While controversy can attract a wide audience, handling such topics carelessly can not only repel readers but also attract undesirable attention and create potential backlash. This could drive traffic away from your blog and result in negative repercussions.

Safely Navigating Controversial Discussions

Discussing controversial topics involves a nuanced understanding of the issues at hand, blending common sense, the pursuit of engagement, and ethical considerations. It’s crucial to recognize the thin line between sparking constructive discussions and venturing into insensitive territory. For instance, topics like the 9-11 attacks must be approached with utmost sensitivity, focusing on empathy for the victims and condemnation of the acts, rather than seeking controversy.

For those new to blogging, it’s important to not just understand that ‘controversy sells,’ but also how to approach such topics thoughtfully and responsibly, ensuring discussions lead to constructive, rather than destructive, outcomes.

Why Audiences Are Drawn to Controversial Topics

People naturally gravitate towards controversy. In a world where daily struggles are the norm for many, reading about someone else’s troubles can be oddly comforting.

However, the appeal of controversial topics depends on their nature. While more shocking subjects require careful handling or may need to be avoided, properly managed controversies can boost your blog’s following and attract links from other blogs.

Effective Third-Person Editorial Blogging

When dealing with controversial subjects, adopting an editorial style is often most effective. This approach involves reporting in the third person and grounding your content in verifiable facts. It’s crucial to present the information factually, ensuring that the views expressed are not perceived as personal opinions.

If you decide to cover a controversial topic, choose it with great care to avoid alienating your audience. Remember, the goal is to engage readers-not to make enemies. While negative comments are still forms of engagement, offending readers might deter them from returning, regardless of your future posts.

Engaging as Devil’s Advocate with Integrity

Playing Devil’s Advocate involves taking a stance on the less popular side of a controversial issue to explore an alternative viewpoint. This approach can be engaging, but it’s essential to base your arguments on solid facts and maintain integrity in your writing.

Any post perceived as a rant rather than a reasoned argument based on facts is likely to alienate more readers than it attracts.

Navigating Highly Sensitive Topics

Some topics, such as abuse or crimes against minors, should only be approached with a stance of clear condemnation. These subjects have inherently one acceptable viewpoint – outrage.

Taking any other stance can be risky, potentially leading to significant backlash and even jeopardizing your blogging presence on search engines. In such cases, it’s crucial to tread carefully, emphasizing your firm stance against the atrocity.

Maintaining Flexibility in Controversial Discussions

When discussing controversial topics, it’s wise to keep an open door for retreat, especially if your views diverge from mainstream opinion. Your concluding remarks can serve as a space to remind readers that your perspectives offer an alternative angle or highlight lesser-discussed aspects of the issue.

Mastering the art of gracefully retracting without a direct apology can help mitigate any unintended offense, ensuring your arguments are seen as contributions to a broader dialogue rather than provocations.

Handling Criticism with Grace

Responding to negative comments with politeness and gratitude can encourage readers to return, even if they initially disagreed with you. It’s crucial to avoid engaging in heated debates in the comment sections. Doing so can split your audience, potentially driving some readers away permanently.

Refrain from responding vindictively to any comment.

Furthermore, unless you are prepared to risk your readership, it’s wise to avoid taking sides on highly divisive issues such as politics, religion, and personal controversies.

Maintaining Professionalism in Blogging

Writing about controversial topics can significantly enhance your blog’s engagement, provided you are ready to manage the influx of comments. Always respond to even the harshest critics with courtesy, thanking them for their participation. This approach not only shows professionalism but also encourages a respectful dialogue.

Filter out comments that contain offensive language or could be potentially harmful, such as accusations of racism or other sensitive claims. It’s important to allow intelligent dissenting views, as they demonstrate your openness to dialogue and defend your position thoughtfully and respectfully.

The post How to Tackle Controversial Topics Responsibly appeared first on Hongkiat.

For many budding writers diving into freelance writing, the big question is “How?” How do we craft content that can transform readers in ways they never imagined possible within a mere 1000 words? Step one: captivate them from the get-go.

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First Impressions Matter

“…said the spider to the fly.” The challenge of grabbing someone’s attention and keeping them engaged long enough to click through is arguably the toughest hurdle in freelance writing.

Why? Because you’re often working with just 12 words or 70 characters. Go beyond, and search engines might bury your content. Visibility is key, and that starts with making a strong first impression.

Creating Captivating Titles and Intros

Search engine results display just the first 70 characters of your title. Though the entire title is indexed, even if it spans 1000 characters, only the initial 70 make it to the preview. It’s crucial, then, to make your point clear within this limited space.

Positioning your main keyword at the start of the title boosts its ranking, assuming your content is SEO-optimized. Early keyword placement is key.

A title that manages to rank well must be engaging, clear, and compelling to ensure the searcher’s attention is captured. Incorporating the search term early not only helps in drawing them in but also in keeping them engaged.

Establishing Immediate Rapport

Having caught your reader’s attention, the next step is to quickly build a connection. It’s essential for readers to feel at ease with your voice and style. Often writing on behalf of others, freelancers must convey authenticity as if they’re sharing their own insights.

Key to this is confidence and clarity. Your writing should communicate not just as a content creator, but as the authority on the subject matter, offering knowledge and reliability.

Sparking Interest with Trends

Even when topics aren’t inherently captivating, it’s your challenge to discover and highlight their trendy aspects. Excelling as a writer means being adept at presenting any subject in an engaging light, finding the angle that resonates with public interest.

The trick lies in viewing the topic from various perspectives and identifying what the audience finds valuable. Once the appeal is clear, illustrating its benefits and solutions becomes straightforward, making even the most mundane topics intriguing.

Cultivating Trust Through Confidence

Writing confidently is crucial for fostering trust between you and readers seeking guidance. Solid research backs up the freelance writer’s ability to add value, ensuring that the audience gains from their visit to your site or blog.

The foundation of trust is laid in the very first paragraph. After drawing the reader in with a compelling title, the opening sentences must be informative and robust enough to retain their attention. This is your chance to make a bold promise about the value your article will deliver, establishing a relationship of trust from the outset.

Building Credibility with Depth

Detailed research is vital for reinforcing trust by establishing your credibility. Offering unique, interesting facts that readers won’t find just anywhere elevates your status as an expert. It’s about providing that extra something that they can’t get from anyone else.

Uncovering those unique, verifiable insights and backing them up with reputable sources shows your readers they need not only the product or service you’re writing about but also your guidance and expertise.

Embracing Flexibility in Your Writing

The secret to authoritative writing is knowing how to flexibly apply writing rules without compromising their integrity. This is where your unique voice shines through, transforming standard information into engaging narratives. It’s about adding personality to your prose, making it resonate as though you’re conversing with the reader directly.

By skillfully bending the rules without breaking them, you cultivate a style that’s both informative and engaging, akin to advice from a knowledgeable friend. This approach not only enriches your content but also makes it more relatable and trustworthy to your audience.

Unleashing Your Creative License

Creative license isn’t about distorting facts but about presenting them through your unique lens. It’s an honest interpretation, your take on truths laid out by others, crafted into a narrative that speaks directly to your readers.

This personalized storytelling makes each piece feel like a one-on-one conversation, a letter to a cherished friend. It’s this use of creative freedom that readers adore, drawing them closer to your content and perspective.

Concluding with Impact: Your Call to Action

Mastery of the call to action is a craft honed over years, essential for transitioning smoothly from trusted authority to persuasive advocate. The art lies in weaving this call seamlessly into your narrative, maintaining the authentic voice that has guided the reader thus far.

Abrupt shifts in tone risk alienating your audience, undoing the rapport you’ve built. Thus, every piece of advice, every trend highlighted, and every fact shared culminates in a call to action that resonates with sincerity and confidence, echoing the trustworthiness of the entire piece.

Are You Ready to Make a Difference?

Armed with insights into content creation, do you feel equipped to build your own loyal readership? This journey demands confidence, authority, and a genuine connection with your subject matter, underpinned by thorough research.

