Sometimes it feels like finding freelance writing gigs is a full time job on its own. I have these grand dreams of having enough gigs to make this writing my full time occupation. I know it will be a long road. I know I will have to keep applying and making a name for myself. I know I can’t give up or “take a break” or it will just take longer. There are weeks where I spend more time on the search than I do actually working on content.
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Earlier this year, Ozuna Publications, in conjunction with Artist First Radio Network, launched an Internet talk show designed specifically for the independently published author, also known as self-published authors. If you take into account the vast array of new publishing houses and books released each year, it is no wonder why so many are swarming to get in line for a full feature interview on a program that in less than six months, has made headway and is impacting and representing the world of indie publishing on a grand scale.
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Posted in tech on 28. Apr, 2009
Twitter has improved my writing…no really it has. It has made me work harder and be more focused on my business. I know Twitter doesn’t seem like an obvious writing aide, but it has helped make a difference in my writing.
Of course, I joined Twitter to network and to direct more traffic towards my work. I’m not a huge blogger, and the words “social media guru/expert” make me want to gouge my eyes out with a spoon, but I have started to make good connections. That has driven more traffic to my blog and other work. That has also made me more motivated to keep creating new material. It also pushes my inner perfectionist to create a better product.
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I wrote my first book when I was 8 (Glasses for Shelly…really it should be a children’s bestseller, but my illustrations need some help), and from that moment on writing has held a special place in my heart. I’ve been a writer for 21 years, and I have loved every minute of it. I like doing it, I like to think I am somewhat good at it, and someday I want to be a writer full time. I’m still working on this goal. Sometimes it goes well. Other times I feel like I’m just spinning my tires.
When those rough times hit, it is very tempting to just give up. I think about just walking away and forcing myself to be content with my regular 8-5 job. Then I remember I gave up once before. I wasn’t nearly as established as I am now, but I decided to just focus on my career in the education sector and move on. That only lasted a few years. Soon I was ready to resurrect my writing career from the ashes.
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Do you hear that sound of smacking lips? That’s me trying to get the bad taste of Austin out of my mouth.
That sounds really negative, doesn’t it? It wasn’t all bad. I’m just let down. In my previous post, I wrote with excitement about going to Austin to the Agents and Editors Conference. The trip really was worthwhile. I met some interesting (in a good way) writers and even made a couple of friends.
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(Photo courtesy Wikipedia Commons)
Don't write what is obvious.
Eliminate all redundant words and phrases.
Your readers will still get your drift without any over-explanations.
EXAMPLE: The judge sentenced the thief to six years in jail.
BETTER: The judge sentenced the thief to six years. (more…)
(Photo courtesy Wikipedia Commons)
You've heard it a thousand times that "passive voice" is bad and "active voice" is good.
In general, I also agree with that advice.
For example, "I wrote this e-mail" (active voice) is a much better way of stating the fact than "this e-mail was written by me".
However, as with everything else under the sun, there are exceptions to this rule as well.
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