Oct 10
11
How to be a well fed writer
Blogonwithit is for writers who blog and bloggers who write. It’s a no-nonsense guide to help You write for profit and pleasure.
Learn how to create winning blogs and write focused features and articles…. Read on …
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Even though I know how to set up a blog, I can still be such a dinosaur when it comes to knowing how to do things on the computer.
I’d been meaning to learn how to Capture A Screen Shot for a while.
I wanted to use some screen shots in a presentation, and an advertiser on my other blog The Zigazag Mag, had asked to see some stats. But I didn’t know how to do it and I’d been putting it off because I thought it would be time consuming to learn or just difficult.
Silly Me.
Because as usual, in all these things, we’re not alone.
If you’ve landed on this page, you probably don’t know how either, but don’t worry, it’s really simple.
Here’s What To Do
- Open the webpage you want to copy.
- Press the Print Screen button on your keyboard – this might be marked as “Print Screen” (it might have what looks like a little page with some writing on it too), or it might be marked as [PrtScn] (At this point, nothing will happen – so no need to keep pressing – as I did the first time – Oops!)
- Open a photo editing system you’re familiar with. I used Microsoft Paint.
- Go to the Edit Menu and choose Paste
- The screen shot should then appear as an image.
- You can use the Crop Tool on Paint to edit the screen shot to suit how you want it to look when you save it or crop it using another image editing system.
- Then go to the File menu and choose Save As
- Open the folder where you want to save the screen shot as an image
- Give it a File Name
- Select the File Type (I choose JPEG but sometimes this format blurs the words, in which case choose GIF)
And there you go. Easy Peasy. Now it’s ready to use as an image on your Blog, or in a future document or presentation.
Make sure you request copyright clearance if it’s copyright. If you are allowed to share it, then don’t forget to credit the original source.
Posted in How to make money from freelance writing Setting up your blog by .
Jan 12
31
10 Travel Writing Tips
Making writing resonate with readers
Stephen Scourfield, Editor of The West Australian travel section will be appearing and talking at the Perth Writers’ Festival (24th – 27th February, 2012).
For an insight into what makes his writing resonate with readers take a look at this piece written by William Yeoman, and also catch a glimpse of the man behind the the successful, seasoned travel writer.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/entertainment/a/-/arts/12901543/the-readers-writer/
Travel Writing Workshop
Contributor, Ingrid Rickersey, gleaned these valuable tips from a travel writing workshop run by Stephen Scourfield.
Top 10 Travel Writing Tips from Stephen Scourfield:
- Have contact with your writing every day in some form or another.
- Always carry a notebook with you
- Characters and dialogue may be used in your travel pieces but sometimes the character of the place might be enough.
- In Australia you are allowed to photograph public places, but art work in a public place should be acknowledged
- Know the publications you are writing for, and what they publish, and the usual length / word count and POV – 1st or 3rd person
- Try writing as if not for publication – sometimes work can come out better if you think no-one is going to read it.
- Photos are extremely important with travel writing – be sure to include good quality photographs.
- Read your work aloud before you send your final copy.
- Make lists – add phrases you hear, take notice of signs and note the ordinary things – you will be surprised how extraordinary they are when you return home. (Ingrid wishes she had realised that snippet of information years ago!!)
- You can use your travel experiences to write fiction – you need a lot of facts and can research more to create works of fiction.
Posted in Travel writing by .
Oct 11
17
5 Tips on how to write an eBook
Keithley Pierez artwork available on gift items at Rugs in the Forest, Margaret River, WA
Writing a novel is damn hard, some would say it’s insane to try. But then it’s been said that, “Sanity is the playground of the unimaginative,” so if you have the burning desire to write that book, then so be it.
But oh dear, so many words, so much imagination, so much angst and for what? The odds for best-sellerdom and financial gain are not stacked in our favour (unless we’re celebrities) and it’s hard to find a publisher or an agent, and just as hard and time consuming to opt for the self-publishing route.
November is NaNoWriMo or “(inter)National Novel Writing Month” and thousands and thousands of people worldwide commit to writing 50,000 words in 30 days. Now that’s a lot of words, but many writers manage to achieve it.
Hang on a minute. What about writing a non-fiction eBook? Unlike a novel it need not be as long, or take years to write, and you don’t need a publisher. Pause, collect your creative thoughts. Imagine, in about one month from now you could have an informative eBook written and waiting to be sold (or given away in return for email subscriptions to your blog).
