Six Positive Tips to Becoming a Writer-In-Demand

So, you’ve been told that you have a way with words or that your burning passion to create something meaningful should be explored and that you should, and this is a normal refrain “write a book.”
If you really want to become the writer that you know you can be, then it’s time to set about learning the intuitive basis of freelance writing that can help you become a prolific and sought after writer .
Here are five positive tips to get you started on the road to becoming a prolific freelance writer.
1. Your love affair with the written word will cause you to want to devour books in every genre. You won’t like the works of every author out there, but reading other writers with a critical eye helps strengthen your writing power (Not saying you CAN’T read for pleasure here) 🙂
2. Read and write outside of your passions. If you write children stories; you’ll also need to try your hand at writing mysteries, plays, short stories of fiction and non fiction. I once took a creative writing course where the instructor told me the great news that yes, I was indeed a writer, but now I had to explore writing with all of my might and that meant taking classes in journalism, scriptwriting, play-writing and theater. The more you read, the more prolific you become as a writer.
3. Be prepared for criticisms and disbelief from naysayers. When you tell people you are a writer, many people will examine you for that extra head you’re sporting, or, at the very least think you’ve lost your mind and that you will eventually wise up and “get a real job.”
4. If you taken the necessary steps to achieving your ‘writer status’ then you must decide if you’re going to write full-time or part-time and this is a great decision to make because writers need to have a survival plan in motion to stave off that starving artist mentality when writing jobs seems to dwindle.
5. Write every day. It doesn’t matter what you write, as long as you place fingers to key board, or pen to paper to begin the process. You can write gobbledygook to strengthen your writing muscles and get your creative juices flowing if you like; whatever works to get and keep you in the habit of becoming a writing habit.
6. Become a life long learner to hone your writing craft. You can add substance to your work by taking advantage of online writing classes or join a writer’s group. There are valuable gems to be gleaned from your efforts.

I am still reeling from, and implementing some valuable writing tips I got from recently completing two free online classes. You can search prior posts where I talk about my experiences and provide links to free online classes.
The late South African author, activist and Nobel Prize winner in Literature, Nadine Gordimer, said in an interview, “Writing is a necessity.” Have you considered the depth of your need to create? If so, then it’s time to let the world know of your brilliance. And when you achieve that “writer-in-demand” status, pay it forward and help another writer by sharing gems from your journey to success.

What frightens you ,but also challenge your growth as a writer?
Side note: I apologize to my readers for the lateness of this post, but I celebrated my birthday, people! Thanks to all for the well wishes and the lovely outing!!

Working hard to bring your inner writer to the forefront can deplete your energy so take time out for you and always treat yourself special.

Beyond the Basics of Good Writing By Angela Meredith

We’re all familiar with the basic elements of good writing: focus, organization, well-developed ideas, clarity, and good grammar. To take writing to the next level, beyond the fundamentals, let’s look at process, style, and technique.

When considering process we must first ask the question, how do I write?

When considering process we must first ask the question, how do I write? By asking this question we begin to think about our writing process. Some of us map our thoughts with an outline while others dive right in, trusting that the piece will flow as it should. We may write from our body by feeling the story or poem unfold, or we may write from our minds, thinking our way through every step. Process is always there in some shape or form.
Annie Dillard says in her book The Writing Life, “Process is nothing; erase your tracks.” While writing teachers often say, “Writing is a process, not a product.” Novelist Robert Olen Butler in his book From Where You Dream asserts that great writing comes from our white-hot center—the deep emotional, sensual, metaphysical core—and that this is where our writing must spring from in order to ring true.
It’s my experience that strong writing demonstrates an allegiance to both ends of the process spectrum; it originates from the writer’s white-hot center, and is therefore imprinted with authenticity , yet it is also intellectually vetted and well supported through consistent style and, when needed, solid research.

Ultimately the writer creates style through his or her choices, so choose wisely.

