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Writing Etc./Filbert Publishing News – October 15, 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!

I've been working on my latest project, researching a long form nonfiction about critical thinking. Ack, it's been hard. Seriously, it has.

It's amazing how applying just a little bit of thinking to your life can turn it upside down!

I'm preparing a checklist about how you can evaluate your sources and will share it in an upcoming issue of Writing Etc. Should be interesting.

In the mean time, it's getting COLD. Don't like it. With 90 fewer pounds on my body, I'm discovering I shiver a LOT. Gotta run to the store and get more shirts. I hear layers are my friend...

Enjoy!

Beth :)

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How to Find Time to Write

Everyone I speak to seems to be busier than ever and finding time to write, especially when you're moonlighting as a freelancer, can be tough. Here are a few tips to ferret out some time to start living the writing life:

1.Ditch the Internet until you get your writing quota done for the day.

2.Don't answer the phone unless you know it's an emergency. Talk after you're done writing.

3.If someone calls and you want to answer it, do so, but then ask if you can call them back when your writing's done.

4.Eliminate activities that you may enjoy, but don't propel you closer to your writing goals.

5.Get up one hour earlier each day and write.

6.Don't write all weekend... it's important to have fun. :)

7.Don't try to get too much done each day, be realistic about your goals. Smaller goals that are doable are more powerful than huge goals you leave undone.

Now, get writing and have fun. :)

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On the blog this week...

Got an i-Phone? Bet you never thought of using it this way.

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: Is it possible for freelancers to make a GOOD living, and if so, what are the most profitable freelance endeavors?

Answer: Yes, you can make a good living as a freelancer. Hands down, the easiest way to do this is to master the fine art of persuasion and launch a copywriting biz. Beware, however, because in this field you truly swim with sharks. Seriously, you do. But if you keep your business small and focus on local business clients, you can avoid a lot of the hype, negativity, and reduce your chances of getting duped by a slick marketer claiming to teach you the deep dark secrets of copywriting.

Don't purchase expensive courses. Don't fall for mentoring scams that can often set you back four figures per month. Read solid books on the subject, take the advice to heart, launch your biz, and get ready to make a ton of mistakes.

My favorite books in this category includes anything written by Bob Bly. Just search his name in Amazon and you'll do fine.

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Got Some Down Time? Make it Profitable.

No matter how busy you are, you'll sometimes find yourself with a few hours to kill. Whether you're in a waiting room, wondering what to do with a lazy afternoon, or find yourself with some open time in your schedule, you can easily find a myriad of ways to turn down time into profitable time. Here are some ideas:

1.Write magazine articles.

2.Work on a book.

3.Write a short e-book and publish it yourself.

4.Create a community education class you can teach.

5.Organize your office.

6.Learn some new software.

7.Market your writing services.

8.Research new fields where you can market your writing services.

9.Become a mini-expert in your field by researching deeper into it.

10.Take a course.

11.Read. :)

There's no reason to ever be bored in this biz, there's a whole world to explore. Have fun!

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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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I Recommend:

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http://www.WritingForDollars.com

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