An eBook can be shorter than a novel, about 20,000 words maximum, written about a subject you know well or love. The list of ideas might be endless. What do you know about and love? Could you write about writing, or travel, or write about a hobby you enjoy, crikey you could even write about the problems (and how to solve them) of your cat? Now there’s a thought. The internet is large enough for countless niche subjects to attract healthy audiences.
So where to start?
1. Brainstorm what you could write about that would be useful to others – keep in mind your readers’ first question. “What’s in it for me?”
2. Decide who your target audience is going to be i.e. who are the kind of people who want to read this information. Where do they hang out? Can you visit forums on the web to better understand the questions they’re asking? Become Sherlock Holmes for a day – find out who needs your written words.
3. Do some additional research on your subject – collate extra material and facts, including stand-out quotations from other experts in their field, interesting examples, and mind blowing statistics if appropriate.
4. Think about the structure of your eBook. Keep it simple but have a basic structure so that you don’t aimlessly ramble on and on.
5. Start writing – again, keep it simple. Your readers will most likely be looking for easily digestible information available in bite sized pieces that they can apply immediately. So adhere to all the rules about writing for a web based audience.
For more easy to apply, intelligent advice on how to write an e-book, check out what Ali Luke has to say at Copyblogger and Blog Tyrant’s advice on eBooks.
I’m throwing down the gauntlet. How about 30 days or nights of writerly abandon?
I’m up for it if you are?
Who’s with me? The challenge is on 
Drop your comments in the reply box below, and here’s to November 1st 2012.
Posted in How to make money from freelance writing by .
Oct 11
16
How to promote a novel via blogging
THE POWER OF THE BLOG – HOW BLOGGING WILL HELP ME TO PROMOTE MY NEWLY PUBLISHED NOVEL
A guest post by Jo Parfitt
Sunshine Soup is now available from Amazon – see the direct link on this page
As a publisher and author I know the harsh truth – regardless of how darn good a book is, no one will buy it if no one knows about it.
Sure, if you are published by a publishing giant who is prepared to plough thousands of pounds into a publicity campaign you will sell books. But these days, mainstream publishers prefer to publish people with a massive publicity machine of their own behind them – in other words – celebrities.
Well, I don’t know about you, but I am not a celebrity. And so, being the kind of gal who would rather make 100% of the profit from selling a book myself, than the 7% a publisher would offer me, I choose to be a publisher and not just an author.
These days, anyone can be a publisher, but not anyone can sell books. However, thanks to social media, it has never been easier to promote your book online.
As I have just published my 28th book (but my first novel) I decided that it was high time I used the power of social media to promote Sunshine Soup. Here, below, is just how:
Phase 1 – growing a fanbase
1 I have been blogging for a while now, but it was only in the last 15 months that I realized I needed to blog three times a week, if I were to create the kind of following I needed. So, that’s what I did. I also did the Ultimate Blog Challenge back in April, to give my list a boost. It worked.
2 I have used Twitter for two years and use that to find relevant media and connect and share with people whom I hope will read my blog. You can find me @joparfitt
3 I have a Facebook page for my publishing company, Summertime Publishing, where I post details of all the books and authors I work with. My blog posts are all Tweeted and go straight to Facebook and LinkedIn too.
4 I have sent a monthly newsletter for nine years now. The Monthly Inspirer is sent to all those who sign up for my free report How to Write Your Life Stories – The Inside Secrets via my website
5 I post my Monthly Inspirer on my blog too every month.
Phase 2 – getting publicity for Sunshine Soup
1 Now that I have my fanbase I was able to reach out to the 1000 or so who take my Inspirer, the 100 or so who follow my blog, the random 200 or so, who find my blog every day, the 100 or so who ‘like’ my new Facebook page and the 1300 or so who follow me on Twitter.
2 A month ahead of publication I asked everyone who gets my Inspirer to do me a favour… I asked them if I could guest post on their blog during my launch week (17-21 October). I also asked if they would like to review the book, interview me or publish an extract. I suggested they might like to write an Amazon review, tweet a link to the Amazon sales page, mention the book (with a link) on Facebook and generally shout about my book.
3 My Inspirer goes to 1000, remember. I put the content of my Inspirer on my blog, then I tweeted the blog, sent it to my Facebook page and retweeted it a few times.
4 The result was that within 24 hours I had received over 20 offers to promote my book. This was one of them, so too was Zigazag. Over the ensuing days I have continued to receive an offer of help every hour or so.