If you embrace these principles, readers will come to see you as the go-to expert in your field, eagerly anticipating your take on topics within your niche. Now, step forward with confidence and start forging those vital connections.

The post Writing With Purpose Engage, Persuade, and Grow Your Customer Base appeared first on Hongkiat.

The secret recipe for crafting the perfect article or blog post does indeed exist, and it doesn’t require a stroke of genius to decipher. I’m confident that the six tips I’m about to share come very close to that elusive formula.

Soon, someone slightly more insightful might tweak these steps, make a few additions, and voila, they’ll have the formula named in their honor. Let’s just hope their name is catchier than “The Ethel Snoozelburg perfect article and blog format formula.”

But without further ado, here are the six steps to mastering the perfect article structure.

Six Steps to Perfection

The journey to the perfect article begins with its content and layout. After all, the most meticulously structured article won’t engage anyone if the content doesn’t resonate. Starting with brief and straightforward paragraphs enhances the article’s readability and appeal.

1. Keep it Simple

Embrace simplicity in your writing by crafting short, insightful sentences in plain English. Adhering to the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) principle is your first step towards success.

2. Visuals Matter

Incorporating clear and relevant images within your article is crucial for engagement. While I’m not the biggest advocate for videos in articles, if it complements your content, feel free to include it. Just ensure it aligns with your topic to avoid disrupting the flow of your article.

3. Highlighting Your Points

Using bold, italics, and even underline can significantly enhance your article by drawing attention to key points. These stylistic choices are not just allowed; they’re encouraged to guide readers through more complex explanations and ensure they grasp the intended message.

4. Power of Subheadings

Feeling overwhelmed by too much information? Remember, writing articles isn’t about impressing with complexity like in an academic essay. To keep your readers engaged, break up your content with subheadings that preview the next few lines.

This structure helps maintain interest and guides the reader through your article smoothly.

5. Eliminate Fluff

The truth is, filler content only works if you’re incredibly famous, where every word you pen is eagerly anticipated, or if your writing is so captivating that it leaves the audience in awe, pondering over the profound insights you’ve shared.

For the rest of us, unnecessary content serves no purpose.

Steer clear of it.

6. The Charm of Lists

It’s no secret that lists captivate readers. Unlike moths drawn to a flame, readers won’t suffer any consequences from their attraction – instead, they’ll find value and clarity. Lists are especially appealing because they:

• catch the eye of those who scan
• provide multiple answers to a single question
• offer detailed explanations
• present attributes clearly
• create a neat and orderly appearance
• aid in meeting word count goals (let’s keep this between us)
• generate ideas for additional content

Utilizing numbered or bulleted lists can significantly enhance engagement with your content. When faced with dense paragraphs, transforming them into a list can keep your readers interested.

A Gentle Nudge

The journey to crafting the perfect article or blog involves more than just structure – it’s about engaging, original content delivered efficiently. This guide focused on formatting essentials, assuming you’re already bringing compelling content to the table.

Remember, the intricacies and lengthier discussions are better suited for novels. A standout article or blog shines through its subject matter and the author’s knack for concise expression.

But mastering the format is just one part of the equation. Combine it with effective SEO strategies, and you’re on your way to perfection.

The post A Guide to the Perfect Article Writing Structure appeared first on Hongkiat.

New freelance writers soon encounter three hard truths after they find themselves overwhelmed with more tasks than they can handle without losing sleep.

1. There’s little romance in the day-to-day of freelance writing.
2. The job title loses its novelty quickly in most social situations.
3. One should not expect to make a fortune from freelance writing alone.

Freelance Writing vs. Creative Expression

To those new to the field, freelance writing may initially seem like an effortless endeavor, especially for individuals whose only experience with writing is the act itself. They often mistake it for something closely related to creative writing.

Yet, the reality is that freelance and creative writing share little in common. A creative writer might spend hours or days at their computer without needing to fact-check a single detail. In contrast, a freelance writer devotes a significant portion of their time to ensuring the accuracy of their content more than the actual writing process itself.

Verifying Facts

Every piece of information that a freelance writer considers must undergo rigorous fact-checking to ensure its accuracy, to avoid any risk of appearing uninformed. This involves not only verifying sources but also ensuring the reliability of these sources before citing them in their work. Consequently, freelancers often rely on a select few trusted sources, once they’ve confirmed their credibility.

Before incorporating these sources into their work, freelancers must double-check each piece of information for accuracy, leading to a preference for repeatedly citing the same reliable sources.

Mastery of Writing Styles is Crucial for Freelancers

The creative writer enjoys the liberty to select, blend, or switch styles as they please, a luxury not afforded to freelance writers. Freelancers must identify their unique voice early on and remain consistent with it. Initially, they are bound by the style requirements of the topics they cover.

It is essential for freelancers to be familiar with AP, Chicago, APA, and other writing styles to the extent that they can accurately apply them in articles, press releases, or blog posts.

Versatility: The Freelancer’s Key to Success

Many newcomers to freelancing dream of specializing in one area, like content writing, content marketing, or eBook writing. However, reality quickly sets in, revealing that versatility is the key to earning. To stay competitive and profitable, freelancers must be adept at producing a wide range of content, from articles and blog posts to eBooks, ecommerce content, SEO, CRO press releases, and even creative pieces. Without these skills, a writer’s demand in the market diminishes significantly.

Adapting to the SEO and CRO Era

Freelancers unable to deliver SEO-optimized content will find themselves in a perpetual job hunt. In the current post-Panda era, understanding and implementing SEO and CRO principles is not optional but a necessity. This knowledge enables freelancers to produce content that not only meets client needs but also performs well in search engine rankings.

Navigating the Challenges of Demanding Clients

Working with a variety of clients is part of the freelance writing landscape. While many clients are understanding and easy to work with, there are some who believe they possess complete knowledge of freelance writing. These are the clients who can push a writer to the brink with endless revisions and unreasonable demands.

The moment you’re tasked with creating a 300-word article based on dual keyword sets and asked to produce 30 different versions of it, the concept of an ‘outrageous request’ becomes crystal clear.

Unrealistic Deadlines

Such clients might overload you with tasks, then set a 24-hour deadline for a workload that realistically requires six hours per piece. Others may assign an impractical job as a strategy to avoid directly terminating the contract.

By setting deadlines that are impossible to meet, they aim to force you into resignation, thereby creating a pretext to dispute payment for the substantial amount of work already delivered.

Preparing for the Inevitable Dry Spells

Freelance writing can sometimes feel like a feast or famine profession, with periods of back-to-back projects followed by weeks where work seems to vanish. Wise freelancers plan ahead for these dry spells by saving.

However, encountering clients who disappear right before payment, taking both your hard work and expected earnings, is a harsh reality, albeit a less frequent one.

Dealing With Challenging Editors

For those new to freelance writing, encountering editors through client projects is inevitable. Being open to constructive feedback and willing to revise your work is essential. Many editors are skilled and can significantly enhance your work’s appearance.

Yet, there are editors whose understanding of a quality article or blog post is questionable, leading to demands or alterations that compromise your professional image. It’s important to note that an editor’s word can influence a client’s decision to continue working with you, so navigating these relationships with care is crucial. Cherish the good editors you encounter.

A Realistic Glimpse into Freelance Writing

On the surface, freelance writing might seem like the ideal career, with tales of substantial earnings and a passion for writing fueling the dream. There’s no shortage of blogs and websites enticing you with the promise of a lucrative career as a “professional freelance writer.”

However, let this serve as a caution: the path of freelance writing is far from easy. It’s a field that can be just as demanding, if not more, than many other careers.

If writing is your passion and you believe you can thrive as a freelance writer, then by all means, pursue it. But be aware of the challenges ahead. While freelance writing can indeed be fulfilling at times, success often requires more than just luck. Be diligent, stay alert to job opportunities, and with a careful approach, you might find your place in the world of freelance writing.

