Angela Booth’s Life Stream

Writing and more...

Become a Confident Writer: Stop Listening to the Voices in Your Head

I've been working hard on the 100 Day Challenge material. What started as a fun little side project is taking on much more importance. I'm devoting more time to it; I want it to be the best hour-a-day you've ever spent.

Here's why. I've been reading many months' worth of email messages, both from my writing students, and from other writers. I'm trying to find common writing and personal challenges which we can address and eliminate in our 100 days.

There are lots of them, and we'll get to them all. I want you to end 2010 with a bang, and be ready to take on the world in 2011.

One problem in particular stood out. 

The sub-text of 95 per cent of the messages I studied is the writer's lack of confidence. 

Even writers who are GOOD writers (you can tell a lot from an email message) are making an unholy mess of their writing careers because they lack confidence.

It made me angry on their behalf. They were listening to the kvetching voices in their head which told them that they weren't good enough, had no talent, that they'd never make money... and on an on.

Your lack of confidence affects everything you do as a writer. Worse, if you don't realize that you lack confidence you can be destroyed: you'll give up all hope of a writing career.

So during the 100 Day Challenge, you'll learn how to become a confident, selling writer. In the 100 days, you'll discover what it took me ten years (no joke) to learn. (When I started writing, in the 1970s, I often sat at my typewriter and just cried.)

Here's a tip about your inner editor, inner critic, or whatever you want to call the voices in your head: stop listening. Write instead.

I'll be telling you more about the 100 Day Challenge in the ezine. Read the issues, because once enrollment opens, it will only be open for FIVE days. I want us all to be on the same page, so to speak, so after five days, enrollment will close. We'll be an exclusive little group. :-)

100 Day Challenge: Fab Freelance Writing Ezine

I've mentioned our new "100 Day Challenge" in the past couple of ezine messages, and have received lots of questions.

Here's the gist.

* The 100 Day Challenge starts in September, and ends on January 1, 2011;

* I'll tell you more about it, and how to join the Challenge, in the ezine. So subscribe if you're not already subscribed;

* The Challenge is completely free;

* Your objectives. By then end of the 100 Day Challenge you'll be making at least $200 a day more from your writing than you're making now, and you'll be well on the way to making at least $70 an hour from your writing.

What do you need to join?

You need the determination to commit to the process, and also the desire to devote an hour a day to it. You'll also need to be willing to have FUN with this. :-)

Who's the Challenge for?

It's for both new and established writers who want to achieve the goals they set for themselves in 2010. If you didn't set any goals, you'll get the opportunity to set goals during the Challenge.

In a nutshell: we'll have fun, and you'll discover how to build a great writing career.

I look forward to writing with you. :-)

Headlines: Too Big to Cover in an Article

Headlines. 

You read them every day, and whatever you're writing, you write headlines every day.

Headlines are also called "titles," of course.

Headlines are all-important. If you can't get people (editors, buyers of your writing, readers) to read your headlines, and read further, your writing is dead.

I've been trying to think of some form of writing which doesn't require a headline, and can't think of anything, except personal notes, or personal snail mail letters... Even email messages have headlines: the subject lines are headlines. 

So, enough waffling from me on headlines. 

Please download my latest report, "Super Simple Headlines That Sell", and discover how to write GREAT headlines.

Show up As a Writer and You'll Achieve Success

If you're not achieving the success you want as a writer, chances are you're just not showing up.

This seems to be a very common challenge; writers run out of steam and enthusiasm not only for a project, but also for their careers.

Apropos of showing up, here's what I wrote on a forum this morning.

Just show up, do what you do. As Woody Allen said: "Eighty percent of success is showing up."

If you feel resistance to DOING, there's always a reason. Brainstorm and do some free writing until you discover what that reason is. Chances are, the reason is important.

Also, leave time for thinking.

Clear your mind, and just sit and think. "Muse" or "wonder" might be better terms for "thinking"; most people don't do enough of just sitting and thinking. If you muse on whatever your current challenge is, chances are you'll come up with a solution... a surprising one. :-)

Re musing, I've noticed that the "musing habit", to coin a term, leads to inspiration and creativity -- and more showing up.

