Thursday Bram wrote a wonderful ebook about something we’ve been discussing here for years. Freelance writers absolutely can make an excellent living earning passive income. That is, earning an income with your own stuff over time.

The ebook is called “The Freelance Writer’s Guide to Passive Income” and is chock filled with tips and ways to earn money from ebooks, courses, blogs, niche sites and more. The biggest benefit to earning a passive income is that you’re keeping everything your projects earn and eventually you can let go of client gigs.

Thursday’s ebook discusses how to find time to create passive income projects, the opportunities available, pricing and marketing each project and so much more. I especially like how in depth this e-book is. Thursday discusses all the not so pleasant details of passive income including how long projects will take to earn over time and how to launch your products for maximum results.

I have two regrets when it comes to “The Freelance Writer’s Guide to Passive Income.” The first is that it took me so long to review it for you. The second is that I didn’t write it myself.

This is the part that I announce that there are affiliate links in this post. Yes, they’re in here, and yes, I get a little something back if you buy Thursday’s book through this link, but don’t let that make your decision for you. The majority of my writing income comes from passive sources. Not having to deal with clients and client-imposed deadlines is a beautiful feeling. I wouldn’t recommend Thursday’s ebook to you if I didn’t think you couldn’t benefit as well. You’ll want to print it out, put it in a binder and place it with all your important reference material.

Click here to purchase “The Freelance Writers Guide to Passive Income”.

Thursday Bram has packaged all this important information in a manner that is easy to read and understand and motivating as all heck. I dare you to read “The Freelance Writer’s Guide to Passive Income” and not be inspired. Not one page out of the 80 is wasted making it well worth the $27.00 price tag.

Click here to purchase “The Freelance Writers Guide to Passive Income”.

Even if wordplay isn’t your thing, stop by and visit with the 2,300+ members of the Freelance Writing Jobs community. They’re a great bunch and ever so helpful.

Be there or be square!!!!

The truth is, we chose one a couple of weeks ago but things have been so crazy we’re just annoucing today. And the winner is….

(drumroll…)

Marvin Rabinovich who wrote this fun ditty:

You should realize my lance is not free,
And for writing I must charge a fee.
It’s by meeting your deadlines
I keep off the breadlines,
So please pay your part-time employee.

Marvin, if you get to me before I get to you, please send your address and paypal details so we can get you your $50 prize plus a copy of the awesome “KickAss Copywriting in 10 Easy Steps.”

1. WordCounterTool.com - Not only gives you your word and character count, but you can also take a typing test to find out your WPM.
2. Wisgary – I love this word count tool because it not only counts words, it counts characters, lines and characters without spaces.
3. Word Count Tool: It couldn’t be easier, simply cut and paste your text and the app will do the rest.
4. Scribendi - Another simple copy and paste. Counts words and nothing else.
5. Word and Character Count Tools: I’m not sure why there are word count and character count tools at a site for Internet calling plans, but there are and they do just fine. Go figure.
6. TranslatorBase.com – Another tool that does more than count words. This word counter also tracks pages, lines, and characters both with and without spaces.
7. Javascript Kit - Offers a word count tracking tool plus the code to put the tool on your own site! I’m even trying it at FWJ.

Do you have a favorite word count tool? Share in the comments!

We’ve posted Stephen King’s advice to new writers before, but new and old members of this community will benefit from my posting it again.

On what makes a good read:

Freelance writers shouldn’t limit themselves to only blogs about freelance writing, however. There are so many important resources that don’t focus solely on writing, yet still offer valuable information. Today’s writers don’t only need to write. We need to manage our businesses, market our services and network with other professionals. With that in mind I’d like to share this list:

10 Terrific Blogs for Freelance Writers That Aren’t About Freelance Writing

1. IttyBiz

Naomi Dunford’s IttyBiz is a must have resource for anyone wishing to market a business and achieve success. Though Naomi’s language is no-nonsense and little salty for some, she gets her point across with humor and never makes the reader feel as if she’s lecturing or talking down to them. Naomi also offers both free and paid resources to help all small business owners achieve their goals. If this isn’t a daily stop on your list, get thee to your RSS reader immediately and rectify the situation.

2. Web Worker Daily

Only a small part of freelance writing is writing. Mostly it’s about making the best use of your time, having good business sense and knowing the key to your clients’ success. Web Worker Daily features app reviews, productivity tips, and the tools to ensure a successful work at home career.

3. 10,000 Words

The tagline for 10,000 Words reads, “Where journalism and technology meet.” Truthfully, this blog is as entertaining as it is informative.  It’s jam packed with tips for using online resources to further journalism and writing careers.

4. Social Media Explorer

I think too many writers stay away from social media blogs as they feel it’s not relevant or only targeting big business. This is far from true. At Social Media Explorer, Jason Falls discusses how social media impacts business and how to best use social media tools to advance our careers and just about all of it applies to freelance writers.

5. ProBlogger

I have no doubt ProBlogger Blog Tips is already on your radar, but that doesn’t make it any less worthy of a place on this list. Freelance writers are also bloggers, either for themselves or clients. Darren Rowse’s tips for profitable blogging are dead on making him a definite daily read.

6. Chris Garrett: The Business of Blogging and New Media

Full disclosure:  Chris Garrett is my good friend. He’s also a brilliant mind. Don’t let Chris’ quiet demeanor fool you. He’s been at this for a long time and  his tips for blogging, writing, social media and business success are right on the money.

7. Successful Blog

Liz Strauss has a reputation for being a “nice” blogger, but make no mistake. Being “Nice” doesn’t mean Liz isn’t a perceptive business person. The co-founder of the SOBCon business conference for bloggers, Liz share tips and advice for best business practices while making you feel worthy and special…and remember, you’re only a stranger once.

8. Social Media Examiner

Mike Stelzner’s Social Media Examiner seemed to come of nowhere to become one of the top social media blogs around. This is no fluke. Mike is an expert in viral marketing and his success is no accident.  Want to know how he did it? Subscribe to SME, “your guide to the social media jungle.”