Each of us has a writing style, whether we’ve consciously created it or not. Developing style with intentional choices helps writers avoid unknowingly copying someone else’s style or being bland. Consider word choices, sentence structures, title configurations, and overall tone and you’re likely to cultivate an identifiable style. Sure, you may be similar in style to other writers, and that’s okay
You may find that your style is inherent; it’s simply how you express yourself without trying to come across in any particular way, and this is a great starting point. Developing your style from here is much like enhancing your natural beauty (and you are beautiful, by the way), yet in order to develop something we must first recognize that it’s there. So take time to consider your writing style. What writer do you most admire? Is your style similar, and how is it different? Is there something about your style that you’d like to change? Something that would feel more “you”?
Style is often developed to suit an audience, and this is a great instinct. For example, you’re running late for work and there are two people you need to tell. First, is your rather strict boss, and second is a friendly co-worker; you’re formal with your boss, and then casually deliver the news to your friend. What’s true in verbal communication is also true for writing. We want our style to be appropriate for and appealing to our audience. Ultimately the writer creates style through his or her choices, so choose wisely.

Another way to create style is to utilize writing techniques

Another way to create style is to utilize writing techniques such as figurative language, rhythm, repetition, and other tools that add range and depth to writing. Using metaphors and similes connect the themes of your writing to larger contexts, increasing the layered effect that often distinguishes good writing from the rest. Having a good ear for language is helpful in creating a natural rhythm in your writing. Reading poetry aloud is a great way to learn the musicality of our language. It may not be a rhythm you can dance to, but there’s a pattern of sound nonetheless. Take some time to listen for it and see if your writing begins to flow with unexpected alliteration and assonance.
Repetition is a tricky technique because it’s also a common mistake for beginning writers. So how can it be used to add meaning and sophistication to writing? I learned the power of repetition in an undergrad literary course. We were reading Gertrude Stein’s The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas and had come to a part where she repeats the word “genius” numerous times in the span of a few paragraphs. She used it enough times to indicate an obvious significance. The teacher asked the class what we thought the meaning was, and we sat there for a few moments scratching our heads. Then it occurred to me that repeating “genius” took the power out of the word. If everyone and everything is genius, then what’s the big deal? Bingo! That’s how repetition can be used artistically, and there are other ways to use it to hammer in a point. Try it yourself and see what happens.

It’s difficult to summarize what makes writing good. As I close this post I realize there are more elements, aspects, and ideas that are the building blocks to good writing, but for now I leave you with this. I hope it’s helpful, and that perhaps it inspires you to create your own synopsis of good writing. What would you add? What stands out as essential? We’d love to hear from you, so please share your thoughts with a comment.

Byline: Angela Meredith, http://www.goldstarwritingstudio.com

Thanks Angela! What “aha” moments did you glean from Angela writing tips? Feel free to weigh in.

The Caring Chefs-Creative Writer Gig

C

I confess. I’m a foodie, but in the sense that I like to eat, not so much in the hands on/ preparation department that calls for culinary skills in the kitchen. And what I know about the sinking of The Titantic could fill exactly one page of a very thin notebook. But, this position is meant for some lucky writer out there and it might just be you. Here are the details…

Seeking the perfect candidate to complete a 10 to 15 minute performance writing piece about the last dinner aboard the R.M.S. Titanic ship. This piece should be colorful, engaging and have a descriptive tone with humorous and heartfelt elements. All should be written from the perspective of first-class passenger Molly “Unsinkable” Brown.

The ideal candidate will be able to create a piece that is entertaining and food-focused, yet conveys Brown’s character and her personal accounts of the extravagant cuisine, including the last dinner before the infamous tragedy.

Qualified candidates, please email at least two original creative (published or unpublished) writing samples that capture the above characteristics to alison@thecaringchefs.com.

Please include your name, contact information and desired compensation. This is a work-for-hire position with all rights to the final piece retained by the company.

Creative Nonfiction is offering an exciting new online weekly workshop via video chat, using the workshop method of teachings used in MFA and writing programs across the country. Contact Angeli Sachdeva at Sachdeva@creativenonfiction.org. The classes are flexible and centered around your writing needs.

Have a great weekend, you guys. All this talk about food is making me hungry…

Will you try out for this gig? Why?