Lately, several of my clients and students have expressed an interest in blogging. “Where do I start?” they ask. Or, “What should I blog about?” Or, “How would I keep it going?” Let’s break down this process a bit, and I’ll share practices that have made my own blogging enjoyable, sustainable, and profitable. What follows is not the only or even the best way to approach blogging—it’s just what’s worked for me. So take what you like and leave the rest. At the end of the day, your way is the best way for you. Trust your instincts, and have fun sharing from your heart! [Read more…]
How Six Documents Changed the Modern World
When you think of the defining moments in history, it’s probably grand occasions that spring to mind. You might think of global wars that raged for years across continents or powerful speeches given by influential leaders and thinkers, proudly delivered to a gathered crowd of thousands but… What about the humble document? How much of a difference could a piece of paper and some ink really make? [Read more…]
Learn How to Level Up Your Gigs and Be an Entrepreneur
Living the gig life but yearning for a bit more stability? Learn how to be an entrepreneur for as low as $1 with this book bundle. [Read more…]
2020 Gift Guide: Books for Writers
Looking for gifts for your writer friends? Here are some books for writers that are certain to be hits, especially as they can be used to hone their skills AND are enjoyable, too. Get yourself some, too! [Read more…]
Be the Change Supporting the American Library Association
We all know the importance of libraries even in today’s context. Especially in today’s context. However, we also realize that this sector is facing massive challenges, and it is up to us who comprehend its significance and role to offer support. So, here at FWJ, we’re promoting Be the Change Supporting the American Library Association. [Read more…]
World Reading Habits in 2020
As the world muddled through (and continues to do so) the coronavirus and lockdowns in 2020, it’s no surprise that many of us turned to something familiar: reading books.
Books are not only a great escape from daily life, but they also have a number of science-backed health benefits. [Read more…]
Top 16 Science Fiction Books of All Time
Need an escape from reality? There’s nothing better than diving straight into a science fiction book.
Science fiction may be a fun read, but it’s so much more than that. It challenges our world view and expands our reality. It also teaches us a thing or two about appreciating the here and now, without technology taking over.
But there are so many different science fiction books, and it can be overwhelming trying to choose which ones to read.
Thankfully, to help celebrate National Science Fiction Day on January 2, Global English Editing has chosen the top 16 science fiction books of all time.
Bonus—so many of these also have movies you can watch after reading!
The list starts out with Dune, a book that follows a family on another planet that has a life-preserving spice that everyone wants.
Then, the list ends with The Martian, a book about an astronaut stranded on Mars. It was made into a major motion picture, and both the book and movie are phenomenal.
With other great books, like Frankenstein and A Wrinkle in Time, you will have amazing books to choose from no matter what science fiction you like best.
Aliens, monsters, and time travel, you can’t go wrong with this list.
Check out the infographic below.
A Map of Forbidden Books in 2019
Despite earning international acclaim for his tale, The Alchemist, Paula Coehlo’s literary success remains forbidden in Iran. As the below map shows, this is just one of the many books that are currently banned by governments around the world.
From children’s stories to tales of exploration and self-revelation, well-known books remain restricted in many countries in 2019. [Read more…]
Get an Electronic Copy of “Corridor” by Robin Parrish for FREE!
I believe that writers need to continue to improve themselves, and one way of doing that is to read, read, and read some more. When it comes to reading, I can read practically anything (except fashion magazines, maybe), but I do love a good fiction book. And speaking of fiction, did you know that we have a published fiction writer in our team at Splashpress Media?
Robin Parrish is a journalist, blogger, and author. He contributes to our sister sites ForeverGeek and Apple Gazette. He has been so kind as to offer an electronic copy of his latest novel, Corridor, to you guys.
Corridor is an action novel that keeps you at the edge of your seat. Here’s an idea of the story.
THE ONLY WAY OUT IS TO RUN.
On the eve of his seventeenth birthday, Troy Goggin finds himself inexplicably transported to an impossibly huge, miles-long structure called the Corridor. But what is the Corridor, and why was he brought to it?
It’s a place of mystery, wonder, and heart-stopping danger. It will test him and push him both mentally and physically. His only companion is the girl whose voice he hears inside his head, explaining the rules he must follow if he hopes to escape.
But there is much more to this extraordinary place than Troy could ever imagine. The Corridor’s true purpose — the biggest mystery of all — is revealed only to those who make it to the end.
You can read excellent reviews of the book at Good Reads. I have started reading Corridor, and I find it riveting. I can tell you this for sure: you just might not want to start it if you do not have time to finish the book!
So who wants a copy? Here’s how to join.
Step 1: Copy & paste the following, and then tweet it:
I want to win a copy of Corridor by @robinparrish from @freelancewj! Enter here: http://spla.us/KpID0k #contests
Step 2: Leave us a comment on this page to let us know you tweeted, and paste the link to your tweet in your comment. (Note that our comments are moderated, so your comment may not show up immediately after you click the “Post Comment” button.)
ONE winner will be selected at random from the commenters on or around 10:00 pm EST on Thursday, May 3. Winners will be notified via Twitter, after which you can send us your email so Robin can give you the book. Don’t forget to thank @robinparrish if you win!
Important: You can enter the contest once per day between now and the 3rd.
Happy tweeting, and good luck!