9. Plagiarism Today

Jonathan Bailey isn’t a lawyer, nor does he play one on TV. However, he is well versed in copyright and plagiarism matters, and blogs regularly about your rights (and wrongs) regarding web content and usage. If you’re unsure of the rules regarding “borrowed” web content or images, or, if you’ve been ripped off, visit Plagiarism Today for tips.

10. Rock Your Day

Dave Navarro Rocks Your Day with productivity tips you can use. This isn’t the same old work/life/get organized blog. Dave riffs on everything from boosting confidence to doing unto others. It’s my daily feel good read and should be yours too.

What are your favorite blogs for writers – that aren’t about writing? Share in the comments.

As a technically challenged blogger I’m always interested in tricks and tools that enhance my bloggery and make it look as if I know what I’m doing. So when Brian Clark launched Scribe SEO , a tool geared towards assisting SEO idiots (like me) in optimizing their blog posts, I decided to give it whirl. Between you and me, I sometimes wonder how my blog achieved this level of success because I’m not an SEO maven and wouldn’t know a high ranking keyword if it reached up and tweaked my nose. My only experience with keywords and SEO, besides what I research for this blog network, is writing dozens of keyword heavy articles for other people, a job that bored me to tears.To be even more honest, I have no clue about meta data and I can’t write headlines to save my life. Apparently, these are important. Who knew?

So I decided to invest in the Scribe plugin. At $27 per month, it’s reasonably priced and, if it helps me learn about this SEO stuff and helps people find our blog posts, that’s gravy in the boat. That it’s a plugin was a semi- issue for me. Technically challenged bloggers have no clue how to plug stuff in. Fortunately we’re very good at opening our wallets to pay our resident techie and she had it up and running in no time.

Immediately upon bringing up my dashboard  I was met with a content optimizer:

Those little red warning lights are telling me I need meta information and tags for my post. If there was no content, the “content read” button would have a big fat red minus sign as well. I like the reminders. I’m a pretty good tagger, but always forget about the meta stuff. My post and run method of blogging comes back to haunt me.

What I  like about Scribe is how it gives me a checklist so I know what needs to be done. For example, if I pause now and add the tags and meta description, and hit the “analyze” button, I’ll get a little laundry list of what I’m doing right and where I need work. Behold:

94% Hot diggity, I got an A!

As you can see, this post is good to go, but can use a few tweaks. For example, DOH!!! I forgot to add hyperlinks. Thank you, Scribe for having my back. One or two more links and I’m good to go. Scribe also says I need some help with my primary keywords. Scribe always has issues with my primary keywords. Scribe always wants them way at the top of the page and they don’t always work out that way. I hate to anger Scribe but I don’t like to get all obvious with the keywords either.

What I absolutely love about Scribe SEO is the keyword analysis tool. Check out this goody gumdrop:

As you can see, Scribe is telling me how I’m doing with my keywords. Notice” Scribe,” a primary keyword is right where it should be. On the other side of the coin, “Brian Clark” isn’t emphasized much at all. However, I hear tell he’s a little shy and probably likes it that way so we’re good. Scribe also shows me how my blog will look in the SERPs and offers suggestions for changing or adding keywords.

Scribe SEO: The Technically Challenged Recommendation

Do I like Scribe SEO and recommend it to other technically challenged SEO idiots? Abso-friggin-lutely. I’m totally digging this puppy if only because it prompts me to slow down and pay attention to what I’m doing.  I’m also understanding how all this SEO/keyword stuff works a little better. Oh, and I can use it all by myself without having to contact technical support. A major plus. Mostly though it reminds me of everything I’m mising in my post.

Brian and his team have a winner here.

Now, keep in mind Scribe only works if you have the “All in One SEO” plugin, which I do and have had for a while, or if you use the Thesis, Hybrid or Headway Themes for WordPress.  The All in One SEO plugin is free, however, so you have no excuse.

Full Disclosure: Copyblogger didn’t send me the love. No one asked me to do this review. No one paid me anything, no one gave me anything for free, I’m not selling anything and I have no affiliate links in this post. But I’m not bitter.

I just felt like passing on a cool new tool. Do with this what you will.

EDITED TO ADD: Back the truck up. It appears I have something to sell after all. Brian Clark dropped by to say hello and kindly gave me access to the Scribe SEO affiliate programs. So yeah, if you buy, I profit.

Let’s take a fun, but kind of related diversion.

Last week we explored some celebrity bloggers who pen noteworthy blogs. It got me thinking about other famous creative types. For example, celebrity book authors. Now, I’m not talking about gratuitous, ghost written books. I’m talking about celebrity novelists, biographers and children’s book authors. They seem to be everywhere, don’t they?

What’s discussion worthy about celebrity book authors is if they’re really writers (as in good writers) who arrived by their publishing contract through the same methods and channels as us little people, or if they were offered deals based on their famous names and little else. Many book authors are outraged at how easy it is for celebrities to become published authors. I’m very interested in your thoughts.

48 Celebrity Book Authors

You might find some surprises on this list.

