to create a portfolio.

Walk the Walk.

You want to be a freelance writer, huh? You have jobs now. You need to complete them. I suggest you keep track of your time and your process. This will help you learn much more about yourself, and how you need to bill your clients later.

Complete these jobs. Polish each work through the writing process. Revise, revise, revise, edit, edit, edit until you have something you would give to a client expect full payment and satisfaction.

Now do it all again! I suggest building with steps four and five until you have about three samples each at least, and then going to step one and on to determine more markets and projects you would like to focus on.

Take your time. If you feel like you should be marketing and seeking jobs, you are right, but you probably would do better to have a portfolio. So take a little time to prepare yourself to be ready to work as a freelance writer.

Seek other writers' guidance. You may ask directly, you may read their blogs, you may simply follow their careers or read their portfolios. See what works well for them and emulate those successes.

Don't feel lost or like any project is unmanageable. Just break everything down into simple steps that are achievable.

Be prepared to be proud of yourself.

Let close friends and family look at your portfolio. Ask a chamber of commerce, business retention or development specialist, even a small business administration helper to look at your work and let you know if you have something good going or need to do some additional work. Often they can focus you in extremely helpful ways.

Please comment and rate to let me know if this works out for you. I also would love to see products. Link or message your dream portfolios.

Get the jobs you really want with the portfolio you really need.

Read my Article: Five Simple Steps to a Freelance Writing Portfolio: NOW! -Bukisa.com

2008-11-04T09:30:00.001-06:00

How to Become a Freelance Writer

You know you want to be a freelance writer, but you feel so overwhelmed! There are so many facets of this nine to five alternative that you could feel lost as to where to begin.

Here are some steps to get you rooted in a business mindset for creating clients, wealth, success, and happiness by creating the freelance writing career you really want.

Step One: Evaluate where you are emotionally. You may have fears and setbacks in your mind. Think about your doubts and expel them. To be successful, you need to realize you can be by eliminating thoughts that keep you from taking necessary action.

Step Two: Find resources. You need support and resources for this career. You may find a mentor or find online and print resources that motivate you and provide helpful information to building your career.

Step Three: Plan. Create a business and a marketing plan that determines the work you will do and how you will get clients.

Step Four: Build a resume and a portfolio to help you get clients and have credibility. You may also want to create a blog and / or a web site.

Step Five: Get clients! Use that marketing plan and your tools to find clients for the work you want to do as a freelance writer.

Step Six: Keep marketing! You need to always market to keep yourself in business.

Step Seven: Try to get a regular client base. Get referrals, ask for more business, do a great job in your work always, and be someone a client can trust.

Additional Notes:

* Try and focus yourself on exactly what you want.
* Choose your clients selectively.
* Agree on terms before you do work, to include your payment and collections terms.
* Don't take jobs that you don't really want. This career is about freedom.

Read my article: How to Become a Freelance Writer - Bukisa.com

2008-11-03T09:30:00.001-06:00

Make Money Every Day at Helium

Helium can be discouraging to many--or was in the past. Now, the owners of Helium have shaken things up a little bit. You can make a daily ad revenue share, get kill fees, and get more recognition. Take advantage of Helium and make money there everyday with a few quick strategies.

Once you have a Helium account, use the Title Finder to write articles and do so frequently. If you are familiar with article writing at other sites, you understand how important content is, and quality content. Produce great articles that your research and polish at Helium under the appropriate titles. Try to write for articles with at least 10 and no more than 100 articles and work to be the highest rated. When you submit and article, wait two weeks before you decide to revise. Then do so with the leapfrog feature and be sure to let your ratings rise before you do so again (if necessary). Aim high. Keep writing.

Writing is the first part of Helium, and it is the part you are most willing to devote time to most likely. However, you need to rate as well. Try to rate at least 10 times after each time you write an article. This will give you rating stars, which allow you to earn revenue shares everyday. It will increase the chances of your writing being rated. Don't leave out this strategy or you will hurt your ability to earn, especially daily.

Know what to write for. You should write popular titles you find in the Title Finder to get high ranking articles. Write in debate topics if you want other writers to recognize you. Write for Helium Marketplace when you want to write for publishers. There are so many opportunities for writing at Helium, be sure to write and rate often to take advantage of it the most you can. To earn everyday, follow these strategies and promote your works. You should see more income, and income everyday.

* Remember to be an active member at Helium. Earning writing income always means communication.