Holiday Gifts for Freelance Writers: 10 Book Recommendations for the Writers in Your Life
Every year I put out a call for recommendations for gifts for freelance writers and every year a flurry of representatives send me recommendations for gifts having nothing to do with writers or writing at all. So this year, I’m taking matters into my own hands by recommending my favorite books for writers. Mind you, not every book here is a book about writing, but all of them benefit freelance writers.
Full disclosure: A couple of the books on this list were sent to me to review, and I give my honest review here. However, most of the books on this list come from my own library and the recommendations are unsolicited.
10 Book Recommendations for the Writers in Your Life
Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation
by Lynne Truss
The most entertaining book ever written about punctuation, Truss discusses punctuation with humor so the reader is never bored.
If you or someone is apostrophically challenged and uses “your” in place of “you’re,” or “itses” when she should be “it’s’ing,” do put a copy of this book under the tree.
On Writing
by Stephen King
I’ve read “On Writing” at least a half dozen times and it never fails to inspire me.
Stephen King takes us through his early beginnings and writing career, and includes some dark periods of his life such as his struggles with addiction and the car crash that almost took his life. However, this is no mere autobiography. King only brings up these instances to discuss how they shaped him as a writer and made him who he is today. Though geared more towards fiction writers, writers of non-fiction will also appreciate giving “On Writing” a read.
Undress for Success: The Naked Truth about Making Money at Home
by Kate Lister and Tom Harnish
Don’t quit your day job before reading “Undress for Success.” This practical guide to working at home gives you all the tools you need to succeed and many things to consider before taking the plunge.
Lister and Harnish don’t sugarcoat the work-from-home lifestyle. They’ve been doing it for several decades and take you through the pros and cons. From office essentials to navigating the job boards, “Undress for Success” is a must-read for anyone looking to leave corporate America behind.
Crush It!: Why NOW Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion
by Gary Vaynerchuk
Gary Vaynerchuk uses his no-nonsense style to discuss starting a business and rocking it to success. If there’s one thing that shines through in “Crush It!”, it’s Vaynerchuk’s passion. The passion that took @garyvee from being a simple video blogger and online wine merchant to a mega-successful entrepreneur.
He even offers some ideas he feels would be worthwhile to explore but doesn’t have the time to do so himself. “Crush It!” isn’t a book about writing or becoming a successful writer, it’s about becoming a success with your own business, something all freelancers strive to do.
Friend of FWJ, Erik Hare, recommended I read both volumes of “The New Writer’s Handbook.” Though that review was lost in the Great Server Crash of 2009, I’m giving them another recommendation here because they’re that good.
Both handbooks contain an essential collection of readings assembled to inspire and motivate. These aren’t mere essays, they’re required reading. With sections on querying, creativity, and marketing, every single freelance writer can benefit from these useful guides.
Content Rich: Writing Your Way to Wealth on the Web
by Jon Wuebben
To be honest, I was hesitant to review “Content Rich” because I thought it would be another spammy “make money with SEO” book. The truth is, Jon Wuebben knows his stuff and offers excellent, practical advice for anyone wishing to succeed as a web writer.
Whether you’re copywriting, writing content for a site, or looking to create your own blogs and websites, you’ll find “Content Rich” useful.
On Writing Well, 30th Anniversary Edition: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction
by William Zinsser
An oldie but a goodie, my copy of “On Writing Well” was a Christmas gift from my mom over a decade ago. It’s dog-eared, worn, and still relevant today. Zinsser teaches without pontificating. His tone is informal and down to earth as he walks us through the non-fiction writing process.
This isn’t a book about succeeding as a writer or finding work. It’s all about how to be a good writer. Every time I find myself slipping up and forgetting my rules, I turn back to “On Writing Well.” There’s a reason this book sold millions of copies.
ProBlogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income
by Darren Rowse and Chris Garrett
I wanted to read “ProBlogger” because the authors are friends of mine. I keep it around as a reference because it’s the best book I’ve read thus far about blogging for a living. If you want to earn a successful living as a professional blogger, this is the one book you should read.
Written by a couple of the best in the business, “ProBlogger” takes you through all the steps; from building a blog, to bringing in traffic, to monetizing your blog and much more.
The Well-Fed Writer: Financial Self-Sufficiency as a Commercial Freelancer in Six Months or Less
by Peter Bowerman
I like to refer to the “Well Fed Writer” as the freelance writer’s Bible. Now in its second edition, “Well Fed Writer” discusses Bowerman’s success as a writer and how you can follow the same path.
The book promises “financial self-sufficiency as a commercial freelancer in six months or less” and it’s up to you whether or not you wish to take Bowerman up on his challenge. Want to earn $125 an hour? Put this book on the top of your Santa list and learn how.
The Cluetrain Manifesto: The End of Business as Usual 10th Anniversary Edition
by Ric Levine, Christopher Locke, Doc Searls & David Weinberger
I read somewhere that the ” ‘Cluetrain Manifesto’ is a business book for people who don’t like business books,” and I think that sums it up nicely. This isn’t a book about writing, but a book about doing business at this point in time. It discusses how the Internet is bringing relationships and conversation back into business and anyone wishing to succeed as a freelance writer should be interested in learning how. Though ten years old, “The Cluetrain Manifesto” is still an interesting read for anyone starting a business, and yes, that includes a freelance writing business.
