Confessions of a Strategic Writer...

Many moons ago, a good writer, proficient in the King’s English, and equipped with minimal research skills, could write his own ticket.

Not any more.
‘Dem days played out with eight-track tapes and two-dollar-a-gallon gas.
Fast forward to the age of the Internet.

There are more publishing options, easier entry, blogging.
Add to that, a troubled economy where more folks are seeking additional sources of income, and the competition has become as fierce as professional sports!

Being good now only allows you courtside access.
While being smart allows you to score more and stay in the game.

With this in mind, here are a few timely tips to help you become a strategic writer (or blogger), destined for a winning future.

1. Govern your time like you govern your money.

Do you suffer from the B.B.B.S. Syndrome?
That’s an acronym I created that stands for “busy, but broke syndrome”.
Many writers are.
Their output greatly exceeds their income. They lack proper prioritization skills. They spend too much time “socializing” in social media forums, and blog hopping with nothing to show for their efforts.
Perhaps you’re one of them. Word to the wise: If it doesn’t make money, it doesn’t make (cents).
Of course not all your efforts have to materialize in making money. But they should minimally enhance your progress. In the immediate future.

2. Be discerning about the writing advice you receive.

These days, many folks are claiming “expert” status. From relationship experts, to parenting experts, to health experts, to writing experts.
Don’t believe the hype.
Before you apply the advice of others, or consider their words as “gospel”, research their background and their achievements. What is their educational background? Their experience? Their success rate? Their work ethic?
“The proof is in the pudding.”

3. Don’t let your ego get in the way of your excellence.

In other words, be open to improvement. Know your weaknesses. Don't let rejections reduce you.
Take counsel from those who have traveled where you’re trying to venture.
Take pride in creating quality work that leaves a lasting legacy.

4. Invest in yourself.

Professional writing is a business. Bottom line.
Yet, I am often amazed at how resistant many writers are to spending money on a class to hone their skill. Or paid membership in a writers’ organization to add to their networking opportunities. Or professional business cards, or an online site. Stop the madness! Like most things in life, you’ll get out of your career what you put into it.

5. Diversify.

I learned the hard way. When I started out, I primarily wrote poetry. Of course, I don’t have to tell you how far that got me. :-) Many years later, I have built a lasting career based upon solid experience as a feature writer, columnist, paid blogger, ghost writer, writing coach, and editor. I have learned how to assess odds for publication, how to position my work, and how to deal with editors of varying temperaments and backgrounds. And you should too. Much like in the corporate arena, the more you know, the further you’ll go.

6. Have a clear cut, common sense game plan.

In other words, where would you like to be with your writing next year? How will you achieve your creative goals? Why do you blog? What do you hope to get out of it? Any deadlines designated? Assess then act accordingly. Make sure your moves make sense. Don't just do what everybody else is doing blindly.

Follow these six savvy tips to stand out and stay in the (freelancing)game.

Thoughts?

IMAGE CREDIT: SPFF

5 Ways Writing for Free Can Get You Paid!

Many seasoned scribes turn their noses up at the prospect of “no pay” projects.
They consider “pro bono” a no-no.
In fact, it’s a bone of contention addressed on writers’ bulletin boards and popular blogs across the Web.
After all, as “professionals,” these writers feel they’ve paid their dues and expect to be compensated accordingly.
Perhaps you’re one of them.

As a veteran freelancer who has successfully earned thousands of dollars for hundreds of articles, commentary pieces, essays, and even verse, I can attest that writing for free can indeed be profitable. That is, if you know the unwritten rules of the “road less traveled.”

As a point of reference, other creatives “labor in love” to establish themselves in their careers, particularly in the initial stages. It’s not unheard of. For example, best-selling author, Michael Baisden worked for free as a radio host for Kiss-FM in New York, because they originally didn’t have a budget for him, and later became a huge success.

With this in mind, here are five often overlooked ways writing for free can earn you cash for your efforts and elevate your career.

1. It helps to build your portfolio. Editors seeking to add to their stable of writers often request writing samples and resumes for a reason. Your publishing credits and types of publications for which you’ve written speak to your versatility, skill set, and experience. The more you’ve written, the more likely you’ll be hired to write more.

2. It helps to hone your craft. A writer buddy of mine recently shared how her various free creative projects allowed her to discover her “voice”, increase her knowledge base, and sharpen her skills. She’s now a paid (and popular) columnist for her city’s newspaper. Practice makes perfect.

3. It establishes important contacts and networking relationships. As they say, sometimes getting that lucky break can be a matter of not what you know, but who you know. Consider that an editor with “connections” whom you’ve enjoyed a good working relationship may be in a position to refer you to other projects with future pay.