The post A Look Inside The World of Freelance Writing appeared first on Hongkiat.

Many successful published authors in the world did not start writing until they retired from their regular lives. Regardless of your age, you might have a great novel within you.

J.K. Rowling had never been published before Harry Potter and was turned down by 12 well-known publishers before being picked up by Bloomsbury, with only a £1,500 advance. The only reason Bloomsbury’s editor, Barry Cunningham agreed, was because he gave the first chapter to the chairman’s 8-year-old daughter, Alice Newton, to read, and she demanded more.

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I have met many writers who have the kind of talent it takes to top the New York Times Best Seller list with ease, yet many of them do not publish their work. They write for the sheer joy of writing, and most just post their work online for the world to enjoy.

But if you ever wondered if you are a writer at heart, check out the following:

12 Signs You Are a Writer….

1. Dream Writer

Have you ever fantasized about writing? Or have you just fantasized more than you think is normal? If you have a tendency to drift off into fantasy land, you might be a writer. One of the traits of a great storyteller is the ability to fantasize vividly. Many writers can do this at will, and some can do it while keeping up with a conversation.

2. A Childhood Passion

Did you enjoy writing when you were young? If you enjoyed writing as a child, it could be a sign that you were meant to write. Children know what they like and tend to understand what they will do with their life, even if they cannot express it.

Take the child who is always concerned with the well being of others becoming a doctor or nurse, or the child who loved to sing being active in the church choir all her life. There are numerous examples.

3. A Born Screenwriter

Do you have a knack for figuring out movie plots? Writers think differently from others. While those around you are getting cheap thrills and are completely surprised by thriller movies, the natural writer is ten scenes ahead in figuring out who the killer is or how the mystery is solved.

Many writers were surprised that the people in the theater around them watching The Sixth Sense did not know Bruce Willis was dead until the very end. To us, it was obvious around the midway point because there was no other way for the story to play out. Everyone loves a good story.

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4. Reading Is (Forever) A Hobby

Do you absolutely love to read? Writers read. It’s just a fact of life for us. That’s not to say that everyone who reads can write, but writers are drawn to books like ants to a picnic. If you love to write and have always been an avid reader, well… need I say more?

5. No Glory? No Problem

Have you ever considered living like a pauper, yet still wanted to write? Have you faced the prospect that committing yourself to writing full-time might mean living in poverty, yet you still want to write? If writing appeals to you more than living poorly repels you, you’ve got the bug. But do you have the talent?

6. Can’t Stop Writing

Do you have more than a couple of notebooks filled with writing from cover to cover? When writers first start, they write anywhere and everywhere. As children, we write on walls, then in journals, books, and notebooks. Later, we find ourselves scribbling ideas on cocktail napkins and the backs of envelopes when nothing else is handy.

Anyone who has jumped out of bed after a dream and frantically searched in the dark for something to write with and on will know what I mean.

7. The Day Dreamer

Have you ever found yourself lost in thought, totally immersed in your own plots, poems, or lyrics when you should be focusing on something else? If you get an idea for a story stuck in your head and keep going back to it, even at inopportune moments, it’s like a drive within you that forces you to follow through with an idea. This is a really good sign that there’s a writer lurking beneath the surface.

8. “Tell Us A Story”

Do children prefer you tell them a story of your own making rather than from a book? Kids can spot a storyteller a mile away. The very first time you tell a story, you might as well hang a sign around your neck that only children can read, proclaiming you a storyteller.

9. What’s That Word?

When you come across a word you do not recognize, do you NEED to find its meaning? Writers are wordsmiths. We love to come across words we do not understand and more often than not, we can deduce the meaning by simply reading it in a sentence or from the context of the paragraph.

Still, we have to know for sure. We keep several dictionaries and a thesaurus or two lying around the house. Does this sound like you?

10. Board Games Are Fun!

Do you find words more fun than a barrel full of board games? When it comes to playing games, most people like cards, monopoly, or other board games that move quickly or involve very little brain power. For them, fun means cycling down the mind and operating on autopilot.

Writers are drawn to crosswords, scrabble and Trivia. What kind of games do you enjoy?

11. Long-Term Part-Time Job

Do you write whenever you get the chance, despite a hectic lifestyle or a tiring career? A natural-born writer can’t help themselves. If they’re not writing, they’re thinking about writing. If they work 16 hours a day, they sleep six, write for one, and spend the rest driving back and forth.

When you’re not writing, do you find yourself wishing you were? Do you make the time? If so, you are more than likely a writer at heart.

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12. It’s 5 Already?

When you write, and this is really important, do you lose track of time? If you’ve ever found yourself sitting in front of your word processor at 3:30 am when you meant to stop writing at midnight, you’ve skimmed the surface of the writer’s zone.

This is a magical world that somehow speeds up natural time. You begin to write, and the next thing you know, you’ve produced eight thousand words, and it’s almost dawn. It’s a wonderful and creative place that you long to revisit. If this is you, please consider showing your work to a publisher.

… And 3 Signs You’re Not

And then, there are people who think they are writers, who are in the zone for a temporary high, but are basically not in it for the long haul. Are you on this side of the fence?

1. No To Criticism!

Do you take criticism well? If you are turned down by a publisher or told by someone, in whose opinion you hold no value, that you cannot write well and it just rolls off without the sting of being cut by a sharp knife, you may not be a writer. One thing almost all writers have in common is that we are a sensitive bunch, with feelings easily hurt when it comes to our life’s ambition.

We do not become easily dissuaded or disillusioned, but it hurts intensely when someone tells us we are not good at what we dedicate our lives to, regardless of who it is. This deep sensitivity stems from the immense amount of heart a writer puts into their work.

It is akin to being told by someone you are deeply, madly, passionately in love with that they do not love you back.

2. Bells And Whistles

Do you detest some aspects of writing, like editing or proofreading, rewriting or researching? Any writer who tells you they hate to edit or that research is tedious is likely just telling you what they think you want to hear. The fact is, writing is not just about putting down meaningful words for us. We may whine and moan about some parts of our profession, but we wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.

We even love the most tedious parts of what we do. If you truly dislike editing or researching, you might be good with words, but are you truly in love with the profession?

3. Not A Bragging Right

Do you view writing as a romantic profession, or something worth bragging about? Do you boast about being a writer or use it to impress others? If you write to impress people or because the idea of being a writer is somehow romantic to you, you might want to rethink what you are doing. If you write part-time and dream of doing something else, you probably should.

If you write well enough to earn a little money online but are unconcerned with what you sell or to whom, you may be doing much more harm than good.

What it Means to be a Writer?

Writing is a sacred calling that pulls at your soul.

It’s the air that you breathe and what keeps your heart beating. Your soul is filled with words that have no meaning until you sit down and channel them through your heart like a sieve. This is what writing means to a writer. The writing profession is unlike any other because it’s not just a profession to us; it’s a way of life. We are drawn to it, sometimes despite our best efforts to pull away.

You’ll find us scribbling endlessly on scrap paper, writing during our lunch breaks at a corner table, and sitting at our computers for 20 hours at a time. We write because we must. Sometimes, our words please others, which is good. We write even when they do not. If this doesn’t resonate with you, you might not be a writer. You might just be good at writing.

Cyril Connolly said it best: ‘Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self.’ So, tell us, are you a writer at heart?

The post 12 Signs That You’re a Writer at Heart appeared first on Hongkiat.

Many have studied the legends, from modern masters like Stephen King to ancient thinkers like Cicero, to uncover their secrets. Blending their insights with my research, I’ve gleaned valuable lessons.

Here, I share wisdom from these literary giants, past and present, aimed at us, the aspiring writers.

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1. The Challenge of Writing Well

There was a time when I prided myself on my quick writing. Then, I realized true writing mastery isn’t about speed. Comparing my work to a slower, yet exceptional writer, I saw that rushing was my hindrance, not a strength.

