Articles written by clara54

Interviewing others is an interesting and challenging aspect of freelance writing. Speaking with other creative individuals can be thrilling. I love learning more from professionals in other creative industries, freelance writing, publishing, film, fashion, and fame. The thrill wasn’t just in landing the perfect interview subject, but also what the interview subject had to offer the community in terms of getting it ‘just right’ in their chosen field/genre.

On of the most effective ways to be granted an opportunity to interview someone is to ask. Once I developed the courage to connect with interesting people and asking for their time I discovered that most are very happy to answer a few questions. But getting them to agree to an interview is just the first step. Remember the following five points when dealing with interview subjects to get the most out of these opportunities.

1. Research: My first interview with a Chicago Filmmaker resulted in doing research of his first documentary filmed in the windy city. I also went into his bio to gather more personable information. I wanted to know the person behind the film and it worked out perfectly. We still maintain a work-related friendship as a result of my coming to know him, and his work, better.
2. Preparation: The initial stages of the interview can be tricky. Be prepared to meet the subject’s need and allotted time. At one point, I had to rush out to purchase a voice recorder because the request for a telephone as opposed to email interview was proposed.
3. Consideration: In my quest for an interview, I’ve always allowed for considerate response time. An interview is given courtesy of the one being interviewed so it is polite to let them set a the pace. Consider adding “at your convenience” to your emails to allow them a sense that you consider their time valuable. This technique almost, always got me the response I sought.
4. Modesty: It can be a bit exciting to know that you’ve made a connection with a celebrity, or big governmental figure (we’re writers, but, we’re still human, right?) Remembering it’s not about you makes the interview flow.
5. Followup: It is important to follow up with your interview subject once the job is done. I’ve maintained a friendly correspondence with many of those I’ve interviewed in the past. Recently, this lead to getting an exclusive from one client which drew enormous traffic to my blog.

Once the interview is completed, and again once published, exhale and take time out to celebrate your accomplishments and hard work! 

What about you? What do you feel makes for an effective interview?

Have you considered the linguistics of crafting a ‘great’ query as opposed to a ‘good enough’ effort when it comes to finding gigs? To be honest, I trusted my simple, basic wording factor: The straight to the point and in your face statistics of a few published clips, contact information, and ending my spill with the tried and true, “Thank You.” But, my lack-luster efforts to connect with editors and publishers on a more personable level usually lead to the proverbial ”sorry, but, at this time…” sort of deal.

My disappointment often led me to toss the piece entirely and move on to penning other less invasive work, for example, writing on my transitional blog or penning short-stories for my viewing pleasure only. In 2006, I began to write an online column geared toward women issues. My purpose for doing so were two-fold. I would use my life experiences to help encourage, inspire and motivate other women of a certain age to recognize and become impassioned about their passions that might be misplaced, or denied. The second reason was purely selfish, I admit.

I wanted to hone my skills and improve my chances for publication in this favored genre. I felt ready to tackle the great divide of growing my freelance writing business by scouring for paying clients while taking a sabbatical from my free column “Women In Transition” at Alumbo.com, which I still visit as a focal point and bridge to my purpose to inspire other women. I began to study the markets and apply myself more seriously to improving my chance at getting the gig in this and other areas. I also took a Marketing class.

The query to the editor of a nurse magazine several months ago, which resulted in landing my first official column, began differently than those first, flurried queries. I’ve learned some essential points for writing query letters if you’re serious about sealing the deal and signing on the dotted line.

Take a refresher class

Hone the basics of the query, your preferred genre or subject, or your field of interest. There are plenty reputable, seasoned writers who are willing to work with you. Jennifer Brown Banks of Pen And Prosper, Sonya Carmichael Jones of Marketing Buddha, Daniel Scocco of Daily Blog Tips, and Susan Johnston of The Urban Muse, are a few examples of accomplished folks in the business of writing who offer blogging and editing  tips, marketing know-how, and a slew of valuable online writing classes that serve to enhance your skills and help you land that elusive dream job.

