5 Writers Who Have Been Imprisoned

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There is no great genius without a mixture of madness. ~Aristotle

Some of the best writers – literary geniuses, even – have more than their fair share of mischief and periods of madness. While some were able to get off with nary a scratch (figuratively and literally speaking) – thanks to either their criminal lawyer or their specific circumstances, others have had to serve time in jail.

Here are some of the most popular writers who have been imprisoned. You might be surprised – or not. [Read more…]

You Are What You Read. What Does Your Bookshelf Contain?

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One of my favorite quotes related to writing is from Stephen King (I think many of you know this by now):

If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.

That is why, as busy as I am, I try my best to spend even a few minutes every day reading something that I want to read, and not merely something I have to read because of work. In my case, it’s usually fantasy or sci-fi, with the occasional blog/online publication I read for personal pleasure.

I don’t think I need to convince any of you of the importance of reading for writers. We all know that, don’t we?

This infographic  makes things a bit more interesting, as it takes us into the homes of some public figures who are widely respected (although there may be arguable points when you go through the graphic), specifically taking a look at their bookshelves.

For sure, the books on display are just a small part of their collections, but it does give a curious mind some insight into the people highlighted. Take a look.

You are what you read - bookshelves of famous people

So what do you think? Were you surprised by any of the books on display? Can you relate to any of the individuals featured in the infographic? What does your bookshelf contain?

More on reading:

On Reading: Do You Read the Right Way?

Update Your Reading, 5 Ways to Enhance Your Writing Skills

5 Steps to Freelance Writing

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This article was written by Tammy Ruggles, BSW, MA, a legally blind freelance writer and finger painter from Kentucky. You can find her on Facebook. We hope her article serves as an inspiration!

If you have a way with the written word and always thought you might like to try freelance writing as a career, don’t let anything stop you. You don’t have to have a degree in writing or journalism, although that would be great; you just have to have a passion for writing and learn what makes freelance writing work: [Read more…]

The History of RSS Readers

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RSS, or Rich Site Summary, has become such an integral part of people’s online lives. For those who consume a lot of content over a wide range of topics, RSS readers are essential to staying sane. With Google Reader’s recent demise, more apps have surfaced to meet the need.

Perhaps the average user does not go deeper than finding a useful reader that will answer his needs – a nice design is part of that, of course. More important, though, is how the reader curates and presents information that is timely and relevant to the reader.

For those who want to go even deeper, we have an infographic that details the history of RSS readers. More than looking at how the concept began, the infographic also highlights the major players of the game. Whether you have been reliant on Google Reader in the past and you’re looking for a replacement, or you are merely starting out and looking for your first reader, this infographic can also point you in the right direction.

the_history_of_rss

This infographic is brought to you by SNATZ, a new newsreader that caters specifically to those interested in catching the freshest and most relevant tech news.

5 Things Freelancing Taught Me

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Things freelancing taught me

For the past three years, I have run my own virtual writing and editing company, Desired Assistance. Born out of my ability to write and edit, paired with the increasing demand for virtual assistants, I combined the two to create my own business. This journey hasn’t always been easy, but it has certainly been worth it. Along the way I discovered things about myself, my writing, and business in general. Here are some of the lessons I learned.

Work Your Network
When I first launched my freelancing business, the majority of my clients came directly (or indirectly) from my college and church networks. The relationships I’d made and work I’d done in those environments set me up for great testimonials before my business even started. You never know who is observing you and the impressions that you’ve made.

You Don’t Work for Them, You Work for Yourself

This is something that took a while to get into my head on my first (long-term) freelancing job. The individual that hired me was under the impression that I worked for him. I thought this too until my business advisor set me straight.

It’s the same with doctors, dentists, mechanics, hair stylists, and others. We are service providers. It actually helps to see it more as a temporary partnership: they provide the funds and you provide the services to produce an expected end.

If you can grasp this concept now, you will gain a new level of freedom in your business.

Cheap Rates & Frequent Discounts Breed Cheap Clients

things freelancing taught me

This one’s a toughie. When you are passionate about a talent that comes naturally to you, it can be hard to charge and charge rationally at first. This is especially true if you are surrounded by individuals or a community with a pervading poverty mindset. EVERYBODY wants a discount.

But guess what? You need to get over it. Set a new standard.

Think of it this way: Wal-Mart offers cheap prices and frequent discounts. Bergdorf’s does not. Accordingly, each store attracts a certain type of customer. Which end of the spectrum do your clients swing to?

You are a professional. You deserve to make a good living by the work of your hands.

Writing Farms Suck

I hate, loathe, and despise writing farms! Someone or some entity that herds writers like cattle (hence the term writing farm) and expects you to do excellent work for crappy pay. Stop the madness!

Most of the individuals who work in this environment speak and write English poorly. They get hired for pennies on the dollar and when a high-quality writer comes along nobody wants to hire them because they’re content with sub-par work at cheap costs.