As Aubrey Kalitera eloquently put it in “Why Father Why” (1983):

2. The Harsh Reality of Writing

Stephen King, in his book “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft” (2000), states:

“…it is impossible to make a competent writer out of a bad writer, and while it is equally impossible to make a great writer out of a good one, it is possible, with lots of hard work, dedication, and timely help, to make a good writer out of a merely competent one.”

King’s words suggest that while I may never reach the pinnacle of writing greatness, there’s still hope for becoming a good writer. And that’s a journey I’m content with, as long as I keep writing.

3. Mastering the Basics

One universally acknowledged truth among writers is the importance of mastering the basics. Whether you’re brushing up on old lessons or diving into new courses, understanding the fundamentals of writing is crucial.

Revisiting grammar, expanding your vocabulary, and studying the elements of style are invaluable steps for writers at any level.

4. Expressing Thoughts vs. Speaking Out Loud

The debate between expressing unfiltered thoughts and carefully articulating opinions in writing is ongoing.

Walter Benjamin, a notable author, believed in 1938 that great writers avoid oversharing personal thoughts. Instead, they focus on sharing well-considered opinions. This approach prevents writers from having to retract their words and maintains a level of professionalism and thoughtfulness in their work.

5. Balancing Details and Creativity

Focusing on details is crucial for good writing, but great writing requires more. Clive James discusses this balance, emphasizing that too much adherence to rules can lead to dull writing.

While attention to grammar, syntax, and style is important, overemphasis on these aspects can stifle a writer’s unique voice. Striking the right balance is key to ensuring your writing is both technically sound and engagingly creative.

6. Embracing Imperfection in Writing

Julia Cameron offers a gem of advice for writers: be brave enough to write imperfectly. Initially, I thought she was promoting a devil’s advocate approach, but it’s deeper than that.

She suggests that writers should pour out all their thoughts on a topic, no matter how unrefined, and then refine and remove the less effective parts later. This process often reveals that some of the ‘bad’ content is actually quite valuable.

7. The Value of Every Resource

My experience with Zippo lighters taught me a lesson in resourcefulness. I’d use disposable lighters and discard them, until my wife started salvaging the flints.

This habit reminded me of the importance of utilizing every resource available, including editors. Gardner Botsford in “A Life of Privilege… Mostly” (2003), emphasizes this, stating that good writers depend on editors and would never dream of publishing unedited work. The less competent a writer, the more they resist editorial input.

Invitation for More Wisdom

Collecting wisdom from great writers has transformed even an average writer like me. Do you have additional tips to help writers improve? Your insights are welcome.

The post 7 Tips to Become the Writer Everyone Wants to Read appeared first on Hongkiat.

When a writer enters this zone, elements like inspiration, imagination, posture, keyboard proficiency, focus, concentration, and even the perfect dose of emotion all align. This alignment allows us to type faster, make fewer errors, automatically correct the errors we do make, and essentially shift into a supercharged writing mode.

Giotto’s Circle: An Example of the Zone

The renowned 13th-century Roman artist, Giotto, is rumored to have known about this zone and learned to access it at will. When Pope Boniface VIII was selecting artists for commissions at Saint Peters, he sent a courier to all the notable artists for a sample, including Giotto.

Why Giotto Was Chosen by the Pope

Upon hearing the courier’s request, Giotto entered his zone, dipped his brush in red paint, and drew a circle. He handed this to the courier, who was visibly insulted. The courier, misunderstanding Giotto’s intent, reported to the Pope that Giotto had shown disrespect by not using any tools, but simply drawing a large, red circle with a paintbrush.

However, the Pope, being astute, had his people examine it. Giotto had drawn a perfect circle freehand, seemingly without any thought, preparation, meditation, or gimmicks. He was in the ZONE!

But how did he achieve this? That’s an excellent question.

The Four-Step Flow Process

Different writers have different methods and names for this state. Some call it the writer’s zone, others the kill zone, and some simply “the flow”. I have a 4-step process that helps me enter the zone almost every time.

1. Leave Your Troubles Behind

The first step is to let go of everything. To reach a state where words flow freely, we need to stop worrying about mistakes, misspelled words, grammar, or even time. We can fix everything later.

For now, we just write. Once we’re fully immersed, you’ll be surprised to find that you make fewer mistakes. Also, stop being your own worst critic. Let go of everything.

2. Find a Quiet Time and Place

Choose your workspace carefully. Being in the zone is of little use if you’re constantly interrupted. If you need to leave the house to find peace, do so (and leave your troubles behind). I have an office with a lockable door, but I also have a park with a bench nearby. Be creative with your workspace.

3. Clear Your Mind by Writing

Write about anything. It doesn’t have to be about your current project initially. Even if your mind is blank, just start writing. If you begin to struggle, keep writing as fast and as hard as you can. After a few minutes, it starts to become easier.

The idea is to clear your system of distractions. You’re revisiting step one, letting go. You’re in a distraction-free place and time, and you’re writing. All the elements of being in the zone are aligning.

4. Pause, Breathe, and Wait for Your Starting Point

You’re writing, you’re not distracted, and you don’t care about anything. Continue this for several minutes until you feel a shift. When you feel it, stop and breathe in through your mouth and out through your nose. Wait for your starting point. Sometimes it comes quickly, sometimes slowly, but it will come if you wait. The moment you find your starting point, start typing.

This self-hypnosis technique helps many writers find their writing zone, or flow, or whatever you choose to call it. It’s also a useful method for overcoming writer’s block.

Finding Your Rhythm

Once you’ve reached the last step and begin to write, the words seem to flow from your mind and your body is completely relaxed. You form a symmetry between them that allows for an excellent writing session without the muscle cramps or aches that can accompany it.

Once you’ve found your rhythm, enjoy it!

The post How to Find, Enter and Maintain Your Writing Zone appeared first on Hongkiat.

Once you find a talented freelance content writer, hold onto them as if they were the last one on the planet. The good ones are either booked solid for months or have moved on to more gainful endeavors. Even if you can keep a talented content writer, they may not remain a content writer forever. Just like everything else in life, if someone is good at something, other opportunities will open for them to expand and broaden their horizons.

Woes of the Site Owner

Unfortunately, as a site owner, you have little to no control over when your writer needs to take leave. It often happens at the worst possible times. You may be in the middle of a huge marketing or branding campaign that just took off, or you might have a large boost in readership in your blog and require a steady in-flow of content for the next few weeks.

The last and worst possible thing you could hear at this precise moment is, "I’m leaving for greener pastures." So, what do you do?

8 Things to Do Instead of Panicking

1. Take Affirmative Action

As the Master and Commander of your ship, it’s time to take charge. Whatever you do, do not panic. Panic, at this point, would not only be counterproductive, it would make things much worse. It is not the end of the world until the deadline, which means there is still time before the iceberg hits the ship.

If you find yourself in panic mode, take a deep breath and get a hold of yourself. Remember that you are in control and that there are steps you can take to address the situation.

2. Hot Off the Press

New content writers are entering the internet every day, and the demand for their services is still higher than the supply.

Stop worrying about finding a content writer and go get one. However, be careful about how you go about it. Weeding out the bad writers from the good ones is a delicate process.

3. You May Already Have a Replacement

Don’t have time to engage with someone you can’t risk trusting? Have you spoken to your team, family, or a friend in the writing business lately? You may be surprised at how many people you know who write, dream of writing, or are already pursuing it.

By reaching out to those you know, you can get an inside look into the personality of a new writer and determine if they are someone you can rely on for steady content. This information can come directly from the horse’s mouth.

4. Go Social

Another digital option is social media marketing. LinkedIn is a great platform for Business to Customer or Business to Business marketing, as well as building brand recognition. With the help of a good content writer and six social media websites, you can create more buzz about your website than with two dozen magazine ads. LinkedIn is particularly useful as it has a wealth of content writers.

Overall, there are various methods available to promote your website. It’s important to consider your target audience and choose the methods that will be most effective for reaching them.