Query to the right publication.

Do not send a query to an editor for sporting goods about making bread from scratch. Do your research, consider reading a few copies of the publication. Learn their style, theme, and focus. Be clear about the market before you pitch your query.

Be personable

There’s a difference between being personable and personal. Leave your personal issues at home, but, be friendly and approachable. The editor or publisher is obviously reading between the lines of your query and will either like you or not, depending largely upon how you represent yourself.

Answer the question: What’s in it for me?

You have to sell your wares. The only way to do this is to tell your buyer what benefit you offer them. What can you give them that is uniquely yours to give? Show them how your product topples the competition.

Master the art of the P.S.

I truly loved this concept from the online Marketing Buddha Class. I used the PS as an after thought in my query to the editor of the nurse magazine, inviting more info, clips, etc… Although P.S. seems like an afterthought, it’s actually an opportunity to put one final pitch in your query letter, a final resounding thought that will linger and be memorable.

I can’t say exactly what part of my query landed me the gig as a magazine columnist. I can only say these new techniques get me those blessed editor followups.

What have you learned about writing effective query letters?
I’d love to know your tips, too!

You know the saying “Love makes the world go round? ” Writing  from experience and imagination can wager a pretty penny for those looking to grow and prosper from their creative writing …The language of love is alluring. Speaking from a woman’s perspective, the very idea of love harbors some fantasy of a Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, minus the tragic ending of course.

Feburary 14th is Valentine’s Day. It is on this day that women look forward to the reminders from their mate; that they are loved and desired. Loving verse from a greeting card, penned by an ambitious writer, conveys this message quite well. In Roman Times, a young priest named Saint Valentine was jailed and ordered put to death. This is where love gets tricky.

Valentine, as the tale goes, fell madly in love with the jailer’s daughter. He wrote her love letters from his jail cell on a regular basis… love letters written from behind walls of separation and signed “from your Valentine”. Saint Valentine’s expression of love via letters survives to this day. The oldest known love letter was a poem written by Charles of Valois, Duke Of Orleans, to his wife, Bonne d’Armagnac, after he was wounded and caught in 1415′s Battle of Agincourt. That manuscript can still be found (reportedly) at the British Library in London, England.

I believe that writers are true romantics at heart. Whether they’re penning a love letter to a one and only, a new love interest smoldering with possibility, or reaching into memories of past loves, writing sentimental stories and poems can lead to an increase in cash flow for the freelance writer in 2010. Love rocks!

Some sites to consider when researching where to send your sentiments of love :

1. Anthologies:

Contributing to anthologies might not pay highly, but, it does offer greater exposure and networking opportunities. There is a market for anthologies in all freelance writing genres, particularly romance. To find anthologies seeking love stories, poems, and essays, go to AnthologiesOnline.com

2. Lyrics/Songwriting:

There are many writing competitions that require a small entry fee to judge your work and perhaps award you the prize. In 2005, I entered the VH1 Song Of The Year Competition where I’d written lyrics to what I thought was a lovely remembrance of a soft/melodic love (at a price)… To make a long story short, I didn’t snag the big prize but my son was nominated as “Selected Artist” for that year. That nomination is a fantastic reference.

While you might not always win, writing lyrics and songs for competitions builds your experience and in time you might consider entering the song writing industry. Many talented writers earn their bread and butter writing the words to songs sung by popular artists. Interested in this field? Have you seen Coyote Ugly or Music and Lyrics?

3. Poetry/Prose:

April is National Poetry Month and poetry writing is on the move. Making a profit from poetry can be challenging but is still possible. Every year new poetry is published across the world in many different forms. I have a friend, Mark Anthony Hall, who made his career writing romantic poetry. An Author of several books of romantic poetry/prose and essays, he’s a success in writing letters from the heart.

