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  • 5 Reasons Your Freelance Writing Clients Don’t Pay on Time

    5 Reasons Your Freelance Writing Clients Don’t Pay on Time

    Do you remember how excited you were when you got your first client as a freelance writer?

    There’s nothing like it.

    The adrenaline that pumps through your body as you realize you just convinced someone to actually pay you to do something you love.

    It’s a dream.

    Unfortunately, for many freelance writers, it’s a dream that doesn’t last long when getting paid turns out to be much more of a headache than they ever imagined.

    According to research from the Freelancer’s Union, over 70% of freelancers have had difficulty getting paid as a freelancer at least once in their career, with an average loss to unpaid freelancers of $6,000 a year.

    Terrible.

    And while I love that organizations like Freelancers Union are fighting for stronger laws to get freelancers paid, the person who has the most control over whether your invoices are paid on time or go way past-due is YOU.

    So today, I want to share with you some of the most effective tactics I’ve used and seen as I’ve coached freelancers for over a decade.

    If you follow my advice here, I can almost guarantee your invoice payment problems will all but disappear which means instead of spending your billable hours chasing down late payments, you can get back to more writing.

    Here are a few reasons your clients aren’t paying on time (and how to fix it):

    1. Your client isn’t motivated to pay

    Far too many freelancers are still giving away the proverbial farm. They deliver the full project (article, blog post, short story, email copy) before asking for payment.

    While most clients don’t intentionally seek to leave you without payment, if you deliver everything they need before they pay for it, their motivation to pay you disappears.

    To solve this problem there are a few things you can do:

    Send your invoice before the project starts

    Start by sending your freelance invoice before you even start on a writing project. 

    You don’t necessarily have to wait for payment before you begin (although you could), but sending the invoice immediately shows your client you care about getting paid for the hard work you’re going to give them.

    Hold final deliverables until payment is received

    When sending your final files, you may want to hold back until your payment is processed. You don’t want to be an annoyance, but you do want to get paid for your work.

    Consider holding back a portion of the work until payment is made or sending as a watermarked or redacted image file so the client can review but not use as easily.

    Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that you should only do any of this under the umbrella of clear, honest communication. 

    Notify your client ahead of time that they’ll need to pre-pay their invoice before you’ll start work on their project or that you won’t deliver the final files until you’re paid.

    The goal here is not to make an enemy out of your client—just to maintain their motivation to finally process your invoice.

    2. Your client is simply forgetful

    If you take a minute to think about it, a client who forgets to pay their invoice makes a lot of sense.

    It’s infuriating, but at least it makes sense.

    That $500 means a whole lot less to them — as they sit in their cubicle and collect their paycheck — than it does to you.

    With a boss breathing down their neck and a full plate of projects, it can be easy for them to simply forget about paying your invoice.

    To solve this problem try this:

    Set up regular reminders

    For most good-hearted clients, all they need are a few friendly reminders. 

    You can certainly set these up manually if you want, but you run the risk of forgetting yourself and never getting paid for the work you’ve delivered.

    Instead, I suggest using an invoicing tool like Freshbooks or Bonsai to process your invoices. There are two key benefits to using a tool like these:

    1. You personally keep track of every paid and unpaid invoice.
    2. The software automatically reminds clients who forget to pay.

    This allows you to continue finding new writing jobs and building your freelance writing business.

    Institute late fees (or early payment rewards)

    In addition to regular reminders, you may also want to experiment with instituting late fees or reward for early payment.

    Again, this requires early, honest, and upfront communication with your client so they know about any reward or penalties for prompt payment.

    You may even want to research NET 30 payment term variables that you can include directly into your invoice.

    For example, if your invoice says 2/10 Net 30, that means your client has 30 days to pay for your services. But if they pay within 10 days, they get a 2% discount.

    You can also offer a discount on future work as a reward for paying an invoice early.

    3. You’re talking to the wrong person

    If you’re working with a client at a large company, as many freelancers do, you may not realize that the person you communicate with regularly about the project, may not be the same person who is responsible for paying your invoice.

    So while you’re emailing one person every few days to ask about the status of your payment, it’s someone else entirely who has the invoice in a pile on their desk getting more and more buried.

    To solve this issue:

    Learn who processes invoices at your client’s company

    Make an effort to figure out who is responsible for processing invoices at your client’s company. It’s probably as simple as asking your client contact.

    Make friends with that person. Stay on their good side. Ask if there’s anything you can do when writing your freelance invoice to make it easier or clearer for them.

    4. Your client is deliberately ignoring you

    Next we come to one of the most difficult scenarios possible — your invoice isn’t getting paid because your client is deliberately ignoring you.