5. Be My Guest

Guest posting is a useful approach that can be utilized from time to time. You can put out a call for guest posts and usually, the guest blogger just wants a link in the content and a couple of links in their bio.

Some guest bloggers may even get paid for their submissions, but regardless, you get good content at half the time it takes to find a long-term replacement for your writer.

6. Editors Are Worth Their Weight in Gold

Editors are incredibly valuable for ecommerce websites and blogs. They can help increase your ROI by ensuring that your readers see what they need to see at the right time. Additionally, editors can edit the work of your content writers and even replace them temporarily if needed.

However, it’s important not to take advantage of an editor’s writing skills too often. Remember to respect their time and expertise and use them wisely. Overall, an editor is worth their weight in gold for any business looking to improve their content and increase their success.

7. Draw Ideas from the Web

The internet is a wondrous place, filled with all kinds of information on just about every subject you could possibly imagine, including your ecommerce endeavors. If your content writer disappears, there is plenty of material on the internet to pursue and draw ideas from.

However, don’t fall into the trap of copying content at liberty. Original content is still gold even in desperate times.

8. Unleash the Writer in You

Have you ever attempted to write your own content? As the one who knows the kind of content you desire, it may be worth a shot. Although it may not be the best content in the world, I can assure you that it will not be the worst either. In fact, you may even write better than some freelance content writers as nobody understands your readers’ preferences better than you do.

Take the opportunity to create your own content and express your thoughts in writing. You may be surprised at how much you enjoy it and how well it resonates with your audience. So, why not give it a try?

The End Result

The end result of all this is actually much simpler than the 8 reasons not to panic and how to help yourself. If you panic, nothing gets done. So, if you need a content writer, don’t rush into anything. Take your time and find the one that is right for you. In the meantime, follow these simple tips to get through the rough patch and always keep your chin up.

Make sure to fix any grammar and spelling errors and break the text into easy-to-read paragraphs.

The post 8 Proactive Steps to Take When Your Writer Quits appeared first on Hongkiat.

Editors make necessary changes to a writer’s work to ensure they follow certain house styles of the establishment or blog they represent. This gives all text published at the site the same consistency and palatability that ensures readers keep coming back for more.

But if the editor can do it, so can you… right? You have the same command of grammar and syntax; you are the expert on the topic you wrote, and it’s going to be your name on the post anyway. And we’re pretty sure the editor is also ‘only human’. So why go through the hassle and slow down the publishing process? Why not just self-edit?

Here are some myth-busting truths about self-editing in freelance writing.

Self-editing freelance writer

There are rumors of a new kind of content writer. They say that this new and improved content writer can edit their own content. After all, an editor does not need another editor, so why could there not be a self-editing content writer. When you get right down to it, no one knows the material better than the writer, correct?

The idea of a self-editing freelance content writer would be a great asset for any website or blog. It will cut down on the need for an extra man/woman on the team, the editor.

Transferable mistakes will be greatly reduced, there would be no slowdowns caused by a conflict of opinions and we’d get more content published in more regular intervals.

Why can’t it work?

On paper, it looks like a workable idea, but in reality, it’s a dud. I know many content writers who try to self-edit to the best of their abilities, myself included. Unfortunately, I do not personally know of many who can do it with a high level of consistency.

During a career span of just over 33 years, I have learned a few things about editing. The gist of it: I have seen enough to know that I would not want the job. Here’s why:

Seeing is believing

Our brains can trick us into believing there are words on the page that are not really there. We become so intent on the writing that when we read through it in our first edit, our brain fills in the gaps where the missing words are without us realizing it. Mistakes escape through the filters, points go haywire, and structure loses structure.

The trick to getting around this is to put the writing down for several hours. By doing this, we begin to distance ourselves from the writing. The longer the cooling period, the more we forget.

By the end of the waiting period, we will be reading the piece as a reader, not the writer. And that’s where we find all the weird mistakes we miss out during our self-imposed edits. Don’t take my word for it, try it for yourself.

Jack of all trades

We may be the experts of the topic we wrote about however that probably means we lack in other aspects such as the intricate preferences of the readers of the site. To conquer that, you need a lot of data, a lot of experience with a niche group, or psychic powers. Editors usually have one of the three.

They know where to focus, what to take out, what to put in, and how to enhance a particular post for their readers. It’s their job to know.

For us, all we have to do is be an expert in our topics. When guest blogging, we don’t even have to worry about SEO, CRO, link building, inserting backlinks, when to publish the post for maximum exposure, social marketing, and dozens of other considerations to maximize our content successfully. Now, aren’t you glad that there are editors on the Web?

Remember that editors have to be natural management specialists, often managing numerous guest bloggers, teams of content writers, and marketers with their eager, often manic campaigns. They need to know which strategy works for which niche market, and how to advise their writers. Speaking of which…

Writers know thyself

Even more important than intimate knowledge of the blog or website’s inner workings is the self-editing content writer’s knowledge himself or herself. The reason the world has so few true self-editing writers is that there are not that many people who can be brutally honest with themselves.

A handful of those are their own worst critic, essentially crippling themselves before any of their work sees light. That’s not good either.

To self-edit, the Writer must know how to be brutally honest, how to put the integrity of the written piece before the writer, and sometimes, how to walk away from good material. To write what you consider being the purest, most perfect paragraph, only to find during the editing process that it does not contribute enough to the post to be kept in, means you have to make a tough decision.

Can you… Cut it?

The true editor would make the cut without the slightest hesitation and only after considering all other alternatives. For obvious reasons, an editor who is not you will do a better job in being completely objective with the material. It’s almost entirely easier to let someone else do the dirty job.

Still want to self-edit?

After all that is said and done, there is one last thing to add. The content editor can do a job that is only as good as the writer can. In other words, if the raw material was weak to begin with, there is only so much the editor can do before he or she has to give up. After all, even with really good, flawless content, there is still a lot to do in post-editing to ensure that the writer gets all the limelight he or she deserves.

So take this relationship as more of a symbiotic one, one where you the writer has to depend on the editor, and the editor on your dedication to the craft to produce a true piece of writing that readers will love and benefit from.

The post The Truths About Self-Editing in Freelance Writing appeared first on Hongkiat.

The following content, written under the stress of submitting it on time, is dedicated to all freelance content writers who know what it feels like to be ‘Out Of Time’ yet still turn in quality content on a regular basis.

Here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the path of my career. I may have learned them the hard way, but it makes it that much sweeter knowing that someone else won’t have to.

The One/two punch time eater

The biggest one/two punch that slows us down and helps us to lose track of time is social media and email. I’ve set my ticker to beep at me every 3 hours and I dedicate 15 minutes to take care of both.

Before I did that, I was checking my email 3-4 times every hour. If there was a social email in it, I would go straight to the website to deal with that. Once I started adhering to the new 3-hour schedule, my productivity increased dramatically. I might go every 4 hours just to see what happens.

Tools to help you further

Sometimes, setting limits may not be enough when it comes to the topic of social media and email. Don’t worry though as there are tools that are designed to help you take care of it.

Google Mail Pop-up: Gmail gives you a pop-up that you can designate to appear anywhere on your screen. It shows regardless of what tab or screen you are in at the moment. This way, you get to pick to stop and deal with it or to let it fade back into the background to deal with later. If you do not use Google for your email client, you may still be able to utilize something just like it.

HootSuite: HootSuite is, without a doubt, my favorite time saving tool. The last thing that I do every night before bedtime is to post to my social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and especially LinkedIn. Once I have written what I want to post, I schedule it to hit all 3 accounts the first thing the next morning, even though I’m still snug in bed.

The office time planner

I have worked many jobs in my life, but until I seriously dedicated my life to freelance writing, I never had to actually plan my day down to the details. Trust me, and if you don’t plan your day, you may find yourself running around in circles by the end of it.

Notifications can only go so far to make you move, and scratch that item off your to-do list, but you will have to decide when to do what before which deadline.

