Ever Learning

As freelance writers, we should never become so "experienced and wise" that we fail to see opportunities to learn something new. So many people these days believe they are so genius that there's nothing left for them to learn.

This theory/opinion couldn't be further from the truth! We can always learn something new, no matter how old we are, how long we've been writing (or whatever you do for a living/hobby), or how much we've studied a topic--keyword "study."

Writing for Dollars newsletter is one of the resources I use to enhance my writing. One such instance is the article that was just published in today's issue, written by Denise Vitola. It is titled "It's The VoiceThat Sells."

I took away a feeling that I can improve upon my own writer's voice. We can always improve. I know that some of my articles are "flat" as she mentions, because I've failed to put my "voice" out there.

Writing for Dollars also has paying markets listed in the high, medium, and low-paying range.

I subscribe to other newsletters, e-zines, and magazines as well. I buy writer's reference books and study study study. I read anthologies, magazine articles, other writer-related blogs, and articles online. I study English and grammar and spelling and I glean from "this and that and the other." I rejoice when the advice I've taken and the enormous amounts of time spent studying results in yet another (paid) sale!

So, by refusing to have an "I'm so smart" or "I'm not willing to learn" attitude, I'm growing as a writer. I'm ever learning and I'm finding continued success as I write the cyber highway!

Veggies...Veggies...Veggies...

Ok, it's definitely official--I've become vegetarian.

Yep, you heard me... vegetarian... as in, no more cow, hog, chicken, turkey... Nothing with eyes or paws or sweet disposition... Just veggies, grains, fruit, raw nuts, seeds, etc., etc....

I'm actually astounded that I'm not whining for a cheeseburger or craving fried chicken.

So, what am I going to do? Write about it, of course!

I haven't figured out how many different angles I'm going to go with yet, but there are food magazines/sites, and there are vegetarian publications. What all can you write about vegetables? Hmmm...

You could write about a lot of things. The sky is the limit!

Here's a few, for instance:

• Homegrown veggies/fruit at the Farmer's Market (interview who grows them)
  
• Vegetarian recipes
  
• History of a certain fruit/veggie
• Exotic fruits/veggies
• Heirloom fruits/veggies
• Interview vegetarians
• Organic fruits/veggies and their health benefits

And the list goes on... Use your imagination.

So, there you have it. I'm no longer a meat-eater. I'm surely going to become a bone (I hope!) Ok, maybe not a bone, just thinner ;)

Enjoy your veggies!

Finished....

I just finished reading Jenna Glatzer's book, Make a REAL LIVING as a Freelance Writer, and I must say that it was money well spent--very well spent. I enjoyed her style and voice and she's very encouraging and is a great teacher. That said. Get the book!!!

As I was reading the last few pages, though, it "dawned on me" that I am literally sitting on a fabulous story for a magazine. I can't imagine why on earth I hadn't thought to query a magazine about this topic. It's just insane that I've been letting this hot story burn up right beneath my nose!

Sometimes I don't think we realize what type of stories are breathing all around us, just sitting and waiting to be grabbed up and written about. Maybe it just doesn't sink in or something. I'm glad I finally realized it though. I'm off to write a query!

Keep writing the cyber highway!

Magazine Database

The other day I mentioned using Writer's Market books or subscribing to the online version, which is a tool I've personally used.

Wooden Horse Magazine Database was brought to my attention so I went and checked it out. You can check it out too, here.

They have over 2,000 print magazines in their media directory. You can subscribe to their free newsletter or you can subscribe to their service and have complete access to their Magazine Database and benefit from all it has to offer.

I signed up for the free newsletter and from what I can tell by browsing the site, it looks like a quality investment that would give you a boost in your freelance writing career.

Happy Writing the Cyber Highway!

Get Writing!

Are you a writer at heart, but can't find the heart to write? Discouraged by the daily stresses of life or those friends/family that mock you for wanting to be a writer?

Clear your mind, let go of it all, and get writing! If writing and being published is your greatest desire, then forget what others think. Don't worry about it, just prioritize and go for it.

If I'm not writing, I'm not happy. Is that how you feel? Steal away and get those words flowing!

Subscribe to magazines such as The Writer and Writer's Digest and study them. Purchase Writer's Market or subscribe to the online version and you'll find an endless supply of markets to submit your work to or query.

Get busy writing the cyber highway!