1. Woody Allen : Author of multiple books including “Without Feathers, Getting Even”, and so many others.
2. Pamela Anderson: Penned” Star: A Novel“. I can’t tell you if it’s good or bad but you can find copies selling for a penny at Amazon.
3. Alan Arkin: Author of several titles including “Cassie Loves Beethoven”, “The Lemming Condition”, and quite a few other children’s stories.
4. Jimmy Buffett: I can wholeheartedly recommend Jimmy Buffett’s books. He’s a very entertaining storyteller. He’s the author  several novels and childrens books.
5. Kim Catrall: Mostly writes sexual self help books. Author of “Being a Girl: Navigating the Ups and Downs of Teen Life” and “Kim Cattrall Sexual Intelligence“.
6. Stephen Colbert : Author of “I Am America (And So Can You!)“
7. Lauren Conrad : Author of “L.A. Candy” and “Sweet Little Lies: An L.A. Candy Novel.”
8. Bill Cosby: Author of many humor, parenting and self help books.
9. Katie Couric: Author of the children’s book, The Blue Ribbon Day
10. Wes Craven: As you would imagine, Wes Craven is the author of several horror stories including Fountain Society and Wes Craven’s New Nightmare: A Novel.
11. Billy Crystal: The author of a pair of wonderful children’s books written with his grandchildren in mind. The first time I read I Already Know I Love You I cried.
12. Jamie Lee Curtis: Author of several children’s books.
13. Dom Deluise: It will come as no surprise to many that Dom Deluise is a cookbook author, but did you know he wrote children’s stories too?
14. Amy Grant:  Author of Amy Grant’s Heart to Heart Bible Stories.
15. Ethan Hawke: Novelist who authored of The Hottest State and Ash Wednesday.
16. Felicity Huffman: Wrote the epic titled A Practical Handbook for the Boyfriend: For Every Guy Who Wants to Be One, For Every Girl Who Wants to Build One.
17. Sarah Ferguson: Children’s author who wrote the “Budgie” series as well as other children’s books, and a book on weight loss.
18. Fannie Flagg: Fannie Flagg is probably better known as an author than an actress at this point  in her career. Author of Multiple novels including Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Cafe.
19. Carrie Fisher: Author of Postcards from the Edge and The Best Awful.
20. Jerry Garcia: Author of the Children’s Story There Aint No Bugs on Me.
21. Whoopi Goldberg: Author of the Sugar Plum Ballerinas Series and Whoopi’s Big Book of Manners.
22. Mia Hamm: Author of “Go for the Gold: A Champion’s Guide to Winning at Soccer and Life.”
23. Hugh Laurie: Author of “The Gun Seller.”
24. Spike Lee: Author of “Please Baby Please” and “Please Puppy Please.”
25. Jay Leno: Author of “If Roast Beef Could Fly” and several other titles.
26. John Lithgow: Author of several children’s titles.
27. Madonna: Author of several children’s titles and a very grownup adult title.
28. Steve Martin: Author of “http://www.amazon.com/Pleasure-My-Company-Novella/dp/0786888016/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_2″ and “Shop Girl.“
29. Danica McKellar: The mathematics whiz wrote two books to help girls master math. “Math Doesn’t Suck” and “Kiss My Math“
30. Bette Midler: Author of “The Saga of Baby Divine.“
31. Julianne Moore: Author of two “Freckleface Strawberry” children’s books.
32. Leonard Nimoy: Authored a biography, a photo book, a book of poems and other assorted titles.
33. Deborah Norville: Author of “I Don’t Want to Sleep Tonight.”
34. Dolly Parton: Author of two colorful children’s titles, “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Am a Rainbow.”
35. Nicole Richie: Novelist who authored “The Truth About Diamonds.“
36. Jerry Seinfeld: Author of “Halloween.”
37. Jane Seymour: Author of “Splat! The Tale of a Colorful Cat, This one and That“
38. William Shatner: Author of 22 science fiction novels.
39. Ally Sheedy: Alexandra Elizabeth Sheedy wrote “She Was Nice to Mice” when she was twelve years old.
40. Maria Shriver: Author of several children’s stories geared towards helping children cope with Alzheimer’s and other confusing situations.
41. Will Smith: Author of “Just the Two of Us.”
42. Jada Pinkett Smith: Author of “Girls Hold Up this World“
43. Courtney Thorne- Smith: Author of “Outside In“.
44. John Stewart: Author of “America (the Book): A Citizen’s Guide to Democracy Inaction.”
45. Elizabeth Taylor: Author of “Nibbles & Me.” (I had no idea and the next entry is even more surprising. I must live in a cave or something.)
46. Shirley Temple: They’re difficult to find but Shirley Temple is the author of several collections children’s bedtime stories.
47. John Travolta: Author of “Propeller One Way Night Coach: A Story.”
48. Henry Winkler: Henry Winkler’s “Hank Zipzer” series echoes Winkler’s own experiences with learning challenges.

Is there anyone you would like to add to this list?

Full disclosure: Some of these are affiliate links, most aren’t though.

Today’s list is for all the Mr. & Mrs. Ngs out there. Those of us who may have the best of intentions and love our spouses dearly but  fall short in the gift-giving department.

Valentines Day Gifts for Writers

Typewriter Bracelet

The typewriter key bracelet always makes my lists of gifts for writers. You can’t go wrong with this one. I received two typewriter key bracelets last year and I love them. It’s a thoughtful gift and makes for an interesting conversation piece. If your wife or girlfriend is a writer, she will appreciate this gift like no other.

Lap Desk

One of the perks of freelancing is being able to work anywhere and that includes bed, the couch, or the back deck. This laptop desk, complete with handy dandy cup holder and side pocket, will enable your loved one to work on a solid surface with no jiggling and bumping.

Bunny Slippers

It’s no secret I’m not a fan of the bunny slipper stereotype. However, every time I write about my disapproval of the pajama lifestyle half the Freelance Writing Jobs community writes or comments to respectfully disagree. This is for you, oh bunny slippered freelance writers. May your feet always be toasty.

Fingerless  GLOVES

Nothing says I love you like warm hands, especially when your spouse is chintzy with the heat. I keep a pair of fingerless gloves by my laptop and wear them all winter long. If the writer in your life has icy hands, he or she will appreciate typing gloves. Trust me, I know.

Starbucks basket

No explanation necessary.

A Writer’s Love Story

Share the romance by reading together.

What is your perfect Valentine’s Day Gift? Share in the comments

Full disclosure: All these are affiliate links. However, I found each product at Amazon.com so if you’re not interested in contributing to my son’s college fun, feel free to find these on your own without my affiliate. I won’t mind, I promise

I’m often asked why I don’t post writing contests. I actually do post them when the folks who run contests are kind enough to send me the details, and I also post a couple of contests each week in the Freelance Writing Jobs Community Newsletter. Generally,  I don’t look for writing contests on a daily basis as I do freelance writing jobs. However, if it’s writing contests you want, it’s writing contests you’ll get.

Below is a list of  writing contests. Some of them require a fee, and some of them don’t. I don’t know enough about writing contests to advise whether or not it’s worth it to pay a fee to enter a contests, but I’m sure some of our veteran writing contestants will be happy to share their tips in the comments.