Work like the rest of the planet

Speaking of handling deadlines, I have not tried this yet because I am afraid that if I do, my business will come crumbling down. However, my wife thinks it is a wonderful idea to set and work office hours.

Trying to work 9 to 5 might be too much for me to handle. However, I may be able to work from 5 to 9. Yeah, 5 am to about 9 pm just might give me enough time to do everything.

The point is, set office hours and adhere to the schedule like your life depends upon it. You (and your spouse) will be happier if you do.

Work smarter

We, as time-challenged freelance content writers, have to be extremely careful about what jobs we accept and what jobs we need to let pass. I used to grab everything that came across my desk.

Now, I gauge how much time it will take, and what it pays and compare that number to what I already have in the works minus how much time I don’t have to work on it.

This simple, yet effective formula was easy to set up in both Excel and Formula in Open Office. I type in the projected numbers and see what will pay the most in the long haul. Of course, sometimes I just go on instinct – which I usually regret.

Leave it at the beep

I never realized how much my phone rings until I stopped answering it in order to save time. I am not overly anxious to give my money to a survey taker, but if you think about it, every time we answer the phone, we may as well light a two-dollar bill on fire.

Now, if you need to speak to me, your VM message had better be amazingly convincing. I am listening (sort of), and if it’s important enough, I will pick it up before you hang it up. If you do call though, please have the common courtesy to leave a message instead of asking me to please pick up. It’s not going to happen.

Technology saves time and makes money

That said, if you are pressed for time and are fighting to gain back every minute lost, invest in technology. For every device that you have tied to your freelance account, you can add twenty minutes back into the schedule.

If I’m enjoying my morning constitutional, I’m also answering my emails. If I walk down to the corner for an errand, or just to get away from the computer for a minute, you can bet I’m checking on my social media contacts. Every little minute counts particularly in the peak season, so let technology help you out.

Final thoughts

There is really only one way to handle the problem of time. Don’t. When you have done everything that you can think of and a few things that you can’t think of in order to control time and swing it back into your favor, it is time to stop worrying about time.

If it is out of your control, stop stressing over it and just do what you can do. Do no more and no less.

The post Guide to Better Time Management For Freelancers appeared first on Hongkiat.

We all love to work with professionals and if you want to be a pro writer, you too need to exhibit the professionalism required of you. Missing deadlines is the best and easiest way to convince them that you might not be taking things as seriously as they’d like you to.

Also note that your deadline is probably just one of a string of deadlines our client has to make sure is on time. If your writing causes a delay, the domino effect will ensure that everyone else’s deadlines will be sorely affected as well. Don’t be the bad guy; be the professional writer with these few simple steps.

1. Get and stay organized

Perhaps the biggest secret to achieving deadlines is being organized. Being organized helps projects flow smoothly and progress quickly. The organized writer is ready to start quickly and dive into the work without stopping to find something important to work.

Part of being organized is knowing where everything is e.g., the calendar, the files, the memos and reminders, the equipment, etc.

The other part is to have a process or system set up to answer your most immediate requests, e.g., when I write, I have a dictionary and a thesaurus ready and open in tabs.

Everything you need (even a quick, energizing snack or drink) should be within arm’s reach to prevent you from becoming distracted on an unnecessary break (disclaimer: I still need to grab toilet breaks).

2. Check your writing speed limits

Those who have ever been on a swim team in school know that the speed from which you leave the starting block is half the race. Just as the title, opening sentence, first paragraph, and first subtitle are the most important part of a post or article, your first efforts in a writing project will often dictate the pace of the rest of the project.

However, each writer works at their personal pace, and for some, content and speed mix like they are oil and water. If you are fine with sprinting, a good start is half a race won, but if you are like me, a marathon runner, not a sprinter, then you should know when to reject a project with a ridiculous deadline.

3. Eliminate distractions

Aside from answering nature’s call, all other forms of distractions can be detrimental to the writing process. Thus, before you begin your important project, eliminate all of the minor distractions that always crop up during a deadline race.

Image source: Vecteezy

Inform your family that you are only to be disturbed during dire emergencies that involve spurting blood or the dead rising (flesh-eating zombies count). Put your phone on silent, disable your notifications, hold all incoming mail, lock yourself away from the rest of the family – you get the idea.

4. Develop a system that works for you

Every professional freelancer has a system or process that they adhere to because it works for them. This process is a little different for everyone. Speak to some content writers about their system, do some research, or go the old-fashioned way, through trial and error.

My system goes something like this, depending upon the type of project I take on:

• Evaluate the project and make note of the clients particular needs
• Highlight important points in an outline of the project
• Research each point thoroughly and determine the order
• Re-write title and subtitles
• Pre-write filler for each subtitle using bullet lists and infographics where necessary
• Edit the pre-write
• Write the project injecting SEO/CRO
• Edit the Write cutting at least 20%

When you can find your own process, you will be able to time yourself properly and get a proper estimate of the kind of timeframe you can work in.

5. Courage under fire

Many a deadline has been needlessly missed because a less-than-professional writer would not go to the client when they realized the deadline is a sure loss. Honesty is definitely the best policy in this situation. If you realize that you are going to miss a deadline, go to the client, advertiser, or sponsor as soon as possible.

It is always better to tell the client before the deadline is missed than to be worried about losing the account. The client may have a plan B that could very well save the day and minimize the impact of the missed deadline, and as for you, well, you might still be able to salvage this relationship.

6. When all hell breaks loose

If you ever find yourself in the frying pan, and every available option is a flame hotter and bigger than the last, then you are reduced to three possible options:

Image source: Vecteezy

Give a more feasible date

So we have established that clients with ridiculous deadlines should be avoided like the plague, but sometimes turning down a client isn’t something you can do.

When faced with this situation, assess the project and present the client with a more realistic date; you might be surprised with the kind of extensions that can suddenly turn up in the schedule.

If, in the end, the client still doesn’t (or can’t) budge, politely decline the job offer, citing your reasons clearly, then send the client on their way.

Pace yourself!

Let’s say, the good news is you have a really cool client who won’t let anyone else but you handle the project (even after Step 5 above), but the bad news is that you are not getting an extension. Step 1, negotiate for higher pay. Step 2, try to not write for 15, 20 hours straight, no matter how young you think you are, at heart.

Set realistic goals for yourself. Write only so many words in one sitting or set the number of hours you are willing to endure in front of your computer at one time. If you hit your deadline, you did great. If not, you gave it your best.

And finally, reach out

There is no shame in reaching out for help if you see that you will not make an important deadline. Even if you need a fellow writer or an editor, you can save valuable time and split the pay based on the workload.

The point is that if you stand to lose credibility in the eyes of your client (more importantly, a new one who is testing you out), ask for help to maintain that perfect streak of delivered jobs.

The post How to Better Handle Writing Deadlines appeared first on Hongkiat.

This is a commitment that is, by far, harder to stay true to than just about any other form of writing. If you are ready to make that kind of commitment, here are 6 steps that you may want to keep in mind in order to stay true to a craft that will pay fantastic dividends to those who truly love to write for the public.

1. Write it, hold it, re-write it.

The first words that you lay down should come straight from the heart. Your emotional attachment to any particular topic should flow from you, staining the page with honest, unbiased, and completely original content. The truest form of self-expression always comes from the heart.

Unfortunately, heartfelt expression is almost always the worst kind of writing. Unless you are writing poetry, your true voice always comes from the rewrites. Once you have laid it all on the line in content writing, walk away.

The idea is to put distance between your heart and what you are really trying to tell your reader. Give it a day, and then come back to it fresh. Cut at least 20% or more of the sap during the rewrite. What you are left with will be a more concise form of what you were trying to convey. The rewrite is where your true voice lies.

2. Editor, enemy, friend.

If you are unable to separate heartfelt writing from true voice, and you are lucky enough to have an editor, he or she will do it for you. A good editor is someone who knows how to write from the heart, trim the fat, and leave a lean form of true self-expression while following the ultimate goal of reader value.

