How Writing Changed My Life

 

 

Writing isn’t for everyone. It’s true. But writing can IMPACT you greatly, if you let it!

My guest today is going to share some of what she’s learned from writing. (Oh, and she writes for a living, too!)

So please welcome Samantha Wilson to center stage.

Take it away, Samantha!

I HATED Writing

Since childhood, one of the things I used to abhor was writing. It was like a repellent primarily because I thought it was repetitive, mundane and time consuming. I often used to get lost while writing, as there seemed to be no sense of direction, purpose or end to it.

It wasn’t until I entered college that I was forced to write all sorts of narratives, and before I knew it, writing actually became a habit!

One thing led to another and I started jotting down random thoughts on my phone, then pieces of paper and eventually my own personal diaries.

It was during this period that I realized the power of writing; something which starts as an intuition, then a thought and eventually a whole concept or piece of wisdom, once on paper. This written ‘piece’ then starts getting its derivatives and permutations until it actually takes the form of a masterpiece or sometimes utter non-sense, which only you can comprehend (yes – you get those “off” days or writer’s block every now and then!).

Writing is an Art Form

It can mean so many things to so many people.

We all have varying writing styles and even more complex views and interpretations of those write-ups.

It is the most expressive form in which you can explain or narrate your thoughts and feelings to the other person or the world in general.

It was this realization that made me fall in love with it and I am hooked on to it now “until death do us part” (fairly cheesy, but true!). Read More

How to Write Your Way to Your First $1K (hint: let my good friend Elna help you!)

Lorraine and Elna in an image created for the post on Wording Well titled Write Your Way to Your First 1K

Calling all  freelancers, bloggers, and writer wannabes!

Do you need a helping hand earning more money with your writing?

Are you stuck, and don’t know what to do next?

Do you need a push in the right direction from someone who’s “been there, done that”?

Good news!

Innovative Ink’s very own Elna Cain can help you find your way!

Who the Heck is Elna Cain?

Elna is a freelance writer. She’s also my friend. In fact, we live in the same city! Some of you might already know we get together regularly at Starbucks to plot, plan, and devise ways of helping you succeed.

Yeah, we shoot the shit, too. 😉 And hang out. And have fun. And learn from one another. 

Then we get asked to leave by the staff… because we stay so late!

Elna sitting by the fire in Starbucks

Who Elna Really Is…

Elna Cain is an online super-freelancer. No kidding. She’s a superstar, for sure!

She runs her business and blog, too, where she gives away a free 6-day email course to new writers.

She runs Freelancer FAQs with Alicia Rades (another freelance writer whom you’ve met before).

And to top it all off, she is a mom to twins (a boy and a girl).

So… in her spare time (ha, right!), she runs TwinsMommy, where she dishes out all kinds of advice on not just raising kids, but how to multiply your productivity when you’re a WAHM (work-at-home-mom), and how to work from home when you’re sick!

Elna’s a true star, I’ll give her that!

She also introduced me to Gina Horkey, another freelancer. Gina created 30 Days or Less to Freelance Writing Success.

Elna at Starbucks

How Elna Can Help YOU

Elna, the true genius that she is, has taken what she learned during her years as a freelance writer and put together a course just for you, so that YOU don’t make the same mistakes she did along the way.

The course is called Write Your Way to Your First #1K.

logo for Write Your Way to Your First 1K

Introducing Write Your Way to Your First $1k

This course is modeled after Elna’s journey from a stay-at-home mom to a professional writer who now gets paid $1200 per article!

It’s essentially a blueprint of the freelance writing success she has experienced, wherein she teaches YOU how to replicate her success (a success which I am jealous of, by the way!). 😉

It’s a course that is carried out over seven modules that include 41 lessons.

It spans 7 weeks.

In this course, you will learn how to go from a writer/blogger/freelancer who earns mere pennies to a successful person.

Seriously.

You all know me by now, and know that I don’t promote garbage.

Elna’s course works.

And to prove that Elna knows her stuff, here are a few links to some of her posts:

Read More

5 Sites to Use to Improve your Writing Skills

Image of a pen and paper near a laptop keyboard to be used in the post 5 Sites to Use to Improve your Writing Skills

As people, it is second nature for us to want to improve ourselves.

It is why many of us read books for ways to improve communication skills and others look for ways to improve their relationships. On a less serious note, it also why people now know that sites like newcasinosonline.co can improve your card gaming skills, and spend hours on them.

The desire to become better at everything we do is noble and ingrained; and on that note, today we are going to look at 5 sites that can help you improve your writing skills to improve the readability of your blog content or take your freelance career to a new level.

5 Sites you can Use to Improve your Writing Skills

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What to Do When Your Writing Business Grows Too Big for its Britches

 

What to Do When Your Freelance Writing Business Grows Too BIg for its Britches image by David Leonhardt

Today’s guest, David Leonhardt, is an entrepreneur who runs a writing agency, and he is going to share with you what you can do when YOUR freelance writing business grows too big for its britches! Pay careful attention to the many tips he provides, as they could take your business to the next level!

Now please welcome David to center stage!

What to Do When Your Writing Business Grows Too Big for its Britches

What happens when your workload grows bigger than you? You clone yourself, of course.

Due to the lack of reputable cloning facilities in this nameless hamlet where I live, many years ago I developed a different option. I opened a freelance ghostwriter agency, where I coordinate the efforts of a dozen writers.

Moving from freelancer to agency isn’t for everybody, and it doesn’t just happen without growing pains. I am happy to share my experience, and describe some of the key aspects. Read More

10 Editing Tools No Freelancer Should Be Without + 10 Editing Tips To Push Your Talents To The Next Level

 Pixabay image for post on Best Editing Tips and Tools for Writers

I want to give you access to the 10 best editing tips and 10 best editing tools for writers, and that’s why I accepted Kenneth Waldman’s proposal for an article on this topic.

Here it is!

Do You Need an Editor?

Yes. Every writer needs an editor; it’s essential for success.

Technology is providing an endless amount of resources and there is no shame in receiving support. Everyone has their own unique practices, but even for the best it can become overwhelming.

Mistakes are human, as is writer’s block. The web is basically making the entire ordeal more manageable. There are several user-friendly choices that can save you time and increase productivity.

But since no writer is created equal, neither are the tools and tips presented. Start with determining your weaknesses to achieve your objectives.

The following list has narrowed down some of the most recommended options and beneficial advice. There is likely an advantageous source for everyone.

We all know the editing struggle is real. Find some solace and expand your skill with these suggestions. Continue reading to check out the 10 best editing tools for writers and the 10 awesome editing tips!

You can also download my bonus checklist of 17 Editing Tips for Writers!

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