    Why is this such a tough pill to swallow? Because it forces you to come to grips with a few possible realities:

    Either your client didn’t like your work (and refuses to pay for it) or they ran out of money (and can’t pay for it).

    Neither one is a good option.

    If you’ve followed some of the advice above (like waiting to deliver the final product until you’ve received full payment) this won’t be much of an issue.

    But if you think your client might be deliberately ignoring you, here are a few things you can try to solve it:

    Identify why they’re ignoring you

    The first step is to try and identify why they’re ignoring you in the first place. This can be difficult because…well… they’re ignoring you.

    Start by reviewing past emails or conversations and seeing if there was a moment when they seemed less receptive to working with you. 

    In the moment your client became unresponsive they may have been disappointed with your work, they may have been pulled onto a different project, or they may have run out of budget.

    Oftentimes, the conversations surrounding these pivotal moments can open your eyes to what’s really happening.

    Offer alternatives or ultimatums

    The next step is to begin offering ultimatums or alternatives to your client.

    If you sense they don’t have money to pay your invoice, consider offering them a payment plan so they can pay the invoice over time instead of all at once (that is, if your business can support it). You can choose to charge a fee for this service too.

    If you sense they’re dissatisfied, see if there’s something you can do to make a quick fix so both parties are happy with the end result.

    And if polite alternatives don’t work, you may have to send ultimatums ranging from contacting their direct superior to sending letters of intent to take legal action.

    5. Your client never saw your invoice in the first place

    Believe it or not, one reason your client hasn’t paid you yet could be because they never saw the invoice in the first place.

    If they are a busy small business owner or a typical office worker crammed in a cubicle juggling hundreds of things every day, it’s possible they just didn’t see your invoice come through. 

    It could, very easily, be buried in piles of unopened mail or sent to the wrong folder in their email software.

    To solve this common problem:

    Contact your client as soon as you send the email

    As with many issues addressed in this article, this one can be resolved with clearer communication.

    If you send your invoice via email, pick up the phone and call or text your client to let them know the invoice is headed their way.

    If you mailed or faxed a physical invoice, send a quick email so they can keep an eye out for it.

    Make it extremely clear

    There’s no need to get creative or cute when it comes to sending an invoice. If you mail it or fax it, make sure it says “INVOICE” in bold letters across the top of the page.

    If you send your invoice via email, use one of these extremely clear subject lines so there’s absolutely no question about what you’re sending.

    You have a right to get paid

    Sometimes, we creatives start to feel a little awkward about money. We’re artists. And we enjoy the work we do. Asking to get paid for it can sometimes present feelings of anxiety.

    But remember: you have a right to get paid.

    Just as much as an employee who works hard and expects their paycheck every 2 weeks, you deserve to get paid for the work you do for your clients.

    And while getting paid as a freelancer can be a struggle sometimes, the more you freelance, the more comfortable you’ll get with it and the more you’ll get paid on-time.

    Photo via Elle Aon / Shutterstock 

  • Is an MFA in Creative Writing Worthwhile? 7 Writers Weigh In

    Is an MFA in Creative Writing Worthwhile? 7 Writers Weigh In

    Many writers wonder if pursuing an Master’s in Fine Arts in Creative Writing is worthwhile. Maybe you’re even wondering: What is an MFA?

    For some writers, it could mean finally workshopping a manuscript in an academic setting, networking with faculty and staff or just kickstarting the manuscript in the first place.

    Others say it’s not worth the money and you could recreate the MFA experience in other ways.

    Is an MFA worth your time and money?

    To gain some insight, I asked a few published writers to weigh in, including those outside of the traditional creative writing realms.

    Here’s what they recommended thinking through if you’re considering getting an MFA.

    1. Identify your end goal

    To pursue her goal of publishing a novel, immerse herself into literary culture, and satisfy a crossroads moment of her life, Jordan Rosenfield decided to apply for MFA programs. Now, as a MFA graduate, she’s a freelance writer and an author of a handful of books.

    She said writers should really think about what they want — and how an MFA might help them get there — before enrolling in a creative writing program.

    “While it hasn’t made my career path to publishing novels any easier, it certainly improved my craft, and my critical eye and opened doors in other aspects of my career,” Rosenfield said. “If you plan to teach, I think in a related field, an MFA is essential, but if you just want to improve your craft, you can do that through online courses and weekend workshops for a lot less money.”

    Heather Meyer, a comedy writer and playwright, decided a low-residency MFA would broaden her network and increase her skill set while still working in theatre.

    “The low-res allowed me to that without having to move or quit gigs I really love,” Meyer said. “That’s what this program trained me to do: to live and work as a writer.”