* Follow the writer's guidelines. Don't abuse those who treat you well, and soon: pay you well!

* Commit, make goals, and don't give up. You can earn everyday at Helium.

Read the Article: Make Money Every Day at Helium - Bukisa.com

2008-10-20T22:18:00.003-05:00

I just turned down a paying job.

I am broke right now and can barely pay any of my bills. The strategies I have had to employ have been somewhere between impressive and pathetic.

But I turned down a job.

That's because it's not what I do.

The further I get into my business I remove my thoughts that low paying jobs will build my portfolio. Especially ghostwriting or rewriting articles. There is nothing wrong with these types of jobs or the writers that take them on.

I am just not one of them. I am a freelancer that writes about real estate, hobbies, and education in articles, web content, and sales copy. I am also a resume writer. I am defining more thoroughly my projects and my markets. I am not participating in bidding sites anymore. I am not taking low paying jobs any longer. I am not deciding that small opportunities of something for nothing will build my career. I am going to create a sample portfolio, put my heart into my book, begin an ebook and rewriting my marketing and business plan. I saw the light today for my writing, and it said focus. I just can't wander aimlessly. It isn't helping me make money and it isn't what I need.

I am so derned excited now. I am trying to decide just how I am going to create my portfolio and define my business plan more thoroughly.

I am very, very excited: which is why I chose a career as a freelancer. Not guilt or shame or a lack of freedom. I see what I want and now I am going for it.

2008-10-20T17:16:00.002-05:00

I was searching Amazon with simple keywords: "nonfiction" and "writing".

Before many entirely useless results for teaching third graders what nonfiction is, there was the message: Did you mean "writing fiction".

No, I did not mean writing fiction. What I meant was nonfiction. I thought I was a fiction writer for a very long time. I spent countless years searching for the resources that would help me be the most successful writer I could be. Only to discover that nonfiction is my calling and that I have to start all over again.

I just felt insulted to see that message from Amazon, one of my great loves. It was entirely frustrating, reminding of how lacking and resources and lackluster my minor searches have been.

I intend to actively seek resources over this next week. I need to find useful tools for my craft.

2008-10-12T14:44:00.004-05:00

I am currently launching my freelance career into (hopefully!) profitability. I read and write constantly, and try to seek out others who do as well. I try to find successful freelance writers and see what they do. I read articles about writing. I take Penn Foster Career School's Freelance Writer program, and honestly apply myself. Recently, I even started making cold calls because I know that I can work in the real estate market.

Four websites, however, have been the ones that I visit everday. I subscribe, I read all the updates, take notes, and try to take actionable steps on their sage advice.

I highly recommend these sites to freelance writers out there trying to get their sea legs. Read this article for more information on why I recommend this websites, and what they provide.

2008-10-08T22:56:00.002-05:00

Writing Lessons

Learn Amazing Relevant Writing Information: One Way!

Online writing programs? If you want to become a freelance writer, the Internet and web content is drastically vital. So I decided to use some dough and invest in an online writing school. This is not a paid post or a complete review. I just completed my second lesson, want to share some thoughts and review my experience so far.

Penn Foster Career School Freelance Writer Program.

For $698 (I had a down payment of $558 and am financing a little under a hundred and a half), I received a five module publishing and habit and life preparation / primer. The sixth module is your choice of three options, literary or genre fiction (one and two) or nonfiction (my choice when I get there).

I saw this could easily be a cheap rip-off where I didn't learn anything, but I have had great experiences in the past with their customer service and a previous Penn Foster Career College Program, Bookkeeping. The learning method is as online or as correspondence style as you like (and I love having options!) and you are given a relatively large timeline.

Lesson completion triggers shipment of new lessons, and that is an excellent idea. This speedy gonzales always wants to finish as quickly as possibly. The Penn Foster Career School Freelance Writer Program seems like it could be flimsy, but so far it is content loaded with relevant and up to date information with immediately actionable steps.

Because not everyone has the patience for an online course, may want to sample this course first, and because I would like to practice writing eHow articles, I will be updating with articles from eHow that include relevant informational lessons.

I also intend to write an eHow article, and a blog post, about developing a portfolio from an online course. I think it will add additional credibility to the program on my writer's resume and provide a healthy sampling of my work.

Some Writing Resources

Visit NoJobForMom.Com for a great site about stay at home freelancing. I love this woman's blog.