5 So now I have to write a lot of guest posts!
Phase 3 – during launch week
1 Now I will set up a Google alert for Sunshine Soup and ensure I ‘catch’ every time someone mentions me.
2 I will go to every blog, Facebook page or whatever and join in the discussions.
3 I will thank everyone who mentions me and generally contribute.
4 I will retweet every blog or tweet I receive.
5 I will link every piece of coverage to my own blog.
Without a doubt my blog is key to the promotion of Sunshine Soup. But, if it weren’t for the effort I had made building relationships with the kind folk, like Jo Castro, who have offered to support me, I may never have been so fortunate.
Blogging is brilliant, but it is only when you also build relationships with bloggers that you can really leverage the power of the blog.
Jo Parfitt
Jo Parfitt – author of Sunshine Soup, nourishing the global soul. Out now. Price £8.47 and available on Amazon. Find out more at www.joparfitt.com, www.summertimepublishing.com and www.expatbookshop.com
Oct 11
9
How to write an article proposal
I was reminded today about the importance of pitching, and how necessary it is to have a really good proposal to catch an editor’s attention. Did I stick to to all the tips I’m posting below? Well, almost, but I could have done better, and next time I’ll remind myself to tick them off, one by one.
If you’re hoping to have an article or feature accepted by a magazine or a newspaper, it’s always better to pitch your idea first, rather than writing the whole article. Of course you will have bought several copies of the publication you’re targeting and studied them first to find out what sort of articles the editor is buying, and exactly where your words could fit in. (More of that in my Writing For Magazines on-line course).
Then comes the pitch. This is your stage, so make the most of it and try to gain the attention of the editor. Your proposal should include:-
- 3 – 5 paragraphs explaining what the article is about (this is not the article, the whole article and nothing but the article, it’s just a tempter)
- The title of your article
- The subject – but more importantly the theme or angle of your article and a brief summary.
- The proposed length
- What’s new about the subject or the way you’re tackling it.
- The introduction – especially if it’s a ‘look at me’ intro.
- Your main sources and interviewees – you don’t have to be too explicit at this stage, but give the editor and idea where your extra research is coming from.
- Reasons why your article is suitable for the magazine or newspaper
- Reasons why you are qualified to write it – especially if you have expert or specialist knowledge of your subject
- References to any previous writing credits you may have had
- And photographs – if there are going to be photographs perhaps send a few (small file size) via email to accompany your proposal. (Hint you can really turn an editor off if you send hundreds of photos in a large file size without explicitly being asked for them.)
So there you have it. Easy peasy! Well, yes, in theory. But getting that elusive, “Yes! Go ahead and show me the full article,” is the toughest part.
For more information about Writing For Publication sign up for Blogonwithit updates.
Can you have 7,000 words of your memoir or nonfiction book ready by 1st September 2011?
If the answer is yes, and you feel you’d like a guiding hand from there on in to get your book finished, then check out this link for an online course starting 1st September for 15 weeks, run by Writer’s Digest University – cost $620 – instructor: Rita Robinson.
http://tinyurl.com/3tsqvdh
Are you an unpublished fiction author looking for a publishing contract? This has just come across my desk in the form of a media release … maybe worth checking out?
UNPUBLISHED FICTION AUTHORS PRINT READY COMPETITION
Contact Person Phillip Grizzell
Company Name Creative Print Publishing Ltd
Telephone Number 0845-868-8430
Email Address phillip@creativeprintpublishing.com
Web site address www.creativeprintpublishing.com
This is a no fee competition that stretches over 12 months. Each month a different genre; each month a winner. Winners are offered a
contract, paid royalties, and receive full promotion and marketing strategies.
This is not a competition with prizes. There is no entry fee. Only novels
of genuine merit will be chosen. Your book could be a winner.
Full details of rules, genres and how to submit, on our website,
http://www.creativeprintpublishing.com/publishing/competitions.php
Posted in Writing Competitions by .
Apr 11
13
Writing Competition Prose & Poetry
Scribblers Inc Mandurah-Murray Writers Group are running a writing competition – Prose and Poetry
There is no theme; and closing date is (postmarked) 30th June 2011.
Entry forms may be photocopied, or obtained by sending a stamped, addressed envelope to PO Box 580 MANDURAH WA 6210, or by emailing (new address) scribblersmm@gmail.com. These addresses are also displayed on the flyer.
