In most cases, here’s the general rub: You have a few general ideas you’d love to dive into in writing...but translating them into actual sentences (that flow well, use proper grammar, tell a story, etc.)...that’s hard.
The bad news is there’s no quick fix. I can’t snap my fingers or wiggle my nose and solve this for you. However, you can start chipping away at the roadblocks that go along with this issue. You do that by working through some of the things that can trip you up along the way to getting your butt in a chair and writing the thing you wanna write.
How to Write a Good Outline
Do I *really* have to put together an outline before I start writing? Is it entirely necessary?
I say the answer is yes.
At least for me, outlining has been a tactic that’s helped me manage writing articles and blog posts both large and small in a way that’s both logical and piecemealed so it's more manageable. Bonus: It helps me get past the blank page with ease.
The Domina Retreat for Female Freelancers: A Recap
Earlier this month, I co-hosted my first ever women’s business retreat with fellow writer Emma Siemasko.
We called it the Domina Retreat, and for two and a half days we spent time learning, sharing, and relaxing at a beautiful Airbnb home on Lake Travis just outside Austin, Texas.
Here’s a recap of the event, some lessons learned, and lots of photos.
Read moreWhen Freelance Writing Makes You Want to Mow Lawns
The other day I took a long walk on one of my favorite paths. The sun was shining, the air was fresh, and I actually felt warm. On a day like that, I found myself going back to a thought I’ve had many times before:mSometimes I just wanna mow lawns.
But...then I played this scenario out a bit in my head a bit more. I've come to some conclusions.
Read moreHow To Get Better at Twitter
One of the questions I was recently asked to address in this newsletter was: How do I get better at using Twitter?
Now, I’m no expert. I’m just a girl, writing tweets, asking you to love her.
But here is my best advice for getting the most out of the Twitterverse.
Read moreSelf Care for Freelance Writers
One of the questions I got in response to the survey I sent out last week was: How do you take care of yourself as a freelancer and avoid overworking?
Read moreJudd Apatow's Lessons on Writing
Interesting subject line, eh?
I’ll be honest...it was a little clickbait-y.
BUT — it’s also true.
See, I’ve been taking some MasterClass courses to get me through the cruel, cold winter.
I started with the classes on comedy (because there’s nothing funnier than having someone break down the nuts and bolts of a joke to you, right? Hehe...heh...no.)
The Shortcut to Writing Well
Writing takes practice. It takes an openness to critique. It takes a desire to improve.
Most of the people I know want that quick shortcut that’ll instantly make their writing better. So today, we’re going to talk about that.
2018 In Review: A Recap of the Year in My Freelance Writing Business
Here’s a look back at another year of full-time freelance writing in 2018!
Read moreThe Post-Holiday Blues
I love the holiday season, but I dread when it’s over.
For someone like me that works alone (and has a lot of quiet time to myself), I look forward to having friends and family home for the holidays. It’s so different from my normal day-to-day. There’s so much life! And noise! And excitement!
But every year, right after the holidays, I find myself in a rut.
How to Write with Humble Confidence
I love it when I get questions from readers of this newsletter in my inbox. LOVE. IT. Laura Bosco sent me a question last week.
She asked: How can I help one of my clients sound humble and confident when we write for his brand?
On one hand we want to be confident in what we know, but on the other hand, we don't want to come across as arrogant. A lot of advice is situational, there are many gray areas, and plenty of folks are smarter than we are. So how do you strike a good balance between the two?
Such a great question. An important one, too.
My First Freelance Writing Intern: Lessons Learned & Future Plans
My first ever college intern and I just finished up last week. 😱 Can you believe it?! Time flies, man.
Katelyn, a junior at one of the local universities (English major) signed on in August to work with me over the course of the semester. She’s getting into finals in the next few weeks, so we wrapped things up right around Thanksgiving. Here’s what I learned from the experience.
A Case for Being More Explicit In Your Writing
When you hear the world explicit, your mind might go straight to that parental advisory sticker you see on CDs sometimes.
Today, I’m not talking about being explicit in that context. I’m talking about being explicit in the sense of communicating clearly, as in: “She was explicitly clear about her directions.”
Why? Because so often a major failure of communication (written or otherwise) happens when we aren’t explicit.
Recap: Five Years of Full-time Freelance Writing
I decided I’m going to reflect on the past five years with you guys. Okay? You don’t even have to buy me lunch.
Read moreEmbracing Your Unique Writing Voice
I want you to picture me wearing a black turtleneck for this newsletter, k? Channeling all the Sinead O’Connor vibes.
Ugh. Sorry. I’m old. That joke probably landed for about 15% of you.
Whatevs, let’s move on!
Today, I wanna talk about the problem with comparing ourselves to other writers. Because it is, indeed, a problem. And there are things you can do about it.
How to Write in the Voice That's in Your Head
The first draft of anything I write (when I’m writing as me, not a client) is pure stream of consciousness onto the page. And by putting my inner dialogue onto the page (unfiltered), the writing voice is a reflection of my personality, my quirks, and how I sound in my most natural state.
Guess what? You can do that, too.
Why Freelance Writers Should Write Thank You Notes
The art of snail mail is seriously under-utilized these days...but I’m still a big believer.
In fact, for years now, I’ve been sending out handwritten thank you notes to my clients.
I recently partnered with Basic Invite to up my game with custom thank you cards (and you can, too.)
Read moreWhy Freelance Writers Should Follow Up More Often
Following up, checking in (whatever you wanna call it) has helped keep my business sustainable (and growing!) over the past five years. And it only takes a few minutes to do.
So how can you do it, too? Even if you have the WORST memory or hate spreadsheets?
There are a few pretty simple options that are free (shoutout to my fellow cheap people!) Let’s look at ‘em.
Knowing the WHY That Drives Your Writing & Blogging
In many cases, lots of time and money is being spent on writing/blogging efforts...but no one has taken the time to stop and ask WHY. Namely: WHY are we writing this?
It’s scary that so many people aren’t asking this question. It’s scarier that so many more don’t have a good answer when they do ask it.
How to Build Better Writing Briefs
Ever tried writing something without clear direction before? It’s a freakin’ nightmare.
You don’t know who you’re writing for. Or why. Or really what you’re writing about. I’ve been there, and I’ve learned that it just doesn’t work.
That’s why now, I start every writing assignment with a creative brief (which I plop right into the top of the Google Doc for reference as I write.)