    2. Think about the way you already write

    Senior communications professional Robin Kurzer originally pursued a dual MFA/MA degree to prepare herself for teaching fiction in a college setting.

    However, she realized later she had romanticized the idea of an MFA. In reality, she didn’t enjoy her program’s strict adherence to a specific way of creating art.

    “You needed to sit in a certain fashion, approach each and every writing assignment in the same way,” Kurzer explained.

    Another professional writer, Joselin Linder, was rejected from every top program she’d heard of, so she moved to New York and focused on growing her network. Because she grew relationships in the writing field on her own, she advises against an MFA — unless, somehow, tuition is free.

    “Set your own deadlines or use your writing group to set them and use any money you would’ve spent on an MFA to travel and explore,” she said. “Go to events where agents and editors meet-and-greet with writers. Take classes you find online or in your town to help you write and learn how to sell it. Go to free book readings and launches. Bartend or work on a boat for two years to pay for your life, and consider it ‘research.’”

    3. Understand a program’s risk

    Rachel Charlene Lewis, now the founder of the Fem and editor-in-chief of Vagabond City Lit, felt constantly frustrated because her classmates attempted to transform her writing into “black, gay ‘voice of a generation’ as if it was a complement and not a basic form of tokenization.”

    While she’s unsure whether to advise other writers on pursuing an MFA, she stressed that no matter how much extensive research you do, you’ll never predict how well you’ll work within your cohort and with your professors.

    4. Consider an alternative academic path

    Deviating from the traditional creative writing graduate programs, freelance writer and Romper news writer Annamarya Scaccia opted for a Master’s in Journalism instead.

    Ultimately, the decision was financial because she couldn’t afford expensive workshops, writing residencies, or writing retreats to gain new skills. Now she focuses on news writing, investigative research and reporting.

    “As a trained journalist, I know exactly what goes into crafting an article, from research to reporting to writing to editing,” Scaccia said. “I know the exact steps I have to take to investigate an incident or track down people hard to find. I know how to spot the lede, structure a story, etc.”

    Following a slightly different path, book publicist and writer Alaina Leary received a Master’s of Arts in publishing and writing. Her college career, which involved upper-level nonfiction and fiction courses, exposed her to journalism and professional writing. For graduate school, she wanted a more business-oriented curriculum.

    “I learned the basics of magazine, electronic publishing, and book publishing as well as honed skills in editing, publicity, marketing, freelancing, graphic design, social media, video and audio editing, business management, innovation and entrepreneurship,” Leary said. “I can now confidently talk about the process of promoting a nonfiction book as much as I can about social media management for an online magazine.”

    After hearing from these seven different voices, there’s still no obvious yes-or-no answer to the MFA debate.

    Ultimately, it comes down to what you want in a program and how much of a risk you’re willing to take.

    It’s important to consider the path you’ll take if you don’t pursue one, too: could you better use that grad school money in other ways to reach your goal of becoming a writer?

    Photo via Solis Images / Shutterstock 

    This is an updated version of a story that was previously published. We update our posts as often as possible to ensure they’re useful for our readers.

  • 8 Styles of Music to Help You Focus While You Write

    8 Styles of Music to Help You Focus While You Write

    Regardless of what makes you tick, we all seem to be universally moved by one thing: music.

    We use our favorite songs to get pumped up for competition, stay motivated through a workout and drown our sorrows after a breakup.

    It’s no surprise we turn to music for inspiration when we’re ready to get creative, too.

    “I wrote my first book while listening to the music of Leonard Cohen and Evanescence,” says writer Paula J. Braley. “When I read it over, I can hear the music in my head.”

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    Music for writing: What works best?

    What kind of music is best for writing is a constant source of debate and angst among writers. You need something energizing — but not overpowering. Music for writers needs to be inspiring — but in the right tone. Motivating — but not distracting.

    Music for writing has come up several times in The Write Life Community group on Facebook, so I pulled together everyone’s recommendations — and a few of my own — to inspire your next writing playlist (and your next masterpiece!).

    Here are a few suggestions for music for writing.

    1. Music to get you in the mood to write

    For those days when you don’t believe in yourself or anything you’re working on, turn on a get-positive playlist to drag yourself to work.

    Mine is called “Girl Power.” I know that’s cheesy.

    It’s what I need some days to remind me I’m awesome and worthy of achieving the goals I’ve set.

    My “Girl Power” playlist includes danceable numbers like “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake, “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift and “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. I’m also all about feel-good throwbacks like “In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry.

    Writer and filmmaker Andrew Butts recommends “In One Ear” by Cage the Elephant. “Not only is it a high energy ‘let’s get moving’ song,” he says, “but for creatives, its general message is ‘f*** the critics.’”