Art Affair Poetry Contest

Send poems up to 60 lines in length. Keep copies however, as entries won’t be returned. Please see online guidelines.

• Entry fee: $3.00 per poem
• Prizes: $15 – $40
• Deadline: October 1, 2010

Art Affair Western Short Story Contest

Send fiction of up to 5,000 words.  May enter as often as you like. Please see online guidelines.

• Entry fee: $5.00
• Prizes: $15 – $50
• Deadline: October 1, 2010

Art Affair General Short Story Contest

Send fiction of up to 5,000 words. Please see online guidelines.

• Entry fee: $5.00 per story.
• Prizes: $15 – $50
• Deadline: December 2010

The Aurorean Poetry & Haiku Contests

Hurry! First deadline is looming. Please see online guidelines.

• Entry fee: None.
• Deadline: February 15 & August 15, 2010
• Prizes: $10 + publication

David Nathan Meyerson Fiction Prize

Hosted by Southern Methodist University. Please see online submission guidelines.

• Entry fee: $25.00
• Deadline: May 1, 2010 postmark
• Prize: $1,000 plus publication

Gigglegig Funny Story Contest

Monthly humor contest. Please see online guidelines.

• Entry fee: None
• Deadline: Monthly contest
• Prizes: $500

Glimmer Train

Please click link for a variety of contests and deadlines.

Iron Horse Literary Review

Deadline coming up in a couple of weeks, act quickly. Please see online guidelines.

• Entry fee: $15
• Deadline: Entries must be postmarked February 15, 2010
• Prize: $1000 + publication

The Ledge Fiction & Poetry Contest

Accepts unpublished stories of up to 7,500 words. Please see online guidelines.

• Entry fee: $10 + $6 for each additional story.
• Deadline: Postmarked March 1, 2010
• Prizes: Up to $1000 +publication

Literal Latte Writing Contests

Hosts a variety of poetry and writing contests. Please check the online guidelines for specific deadlines, guidelines, fees and prizes. A couple of their contests are already closed.

Once Written Poetry Contest

May submit two to three poems per submission fee. No word counts or line limits. Please see online guidelines for complete details.

• Entry fee: $10 – $15
• Deadline: March 31, 2010
• Prizes: $100 & $500 plus publication

Scribophile Writing Contests

Please see a guidelines for a variety of contests and prizes.

Southwest Writers Writing Contest

Prizes awarded in 14 categories. Please see guidelines.

• Entry fee: None
• Deadline: May 10, 2010
• Prizes: Various – Grand prize of $1,000

Shoutout Teen’s Teen Writing Contest

Contest sponsored by Full Sail University. Please see online guidelines.

• Entry fee: None
• Deadline: Ongoing
• Prizes: $100 plus publication

Treasure Box Tales

Submit tales about your greatest treasure. Follow online guidelines.

• Entry fee: $10
• Deadline: April 13
• Prize: $100 – $500

Willow Springs Fiction Contest

Please see online guidelines.

• Entry fee: $15
• Deadline: March 1
• $1,000 plus publication.

Writer’s Digest 79th Annual Competition

A very prestigious award – wouldn’t it be so cool if someone from the FWJ community won this puppy? Compete in 10 categories. Please see online guidelines.

• Entry fee: $5 per manuscript or poen
• Deadline: May 14, 2010
• Prize: First prize- $3,000 + trip to NYC. Various other prizes and honorable mentions.

Xtreme Travel Stories Quarterly Contest

Long list of online guidelines. Recommended you thoroughly read it through.

• Entry fee: Couldn’t find one, but read through the guidelines because it might be in there somewhere.
• Deadlne: March 1, 2010
• Prize: $100

Do you enter writing contests? If so, do you have any tips you’d like to share with the freelance writing jobs community?

The other day as I was watching Julie & Julia, I wondered if there were other movies about bloggers. My research didn’t turn up much and I ended up taking it in a whole new direction. I knew some bloggers had turned their blogs into books, or “blooks,”  but I had no idea how many.  Though I know of at least 30 blooks, here’s a sampling of my favorites:

13 Blogs that Became Books

1. ProBlogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income

Darren Rowse and Chris Garrett took the same practical information offered on the popular blog about blogging, and put it into book form.

2. Stuff White People Like: A Definitive Guide to the Unique Taste of Millions

White people like to take stuff and make it into books. One of my favorite blogs became one of my favorite books, a win-win situation.

3. Passive Aggressive Notes: Painfully Polite and Hilariously Hostile Writings

So I won a coveted parking spot at the elementary school at the annual basket auction. However, someone is always parking in my spot and even though it was effective as of September 1, as of February 1 I have never gotten to use my spot — even though there is a big, metal sign on the edge of that spot that reads “basket auction winner.” Since I’m not sure if the people who park in my spot see this ostentatious metal sign, I started leaving notes on the offending windshield informing said parking spot thieves that, no, they didn’t win this parking spot and they need to pay better attention to the signage. I know they were ever so grateful for the reminder.

I stopped sending my little love notes once I began reading Passive Aggressive Notes. I’m afraid I’m going to read it one day and find my own handiwork.

4. I Can Has Cheezburger?: A LOLcat Colleckshun

Now you can take your kittens with captions everywhere you go.

5. Julie and Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously

The blog that became a book that became a movie. The Julie & Julia project was my inspiration for this blog post.

6. Hot Chicks with Douchebags

Hey I used to go down the shore every summer. I know what goes on there. Hot chicks with douchebags for sure.

7. Sleeveface

You know, if you told me ten years ago there would be a blog and accompanying book devoted to replacing one’s face with a photo, I would have rolled my eyes. I’ll tell you what, though – it works. Check out the Sleeveface blog and see what I mean.

8. Crazy Aunt Purl’s Drunk, Divorced, and Covered in Cat Hair: The True-Life Misadventures of a 30-Something Who Learned to Knit After He Split

OK. So I have two cats and I crochet, but it’s not near as entertaining as Crazy Aunt Purl, the diary of a thirty-something knitter with four cats.
9. This Is Why You’re Fat: Where Dreams Become Heart Attacks

Deep fried and covered in bacon, indeed, this is why you’re fat.