If we band together against this modern day indentured servitude, then the world of writing will undoubtedly be a better place.

Stay True to Yourself

I’ll try not to preach on this one, but what is your foundation? What are your guiding principles and values? I’m a firm Christian, yet have been approached by New Age gurus, mediums, and more who have attempted to hire me for projects. And even though at times I entertained the thought, I had to remain true to my values which usually meant turning the gig down. (I’m trying to figure out how they overlooked the titles plastered on my website like Godly Government and Faith and the Imagination!) And let’s be honest, it’s probably best for the conflicting brand to choose a freelancer who’s likeminded or at least familiar with the subject matter.

I refuse to prostitute my talents to support a lifestyle or career that clashes with my worldview.

You may not believe as I do, yet I bet you have your own set of guiding principles which have shaped who and what you are today.

And the issue may not be something as large as religion. It could be filthy language, sexually explicit content, praise of drugs and other unhealthy actions.

Consider this: would you want your professional brand affiliated with the brand or project in question? Would you want to be thanked in the Acknowledgments? How will this truly affect your business?

You must remain true to your brand, whatever it is.

Bottom line: you must value yourself as an individual, artist, and professional. One size does not fit all! And why should it? There are more than enough freelancing gigs to go around if we would only seek them out.

Happy Freelancing!

 

About the Author

Desiree M. Mondesir is an author, columnist, blogger, and entrepreneur who has run her own virtual writing and editing company, Desired Assistance, since 2010. She loves to help writers become better through her writing consultations and coaching classes. Her books include Godly Government, Faith and the Imagination, and How to Write Fiction that Doesn’t Suck. If you’d like to hear more from Desiree, sign up for her email updates and get some great free gifts. You may also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Desiree is 27 and resides in Charlotte, NC.

Images via Cas and A McLin

 
http://writersdepartment.com

A Look at E-Reading Trends

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Here’s an infographic writers will want to take a look at: The Trend of E-Reading, an infographic design by Infographic Labs, illustrates just how e-reading has taken America by storm. Did you know that people who use e-readers read more than those that stick to traditional books? And that they’re more likely to spend money on books?

Freelance Writing Jobs Blog – The Best of January

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Every month, the bloggers at FWJ work hard to provide quality and helpful content. Hardworking freelance writers click through looking for great leads and info, but let’s face it, some posts may slip by in the daily hustle and bustle. Here’s some great posts you may have missed:

Writing From Home: Warnings & Tips on How to Survive When You Have No Office by Robin Parrish

Robin captures the writing from home experience perfectly. My favorite:

Get Out of the House. As important as it is to guard your at-home work time, sometimes you just have to get away from all the around-the-house distractions in order to get anything done. So grab the laptop and head out to someplace where there’s free wifi, like Barnes & Noble or Starbucks.

How to Use Your Freelance Work Personality to Your Advantage: Know Yourself Before Applying for a Gig by Jodee Redmond

Jodee gives great advice on shifting your job search to looking for work that fits you:

When you are looking for freelance writing jobs, first consider your work personality. If you are someone who enjoys the relative security of working with a client over the long term, then look for someone who can offer a steady gig (or the potential for a series of projects). If you are someone who gets bogged down working on large projects, move on and apply for something that is a better fit for your freelance work personality.

How to Get Your Contracts Signed: How to Deal with a Physical Act in an Electronic World by Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan saved me time and photoshopping time by giving these great alternatives to the whole snail-mail-signature thing:

A Better Answer

There are several companies that offer digital contract signing. They include the following:

  1. RightSignature: Offers a free trial with up to five documents, paid accounts start at $14 per month for unlimited documents and 1 template.
  2. FillAnyPDF: Can be used for free without an account but a free account opens up more editing options and allows storage of 5 filled forms. Paid accounts start at $19 per month and allow the storage of up to 1,000 filled forms
  • DocQ: Offers a free account for up to 5 signatures per month and a paid personal account starts at $7 per month and offers 25 signatures.

    • If I Lay Here… Using Lie and Lay Correctly by Noemi Twigg

    I have several web pages bookmarked that explains the freaking lie and lay conspiracy in several different ways. *Don’t judge me* I’ve added Noemi’s to the top spot:

    Let’s get the meanings of the words straight, once and for all.
    Lay is a transitive verb and needs a direct object – a receiver of the action. It means to put something down.

    Example: This bag of groceries is heavy.  I will lay it down on the bench while I wait for the bus.

    Lie is an intransitive verb and does not need a direct object.  It means to recline. 2

    Example: My back hurts. I think I’ll lie down for a bit.

    Can Anyone Make Money Blogging? by Gayla Baer-Taylor

    A great response to a timeless question:

    First and foremost, the critical ingredient to blogging success is having staying power. The ability to not allow defeat due to setbacks. A successful blogger must be willing to put their self out there and put in the hours upon hours of hard work that’s the proven foundation for successful blogs.