Competition Co-ordinators
Telephone: ++61 (08) 9537 6116 or 9594 2880
Scribblers Inc Mandurah-Murray Writers Group are running a writing competition – Prose and Poetry
There is no theme; and closing date is (postmarked) 30th June 2011.
Entry forms may be photocopied, or obtained by sending a stamped, addressed envelope to PO Box 580 MANDURAH WA 6210, or by emailing (new address) scribblersmm@gmail.com. These addresses are also displayed on the flyer.
Competition Co-ordinators
Telephone: 9537 6116 or 9594 2880
Posted in How to make money from freelance writing Writing Competitions by .
Making money from your writing is not just about being able to write well, although that helps. What you need is loads of good ideas, which are then honed to produce interesting angles which the masses want to read, but which other writers haven’t yet dreamt up. This will spark an editor’s interest and if you’re a blogger, get you lots of replies and comments, which is what you want, right?
Ok, so it’s not easy, but here are some ideas to get you going. Oh, and if you want the full monty, then sign up for the four part Writing for Publication e-course for loads more brilliant jumping off points.
Triggers
Use Imaginative Triggers. Look through magazines and newspapers– what are they writing about – what common themes are used – which could you re-angle and use again with your own facts and ideas?
Anniversaries
What about interesting anniversaries – do you know of something peculiar which happens every year in your home town, or could you write new facts in an original way about a well-known yearly event or anniversary. (Don’t forget magazines work at least 3 months in advance.)
Other books
Read books. Play around with the themes and issues – especially non fiction books and self help books – look at Amazon.com and find books in your subject area – check out their tables of contents – maybe an angle or title will come to you.
Specialist Subjects
Think about specialist subjects – unusual hobbies people have? What about arts and crafts? Think about unusual careers or jobs.
Personalities
Do you know anyone who has triumphed over tragedy? Who could you interview – sportsmen, politicians, actors, artists?
Health Issues
Have you any insight into general health issues which might be interesting?
Travel
Where would I rather be? Describe the place in detail and see where it takes you. Could you write a travel piece about somewhere you’ve been or somewhere you live? Not all travel has to be ‘far away’. You might know something interesting about your home town which others do not.
Anxieties and Concerns
Stories and articles often start from anxieties and concerns. Look at magazine headlines and you’ll see this. Observational humour also comes from concerns.
Letters Pages
Look at the letters pages of magazines and newspapers. What are the readers concerned with? What are their issues?
Keep an open eye and an open mind
Most of all keep your mind and eyes wide open – there are articles and stories all around you.
Do not be put off. Take an idea. Work with it. Do not be your own sub-editor or critic. Write everything down or brainstorm. See where the idea leads you.
As you begin to write more you may decide to specialize in a particular area; wine, beauty, health, business, finance, education, personality profiles and interviews, sport, travel, music, consumer issues, parenting.
Tip
It’s been said before, and it will be said for time immemorial. Take a small notebook with you wherever you go. Jot down words, things people say, thoughts, feelings, descriptions, any triggers to make you remember. If you have to write on a beer mat or a tissue, do it! Don’t leave it to memory.
Apr 11
7
Do you have what it takes?
What do you need to be successful as a freelance writer?
Take the Quizz
Do you have …..
- A reasonable writing ability?
- Attention to detail (you will be editing and proof-reading your own work)?
- The wherewithal to market yourself?
- Confidence in yourself and your writing?
- Good ideas – lots of them?
- Discipline, and the ability to meet deadlines?
- Tenacity to remain optimistic in the face of rejection?
- Flexibility?
- A general curiosity in people, places, news, travel, new technological advancements, health?
- An ability to ask lots of questions – pertinent, creative and sometimes invasive?
- Good listening skills and some sort of short hand skills?
- Organisational skills – time, paper and day to day minutiae?
- An easy going personality along with the ability to get on with people?
- And although it helps to be opinionated in some areas, it helps even more to have an open mind in order to tackle subjects from different angles:
- A courteous manner?
- An ability to work on your own, and often alone?
- A desire to learn about the online world, blogs and blogging, e-publishing and new ways to market yourself and your writing?
Don’t worry if you didn’t tick them all. As time goes by you’ll learn savvy ways of overcoming your weaknesses and adding to your strengths.
So what was your score – why not drop a reply in the comment box?
Posted in How to make money from freelance writing by .
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Copyright
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.5 Australia License.