    That’s a good way to get yourself out of bed and straight to work.

    Freelance writing guru Carol Tice says her get-positive list “is more old school,” including:

    • “Good Day Sunshine” by the Beatles
    • “I Can See Clearly Now” by Jimmy Cliff
    • “Sing Sing Sing (With a Swing)”

    “Seriously” Tice says of that last song, “if you don’t need to get up and dance to that, you’re in trouble!”

    She also says, “‘San Francisco’ by The Mowglis cannot be beat for positivity.”

    2. A soundtrack for your novel

    The most popular response to a “best music to write to” question is usually “It depends.”

    A lot of writers choose music based on the mood of what they’re writing.

    “For fantasy,” says Lidy Wilks, “I listen to Peter Gundry [and] Vindsvept on [YouTube]. Romance, [it’s] R&B and slow jams.”

    “If I’m pondering a scene or wanting to listen to something for motivation, then I’ll pop something on appropriate,” says Sean-Michael Alton Kerr. “Some Sia if I want a strong character moment, Amon Amarth for an epic battle scene or some classical music to just calm down my mind before starting in.”

    David H. Fears gets into his characters’ heads through song. He says, “In one of my mysteries, my main man kept hearing ‘Body and Soul’ by Billie Holiday, so I often played it while editing those sections.”

    Chandi Gilbert, on the other hand, uses music to tap into her own head: “I was writing a personal essay about me being 13, so I played the top songs from 1994. It really set the mood and took me back to where I needed to be! It’s amazing how a few notes of a song can instantly transport you back to puberty.”

    “When I was writing my romance,” says Anna Górnaś, “Alter Bridge and their guitarist, [Mark] Tremonti, made me write a LOT.”

    Di Read says, “For my Roman-Britain novel, I like ‘Celtic Twilight’ I and II. For my tarty novella, I like Clannad’s ‘Robin [the Hooded Man]’ and Enya.”

    Here are more mood-setting music for writers recommended by the community:

    • Zaki Ibrahim (especially the album “Eclectica”)
    • “Sunshine” by Floetry
    • Dave Matthews Band
    • Beck
    • “A Serbian Film” soundtrack
    • “Watch Me” by Labi Siffre

    3. Folk, Americana and folky pop music

    Folk used to be my go-to genre for writing, because it’s mellow. Some writers agree.

    “I usually listen to indie or folk when I write for my blog, because I’m usually calmer and the words flow a little better for me,” says Heidi Carreon.

    “I listen to folk/Americana music,” says John Skewes. “The writing and stories help me as a sort of fuel. But I turn it all off when write. I need the quiet to hear the voices.”

    More folk recommendations from the community:

    • Iron & Wine
    • The Franklin Electric
    • Ray LaMontagne (especially the album “Til the Sun Turns Black”)
    • “Just Breathe,” covered by Willie Nelson
    • Neil Young (especially the album “Harvest Moon”)
    • Mumford and Sons
    • Andrew McMahon
    • The Head and the Heart

    But folk has one major flaw for writers: It’s heavy on the lyrics. Most writers said they absolutely can’t write to music with lyrics playing…lest the words creep into their prose.

    4. Instrumentals, like jazz or classical

    When you really get into whatever you’re working on, the world can fade away.

    The scene you’re writing starts to play out in your mind as if it’s projected on a screen in front of you. The soundtrack swells like the orchestra that drives Willem Dafoe through a crime scene in “The Boondock Saints.”

    When that doesn’t come naturally, try setting the scene.

    “If I listen to any music at all while writing,” says Debra Walkenshaw, “it must be classical or meditative with no words.”

    Linton Robinson says, “The idea of listening to words while writing seems nuts. I just love internet jazz stations.”

    But it doesn’t have to all be music that’s older than your grandparents. Modern experimental music like Blue Man Group or instrumental covers of contemporary songs can do the trick, too.

    Some instrumental recommendations from the community:

    • Chris Botti (especially the album “Italia”)
    • Blue Man Group
    • 2cellos
    • Gregorian chant
    Do you listen to music while you write? Here are 8 styles of music to check out.

    5. Electronic music

    I don’t enjoy classical or orchestral music much. It doesn’t put me in the right mood for most of what I write (i.e. not epic stories). So I was thrilled when my colleague Susan Shain made this recommendation: “When I’m writing, I like electronic.”

    She turned me onto the genre for writing, and now it’s one of my favorites.

    Electronic spans musical styles, so you can probably find something you like. And while some of it has lyrics, many of the songs distort or edit the vocals so much you can’t get attached to the words.

    And it’s just the right energy to drown out a noisy office, coffee shop or house full of kids while you write.