10.The Joys of Engrish

I think the reason Engrish is one of favorite blogs ever is because it reminds me so much of my home town in Queens, NY. I lived in a predominantly Asian neighborhood and signs such as those featured on the blog dominated the area. Fun stuff.

11. PostSecret: Extraordinary Confessions from Ordinary Lives

I sent a postcard to Post Secret once. It was never published.

12. Waiter Rant: Thanks for the Tip–Confessions of a Cynical Waiter (P.S.)

After reading Waiter Rant I realized the key to a good meal is how well you kiss your server’s butt.

13. My War: Killing Time in Iraq

Colby Buzzell, blogger for My War, left me touched, humbled and grateful I have people like him fighting for me.

Bonus:

Blooks in the works

These blogs received book deals and we should see a published effort shortly.

• People of Walmart
• Awkward Family Photos

There are plenty more out there, and we’ll cover them another time. Have you read any good blooks lately? If so, share in the comments.

*Full disclosure: The Amazon links above are affiliate links.

Over the past few years we’ve compared freelance writing to many different entities. For me it’s kind of a challenge to find off the wall comparisons. I’m going to issue that challenge to you today as well. What are some of the comparisons you can make to freelance writing? Tell us here in the comments, on Twitter or your own blogs. Let’s see what you can come up with.

Since I’m busy compiling markets this week, I haven’t had a chance yet to do much real blogging. So we’re going with a greatest hits post this afternoon.

How freelance writing is like…

• 4 Ways Freelance Writing is Like Dating
• Top 10 Ways Freelance Writing is Like Working Out
• 5 Ways Freelance Writing is Like Thanksgiving
• 5 Ways Freelance Writing is Like Black Friday
• 7 Ways Freelance Writing is Like Acting
• 5 Freelance Writing Lessons Learned from My Dog
• 10 Freelance Writing Lessons Learned from the People of WalMart
• 4 Ways Freelance Writing is Like Christmas Shopping
• 6 Freelancing Lessons from Tony Start a/k/a “Iron Man”
• 6 Ways Freelance Writing is Like Halloween
• 7 Important Lessons Freelancers Can Learn from Working in Fast Food
• Customer Appreciation Lessons Learned from Barnes and Noble
• Hiring New Freelancers is Like a Box of Chocolate

Now let’s have your analogy. What is freelance writing like….and why?

• The latest freelance writing jobs and opportunities
• New stuff from around the Freelance Writing Jobs Network
• Recommended reading from around the blogosphere.

Every day look for the daily “Freelance Writing Jobs for ….” posts to find our daily lists. If there’s anything you think we should add, do let us know. We hope to share all things freelancing. If you visit the recommended reading blogs, do be sure to comment and let them know how much you like their stuff.

Check it all out at the Freleance Writing Jobs for Web and Print blog, while you’re there, browse some of the standalone jobs as well.

What do you think is happening in this image? Give us a caption, a paragraph or a brief story. Make us laugh or think. Let’s go beyond the obvious…

Image courtesy of Newscomm.

I’m not a technical writer or reviewer and no one is paying me to write this post. As I’m technically challenged,  I’m probably not going to use the right terminology and I can’t even really get really the nuts and bolts of how this thing works. Still, I want to tell you about my new Droid Eris and how it’s helping me as a freelance writer and professional blogger.

I’m not a gadget girl

I don’t usually post about new gadgets because, well, I’m not a gadget geek, I don’t buy the latest toys. mostly because I don’t know how to use them.

Time for a change

I owned a Razor for I don’t know how many years. When I first bought it, I was just happy to use something with a camera and an antenna that didn’t poke people’s eyes out.

I didn’t text much with the Razor because I don’t have the patience for punching the same number over and over again until the right letter pops up. At that rate, it was quicker to dial a number to call.

I didn’t use the Razor to do much online because it was slow going. I couldn’t replace it though. It still worked fine and the frugal side of me couldn’t justify the cost of a new phone plus data plan. That didn’t keep me from dropping a few hints here and there. A smart phone would be so convenient, especially for staying on top of emails when I’m away from my laptop. I get over 1,000 emails a day, so you can probably understand why I travel with a laptop everywhere I go. The last thing I want is to come home after a few days away and have to sift through 5,000 emails.

Merry Christmas

For Christmas, Mr. Ng, husband extraordinaire, bought me a Droid Eris. It was love at first site. It had a simulated keyboard so I could text, Twitter, Facebook, Google and all sorts of terrific apps such as WordPress to Go and Pandora Radio.  Yes, I was smitten.

Leaving the laptop at home

I decided to put my Droid Eris to the ultimate test. Over the long Christmas weekend, I did the unthinkable. For the first time in five years, I left the laptop at home while I visited family for three days. I expected withdrawal, but didn’t even break into a sweat. Thanks to my Droid, I was able to stay on top of my email, keep up with the social networks and even do a little blogging. I don’t like using it for full fledged blogging as much because I’m not into the whole typing with my thumbs thing, but for a quick web search, I can’t go wrong. On the drive to my Mom’s my son asked a lot of questions and we were able to look it up online thanks the Google app. The only thing I have to watch out for is that I don’t become one of those annoying people who are always glued to their cell phones constantly texting and tweeting.

I can already tell my Droid is going to come in handy while at conferences. I can leave my laptop back at the hotel and take care of live blogging, tweeting and email without having to lug a cumbersome laptop back around the conference center.

You probably want me to tell you about the inner workings of my Droid or about megs and apps and games. I’m sorry to tell you, I’m not her. I’m not the gadget girl who can offer all the technical details of how her smartphone works. I can tell you as someone who is completely clueless when it comes to these things that the Droid Eris doesn’t suck and now I can’t imagine life without it. Web surfing is quick, it has good sound and imaging, and I can Tweet any time I want. What more could I ask for?

Tell me about your favorite gadgets. How do they help you to remain productive?

So I’m patrolling Twitter today looking for interesting tidbits to read and share, and I came upon something extremely interesting and useful: the Freelance Switch Rate Calculator. It’s a good one, it takes into consideration all your overhead and expenses, considers your profit and calculates your suggested hourly rate.

