{by guest blogger Cathy Miller} I cherished my sister’s Nancy Drew books. Like so many things in a family of seven children, the books I loved were hand-me-downs. Okay, to be honest, they were never mine. But, I read them from cover to cover and back again. I think it was then I realized I wanted to write. To say there were a few twists in my journey is putting it mildly. Doomed From the Womb I am the middle child of those seven, and the first born under insurance. Little did I know that sealed my fate. I like…
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It’s almost Halloween, but I’m not talking literal here. {Though I must admit the visual of a glow-in-the-dark pen, a notebook and a flashlight sound pretty cool to me.} What I’m talking about is what happens when you write with your mind half-conscious, semi-aware. Even as a full-time writer and someone who writes every day, I still catch myself doing it too. And it’s not a pretty picture. I think somewhere a long, long time ago, I got the impression that I wasn’t that creative. And more importantly, that I was a terrible, terrible writer. So instead of fessing up,…
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One moment we’re filled with ideas. The next we’re digging for dirt under rocks all in a desperate attempt to discover that next big idea. If you’re feeling stuck about what to do for your next novel scene or big article idea, check out my latest article for The Writer magazine. I brainstormed 4 fresh brainstorming ideas to help you get back on track. Hope you find it inspiring!
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I have to admit that keeping up with social media is harder than Keeping Up With the Kardashians. I barely have time to finish my day job during the day let alone come up with witty tweets and conversational topics on Facebook. But oh how I try! This week I got feedback from two different people on my social media efforts. On the + side, my personal tweets are looking A-okay and so is my professional efforts on FB. I have to thank author and teacher IJ Schecter for providing the feedback for my personal social media accounts. This is…
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When I wrote this list of easy ways I increased my chance to freelance writing success, I neglected something BIG. In fact, it was the number one thing that helped launch my career. And the fastest. Just this past March, I wrote about how I was on the fence about this one. Looking back, I’m patting myself on the back and singing my “hallelujahs” because had I not done so, I might be singing a whole different tune today. How I Became the Lone Wolf When I started freelancing about four years ago, I was way behind the pack. Writers…
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Instead of an A for excellent, they probably should have given you a P-for perfectionist. You know who you are. You spend an inordinate amount of time perfecting your craft. You have been known to make basketballs out of your shoddy pieces of work. If anyone asked your friends of your family, what they admire about you and what annoys them most about you, the answer would be the same = your perfectionism. You’re probably working the perfect on the outside with a bit neurotic on the inside (a.k.a. you’re also a control freak). You end up charging less than…
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Mediums That Move Me Last night I was bawling harder than I had been in a long time. Like a traffic accident, I was both glued to the TV screen and fighting to turn away. Indecisive about what I should do next, I finally decided to whip out my nifty remote control and put a pause on it instead. I was watching one of my favorite, but recently cancelled shows Little People, Big World. When I saw Matt Roloff cry in response to his eldest son leaving the coop, I lost it. The entire hour was a crying fest, one…
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While I’m hardly one to call myself a success (unlike this couple), I have picked up a few learn-as-you-go tips that have seriously change my career and my life. To be honest, my freelancing career started without any preparation, focus or long-term planning. I basically decided one day that it was time to stop waiting for my life to happen and start living it. Although it’s been a rocky road, I have never had trouble finding a writing gig (*knock on wood) and have succeeded in getting bigger and better jobs throughout my career. I must have done something right.…
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When I first started telling people I was going to quit my full-time job and go freelance, I think they heard “rogue” instead. It’s as if I just announced I was going to make a living making balloon animals or shooting to outer space. It’s hard to explain their expression-a mix of disbelief, pity and maybe even undertones of resentment. I initially chalked it up to my own insecurities. Maybe they thought I wasn’t good enough or that I was just being Brandi-you know irresponsible, only child syndrome. What they said was things like: You can’t be a writer. Writers…
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{She’s one of the first people I connected with via social media and one of the kindest. Since then, Natalia has continually impressed me with her talent, wit and her ability to draw people together. I was so honored when she agreed to write something for my lil’ blog on her journey as an author. Read what she’s learned in the process of writing her first book and how she’s using that knowledge to make her next book that much better.} photo via pinterest. originally from here. by guest blogger: Natalia Sylvester The hardest thing is to keep starting over.…