What they do to your writing may piss you off – at first – but once you realize that self indulgent writing is not the goal, you will also realize just how valuable it is to have the editor’s objective foresight on your side.

They usually know how to salvage what you are really trying to say and please the reader at the same time, making you both happy.

3. Freelance, creative, freelance.

Content writing is a lot like truck driving. It is fun at first, but after a while, it is really easy to fall asleep behind the wheel. If you are a busy freelance content writer, one who is constantly writing to pay the bills and support a family, it may behoove you to pull into a truck stop from time to time.

Take a day or two every couple of weeks to write a poem, short story, or update your journal. Write in a way that open expression and heart-felt sentiment mean much more than it does in content writing.

Creative writing for yourself; writing that does not need to be edited or scrutinized in any way is always refreshing for the hardworking content writer that spends more time in fact than fantasy and truth than whim.

4. Verify, verify, verify.

Writing from the heart is great, especially when you have a good editor or already know how to trim the fat, so to speak. The trick is to always make sure that your heartfelt writing and more down-to-earth rewriting sticks to the facts as they pertain to the reader.

A rant that flows off-topic and delves into the world of conjecture is always damaging to your credibility as a content writer.

Verify what you write, and then verify the source you get your information from with another trusted source. Honesty in writing is just as important as true voice and self-expression of the facts. The rule is, be you, but be true.

5. Deadline, lifeline, deadline.

Deadline writing is a common occurrence for the freelance content writer. Every site owner I have ever written copy for has had a ridiculous deadline that just had to be met at all costs.

If copywriting is your writing forte, yet you find yourself struggling to meet deadlines, look for a few clients that just want content, to break the stressful monotony that comes with deadline writing.

In the end, you will be happy for the freedom and thankful for the time spent not having to worry as much about maintaining your sparkling reputation.

6. Location, location, location.

In real estate, location is everything. In content writing, the place that you give to your readers should be the best place for them to be to get the most from what you are trying to say. In other words, leave your reader on real estate that is a beachfront property and not the land of nod.

Informative, original content is far more valuable than a fact-filled post that does not open doors of opinion. Writing thoughtfully and exploring a variety of avenues and options (all based on fact) is better than giving one fact and leaving the reader to guess at where you were leading them.

In the end, draw your logical conclusion and then let the reader decide for themselves where they stand.

The post 6 Steps to Staying on Course For Freelance Writers appeared first on Hongkiat.

Then it hits us. We realize we’ve lost the passion and terror engulfs us. The first time it happens is like waking up from a dream of falling off a building – only to realize that you’re not dreaming. You experience a few seconds of abstract terror followed by a deep sense of sudden loss.

I once read about a writer who lost limbs in a war compare it to what it feels like the first few years after that loss: “I would wake up, ready to take on the day only to see the wheelchair and remember that I have no legs. Losing my passion for writing is a lot like that.” Once you realize you are without it, you cannot help but feel a sense of longing.

Personally, it felt a little bit like when I lost my father at 11 years old. Not the pain of a lost loved one. Just the pain of losing something so familiar, something I was so used to having. It felt like a hole in the middle of my chest that couldn’t be filled. I swore that once I got it back, I would never lose it again. Now, when I get so weary that I want to stop, I do.

See The Signs

The one redeeming feature about losing the writer’s passion is that you can see it coming a mile away if you know what to look for. Here’s how to recognize these signs.

1. When Research Becomes a Chore

Research for the true writer is more interesting than it is work. We develop a process where we can enjoy the journey from point A to point J. Each step is familiar, painless and gets us closer to our objective – writing. Every step of the research usually holds some benefit for us.

One example is my research computer, which is not the computer that I write with. It has a comic page that I must go through to get to my search engine. On this page is a weather app, a dictionary Word of the Day, and a new Calvin and Hobbes Comic daily strip

When I get to the point that I skip the comics or just bypass my entire process altogether, I check myself as it’s a sure sign that I’m no longer enjoying that process‘¦ or what I do.

2. Snapping at your Editors (Never a good idea)

I’m one of those lucky writers that have an editor as a partner in our freelance writing company. This means that everything I write through our company is edited by one of the best. I also have an editor in one of my ‘outside of the company’ jobs. She is also among the best in her profession.

The moment one of them asks me what is wrong with my attitude or takes offense at something I’ve said, I know that I’m in trouble. I love to be edited because it makes me look good. When I start taking offense at their help, it means I don’t want to put in the work. It means I’m no longer having any fun.

3. What Happened to your Deadline Demon?

A friend of mine, who was once a client, paid me the very high compliment of calling me the Deadline Demon. I never ever miss a deadline. I’m almost always way ahead of schedule. I make sure that if something was to happen and I could not write for up to a week, I could still come in under deadline.

When I suddenly have to write all night long and just barely make my deadlines, I am in trouble of losing my passion and I check myself at that moment. If I forget a deadline and barely make it, I recognize that for what it is: a huge sign that I’m tired and I’m in danger of starting down that road again.

4. Getting Easily Distracted

When I start catching myself spending more time in my email, Skype chat, or surfing the World Wide Web for no reason other than to avoid work, I know I’m in trouble. It’s a quiet process that sneaks up on you. One day, you are fine and productive, two days later, you find yourself two days behind schedule and filling out a form for a foolish website application you don’t want just because you’re bored.

When boredom sets in, how far are you from the point of no return? The writing passion is what keeps us writing. The ability to take a boring subject and turn it into something that people want to read is supposed to be fun. When it stops being fun, it’s time to recharge your batteries.

How to Turn This Around

At some point, you have to recognize the signs of writer’s fatigue and make a change. When you have worked for so many days in a row that you cannot remember the last time you had any time to devote to your family, friends, or other interests, it may be time to recharge

Writer’s fatigue is the first step to losing the ability to enjoy a passion that you were born with. Here are a few things you can do to get turn things around.

1. Step Away

Take a day off whether you can afford it or not. Most of the time, with bills mounting or deadlines looming, you cannot take a day off at that moment, but you can schedule a day off in the near future and then do everything you have to do to make it happen.

When that day comes, do not shirk it off and work. Force yourself to spend the day away from work and (this is important) with the people that make you happy.

2. Revisit Your Creative Side

Write for yourself. If you like creative writing, do that. If you enjoy poetry, create a new form. Enter a contest and write up your submission. Even if you don’t win, the fun is in the creation.

There are numerous website writing groups that you can join that have contests. There are also writing groups that love to read new fiction or collaborate on projects. The point is to write something for yourself that changes your perspective and is not work-related.

3. Retrace the Steps that Led you to Freelancing

Take stock of your decision to become a freelance writer. From experience, I can tell you that our reasons for doing what we do are very compelling. In my case, it was this or work for a living and I would rather do this. Remember all the reasons you do what you do. Write and you will find that motivating force that drove you here in the first place.

Once you remember why you love your job so much, it’s easier to keep your passion, even under the worst of client projects. When I see my stepson dragging his tired ass home from his roofing job, I count my blessings and get back to work.

The post 4 Signs You Are Losing Your Writing Passion (& How To Get It Back) appeared first on Hongkiat.

He got chastised by at least a dozen of these writers armed to the teeth with college degrees. How dare he think that he was even smart enough to go to college, much less learn the ‘incredibly complex’ and ‘difficult’ world of freelance writing. One hour in, and they weren’t letting go, so I had to jump in.

Enough is enough

I told this guy the truth in the open forum for the entire world to see that:

• Yes, you can learn to write without going to college
• Yes, you can learn to freelance without a business degree
• You can earn a very good living in freelance writing without the benefit of a college degree
• You can work from home as a freelance writer, buck-assed naked if you so desire
• You can learn to be a freelance writer without spending a single dime on incredibly expensive college courses

I also sent the young man my regular email and website URL and told him I would teach him the basics of freelancing, and help him find a school to hone his writing skills.

In return, I got ejected from the group. The reason? They thought I was a hypocrite since I went to college to learn how to write, and I would just be wasting the poor guy’s time.