4. It gets your foot in the door. Sometimes a publication that can’t pay you in the beginning, will “come up with the funds” if you’re able to establish your value by the quality of your work and your level of commitment. Here‘s a case in point. One of my first unpaid publishing credits, (a commentary piece I wrote for a popular singles’ publication), ended up impressing the editor so much, that she wanted to see more of my work. She “officially” hired me a few months down the line as a contributing writer, and has been one of my longest and most profitable gigs to date.

5. It helps to increase your confidence---which leads to enhanced perception.
Let’s face it: whether it’s cooking, dancing, or dating, the more experience you get under your belt, the “bigger” you feel. And repeated bylines have the same effect. The better you feel about yourself, the more you’re able to project that “I can” attitude and convince others to have confidence in you too.


Now that you know how it works, here are a few strategies to work it!

1. Keep in mind that writing for free should not be indefinite, but have time limits. Give it a deadline. Say maybe two or three months with a particular publication. At that time, consider approaching the editor with your track record and your desire to earn pay for your say. After all, you never know until you’ve tried.

2. Have a strategy. Target the most impressive publications if you’re going to write for free. Sometimes it’s a matter of perception. For example, an unpaid commentary piece you’ve had published in Newsweek or L.A. Times would mean more to your career than earning 10 bucks from a virtually obscure or new publication.

Approached correctly, writing for free can increase your visibility, your confidence and your bottom line!

Thoughts?
Would you write for free? What criteria do you use to decide?
Image photographer worradmu

7 Fool-Proof Ways to Kick Procrastination in the Pants!

There are 100s of bright and talented writers whose works you will never read.

They will never motivate, move you to tears, or make a difference.
How do I know?
Because I have had the pleasure of teaching them in creative classes and workshops throughout my career.
They are Black and White, both men and women, young and old.
Some even with “rocket science” potential.

The prospect of which saddens me.
For as a friend of mine often states, we all have a piece of the puzzle of this thing called life, of which we uniquely possess. Nobody has the exact same vision or creative voice.

Yet I see it far too often.
Here’s the script: an aspiring writer will sign up for my class.
He/she will enthusiastically ask questions and pen copious notes.
They leave the session singing my praises, and swearing to put into practice the things they have learned.

Then, guess what?
They get home and reality settles in. There are everyday distractions—a demanding job, family obligations, and plaguing doubt. Not to mention, there never seems to be enough time.

Consequently, they join the ranks of the “someday” people.
You know them.
“Someday I’m gonna finish that novel.” “Someday I’ll publish my poetry.” And someday never comes.

When I follow-up with them, months later, I find that they’ve given up on their dreams, while toiling on dead end jobs. Perhaps you’re even one of them.

Given this scenario, how does one go from good intentions to great author?

Here’s how to start:

In the words of a very famous Nike commercial—“Just do it!” Start somewhere, anywhere. Pen a piece for your community newspaper or your church’s newsletter. Believe me when I say that the thrill of a byline is addictive. I’ve been writing for 15 years, and every time I go to a bookstore or supermarket and open a book or magazine with my work, I get that same original high! Still.

Get a Goal Buddy. You know how some people have work out buddies to tag along with them at the gym to stay motivated and accountable?
It works for writing as well. Perhaps it can be a friend with similar aspirations, or even someone you meet through an online bulletin board.
Remember to exercise caution in the selection process.

Establish Short and Long Term Goals. Where would you like to see yourself a month from today? A year down the line? Decide, then write it down. Studies show that people who commit their goals to writing are 3x more likely to achieve them.

Set Deadlines. A goal without a deadline is just a dream.

Stop Striving for Perfection—Instead pursue excellence. Sometimes procrastination occurs simply because of over analysis and over editing. Write it to the best of your ability, and then send it off already! It doesn’t have to be picture perfect; that’s what editors are for.

Set Priorities. Can you have it all? Most definitely. Just not all at the same time. Know that there are sacrifices to be made. For example, sometimes my writing causes me to live the life of a hermit. For you it may be fewer hours in front of the TV. Which is more important?

Know that “Discipline” is not a Dirty Word. Believe it or not, good habits are just as easy to cultivate as bad ones. Sit down to your computer or journal-- daily, weekly, or whatever works for you. But be committed and consistent. Then watch the results!

HERE ARE SOME RESOURCES TO HELP:

CREATIVE WRITING PROMPTS.COM--- Helps to jumpstart the creative juices through prompts and exercises.
WRITERSDIGEST.COM—--Considered the “voice of authority” on writing and related markets, did you know that they also offer 52 prompts (one per week) to help you generate creative pieces and produce more?
CREATIVITYPORTAL.COM---Provides prompts, inspiration, and excellent resources for writers.