What are you showing up for?

I'm thrilled that my latest product has helped more writers kickstart their careers at the outsourcing sites -- by showing up.

Here's one writer's results with this material. Four days after her purchase of Instant Income For Writers: Ace the Outsourcing Sites, Christi said:

"I followed the 7 day plan and put in applications on 3 different days. I got one job that is possibly long term, that pays hourly. Then today I logged into my email and had another contract waiting for me. I was just totally thrilled, I have been trying so hard to find work that I could do from home."

Christi showed up: you can too.

Free Report: Super-Simple Article Marketing Plan

Article marketing is a powerful advertising strategy, and it's deceptively simple.

It looks so easy: write a batch of articles, collect cash.

However, although it's easy, it's far from simple, if you don't know how to make it work. 

Read my new report, and make article marketing work for you.

Tip for writers: if you know how to make article marketing work, this is a powerful writing service you can offer to your clients.

Download the free report.

Finding Writing Jobs: Get All the Jobs You Want

This week, in Fab Freelance Writing Ezine, we're covering several innovative methods to get writing jobs. 

The methods are simple, but they're very powerful. 

Which method will be right for you?

That depends. The simple Google method, which went out to subscribers yesterday, is useful, especially if you're writing in a new area. You'll quickly see what options you have. You'll see who's buying what, and you can get in touch with them.

Tomorrow, I'm covering a slightly more advanced method. It's simple too, and you can use it, no matter what your level of experience happens to be.

Later in the week, I'll be covering another yet another very simple, but very powerful method.

I encourage you to add these three powerful methods of finding writing jobs to your freelance writing toolbox. They ensure that you'll get all the jobs you want.

I'm sending you this series in conjunction with the prelaunch of my new "writing jobs" guide. It's available to Fab Freelance subscribers only at the moment. (The details are in the Ezine.)

There's never been a more exciting time to be a writer. These days you can find all the writing jobs YOU want, which are perfect for you, whether you're a new writer, or are an established pro.

Enjoy. :-)

Freelance Writing Beginner: Make Your First Ten Dollars Online

This short article is for complete beginners at freelance writing online. I consider you a complete beginner, even if you've made hundreds of thousands of dollars as an offline writer. Writing to sell online is DIFFERENT.

OK. Now, come closer, I want to whisper in your ear... (Whispering) Start small. Make $10 online. Then $100, then $1000 and so on.

Why you should start small

Did I say that writing to sell online is different? I did. If you're a beginning writer, you're dazed. You don't know where to start. If you're an established writer, you have methods of working. Some work well online, and others do not.

Either way, the online world is a new country, and I've no doubt that you have a brain-full of "musts." You must do this, you must learn that... Those musts will cripple you, and in Sell Your Writing Online NOW (SYWON) we aim to get rid of your preconceived ideas in the first four lessons, laying the groundwork so that you'll have a profitable writing career very quickly.

You need to focus, and SELL quickly, because nothing will happen in your career until you sell something. This can be scary, and the sooner you get over this hurdle the better.

So please start small.

Write an article for pay. Edit something for someone. Write anything (but keep it short), and sell it, preferably today.

The more time you spend thinking about what you could and would do, if this or that happened, or you did this or that, the more you'll procrastinate.

Start small. Make ten dollars. That will show you that it's possible for YOU to make money writing online. That will make a big impression on you, and you'll gradually become aware of all the possibilities.

Start small. Start today. Start NOW.

Time Management for Writers: One Simple Strategy Which Helps You to Find Time

Are you convinced that you have no time to write? Strangely enough, this is a problem for all writers, whether they're new, or are full-time professional writers. In this article you'll discover the one simple secret which ensures that you'll find the time to write each day.

I've been a professional writer for some 30 years. In my early years, I struggled to find time too. Then I discovered one simple tactic which solved the time problem for good.

I'll tell you what it is in a moment. It sounds simple, but don't be fooled: it has immense power. I know this, because over the years I've often failed to use this tactic, and when I did, I struggled. Life events overtook me, and I ended up complaining that I had "no time" -- and often blaming others -- until I came to my senses and realized what I was doing.