Actually…

You can imagine their shock when I told them that yes, I went to college just as I had listed on my social website profile, but not for journalism, as they had assumed. I majored in Medical Administration. I also showed them proof that I was being paid to write before I started college at age 21. I taught myself to write. And that was the last straw.

Not only did his group kick me out, a few other writing groups I was in (I think it was four of them) kicked me out too. I started my own writing group but no one signed up.

You can do anything

But the point of this sad story is that if you want to be a freelance content writer, you can be. All it really takes is dedication and a heartfelt commitment to the craft. By the way, the young man (Ben) has been following my lead for more than 6 months and it is already paying off.

He has two clients, is still learning to write, and I throw him work when I bite off more than I can chew. I’m glad to report that he is a very good writer now and is very well liked by the people for whom he works.

Resources for learning How to Write

If you Google “Learn Freelance Writing,” you will get hundreds of thousands of results. There are a lot of people who know how it is done and are willing to help. Learning to write… now that is a horse of a different color. Part of freelance writing or writing in general, is in knowing how to perform deep research. Just because you may not have plans to go to college, it doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from their free online courses (expect to do a lot of reading):

The Open University

With well over 600 topics to choose from in free online courses, this site has numerous writing courses open to the public. Search for gems such as Writing What You Know, or the ever-popular What Is Good Writing to get started.

Yale University

Literature and poetry are not only fun; they are essential if you want diversity in writing. The site offers free courses in both subjects.

MIT

Believe it or not, MIT offers courses in both humanistic and writing. Yes, it is free. You will not believe what you find at the end of this rainbow (I almost passed out from sheer joy). Christmas in August. Writing in Cyberspace is especially enlightening!

University of Massachusetts Boston

You do not want to miss the free courses on Critical Reading and Writing, and Critical and Creative Thinking.

The Purdue OWL

This list would not be complete without the Purdue Onling Writing Lab (OWL), one of the best resources for any higher education need, without the higher education price. The Writing Process is far more than it appears to be, and their resource list is amazing.

To be a writer

Never let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. Those yahoos on that website are miserable now and will still be miserable tomorrow. Meanwhile, Ben will soon be making more money than they do simply because he believed in himself and conquered his fear of failure (which was the only thing holding him back from his dream).

If you want to be a writer, nothing can stop you. In fact, you can find a lot of help from Google and a lot of these fine online courses for free. Don’t stop learning. There is nothing that you cannot do if you put your mind to it.

More

Here are more articles on learning something new, you might like:

• Top 10 Websites To Learn Coding (Interactively) Online
• Learning Programming: 10 Misconceptions That Are Not True
• Ultimate Guide To Setting Up Your First Online Shop
• Develop Your Windows 8 App – Resources, Tools And Tips

The post Tips and Resources to Becoming A Better Writer appeared first on Hongkiat.

Creative license and style dictate that we write in a sometimes less-than-perfect but completely understandable format to reach the targeted audience, an audience that may not have a perfect grasp on the English language (but frankly, who does?).

It is the abuse of this privilege that cannot go unnoticed or unrealized. It is the reason editors often have their hands full. Let’s take a look at tthe top 3 mistakes committed in writing, and how you can avoid making them.

Recommended Reading: Popular (But Bad) Writing Advice You Should Ignore

Freedom in writing comes with a cost

As professional content writers, it is our job to recognize our audience and adjust our writing accordingly to gain their confidence and trust… and not make a complete mess of our submissions.

There are various reasons on why these mistakes occur: the writer may be writing in the same way that he or she thinks (which is almost always a mistake). It could also be that they are tired, distracted, or plainly in the wrong profession. Sometimes, it’s because the writer is trying to purposely stretch the word count.

These leads to three of the worst offenses many writers make against a language that already has enough problems of its own:

1. Using too many words,
2. Being unclear with dangling or squinting modifiers, and
3. Redundancy (repeating what has been said).

Having problems writing?

The human brain is naturally wired to think in words. With the exception of a small (but, according to studies, growing) percentage of the population, people see or hear the words they speak and write milliseconds before they speak or write them. In autism, this ability is often magnified and focused on a specific, such as numbers.

The problem with this is most of us think in less-than-accurate English or whatever language your speak. We think the way we heard others speak, when the language part of our brain was still in the developmental stage. The professional freelance writer keeps this in check by altering the way he or she thinks during the writing, and then again during the editing process.

Read Also: The Myth-Busting Truth About Self-Editing In Freelance Writing

Tired brain, distracted brain

It is pretty common knowledge that when we are tired, we care far less about whatever we are doing… including writing. A tired brain cannot completely focus on the task at hand and mistakes slip through the weary cracks in our thought process. It’s also impossible to write under certain distracting circumstances although we often have no choice.

I once wrote out of an apartment next to a busy elevated train platform, which led to constantly having to rewrite, as my brain tried to block out the commotion and vibrating furnishings. When you are tired or distracted, it is more difficult to change the way you think or find the errors in your writing.

Read Also: Freelancers: 5 Signs When You Should Take A Break

A thief in the night

There are writers who purposely make these common mistakes in order to extend the word count of the article or post. These unscrupulous wordsmiths either cannot see that it is the same as stealing, or simply do not care. As long as they can get away with it, they take advantage of clients who don’t know any better. They may as well just pickpocket the client or take their money at gunpoint.

Read Also: Freelancers: How To Work Better With Your Clients

How to fix them

But you are not like them. You want to be a good writer, which means you want to know how to avoid making thse mistakes. Here’s what you can do.

Read Also: Useful Tips And Guidelines To Freelance Writing

First of all, if you write sentences that are too long and have unnecessary words, try writing out the full paragraph as you would normally write it, making sure to get your point across completely. Now go back and rewrite it in as few words as possible while still making a clear point.

Once you have done this for a few weeks, it will come naturally and you will no longer need the rewrites.

Stop dangling modifiers

Dangling and squinting modifiers are the perfect example of us writing the way we think. We’re not hardwired to think like a dictionary. While we’re born with natural speech and language software built into our brain, we think the way we were brought up to think.

Although we may speak without trouble using this software, forming sentences is a whole other ballgame.

Let’s have a look from the two examples below:

The Dangler

“Long nose protruding like a spear, Bronx wondered how his editor could drink from the glass.” – The writer knows what is meant by this sentence because he came up with the idea. The reader, on the other hand, wonders if Bronx’s elongated nose will require surgery to fix. Unless they surmise what the writer meant to say, they’ll also wonder why the editor would have trouble drinking from a glass.

“With the editor’s nose protruding like a spear, Bronx wondered how she could drink from the glass.” – Still as long, but clearer. At least, now we know the problem is with the editor’s nose.

“Bronx wondered if the editor’s long nose prevented drinking from a glass.” – At 5 words shorter than the original sentence, this is just as clear.

The Squinter

“The teacher said after the bell rang that Mark could stay and finish the exam.” – Hold up, hold up. When did the teacher tell Mark he could finish the test? Did she wait until Mark was halfway out the door, or did she tell him before the bell rang that he must stay and finished the exam if it was not done yet?

“The teacher told Mark to finish the exam after the bell rang.” – Is Mark not allowed to finish the test before the bell rings?

“The bell rang, but the teacher told Mark he could stay and finish the exam.” – Why didn’t you just say so in the first place?

Stop being redundant in writing

If it can be said only once, just say it once. There is no need to use two sentences to say the same thing. All of us do this ocassionally – most of the time, it’s easy to catch and correct. Below are some examples:

• That way is the right direction. That is the right direction.
• That insect is a weird looking bug. That is a weird-looking bug.

Conclusion

Many writers make these mistakes on purpose to extend the word count of an article or post for which they are being paid. This is just poor practice by design. While an editor can catch most of these, they really shouldn’t have to. It is far easier for the writer themselves to eliminate these mistakes from their writing altogether. It is a simple matter of taking one’s time and thinking the words out before writing them down.

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