    Shain recommends:

    • STS9
    • Pretty Lights
    • Big Gigantic
    • Thievery Corporation

    6. Music in a foreign language

    This is the most exciting recent addition to my writing playlist: music in any language but English.

    This works for me, because it lets me listen to the style of music I want — whether it’s pop or folk or whatever — without fixating on the words. Pick a language you don’t speak, and search for your style of music.

    Here are a couple I like (I’d love your additional recommendations!):

    • Zaz (French)
    • Jane Bordeaux (Hebrew)
    • Buena Vista Social Club (Spanish)

    7. Video game and movie soundtracks

    I love this recommendation from fiction writers! What better way to get into the scene you’re working on than to play music meant to accompany a story?

    Pick a movie or video game in the same genre — or that has the same mood — as your book, and find its soundtrack. Or if you just want something in the background while you work, tune into an online music station dedicated to soundtracks.

    Soundtrack recommendations from the community:

    8. Ambient noise

    I once asked my coworkers what they were listening to at work, and I was surprised to learn it was just…noise. Literally, they pop on noise-cancelling headphones to drown out the sounds of the open office, then tune into the sound of, well, sort of nothing.

    That is, they were listening to white noise. Some prefer gray noise, white noise’s less staticky cousin. (Sound comes in an array of colors — they did not teach me that in kindergarten.)

    I’ve since learned this isn’t uncommon. White noise or calming ambient sounds can clear your head and help you focus on what you’re writing, even when you’re surrounded by the chaos of coworkers, kids or a coffee shop.

    Author and self-publishing expert Joanna Penn even listens to the sounds of rain and thunderstorms to slip into her alter ego, J.F. Penn, and craft her bestselling thrillers.

    For anyone who loves working in a coffee shop for the hustle and bustle around you, try turning on Coffitivity. It recreates the chatter of customers, clang of cash registers and whirring of espresso machines that power writers everywhere.

    Noise makers recommended by community:

    What can music do for your writing?

    Unfortunately, no one seems to agree on the absolute best music to write to. What you pump into your speakers or headphones depends on the mood you’re trying to set and what kind of work you’re trying to achieve.

    Are you drowning out a noisy office or livening up a dead-silent home? Are you writing a blog post, a romantic scene or an in-depth piece of journalism? Do you need motivation to get started or inspiration to shape your character?

    I hope these community recommendations give you a few ideas to get started next time you’re staring down a blank playlist.

    (Note: Unless otherwise cited, names and pronouns of community members are based on public Facebook profile information.)

    This is an updated version of a story that was previously published. We update our posts as often as possible to ensure they’re useful for our readers.

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    Photo via Flamingo Images / Shutterstock 

  • How to Publish Your Story in Chicken Soup for the Soul, According to Its Editor-In-Chief

    How to Publish Your Story in Chicken Soup for the Soul, According to Its Editor-In-Chief

    With more than 250 titles (so far!) and 101 stories in each book, “Chicken Soup for the Soul” is an excellent market for novice and experienced writers alike. 

    But just because there are so many opportunities, don’t assume that it’s simple to get in. You still have to know your stuff: First, “Chicken Soup for the Soul” accepts only true, first person stories. The stories must be inspiring, exciting, heartwarming, or humorous. Also, keep your work to 1200 words or less.

    But that’s just the basics. We caught up with publisher and editor-in-chief Amy Newmark, and got these fantastic inside tips that will help you give ‘em what they want.

    How to get your story published in “Chicken Soup for the Soul”

    Here are Amy Newmark’s top 10 tips for getting into “Chicken Soup for the Soul”, in her own words.

    1. Be familiar with the books

    “Make sure you have an intuitive feeling about what a “Chicken Soup for the Soul” story is. The only way to do this is to read through several stories in different books, and familiarize yourself with the style and tone.” 

    2. Go for it

    “Anyone can write for “Chicken Soup for the Soul.” We love a brand new writer. In a way, a brand new writer is more exciting for us, especially if they are excited and go and spread the word on their Facebook and tell everyone about it.” 

    3. Keep it real

    “Write your true story. “Chicken Soup for the Soul” doesn’t accept fiction. In addition, we don’t use essays, scholarly works, eulogies, sermons, biographies or parables.” 

    4. Forget what you were taught in school

     “Don’t write an opening paragraph about what you are going to say, then the body of the story, and then end with a paragraph about what you just told the reader. Our readers are smart, they can figure it out.”

