Recently I threw out 9 good reasons to blog. That was pretty general though and some of the regulars asked specifically why freelance writers need blogs. Some saw blogs as being self serving, while others didn’t see how they could help launch a career. The truth is, blogging can’t hurt. Well, unless you can’t write and can’t spell, then it’s probably not a good idea to blog. Or write for that matter. But I digress…

Thanks for all your wonderful letters. Believe it or not, I read them all. Unless they’re rude, I either answer them here or in person. The mail has been piling up lately, so I thought it would be a nice time to answer some letters. It’s been a while… Hi Deborah, I’m a bit new to this whole freelance writing thing. I recently had a falling out with my first regular client and I’m really regretting my decision to dump him.  He was paying me $16/hour to write an excessive amount of copy including, blogs, web content and the task [Read more…]

Welcome to Monday Markets. Thanks for your patience the last couple of Mondays. Hope you can use some of today’s writers markets. These markets all accept work from beginning as well as long-time freelancers so please don’t be afraid to query. Also note, it’s a good idea to purchase a sample copy of the publications before you query to be sure you’re a good fit. Don’t forget to read the online guidelines thoroughly before querying.

by ~ Jennifer Chait Wow, late weekend post, huh? Sorry about that. I had the flu and my son had a birthday – it’s been a busy week. In any case, a reader, Antoinette, asked a question on a previous post here, “I noticed that you mentioned starting a personal blog that could eventually make money. What I would really like to know is if there is any information that details how to do that. It would be helpful to know the best way to set up a blog, maybe some of your personal thoughts on who to use, etc. [Read more…]

I don’t know about you, but as a writer there are a few things I can’t be without.  These tools help to get me through my week and enable me to juggle work and life. 1. My laptop – With my deadlines and weekly and monthly quotas, the only way to stay on top of things is to be portable. My laptop enables me to work anywhere I need to go. I take it on weekend trips and wake up early to work. I bring it along to my son’s extra curriculars and work while he’s doing his thing and [Read more…]

  PLEASE NOTE: THIS CLIENT ISN’T TAKING ANY MORE APPLICANTS FOR THIS GIG. THANKS TO ALL WHO APPLIED!   1 or 2 100-200 word posts need daily. Information and pictures of possible blog posts provided. Needs to be familiar, interested in, or willing to learn celeb gossip. Good English with no grammatical errors. Willing to express personal opinion about item posting, whether good, bad, or other. Paid via paypal. Up-to $500 a month Would like 1-2 sample posts before making decision(can be paid for samples if needed).

Freelance Switch, the world’s largest freelance blog compiled a report featuring freelancing statistics and the results are rather interesting. Now, I’m not at liberty to divulge all the findings but I do feel it’s a fascinating read. 3700 freelancers (including yours truly) in six continents were asked 38 questions regarding their freelancing habits. Some of the responses were surprising:

Hi folks. I’m currently experiencing a power outage but will post if I can. Here are a couple of bonus gigs for you in the mean time. These came in the mail. We are hiring the following professionals to assist with our new Web 2.0 digital journalism and online publishing ventures.

~ Jennifer Chait It’s been a strange blogging week. As Deb referred to in an earlier post this week, a client was having some major server issues. I also happen to work for said client, so I’ve had a lot of downtime lately. I could tell you all about what I did during my downtime; but how I surfed stellar architect blogs to my heart’s content is hardly interesting to anyone but me. Instead we can look at one issue that happens to folks when servers go all wacky. Anyone who has blogged long enough will eventually have the following [Read more…]

  Happy weekend, friends. Here’s what I’m reading this weekend: Is it Time to Give Up On Free Article Marketing on Blogging Tips How to Write on Goal Chris Garrett on the New Media 40 Celebrity Book Authors at Celebrity Cowboy Five Tips for a Successful Freelance Writing Career at CopyBlogger Experts and Editors at Daily Writing Tips Promises and Living Up to Them at Extra for Every Publisher 25 Ways to Become an Effective Freelancer at Freelance Folder 25 Things You Must Learn to Ask for at Freelance Switch Nothing Like that Personal Touch at The Craigslist Curmudgeon Jibber [Read more…]

The other night my husband and I were watching the movie "That Thing You Do" on television. We had both seen it before and were only half paying attention while we read books or magazines, but one scene caught my attention in particular. In case you’re not familiar with the movie it’s about the rise of The Wonders, a "one hit wonder" Beatle-esque band in 1964. The scene I’m talking about happened after The Wonders heard their single, "That Thing You Do," being played on the radio for the first time. The band was so thrilled they danced around an [Read more…]