The funny thing is, I actually spoke with a developer a few months ago about creating a rates calculator to post here at FWJ. I backburnered it to work on other projects and Freelance Switch beat us to the punch. Though I can kick myself, I’m happy to recommend this tool to all freelancer writers in order to ensure you’re receiving the payment you deserve.

Check it out and tell us what you think.

Edited to add: I never noticed the rate calculator on the Freelance Switch site until it was brought to my attention today. Apparantly it’s not new. Even so, it’s a very cool tool and gets my stamp of improvement.

1. Kindle
Though nothing can replace the feel of a book or magazine in my hands, I love the convenience of the Kindle. In fact, it’s the second choice on my Christmas wish list this year (my first choice is an iPhone). The Kindle allows you to read books, magazines, newspapers and more all on a small screen similar to an ebook reader or PDA – except it’s not. If you live in a very small house like me, and the books are taking over, you’ll probably appreciate the convenience as well. If you travel a lot like me, you’ll appreciate not having to load a bunch of books into your carryon. If you have a husband who enjoys his sleep, you’ll appreciate being able to read in bed without having to turn on the light. Oh and it’s 3G wireless so you don’t have to hook it up to anything to download more books.

2. Olympus Digital Voice Recorder

No more scrambling for paper and a pen or pulling the car to the wrote to write down your latest brilliant idea, a Digital Voice Recorder allows you to record your thoughts as they come to you. Granted, you might get some funny looks in the supermarket as you talk while browsing the week’s loss leaders, but other writers are sure to understand.

3.Portable Workstation

Writers and bloggers aren’t chained to a desk all day, we can work from our beds, couches and even the beach. A Portable Workstation
or Bed Desk allows us to comfortably work wherever we like – even the back or passenger side seat of a car.

4. Top 10 Clues You’re a Writer T-Shirt“

“You would rather talk to the voices in your head than the person sitting next to you.”

5. Literary Luminaries Umbrella

Featuring great women writers including Jane Austen, Sylvia Plath, Emily Dickinson, Zora Neale Hurston, Virginia Woolf, Louisa May Alcott, Mary Shelley and Charlotte Bronte.

6. Hemingway & Bailey’s Bartending Guide to Great American Writers

Men’s Journal described Hemingway & Bailey’s Bartending Guide to Great American Writers as “A wittily illustrated rogue’s gallery of literary lushes, with cocktail recipes to let you drink in their footsteps.” I think it looks like a fun read. Host a Literary Lush cocktail party featuring the favorite libations of your favorite writers.

7.“Beware of the Writer” Totebag

The pen is mightier than the sword.

8. “Writers Rock” Cap / Hat

Indeed we do.

9.Writer’s Digest (1-year)

My mom gives me a subscription to Writer’s Digest (1-year) every year for my birthday and it’s the gift that continues to give. Filled with advice from pros and markets to query, everyone who is serious about making a living as a writer will appreciate an annual subscription.

10. The New Great American Writers Cookbook

The New Great American Writers Cookbook features recipes from favorite authors including Fannie Flagg, P.J.O’Rourke, Anna Quindlen and many others.

What are some of the gifts you’d like to see under your tree this year?

I am NOT a Black Friday shopper. There is in way in Hades you’ll get me out of bed before 7:30 on the day after Thanksgiving, especially if it’s to battle crowds and fight over big screen televisions and Barbie Dolls. I worked in a mall. I know what goes on there. It’s not pretty.

However, I do know there are some bargains to be found on Black Friday, many of them of interest to freelance writers. Here are few of the items I’ve come across that may appeal to you. Is it worth it to wake up at 3:00 a.m. and stand in a crowd to purchase one of these items?

I’ll let you decide.

Black Friday Deals for Freelance Writers

True Value

• Paper Shredder – $9.99. When it’s time to get rid of old invoices, contracs, W-9′s and other personal business, you’ll want to run it through a paper shredder first.

Best Buy

• Linksys Wireless Router – $20 off at $59.95
• Logitech Cordless Mouse – $24.99 – A discount of over $17.00
• A variety of discounted netbooks and notebooks – some with heavy discounts.

Radio Shack

• Wireless Mouse at $12.99 (normally $19.99)
• Blackberry Curve – free with two year T-Mobile contract
• Gigaware Notebook Cooling pad for $14.99 (from $19.99( – If you have a large laptop this is will help to keep it from overheating.

Staples

• HP Laptop at $299.98 (After rebate)
• Dell Studio 15.6″ Core 2 Duo Laptop w/ 4GB, 500GB – $599.98
• HP Core 2 Duo 17.3″ Laptop w/ 4GB, 320GB – $599.98 MIR
• HP DeskJet F4280 All-in-One Printer – $39.99

Half Price Books

• Offering a variety of options including discounts and gift cards.

Office Depot

• D-Link Basic N Wireless Router – $19.99
• D-Link Basic N Wireless USB Adapter – $19.99
• Entire Stock of Cross Pens – 50% off
• Compaq Presario Desktop w/ 2GB, 250GB, DVD+R – $229.99
• Compaq Presario Desktop w/ 2GB, 250GB, DVD+R, 19″ LCD – $329.99

Dell

• A variety of goodies

If you come across any deals you feel will benefit the writers in this community (and no fair spamming) please post them in the comments.

Coming soon, the FWJ newsletter will feature:

* Blog posts, news and gigs from around the FWJ network.
* Past gems from the FWJ archives.
* Columns and advice by veteran freelancers not found at FWJ
* Fun stuff.
* Q & A/Mentoring- We’ll answer your questions about freelance writing and freelance writing jobs.
* Essays about freelance writing from the FWJ community.

Sign up here, or use the form in the sidebar.

Subscription to the FWJ newsletter is absolutely free and we hope for it to be another way to help advance your freelance writing career. The first issue will launch within the next week or two.

This is your idea, FWJ community, I hope to continue to do you all proud.

Twitter is an essential resource for freelance writers. At first considered a fun little social networking site, Twitter now reaches far beyond your average social networking forum. In fact, next to the blog, many feel Twitter to be the most important social networking/social media tool for freelance writers.