    5. Submit appropriate material

    “Every piece of writing, no matter how worthy, is not necessarily a fit for “Chicken Soup for the Soul.” Unless a book is directed specifically at kids or teens, adults will be reading it. Don’t send me your son or daughter’s eighth grade essay and say, ‘Oh my child wrote such a great story! It was published in the school journal so you should print it.’ Yes, people have done this!”

    6. Get to the good part

    “Don’t write the whole story depicting every moment of every day. We want stories where something happens—not just musings. Look for that moment of epiphany, a time you were amused by something, a time you were changed in some way.”

    7. Write conversationally

    “Write like you are writing a letter, or talking to a friend. Don’t give me a paragraph describing a leaf fluttering. It doesn’t advance the story. Don’t say ‘My heart broke into a million splinters as a tsunami wave of grief washed over me.’ No one talks that way. I’ll just edit it to say ‘I was distraught.’”

    8. Use specific details sparingly

    “I don’t need to know that you got into your blue Nissan, or that you brushed your daughter’s strawberry blonde hair. Sometimes, your details distance the reader. They will want to fill the story with their own specifics.”

    9. Don’t be narcissistic

    “Your story should be about you, how you felt, what you did, how it changed you. But we want to hear how you dealt with things, how you improved yourself or overcame a challenge, and that you know you’re not the only one this ever happened to! So no feeling sorry for yourself, or ending with no positive resolution. We’re looking for advice and life experiences that help our readers improve their lives.” 

    10. Submit early

    “Look at the deadlines on the website. We get many stories on the same topic. The ones we read first usually stand out to us. People who get stories in earlier really do have a better chance.”

    How to submit your story to”Chicken Soup for the Soul”

    Visit chickensoup.com, click on Submit your Story and scroll through the current list of possible book topics.

    If you have a story that fits, write it up and send it in. Submissions are taken via the website form.

    “Chicken Soup for the Soul” doesn’t send rejection letters, so if you don’t hear back before two months after the book’s scheduled publication date (you can find this on the website), you should assume your story did not make that book.

    However, sometimes “Chicken Soup for the Soul” moves stories to future books, so it’s possible you’ll get good news a year or two after you submit your story! In the meantime, there are plenty more opportunities.

    Look over the list of topics, review these tips, and get writing another great story for “Chicken Soup for the Soul.”

    Photo via Marjan Apostolovic / Shutterstock 

  • What is an MFA, and More Importantly, Should You Get One?

    What is an MFA, and More Importantly, Should You Get One?

    You know you want to write for a living, but you don’t quite feel qualified to go out on your own and try it yet. Or, perhaps, you have an unfinished manuscript that could really benefit from peer input. Or you may want to explore several different genres to see what type of writing sticks the most. 

    Enter the MFA. A master’s degree in creative writing can offer you all of these things and more. 

    Let’s explore all aspects of this specialized degree, starting with the question that may be on your mind: “What is an MFA?”

    What is an MFA?

    A Master of Fine Arts degree provides an opportunity to study your art, and this art can be writing. 

    It’s a graduate-level program, so you need a bachelor’s degree before you can get an MFA, but a fine arts degree doesn’t require you to take the GRE like many graduate programs. Not having to take the GRE can come as a relief for those of us (ahem, me) who aren’t good at standardized tests.

    When you study writing in an MFA program, you have several choices, depending on the program: nonfiction, fiction, journalism, poetry, pop fiction, playwriting, screenwriting and more. 

    Often, you can take a workshop or two in a genre other than your focus if you want to explore other areas of creative writing. Obtaining an MFA gives you the credentials to teach at universities and colleges if you want to go that route. A program can last between one and four years, but two years is typical. Costs vary widely depending on the program, but you should expect to invest a pretty penny into your degree. 

    The 3 types of MFAs

    Whether you’re working full time and want to get your degree on the side, like I did, or you prefer to dedicate your life completely to your writing, you have options.

    There are three types of MFA programs:

    1. Online residency

    For an online degree, you complete it without having to travel or move anywhere. You can do all the work from the comfort of your home. 

    This type of program could be excellent for working folks, parents or people who don’t want to spend the extra money on taking trips to residencies. 

    2. Low residency

    You also work mostly online with an assigned mentor in a low residency program, but it requires you to travel twice a year to residencies. 

    Each residency lasts around 10 days and gives you a chance to mingle with other writers in your program. This type could be the perfect choice if you want to hold a part-time or full-time job but need writer-to-writer interaction. You might be surprised how quickly you can become best friends with people even if you see them only twice a year.

    3. Full residency

    A full-residency program is like a standard degree — you move near campus and commute into class to learn among your fellow students. 

    This type of program could be a great choice for writers who want a normal college experience. You can work directly with your classmates, call on them for editing help and attend your professors’ office hours easily. Whether or not you can hold a job on the side is up to you. 

