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Writing Etc./Filbert Publishing News – November 1, 2010
ISSN: 1545-5580
Make Your Writing Sparkle. Write Killer Queries, Get Published.
Join the brightest, most ambitious, and talented group of writers on the ‘net.
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To subscr*ibe to Writing Etc. and receive the fr*e e-book, “Power Queries,” surf here:
http://filbertpublishing.com

Forward Writing Etc. to all your friends! They’ll be glad you did.

You can easily manage your subscription to Writing Etc. by clicking the links at the end of this e-mail.

If you want to read this online, surf here: http://filbertpublishing.com/current.html.  Otherwise, just keep reading, it's all in this e-mail. Enjoy!

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Notes from Minnesota

Hey Freelancer!

(Poking my nose up while researching my latest book.) Wow. This book's taking longer and is far more work than I've anticipated.

I read a Thomas Jefferson quote the other day saying, “I apologize for this long letter. If I'd had more time, I would have made it shorter.” That's what I'm running into with this project.

Ah, but that's the joy of this job, eh?

I'll talk more. Gotta get my nose back in the book.

Enjoy today's issue of Writing Etc.!

Beth :)

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The Best Way to Learn How to Write
Beth Ann Erickson

I get many e-mails asking about one writing program or another... always asking which one I recommend. To be honest, I usually don't have a clue what programs are good, which are acceptable, and which are... well... bad. Heck, so many “classes” come and go that it would be impossible for someone like me to keep up with them all.

However, there's one bit of advice that I routinely give, will never wear out with age, has stood the test of time, and will always represent the best of the best. That advice is this:

If you want to learn how to write, write. Nothing will teach you more about writing than the act of actually writing.

That's it.

If you want to write, don't read about it, don't discuss it, don't dream about it, don't take classes, don't research, don't do anything except... write.

I know that the phrase “Just Do It” oversimplifies many a complex problem. But this advice is perfect for aspiring writers.

Because once you set pen to paper, or set your fingers to the keyboard, you're an instant dues paying member of the Brotherhood of the Pen. Thing is, dues are required daily.

Once you're writing daily, then you can start exploring ways to sharpen your writing skills further. But don't even think about taking classes until you're writing and know the questions you want to ask once you plunk down some of your earnings into a learning situation.

So... write. Now hop to it. :)

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On the blog this week...

… the end of the world, fact checking, and some plant based news.

Check it out here: http://BethAnnErickson.com

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“Advice to Freelance Writers: Insider Secrets to Effective Shoestring Marketing, Managing a Winning Mindset, and Thriving in Any Economy, Volumes 1 – 3” is my final tribute to the freelancing community. Because I knew I wouldn't write any more how-to-freelancing books aimed at writers, I spilled all my secrets, every trick, held nothing back and created a comprehensive 3 volume set.

Writing Etc subscribers will receive three audio CDs when they head to the following web page. Info's here:

http://filbertpublishing.com/creative.html

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~~ Your Questions Answered ~~

A while ago (OK, quite a while ago) I asked you to send me your most vexing freelance questions.

Well... Writing Etc. is continually evolving and I FINALLY figured out a way to make room for this new column. Let me know how you like it! I'll also be answering your questions on my blog. So here goes... the first vexing freelance question:

Why don't providers want to make a decent payment for the projects they post?

Answer: It's a matter of supply and demand. As long as there are writers who will sell their services for little or nothing, writers will have a tough time making a living wage. It's sad that while learning to write effectively (not to mention professionally) can take a lot of time, energy, and education, many writers don't value their skill enough to even ask for minimum wage when bidding on projects.

But that's reality and any serious writer needs to deal with that reality once they hang out their shingle.

That being said, there are wonderful clients who will, indeed, happily pay for great writers who are professional and easy to work with. It's just a matter of ferreting them out while ditching the ones who don't value your time or talent.

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What to Do if You Dislike Your Current Project?
Beth Ann Erickson

It's bound to happen. Your checkbook looks a bit dim so you take on a project you don't exactly like. Worse yet, you're already knee deep into it and discover you REALLY dislike it. What do you do?

Here are a couple options:

1. Find something about the project you like.

Perhaps you can find a nugget of information that really turns your crank and you can run with it. Perhaps you really like the client. Perhaps you enjoy a subset of the topic. Maybe you can focus on adding a new project to your portfolio and you can focus on that as you work.

2. Parlay the unpleasant project into one you do enjoy.

Perhaps you can speak with your client and very tactfully express interest in working on a new, and perhaps more enjoyable, project once this one is finished.

3. Discover if it's the project you dislike or if it's another problem.

Pinpoint what it is that you don't like about the project. Once you realize what it is... exactly... that you dislike, perhaps it's something you can change.

4. Quit.

If you hate the project, dislike the client, and can't find even one thread of joy, you should quit and allow someone with enthusiasm take on the project. Your client is paying you for your best and if you can't deliver, quit the job instead of delivering less than excellent.

These are just a few options. Remember, you're a professional and won't adore every project you take on. Knowing this, and realizing you're a freelancer and control the people you work with also makes this problem a bit more manageable.

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You can use any of these articles free of charge on your own website or zine. Just don’t make any changes and be sure to include this  byline:

This article is courtesy of Filbert Publishing. Make your writing sparkle, write killer queries, get published. Subscribe to Writing Etc., the free e-mag for freelancers and receive the e-book “Power Queries.” http://filbertpublishing.com

Enjoy!
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