Mark Anthony also publishes a newsletter, “For Romantics Only”, that takes submissions of romantic short-stories, cartoons, and poetry. I was one of his very first submissions back in the 90s. Visit his website and read excerpts from one of his books, ”Romantic Bedside Stories”, to jump-start your own romantic juices and spark a creative flow.

The possibilities for publishing and profiting from romance writing are endless. From greeting cards, Ezines, and eBooks, to CDs, audiotapes, and books; Writing about love in any art form can be fun and lucrative. Who knows, your work might label you a” Love Guru”!

As Valentine’s Day approaches, writers should take the initiative, write those letters in whatever shape, form, or fashion; Stakeout, identify and bombard your market with submissions and get in on this lucrative boom promoting the essence of love!

What has been your experience with romantic writing?

Photo Credit: ildalina

I’m taking a page from one of my favorite Tina Turner’s songs, “I’ll be your private dancer, dancer for money!” as the incentive to set fire to my creative endeavors and get the ball rolling, the juices of creativity flowing, and the networking on full blast. I’m dedicating 2010 to reach my goal of garnering profit from my Freelance Writing Business.

There are things I’m still learning on this solo journey into freelance, but, I’m already set in motion by landing my first major client just before the Christmas Holidays (can you say, “oh, happy day?!”) and I’m gearing up for my first at home telephone interview from another possible client. I’m not a great dancer and I’m a bit too settled to do it for money, but I am confident in my ability to create other people vision into their reality. Over the last three years, through trial & error, submissions and rejections , encouragements and online classes, I’ve gained a bit of know-how in learning/incorporating steps to build up my Freelance Writing Business. The stuff I’ve learned from seasoned pros is meant to be shared, I think, as a preamble to accomplishing ones dream. 

I’m also writing this post from a position of needing to explore my own passion. Put myself and my vision out there freely for an oftentimes discriminate world to examine. I ask that you be kind in your critiques, but, if not, it’s all good! The five steps to promotion that I’ve found works best in bringing  my own personal vision to the forefront and that I offer up to all creatives with dreams, are:

1. Define your niche

Initially, I fought against this because I felt I’d dipped my pen into too many inkwells to be selective; no more! You must find that one thing that drives you and explore the possibilities. When you answer the questions people are sure to ask as in “What makes your product different?” you know you’re on the right track.

2.  Stay positive and focused

It’s hard when your thoughts are like jumping jacks. Your dreams are many and your vision ever changing, but, you must find a way to manipulate your creativity. Have it do your bidding in a purposeful, concise manner. Organize your thought patterns.

3. Seek counsel

I’ve been blessed to have an older woman/adviser who acts as my writing mentor. She has encouraged and soothed away my writing insecurities  over the years and for this I remain truly grateful… I also have a firm belief in “spirit”. I “know” that I am never alone in this often lonely freelance writer business. It matters very little who/where you turn for comfort. It matters most that you do.

4. Network

I’m finding myself opening up to the possibility of making new friends on this journey in freelancing. Recently, I came across a blog whose writer impressed me. I invited her, along with several writer friends, to meet and greet at my home. The events of the evening included good conversation, poetry recitals, tales of life lived  in foreign countries, business cards, plugs, and plentiful helpings of good food & wine . Also, the blogosphere & Twitter have allowed me to network with people as far as New Zealand and as close as the Southside of Chicago, Illinois and the hits just keep on coming!

5. Enjoy what you do

I think this last bit of advice when embarking upon growing your freelance writing business is a given. If you don’t like the long hours, hard, and sometimes tedious work… if you’d rather be out and about having fun with your friends, instead of sitting in front of a computer screen 99% of the time or just abhor waiting for a response to a query… if rejection causes you to go into a eternal funk; Maybe you’d better get out now while the getting is good!

Have you considered how you’re going to do 2010 differently? What do you think are the most important habits you need to develop for success in the year ahead?