So what are you waiting for?
To quote a popular saying, “Most people won’t regret the things they have done when their life is over. It’s the things they didn’t do that they will most regret.”
Don’t let that be you. Immortality awaits!

Writers (and other creatives), how do you deal with procrastination? Please share any tips, tools, or experiences with us.
Image: nuttakit

Are You Selling Yourself Short?

5 Ways to Increase Your Bottom Line Even When You're at Rock Bottom!

Back in the day when I had a crush on bad-boy rapper 50 Cent, I would devour every hip-hop magazine, celebrity news story, or blog that featured his interview, movie review, or the 4-1-1 on who he was dating. In his six-pack-displaying days, he was in my mind, “to die for.” Twice!
Okay, so it's not one of my proudest moments. But bear with me; there's a point here.

Anyhow, I remember coming across one such article where he made a statement that stayed with me and changed my perspective on how I do business, and the art of negotiations forever.
In doling out advice to future music moguls and entrepreneurs in general, he stated, “Never pay people what they're worth.; pay them what they'll accept.” (No wonder he was able to turn 50 Cents into millions!)

It was at that very moment I had a paradigm shift. I realized that the reason I was busted, disgusted and an expert on all things Ramen Noodles, was that as a freelancer, I wasn't being paid what I was worth.
I was too afraid to take a stand. I figured if I asked for too much, I would knock myself out of the running.
And why would I? It's common knowledge that there are hundreds of writers who will work for free, just for the benefit of a byline and “15 minutes of fame.” So I figured some money was better than none at all.

Then I did a reality check. When I really took a cold, hard look at my cold cash, in some cases I was making less by the hour than some factory workers in foreign countries. This despite having two degrees.

Something had to change. I decided to adopt Dr. Phil's philosophy---”we teach people how to treat us by the things we accept.” I discovered that not only were his sage words applicable to women who were in abusive relationships, they worked for freelancers who worked for freeloaders too!

You know the type: they'll pay you in “exposure”. Or they'll “reevaluate” your status based on how many clicks you get, or how much mileage they can get out of you.
As a result, you have to string together a dozen odds-and-ends jobs just to make ends meet. Which I had been doing, and simply had had enough.
And if you're in a similar situation, you should too.

Of course this is not to suggest that you should never write for free, or for low wages; some of these writing opportunities can provide great avenues for expanding your business, or are for worthy causes. Just be prudent in those you pursue.

With this in mind, here are five ways to increase your dignity and your bottom line in 2011.

1. Kick “tire-kickers” to the curb. Simply put, tire kickers are potential clients that will test the waters by asking a lot of free questions about your rates for projects, your creative ideas, and your strategies to help advance their business goals without any real desire to hire you. Some will even take your suggestions and implement them themselves to cut cost. Cut your losses short by learning to identify them early in the game, and limiting the time and frequency of (free) consultations and creative brainstorming on others' behalves. As they say, “why buy the cow if you can get the milk for free?” Funds for Writers creator, C. Hope Clark charges 50 bucks to chat with writers for a thirty minute consult.
2. Change your perspective. Even the Good Book tells us that, “so a man thinketh, so it is.” Stop buying into the belief that you must be a “starving artist.” Consider famous authors J.k. Rowling and Stephen King. Or celebrity bloggers like Darren Rowse, Brian Clark, and Daniel Scocco for examples. Positive thinking works. Positively!
3. Hone your craft to increase your cash. What are your creative weaknesses? Do you have a difficult time with conducting interviews? Is your fiction more like Ripley's Believe it or not? Do you struggle with subject/ verb agreement? Assess then act accordingly. There are many online classes offered for writers of all levels and genres to sharpen skills. One such site is www.coffeehouseforwriters.com/. Also consider joining a critique group in your local area.
4. Diversify---Don't devote all your hopes, dreams, or literary efforts to one area. The key to staying in the black, is creating multiple streams of income. For example, though I've had a successful career as a relationship columnist and blogger, my first foray into writing was as a poet. And I was indeed “po” until I expanded my creative horizons. You should too.
5. Recognize that time is money. Invest it well to yield optimal results. In other words, don't spend endless (unbillable) hours surfing the Net catching up on Brittney Spears and celebrity gossip, or exchanging photos on Facebook, or playing computer games. Budget your time like you would your money. Get your priorities in order. Ironically, the more money you make, the more freedom and leisure you'll gradually earn.


Follow these five tips (and get a clue) and you'll discover a writing career that's rich and rewarding on many levels.

Thoughts?

Image: nuttakit