    Should you get an MFA? Let’s weigh the pros and cons 

    Deciding whether or not to go back to school can be a tough process. There are many positives and negatives that you need to weigh before making a decision. 

    Here’s a breakdown of factors that I looked into that helped me make my choice.

    Pros of getting an MFA

    • You’ll form a tight-knit writing community. No matter the type of program you choose, when you share your art with each other, you will bond. Knowing other writers is invaluable — for everything from advice to emotional support to writing a blurb for the back on your book.
    • A degree will probably save you time in the long run. Two intensive years of cramming everything writing-related into your skull will almost invariably lower the learning curve for you. Instead of teaching yourself how to write better over the span of 10 years on the job, a degree should expedite the process.
    • You’ll dedicate time to honing your craft. Like me, you could consider a writing program a gift to yourself. You’re honoring your art by making space in your life to advance your skill.
    • You’ll sharpen your grammar skills and become a better writer, editor, reader, and critic. There’s no doubt about it: No matter what form of writing you study, writing a lot makes you better at all of it.

    Cons of getting an MFA

    • It will cost you. The average cost of a full residency program is $20,180, and the average low residency program is $31,184. One thing to consider: Does your employer cover any tuition costs? Keeping a full-time job allowed me to pull from the tuition reimbursement that my company offered, which helped immensely.
    • You may not gain the hard skills you’re looking for. The number one complaint in my program is a lack of focus on the tougher side of writing: how to market yourself, build your portfolio, deal with agents or publish a book. Instead, these degrees tend to focus on the craft and leave the hard skills for you to figure out.
    • You’ll use up time and energy. Instead of spending two years getting a writing degree, you could be out there writing. Even though you would be starting with more of a blank slate, there’s absolutely no requirement to get a degree first to be a writer. You could instead put that energy into getting published or freelancing. 
    • You may not need it. If you’re thinking of a career as a marketer, social media manager, publisher, or some other specific job, an MFA might not help you get there. It will teach you some things about the writing industry as a whole, but nothing you couldn’t learn from attending conferences and workshops outside of a degree program.

    Is an MFA worth it?

    So is an MFA worth it? The answer to this question is deeply personal, so I can only tell you my opinion. And my answer is yes. For me, an MFA was worth the time and money I spent. 

    Two key things made the experience valuable for me: the writers I met and the confidence I gained. 

    When I made the choice to enter the program, I knew I wanted to write for a living, but I didn’t know in what capacity. Sure, I wish I had a better baseline understanding of my goals when I started, but that doesn’t mean it was a waste of time. Some of my friends had no idea what to write when they started but ended up with a manuscript that turned into a published book a few years out. I gained a writing community that will be with me for life. These are friends who understand the struggles of the writer’s life.

    Plus, I felt like the degree propelled me into “Real Writer” status. It doesn’t take a degree to become a writer, and I had already become one the day I started writing. However, I didn’t know that yet. I needed a confidence boost. I appreciated the backing of a degree before I went out to make a living at it. 

    Alternatives to getting an MFA

    If your gut is telling you not to go the MFA route, trust your instincts. 

    There are so many other options out there. You could try freelancing for a while. Even if it doesn’t work out, there’s nothing stopping you from applying to a degree program later. Also, there are plenty aspects of an MFA program you could replicate on your own. You could read grammar and writing books on your own. Additionally, you could write a book in your spare time, take individual writing classes, or attend workshops and residencies. 

    There’s even an entire course we’ve reviewed here at The Write Life designed to help you DIY your MFA.

    There’s no one right answer. You can do several of these things at once. Take a class at your local writing center and become a member of a local critique group. The most important step in becoming the writer you want to be is to try something.

    Photo via Areipa.lt / Shutterstock 

  • NaNoWriMo and Beyond: 9 Writing Challenges for Novelists, Poets and More

    NaNoWriMo and Beyond: 9 Writing Challenges for Novelists, Poets and More

    Do you have trouble making time to write? Do you wish you had a community to help you work towards your writing goals, including staying on time and finishing your work?

    Many writers sign up for writing challenges to help them solve these problems and write a large body of work in a short amount of time — or even to build their practice and discipline of writing consistently.

    Besides completing work you can be proud of, participating in writing challenges is amazing because you get to work alongside a group of other writers who all share the same goal: finish that novel, finish that picture book, or write those short stories and poems. You support each other and hold each other accountable.

    Writing challenges that will push you forward

    If you’re up to the task, we’ve come up with some writing challenges to try, whether you’re a novelist, poet, picture-book writer or something in between.

    Here are nine writing challenges to explore.