Knowing how to use Twitter to your benefit can mean more awareness of your brand, more traffic to your blog or website, and more interaction with other freelancer writers and potential clients.

Let’s explore some of the ways freelance writers can take advantage of Twitter’s potential.

There are hundreds of freelance writers on Twitter

If you ever wanted to join a writer’s group but didn’t have the time, money or inclination, Twitter is like one giant network for freelance writers. On a given day we:

• Share links to informative blog posts and articles: Every blogger shares links to blog posts and most understand the rule about not being spammy. It’s how we’re turned on to new writing blogs and how other freelancers and writers learn about FWJ. Before you start sending out links, build up relationships with your followers. Once you’re enjoying each other’s company, send out periodic links to your blog posts. If your followers find the topic interesting they’ll be inclined to stop in for a visit.
• Share job leads: Lots of folks share links to job lists and job leads. Keep in mind, many of these leads are for freelance bidding sites.There are also plenty of leads for decent non-bidding site opportunities. I keep my Seesmic (see “Twitter Tools” below) open to several search terms at once, many of them having to do with freelance writing jobs. Your favorite job search sites no doubt also have Twitter accounts and following them will enable you to see their job Tweets. You can also do a Twitter Search and Twitter Job Search to find freelance writing jobs.
• Talk with potential clients: It’s funny how many potential clients are following you on Twitter and you may not even know about it. In fact, some of the people who I know on Twitter have contacted me to discuss  freelance writing opportunities after our online chats. They may originally follow you because they find you interesting and may end up hiring you after getting to know you.
• Build relationships: I have many good friend thanks to Twitter. Using social networks to meet and share with others led to some mutually beneficial relationships. Some of those relationships led to jobs, some led to joint projects, and some led to some wonderful, long-term friendships. Many of these relationships continue to grow offline as well.
• Discuss issues pertaining to freelance writers: Do you have questions regarding freelance writing? Is there something sticking in your craw? Are you looking for information on a particular content site or client? Use Twitter for a lively discussion, an intelligent debate or to ask questions of your fellow freelance writers.

Twitter Search

Use Twitter Search to find other freelance writers, freelance writing work, check out upcoming events, meet folks in your genre, talk to interview subjects, gain a new perspective, learn the top stories and anything else you can think of.

Twitter Groups

TwittGroups and Twibes are two ways to find groups of Twitterers who share your same interests. These don’t have to be related to your niche, either. There are Twitter groups for your favorite television shows, movies, current events, recipes and everything else under the sun. If you’re writing about a particular topic, using a Twitter group can help to find people to talk to and interview.

Twitter Job Search

Twitter Job Search aggregates all the job listings on Twitter enabling you to search for specifics. Even if you’re not looking for a freelance writing or social media job, Twitter search has all the bases covered. Mr. Ng has even used it to look for available accounting opportunities. It’s not precise though, so if you plug in “freelance writing jobs” you might receive results with that phrase in the title but not actually linking to any gigs.

Twitter Lists

Twitter lists are a new feature enabling Twitterers to pull together lists of their favorite Tweeters in various topics. For example, yesterday I put together a list of folks who are always worth a ReTweet. I found out yesterday I’m listed on about 85 lists mostly having to do with freelance writing, blogging and social media. What I like about Twitter Lists is the ability to check out new Twitterers who are isolated in these groups, which I may not have been able to do otherwise. If I like what I see I might follow them and read their stuff. They might also follow me in return and read my stuff. Some folks feel it might be a little exclusionary, and while I can see that happening, I also feel social networks on a whole are exclusionary.

Twitter Tools

There are a variety of Twitter Tools of use to freelance writers, far too many for me to list here. My favorite tool is my Seesmic application which enables me to have one window open showing Tweets from the people I follow, @replies directed at me, my direct messages, and a few search terms that interest me. Seesmic is similar to TweetDeck but I find it to be a better option, I especially like how I can view and respond to my FaceBook news feed.

Some other cool Twitter tools for freelance writers (and others!):

• Twittonary - The Twitter dictionary.
• Is Twitter Down? - OK, maybe this isn’t for freelance writers really but if you’re an addict like me and you get the Fail Whale,  Is Twitter Down will let you know if it’s you or if it’s Twitter.
• Twilert - Type in your search word and tomorrow you’ll have a note in your in box listing all the Tweets on that topic from the day before.
• TweetMeme – Allow others to retweet your blog posts.
• TweetBurner: Allows you to track links  posted to Twitter.
• TwitterLocal – Allows you to find Twitters in your area. This is especially helpful if you want to learn more about local businesses who might want to hire your services.

Twitter Feed

Use Twitter Feed to automaticall post your blog posts to Twitter.  Set it and forget it.

Twitter Hashtags

Want to learn what other freelance writers are talking about? Try using the #freelance or #writer hashtags to follow the conversation. Use the Twitter search function in your Seesmic, TweetDeck or your Twitter web page or use the Twitter search page to follow your favorite hashtags.

As you can see, Twitter is very useful to freelance writers. From searching to networking to landing actual clients it’s a must have tool for your arsenal. How are you using Twitter.

So I haven’t done a “free stuff for writers” post in a while. Probably because it takes a lot of time to scour the Internet for freebies. However, it’s a sucky economy and we’re all looking to save where we can. With that in mind, I’d like to offer this list of free things for writers. Some of this stuff isn’t for all writers, but I hope it’s safe to say there’s something here for everyone.

I checked all of these. There should be no strings attached, no “offers” to sign up for, and (with the exception of one place asking for shipping) no reason to take out your credit card.

