Writer Friendly

While in high school, one of my least favorite things to do was read my writing out loud to my peers. I got through it by thinking that most of them were not even paying attention. I guess I fear what most writers fear…that my work isn’t good enough. However, when I got to college, my fear of critique lessened. It took me a while to get over it, but I came to realize that it was essential if I wanted to improve my work. Not everyone will give you constructive criticism, so remember that you have the power to change or not change your manuscript. With every piece of criticism, it helps to imagine whether the change would enhance your writing.

I’m always working on different projects, which is why I have to keep a daily list showing my priorities for that day. I understand how your aspirations can get pushed aside because of more important paying jobs. When it comes to accomplishing goals, I think it’s important to keep a record of them. Avoid giving yourself deadlines for loftier goals, because a short deadline for a complex project can make you frustrated. Refer to your list a few times a month and see if you have reached any of your goals. Include short and long-term goals. Since we are approaching the end of the year, make it a goal to submit a short manuscript to a book publisher or an article to a magazine.

Reading is an important task for any writer, because it helps improve your skills and broaden your vocabulary. Plus, you also learn tips and techniques from professionals when it comes to creating a work worthy of publishing.

I’ve been hearing a lot about a new piece of technology called the Amazon Kindle. It’s a wireless reading device, and you can download books wherever you are and read them without having to hassle with a paperback or hard cover book. This is a reader’s dream, and books, even new ones, are about half the original price since printing costs are not included. Check it out, and if you want to buy one, get $50 off by using the following promotion code: OPRAHWINFREY. Do keep in mind that this offer ends Nov. 1.

When it comes to writing news articles, it’s important to write in simple English. You have to remember to take the readers’ comprehension into consideration. Also, when you write online articles, it’s more common for employers to want you to write in a conversational tone. This can take some practice if you have never written in this style before. You can practice writing in this style by re-writing some of the articles you find online. See if you can re-write them in a way that is unique but still presents the information similar to the way in which you would speak to a friend. The importance of practicing different writing styles can also help you find your own voice.

There are different types of media outlets where you can make a name for yourself and still use your writing and editing skills. Visual and audio presentations make the material more interesting for the audience, and these types of platforms have the potential to make your message more powerful or personal.

Mac computers have software that comes with the system called Garage Band. I started working on this while in college, and I have come to appreciate the ease of it. You can create an enhanced podcast (video and audio) or a simple podcast (audio only). With a few clicks, you can stream your live interview or post an interesting presentation. If you are more into design and production, this might be of interest to you.

Sometimes the uncertainty of how to organize a book or article can set you behind in the actual writing of it. You can spend hours trying to figure out how to setup the article and still have no words written on the computer screen. Below are a few ways to help you get your piece of writing organized.

• Develop a standard outline using Roman numerals. This is a more simple and straightforward way of organizing your article or book. Start with main ideas and then flush them out.
• Brainstorm potential angles for your article then choose which angle you would like to take and think about your audience and the best way to present that angle. Consider whether you need to go into the background of the topic.
• Search online to see how other writers have organized their article or book on a similar topic. You can always gain tips and techniques from published writers.

In order to write well, you need to be knowledgeable on the topic or at least have some experience in the field. There are some ways that you can increase your knowledge, which will help improve your writing skills and make you a more credible source for readers.

• Read the newspaper every day. This gives you an idea of what’s going on in the world, which will enable you to understand your audience better and present useful articles. If you don’t subscribe to a local newspaper, use Google news.
• If a specific topic interests you, subscribe to a magazine that focuses on this topic.
• Apply for an internship to get hands on experience or interview professionals that can give you a different perspective.

It’s one thing to be a writer, but if you can write and illustrate, you have the publishing world in the palm of your hands. Some lucky writer’s have been blessed with the ability to bring their stories to live with words and pictures. If you are one of the lucky ones or are interested in trying to do your artwork justice, do some research and see how other writers are presenting their work. One of my favorite graphic novels is Persepolis Marjane Satrapi, because it uses comic strip style artwork. Although there is a minimal amount of words and the pictures are simple, emotion is packed into every page. There is a sequel, and the books have been turned into a movie. It’s definitely worth reading.

Owning a website can be beneficial if you know how to use it properly. Even if you write for one or more websites, you can make use of them to market your writing abilities.

The first way to take advantage of your website is to create a page dedicated to who you are and what you do. Create links to all of your online writing and write a paragraph or two about your experience. You can even go a step further by making your resume and contact information readily available.

When it comes to websites you write for, always allow the webmaster to post an author bio. Also find out if you can exchange links by posting a link to their website on your site if they do the same for you. This will enable you to reach a larger audience.

Everyone has to start somewhere when it comes to his/her career. Not every one is lucky enough to have a successful business handed over to them. While you might think writing for free is beneath you, you might want to reconsider. If you are able to get at least one piece of writing published in print, you will be looked at as a credible writer.

Another option is to get paid a measly amount in return for a published piece. A site where you can do this is Associated Content. At first you will start writing articles for $1 or $4, but as you gain more experience, you will be paid more. Secondly, you can send potential employers to your online work.