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Writing Etc./Filbert Publishing News – October 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!

It's fall. I know, this is probably a good thing. But I miss summer.  Seriously, I do.

Fall means that winter's just around the corner. Sure, the fall colors take my breath away, the cooler temps feel wonderful. But, with these wonders come the realization that snow will soon fly, I'll have to dig out my eye protection so I can continue to take my daily walk, and I better check my snow pants to make sure they still fit.

Winter preps simply aren't as fun as bike riding, canoing, walking, and exploring trails. I'll have more time to write come winter, though. Guess that's a good thing.

Speaking of writing (ha... I always get around to that, eh?), I've been having a bugger of a time with my latest project. Don't ever write a long form project about critical thinking unless you want your world turned upside down. It's truly amazing how engaging your noggin, applying a little thought to your life, can affect everything... and I mean EVERYTHING you've ever held near and dear.

It's been a tough project, and I hope to share some of this incredible information with you in  upcoming issues of Writing Etc. 'Til then, it'll be over 80 degrees today! I'm heading outside while I can.

Enjoy!

Beth :)

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How to Write More

You sell words. More specifically, you are a merchant of ideas, thoughts, opinion.

Like it or not, if you don't put your thoughts to paper (or the computer screen), you don't have anything to sell, you have no voice in the communities you'd like to influence, you can't call yourself a writer.

Here are some tips to help you write more every single day. Note I said: Every... single... day. And may I add: Without... fail.

Here are the tips:

1.Create a daily, weekly, monthly schedule. Make it doable and realistic. Then stick to it no matter what.

2.Set your priorities. What will you do when emergencies arise? Make note of how you'll handle potential interruptions to your schedule.

3.Become a mini expert in your field. New topics require copious research. If you become a mini expert and focus your efforts in one niche, you can cut your research time by a lot. Selecting a topic you're passionate about will make your career particularly enjoyable.

4.Don't be a perfectionist. Often, good enough is good enough. You can polish forever and never get a project done. Get 'er done and out the door.

5.Keep an eye on deadlines and strive to work ahead of them. You can relieve a lot of pressure when you do this.

6.If you write at home, keep writing hours and enlist your family to take part with the daily chores of running a household. A sink full of dishes will scream for your attention and can inhibit your writing. Get your family to help with these chores so you can write in peace.

7.Keep an eye out for bad habits. Honor your writing time. Stopping writing for snacks, phones, pets, etc. can quickly evolve into a habit. When you write, you write.

Keep these tips in mind and you'll find your productivity increase. Got any more tips? Share 'em on my blog. :)

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On the blog this week...

E-books!

Check 'er 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 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. 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:

Question: How can I get enough assignments on an ongoing basis to quit my full time job?

Beth says: Here's my mantra: Regular promotion equals regular work. No matter how busy you get, always maintain your marketing plan.

Decide how many letters you'll send out per week. How often will you engage in social networking? Make a written plan on what you'll do daily, weekly, monthly, etc.

As far as quitting your job goes... I'm a huge fiscal conservative. When I coach writers, I tell them to keep their current employment until their freelance income exceeds their current income for at least six months, or more if you can handle being that busy. Never quit a job until you've got that wage FOR SURE covered. While you're working two jobs, you can build a nest egg that'll be invaluable as a freelancer.

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Quick Projects You Can Complete in an Afternoon

Got an hour or two to spare? Here's a fast list of 6 projects you can complete, from start to finish, and hit the ground running the next day.

1.Short articles for mass market magazines

2.Short articles for trade magazines/journals

3.Short article for the local newspaper

4.Letter to the editor

5.Draft a fast solicitation letter to send to local businesses advertising your writing services

6.Dig through the local Yellow Pages to find local businesses for whom you'd like to write

You can also...

1.Brainstorm an outline for a short story

2.Tinker with a longer nonfiction project

3.Create an outline or actual text for a short booklet on a subject you enjoy

Time is precious. Make sure you're using yours effectively to grow your freelance biz.

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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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