    Article Clip 911: Protect your career and back-up your work by Terreece M. Clarke

    Not to toot my horn, this is great info for writers:

    Not saving your clips, backing up your blog posts, etc. is like throwing money away. Why work so hard, research so thoroughly only to toss your work to the wind? Three steps will save you time and tears:

    What were your favorite blog posts?

    For The New Year’s Day Dream Makers

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    I had planned on taking the rest of the week off. Normally, I post on Tuesday and Thursdays, but Christmas and New Year’s this year I gave myself the Thursday before each holiday off. Then this morning I woke up with a memory:

    Years ago on New Year’s Day I was sick, had the day off from work and was researching information for the beauty and fashion column I wrote for a friend’s site. It was a fun thing I did on the side, but while researching I came across the term “freelance writer.” I realized there were people out there writing full-time from home and earning a decent income to boot. I decided right then to become one of them. I spent the next few days on research and few months later I quit my job and went into freelancing full-time. I was one of those New Year’s Day resolution/goal makers.

    So for those of you who have decided today is the day, I wanted to drop by and offer encouragement and my favorite posts from FWJ on getting started:

    25 Tips to Become a Successful Freelance Writer

    How to Make a Living as a Writer

    10 Popular Article Writing Questions – Answered!

    10 Popular Article Writing Questions – Answered! part 2

    What is a Blog…and How is Blogging Different from Article Writing?

    Setting a Freelance Writing Rate Equal to the Task

    A Lower Bid vs. Selling Yourself Short

    10 Skills Freelance Writers Must Have if They Want to Succeed

    How I Landed My First Freelance Writing Jobs Without Clips

    How Friendly are You With Other Freelancers?

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    Your peers are as important, if not more important, than your paying customers. Peers offer a huge support for your freelance writing career. They can help boost your business, bring in clientele, get you out of a sticky spot, offer advice, suggest improvements, lift your morale and provide that break you need for success.

    So how are you treating them? Are you enjoying their company and making friends? Or are you condescending to them, showing off or being the know-it-all? Worse, are you coming off as the snotty diva, the argumentative witch or the arrogant SOB?

    You could be, and that’s a problem. If you alienate your peers, you won’t get any of that good stuff they offer.

    [Read more…]

    How to Answer Why You Want to Work

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    “Why do you want to work for us?” The question crops up frequently in business interviews, and it should also become a standard in every pitch you write.

    Knowing how to pitch why you want to work with someone (or for someone) is a valuable tool to have in your arsenal. It can help you land a gig that you really wanted, get you working for a better employer or help you become part of a team business.

    So just how should you answer that question? It can be a tough one, because the obvious doesn’t really sound very good: You want a better job. Or you want more money. Or you want to be famous. Or you want more freedom.

    You want, you want… Yes, true, it’s all about your wants, but your potential employer doesn’t want to hear what you want. He doesn’t really want to know why you want to work for him, either.

    He wants to know how you’ll make his business better. He’s really asking, “Why should I hire you and not the next person? What are you going to get out of this, and why should I care?”

    Here are tips to help you give a winning answer:

    1. Know who you’re going to work for. It’s a given that you apply for work or pitch a gig and you don’t know anything about the potential client or his business, he’s not going to be interested in having you on the team. Check out the company website, read the About page, and learn what you can.
    2. Know what the company stands for. Business owners love to hear that other people resonate with their mission. Mention that you believe in the same and compliment the mission of the company.
    3. Talk about a project you know the company has going on and mention how you’d like to be involved in its development.
    4. Demonstrate you know where the business problems might be and that you want to solve them. Even better, suggest a solution (which should involve your presence in the company eliminating the issue).
    5. Show ambition. Point out that you’d like to learn so that you can work up to a certain position in the company – and also point out you know you have a ways to go before you get there, so that no one feels threatened.
    6. Get excited. Show interest. Nothing makes a business owner feel better than seeing his or her passion firing up someone else’s passion too.
    7. Be honest and forthcoming. If there is something you want from this job or project, such as better skills or an opportunity, say so – but also demonstrate that this desire to improve benefits the company. They’ll have a go-getter on the team.

    For more of an idea of answers you could try in your next pitch, here are some suggestions of what I’d personally want to hear from a prospective employee:

    “You clearly know the business of writing. I know writing but not about the business. I also know that you could probably use the extra hands so you could work on your projects. I want to help you work less, and at the same time, learn more about the business side of things so that one day, I could have a business of my own.”

    “You’re a growing business, and I know you’re not done growing yet. I think that’s fantastic, and I’d really like to get in on that instead of having to always be a solo. Plus, we can work together now and I’ll be perfectly trained for later when business gets crazy.”

    Those are just my suggestions, though (but they did land Taylor a full-time job at my business). If you owned a business, what would you want to hear? And if you were a writer pitching a company, what would you say?

    Want to learn more about how to make yourself a valuable asset to any business or team? Get The Unlimited Freelancer and get into great business.

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