Here's the simple strategy: make writing the first thing you do every day. 

Yes, it really is that simple, whether writing is all you (supposedly, anyway)  do in your work day, or whether writing is a sideline for you.

Write first.

Here's how it works for me. Before I clear the decks after my work day ends, I decide which major project I'll work on for an hour in the morning. I prepare my notes.

The next morning, I grab a cup of coffee, and write for an hour. I don't read email, nor do I do anything else work-related, until I've written for one hour  on the project I chose the evening before. 

Then I go on with my day. Of course, I write much more in the course of my day, because writing is what I do. I always find that my early-morning session has warmed me up, and I get more done in all areas, because that early session has kick-started my productivity.

Many years ago, when my children were small, and I was running a business and writing, I got up at 4 a.m. every morning to write. I got a lot done. I was happy. My family was happy.

These days I don't get up quite as early. But I still make writing the first thing I do every day. I urge you to do it too, so that you have time to write.

Busy, Busy... Writing, Writing...

I'm sorry about the lack of blogging over the past few weeks. I've been busy in the best way possible: creating new products for you which solve the writing challenges you have.

My most recent product is the Write A Book Collection, which is getting a wonderful response. I've been coaching writers through it, and their inspiration and motivation inspires me, too.

If you've purchased the Collection, here's something which may interest you.

I've just completed another product, which will go into pre-launch in the next few days. Tip: all my pre-launch products are offered to the ezine subscribers first, as a very special offer, so if you're not a subscriber, you're missing out on these.

After that, I'll be releasing another writing guide you shouldn't miss, if your writing income is below five figures a month. I'm very excited about this guide, because for many writers this information will be the key which unlocks the door to an outstanding career. Shush! I never speak about new products before their release, so I can't say more, but believe me when I tell you that this one will get you excited. :-)

New: watch for affiliate programs for my products

Over the years, writers have complained about the lack of affiliate programs for my writing guides.

Unfortunately, some products just don't lend themselves to affiliate promotions, simply because I offer coaching with most of them, and there's only one of me. If affiliates promoted my products, I'd just have too many coaching sessions to handle.

Julia (my wonderful assistant) is taking on some of the coaching duties now, so in the next few months some of my products will have affiliate programs. You'll be able to promote these products to your own readers on your sites and blogs, to help them, and to make nice little commissions yourself too.

So that's what I've been doing over the past weeks. I'm very excited about the rest of 2010, and I hope you will be too.

I almost forgot to mention: Penny Swift has joined us as a contributor to the Fab Freelance Writing Blog, so please make her feel at home by commenting on her posts. Penny's building her own wonderful writing career, and she'll help you to do the same.

Why Write a Book?

Why would anyone write a book? It's a considerable commitment. You won't finish your book this afternoon if you start it this morning. You may not finish your book for months... or even years.

There are many reasons you'd consider writing a book.

For example:

* You want to see whether you can do it;

* You want the fame and fortune which may come with it;

* You have something to say which can only be said at book length;

* Someone has hired you to do it (you'd be amazed at how many people want to "write" a book, if they can get someone else to do the actual writing :-));

* You want to create a stream of in*come;

* You want the bragging rights which come to authors -- "My book's available in your local bookstore";

* You want to develop a real presence as a writer.

There are 1001 reasons you might want to write a book. Writing confidently at book length is a wonderful skill to have, and you build that skill by doing it.

I created the Just Write a Book Collection so that you could write an excellent book, and do it quickly.

However, before you consider becoming an author, I'd like you to think about WHY you might want to do this. Write down your reasons and examine your own motivation.

If you're an established writer, writing a book may well be the next, most logical step for you in your writing career. It will help you to establish your credibility as a ghostwriter, for example. There are unlimited opportunities for you to act as a ghostwriter for celebrities, as well as for people who just want someone to help them write their autobiography, or family history.

If you're a beginning writer, you may want to build a career as a genre writer -- someone who writes mystery, romance, or historical novels. This is an excellent career path, and there are many opportunities open to you.

So, why do YOU want to write a book?