I give you:

45 Free Things for Writers

1. The Library – Hah! You thought this would be a roundup of links, didn’t you? There will be plenty of those, dear readers. However, there are plenty of offline goodies to take advantage of as well. As the daughter of a librarian, I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you about the library. In addition to finding free books on everything, it’s also one of the best places to conduct research. In addition to books and magazines, my library offers many classes. Most recently they did a series on blogging and social media for business.
2. WiFi – Writers need portability. This list of free WiFi hotspots from around the world will help with your hookup when you’re away from home.
3. Online Courses – Here’s a list of 31 Free online courses
4. Google Calendar – Great for those times you can’t access your Outlook. Schedule your activities using this online calendar- it will even email reminders each morning.
5. Google Docs – Share docs or keep your stuff online.
6. Free ebook – How to Write a Proposal Superfast
7. Open Office:  Don’t want to pay Microsoft prices? Use Open Office for a free alternative to Word, Excel and others.
8. Business Cards: Vista Print will print up a couple of hundred business cards at no charge, as long as you pay the shipping.
9. Free Report: Marketing for Writers (from Writer2Writer)
10. WordPress: Worldpress.com is a free platform for bloggers. WordPress.org is also free but you’ll have to provide your own domain. If you use WordPress.com however, you won’t be able to host ads or use javascript. (This blog is hosted by WordPress.org on my own domain.)
11. Blogger: Blogger is another great free blog platform and you can host ads and javascript.
12. Online Dictionary: Use Dictionary.com when you don’t feel like lugging out the heavy volume.
13. Online Thesaurus: Ditto Thesaurus.com.
14. Free ebook - Book Writing for Fun and Profit.
15. Free Report – “The Non Celebrity’s Guide to Getting a Children’s Book Published”.
16. Free Ebook – “The Art of Writing” by Robert Lewis Stevenson
17. Free online version of “The Elements of Style.“
18. Free online fact checker at refdesk.com.
19. Free online Encyclopedia Britannica.
20. Free Newspapers - 100 of them, to be exact!
21. CIA World Factbook
22. Free Ebook - The Lousy Writer’s Guide to Writing Persuasively
23. Twitter - You no longer have to spend an arm and a leg on networking and marketing.
24. Free subscription – Website Magazine (No, you don’t have to complete a million offers.)
25. Unleashing the Idea Virus: Seth Godin’s free ebook.
26. Free sample: Green Mountain Coffee
27. Free Historical Documents - From the Foundations of Freedom.
28. Ever want to write your own cookbook? Here’s a free cookbook kit from Morris Press.
29. Free QuickBooks download – It’s important for all freelance writers to keep good records.
30. Free IRS Tax Calendar for small businesses and the self employed.
31. Free 2010 Calendar Poster courtesy of the New Yorker.
32. Free online bookkeeping with Outright.
33. A free tax organizer is available at SmallBizTaxes.com.
34. Nice! A free journal and pen from Competitive Society.
35. Free correction pen courtesy of Ringtonica.
36. Authority Rules: Copyblogger Brian Clark’s report on online marketing.
37. Learning Labs Writing Skills free tutorials for writers.
38. Orangoo’s free online spell checker is a handy tool for all writers.
39. Free download: The Graviax Grammar Checker.
40. Free whitepaper: Blogging for Marketing 101.
41. RHL School offers free grammar and usage worksheets.
42. YWriter has novel writing software available.
43. Yaro Starak’s Free Blog Profit Blueprint
44. Using the Social Web to Find Work a free ebook by Chris Brogan
45. Free ebook: Creative Freelancing by Melissa J. Gallagher

Are you someone who writes for a living but you’re not sure if you qualify to use the term “freelance writer” in your job description? Do you think of yourself as a freelancer, but aren’t sure if everyone else does? Fear not, this handy guide will put you in the know. Behold:

Top 10 Ways to Tell if You’re a Freelance Writer

10. Your friends and neighbors drop in any time they want because you’re home all the time

If you had a real job, you wouldn’t be at home. Freelancing means you’re available for coffee cake and back fence commiseration. No matter how many times you insist you really do work, no one actually believes it.

9. Being dressed up means you’re wearing your clean sweats

No laundry problem in your house, because you don’t have to change clothes several times a day. No stocking, suit jackets or business casual for you. You wear the same comfy sweats every day because who is going to see them? If your family are the only ones who think you smell a little ripe, it doesn’t count. Besides, it keeps the neighbors from dropping in unannounced for coffee.

8. You find yourself hunting up scraps of paper whenever you’re offline to write down the ideas in your head

Everything is fodder for a blog post or article. Sometimes you even want to pull over in the car to write down ideas. If you’ve ever told your kids to remember a phrase, or ask your husband to “write this down” you are, indeed, a freelance writer.

7. You amaze your friends with your bits of trivia and information regarding topics no one else has no use for

All those articles you had to write about pallet racks or septic system repair? No one cares, not even the polite friends.

6. The mailman is your best friend

We hear “the check is in the mail a lot.” Opening that mailbox to find a window envelope with its contents made payable to us, is the icing on the freelance writing cake.

5. The size of your jeans goes up every few months

Walking from the desk to the fridge several days does not constitute “exercise” no matter how often we try to convince our selves otherwise.

4. You know the winners of all the VH-1 and Bravo reality TV shows for the past two years

Even though the television is only on for “background” noise you’re paying attention, aren’t you?

3. When folks ask you who you work for you drop a long explanation rather than a name

It’s so much easier to explain what we do, than who we do it for.

2. You’re working well into the night because you spent the day on the beach or at the mall

Flexibility rocks.

1. Your commute consists of walking down the hall

No traffic jams. No subways. No exhaust. No smog.  No regrets.

Mike is offering a webinar next week called “Marketing Strategies with White Papers.” The webinar is actually $60, but Mike’s letting FWJ readers attend at no cost. In other words, free.

I’m going to post the who, what and where’s below – but if you’re interested, please enroll using the link provided on this page.

In this free class, Michael will reveal:

* What marketing techniques bring in ongoing leads at no cost?

* What are the five deadly marketing mistakes most businesses make and how can I avoid them?

* How can I effortlessly get my information in front of prospects?

* What are three proven techniques that greatly improve the quality of leads generated?

* How can I find prospects actively looking for the products or services I sell?

Whether you simply need new ideas to generate interest or have been thinking about white papers, you need to see what Michael’s going to share.

Go here to grab your seat before they’re gone.  Remember, this is a free event.  Normally Michael charges $59 for this, but he’s decided to offer it at no cost for a limited time.