Creative Writers Can Make Money 6 Different Ways

By Deborah Owen

When there are so many creative writers out there, why is it that so relative few are published? Could it be that they don't have the self-confidence to move forward to publication? Or is it because they don't know how to get published?



Every creative writer soars when they see their first byline. Every writer should have that experience. Seeing your work in print is something that will never grow old. Call it a pride thing, if you will. Call it an ego trip. Call it self-centered. Call it what you want. Published writers call it slavery and reward, zest and zeal, salary and bonus.



So how do you get your work published? It really isn't that hard. The hard part is in your self-discipline to follow through. Try these things:



1. Go to your local newspaper and ask for a reporting job. Local papers usually have an opening for a reporter that will cover such things as Chamber of Commerce events, School Board reports, and sports functions.



2. It makes little difference whether or not you get that job. There are other ways to wiggle your way into a newspaper. Look for accidents to report. While you wait for the mess to be cleared away, interview people who saw the accident and take pictures. (The paper will give you $5 extra for each picture they use.) Ask one of the policemen which officer is in charge. Go up to that officer with all the brass in your bones and tell him you are a stringer for _________ (name of local paper). (Anyone can be a stringer.) Ask if you can see him after the accident is cleared away. At that time, he will give you the names, ages, and perhaps addresses of those involved in the accident. This is time sensitive reporting, so get it to the newspaper quick.



3. Look for people who have unusual hobbies and interview them. Turn the interview into your local newspaper, and don't forget the pictures.



4. Look for people doing weird things – like skiing down a dry street in the spring. That really happened. That was a news story waiting to be written!



5. Keep the money rolling by resubmitting the same stories to small newspapers all over the United States. The library will supply you with an extensive list of thousands of newspapers. One article regularly resubmitted can net you hundreds of dollars!



6. When you have shown your local newspaper editor that you can get the job done, and done well, go back and ask for that reporting job over and over. Fill out an application. One of these days a spot will open up and guess who he will think of first. You.



The great thing about submitting news articles is that it doesn't take much talent; beginners have a good shot at being published; and it is a great way to get your first published clippings. Newspapers pay on acceptance, too, so it is quick money. Start reporting today!



About the Author: Ms. Deb is the CEO & Founder of two writing schools. Her newest school, http://creativewritinginstitute.com, majors on tutoring.> Deborah and her husband live in an RV and tour America as they have opportunity. They have two children and four grandchildren.



Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=332177&ca=Writing

Read more...

Eleven Top Notch Tips to Write Content at Turbo Speed

By Nirjara Rustom

Startling Facts:



* Unnecessary interruptions consume about 30 percent of an average knowledge worker’s working day.



* It takes about 25 minutes to get back your attention to something you have been writing about or working on, if distracted.



* Whenever an interruption ends, we wander off in another direction approximately 40% of the time.



* The Attention Span of humans has fallen to an average of 5 minutes and 7 seconds, from a record of 12 minutes about 10 years ago.



* Every time you get interrupted or distracted, your mind is getting trained to reduce your attention span.



What does all this mean? If you still haven’t figured out what these points mean, let me spell it out – “If you want to write at turbo speed, a focused, undivided, concentrated attention is the most important factor responsible than everything else, combined.”



Multitasking in the kitchen is a useful skill, but in writing, it is a huge detriment. While we cannot eliminate all the interruptions and distractions we come across our working time, it does make sense in reducing them as much as we can. So if you’re writing articles, a book, a report, or anything else, ensure that you’re fully prepared and get the maximum return for the time you have invested. Below are few tips you can implement to speed up your writing capacity:



1. Begin with a very moderately full stomach and an empty bladder. You don’t want to feel hungry or visit the loo. Heavy food intake will not only make you drowsy, your stomach will use more energy in digestion, leaving you with insufficient energy for work. Keep a water bottle at hand to maintain optimum hydration.



2. If writing means “typing on a computer screen” as in most cases today, ensure that lighting is even and sufficient in your room, without direct reflection to your eyes.



3. Your sitting arrangement should be as comfortable as possible, with the table at the right height. Ensure sufficient space to stretch without requiring to get up. Use chairs with proper arm support.



4. Switch off your mobile or give it to someone else for answering. Try not to take any phone calls and arrange to inform them you will call back later.



5. Close your outlook express (or whatever email client you use) as well as your instant messenger clients.



6. If your room is not insulated by sound and you face disturbance, use ear plugs.



7. Write only when you’re in the right frame of mind. Don’t force yourself to write just because you have deadlines – be them created by yourself or by a boss. Instead, cultivate a habit of making small notes whenever you can. These can be on paper, digital storage (text file) or even simply recording as audio. Then when you’re ready to write, just keep them at hand for ready reference. “Writer’s block” is a common problem faced by writers who write for the sake of writing, write on subjects that they’re not interested in, write in a frenzy only to reach targets, and write in the wrong frame of mind. Once you suffer from writer’s block, it could take you a few days and sometimes even a few months to recover from it.



8. Depending on your capacity, writing takes time. Sometimes you can write very fast and sometimes very slow, depending on the need to take thinking breaks and the topic of interest. Don’t let this affect you. Quality will also be important and not just quantity, so bear that in mind.



9. Let your family, friends and well wishers read what you write, regularly. Ask them for honest opinions and suggestions for improvements. Appreciation and praise is very encouraging to writers. Don’t be intimidated by negative views, instead, get a professional to verify the quality of the content in question if you have any doubts.



10. Find out what is your best time for writing in terms of quality and quantity through experience and testing, and then stick to that time. Some like to write very early in the morning when they are rested while some prefer to burn the midnight oil when it is quietest. Devote at least 2 to 4 hours at a stretch, depending on how much you’re comfortable with. It’s important to maintain the flow of thoughts with the writing.



11. If you need to refer other information resources like CDs, books and the internet, ensure that all your research material is kept handy.



If you find these tips useful and would like to learn more about writing, hop over to http://www.bharatbhasha.com/writing.php where we have hundreds of free articles dedicated to writing.



About the Author: Nirjara Rustom moderates the Writing Tips Section of http://www.bharatbhasha.com at http://www.bharatbhasha.com/writing.php - a free resource for information on writing.



Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=335123&ca=Writing

Read more...