Writing with Jennifer

Writing is the kind of activity that sometimes requires outside motivation. Writers need a partner, but this can be hard to find. You've got to have somebody in your corner who  1. understands writing 2. understands the writing brain Some writers have successfully filled this gap by hiring a writing coach.  The job of being a writing coach doesn't have a specific definition. There are lots of different ways of coaching writers. The project and the person determine the needs. To further complicate the situation, some people will do some kinds of coaching and not others.  So what can you expect from a writing coach?  Motivation This is in the form of contacts through texts, emails, or phone calls where the coach asks how it's going and reminds you to write. It's something like an accountability partner in exercise. Your coach is the person who is going to ask you how many words you wrote today, and you want to be able to report that you wrote a lot. I suppose you could...

There are different kinds of writer's block, but it's something most of us - maybe all of us? - experience from time to time. Sometimes it's having an idea in mind, but staring at the screen unsure how to begin. A similar theme is being stuck in the middle of a project - having completed section A, knowing everything about section C, but completely lacking section B.  Often for me, it just feels like I've turned on the faucet but the water just won't flow.  There are a couple of different approaches to writer's block. Your success will depend on what kind of block you're dealing with and your personality. To further complicate things, what works for you one day may not work the next.  Approach #1: Push Through Just do it. It's like eating your brussels sprouts. Tell yourself firmly that you're just going to sit down at your desk and not get up until you have 2000 words or a completed chapter or 3 hours have passed or whatever the goal is.  I've h...

There are several different ways to score freelance writing gigs.  Research writer's guidelines for a specific publication and send a pitch Cold pitch blogs and publications Cold pitch business owners about website copy Apply for jobs on a freelance writing job board.  This post is about the 4th option. Here's a quick list of my favorite places to look for freelance jobs.  ProBlogger ProBlogger is my favorite. I'm not sure why, but the listings tend to be straightforward, and the site is easy to navigate. It's free to search and apply to jobs, and I have had good luck with the listings being legit.  BloggingPro I like this one, too, but I haven't been as successful here for some reason. It's similar to ProBlogger - easy to navigate and free to use.  FreelancWritingGigs Another similar job board.  FreelanceWriting Yes, they are all different sites. They just seem to be exactly the same.  SimplyHired The listings here tend to be for more long-term jobs t...

Most beginning authors shy away from cold pitching, and there's a good reason for that. It hardly ever works. But when it does, it's an absolutely fantastic feeling.  Cold pitching is where you send an article or a query for an article or story to an editor who hasn't asked for it. This might happen if you have something to contribute to a publication but you can't find any writer's guidelines. So you track down the email of the right editor, and you pitch your idea.  The reason cold pitches rarely result in a home run is that magazine editors have tons of articles pitched to them nearly every day of their professional lives (and probably most days in their personal lives as well).  Here are some tips for the cold pitch.  Do your homework. Make sure you've looked everywhere for those writer's guidelines. If they exist, the editor will expect you to use them.  Know that your pitch is right for the publication. If you are going to gain that editor's attent...

I have always been a writer, but I have only recently discovered a talent for helping others in their adventures with words. While working for a small publishing company, I recognized a drive within me to help others elevate their skills while continuing to grow my own. That's how I decided to offer writing services. But it does present a few challenges for someone like me.  I'm an intense introvert. It's something I love about myself. I don't need a lot of social interaction. In fact, it drains me. But it has become clear to me that being an exceptional writer sometimes requires community.  I've worked with many authors as a ghostwriter and developmental editor, and I have found great satisfaction in helping other writers achieve their dreams of creating art and being published.  Do you need some community to help you with your writing? I can offer my services as a ghostwriter, developmental editor, beta reader, or writing coach. Fill out the contact form below, an...