    1. NaNoWriMo

    Genre: Novel

    This is the one you’ve probably heard of: NaNoWriMo, which stands for National Novel Writing Month, has been an annual November tradition since 1999. During NaNoWriMo, writers around the world challenge themselves to write a 50,000-word novel in 30 days.

    What’s special about 50,000 words? As NaNoWriMo’s organizers explain: “Our experiences since 1999 show that 50,000 is a difficult but doable goal, even for people with full-time jobs and children. The length makes it a short novel (about the length of The Great Gatsby).”

    You’ll need to write about 1,667 words every day to hit this target novel word count, but you won’t be alone; the online NaNoWriMo community helps you track and share your progress while awarding badges for hard work and providing inspiration through interviews with well-known writers and other motivational tools.

    Several writers have published novels they initially drafted during NaNoWriMo, including Sara Gruen’s Water for Elephants and Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus. To have the best chance of following in their footsteps, have a through understanding of the rules of NaNoWriMo as well as precisely what you want to get from the experience. 

    If you’re looking for a similar option, check out Camp NaNoWriMo to experience a writing adventure that offers more flexibility. Hosted annually in April and July, you can set your own writing goal and work on any writing project, novel or not.

    2. NaPoWriMo

    Genre: Poetry

    If NaNoWriMo is National Novel Writing Month, I bet you can guess what NaPoWriMo stands for.

    National Poetry Writing Month takes place every April, and challenges writers to pen 30 poems in 30 days. You’ll have access to daily prompts to help your creative juices flow, but you’re welcome to ignore ‘em, too.

    Independently organized, NaPoWriMo is much smaller than NaNoWriMo, so don’t expect your local library to organize NaPoWriMo nights — unless, of course, you want to organize one on your own!

    Some writers share their NaPoWriMo poems on their websites or via social media, and help spread their love of poetry while showing off their ability to complete the challenge.

    3. StoryADay

    Genre: Short stories

    So we’ve got novel-writing in November and poetry in April. What about short stories? That’s in May and/or September (or whenever you want!), and it’s called StoryADay.

    StoryADay is a little different from NaNoWriMo and NaPoWriMo in that it focuses on completing a short story every day, rather than ending the month with a certain number of stories or a specific word count. But there are rules:

    1. If you miss a day or don’t finish a story, move on. You still have every other day of the month (of your life) which is a new day, on which a new story can be told.
    2. Don’t go back and try to finish yesterday’s story. Leave it. Wash your hands of it. Move on.
    3. As long as you keep writing, you’re not failing.

    Starting — and finishing — a new short story everyday sounds like a much harder challenge than writing a 50,000-word novel in a month; but “sometimes you need a big, hairy audacious goal, to scare your Inner Critic into letting you write.”

    4. 12 x 12

    Genre: Picture books

    If you write picture books, you might want to consider signing up for the 12 x 12 writing challenge created by Julie Hedlund, author of My Love For You Is the Sun. The challenge: write 12 picture books in 12 months!

    Unlike other writing challenges, 12 x 12 comes with a membership fee. The basic package costs $177 and grants you access to writers’ forums, the member Facebook group, feedback from traditionally-published authors and much more. If you choose the higher level membership — which are only available to people who have already participated in at least one year of 12 x 12 — you get to submit your work directly to participating agents.

    Do 12 x 12 writers get published? Absolutely. Check out their list of published writers to get inspired.

    While 12 x 12 is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, registration is closed for 2020 and will resume in 2021.

    5. ChaBooCha

    Genre: Young adult

    Young adult writers can use NaNoWriMo to write their books, but there’s also a writing challenge just for them: ChaBooCha, or the Chapter Book Challenge.

    Hosted by writer Rebecca Fyfe, ChaBooCha runs every March and challenges you to “Write one completed first draft of an early reader, chapter book, middle-grade book or YA novel,” from the 1st to the 31st of March. 

    Your results could be anywhere between 1,000 and 80,000 words, depending on whether you’re putting together an early reader or writing the next book in your YA series. Either way, ChaBooCha is there to help you get the job done, with motivational blog posts from authors, agents and publishers — as well as prizes.

    ChaBooCha is open to writers under 17, too! 

    6. YeahWrite

    Genre: Nonfiction, fiction, poetry, microstories

    After reading about all of these programs that challenge you to write 50,000 words or 31 new short stories in a month, are you ready for a writing challenge that’s designed to fit your schedule?

    It’s time to check out YeahWrite, a writing site that issues one writing challenge each week for each of three genres: nonfiction, fiction/poetry and microstories.

    This writing challenge differs from the others on this list because every week, community members vote on a challenge winner. You’re not only participating in a writing challenge, you’re also getting reviewed by other writers — and you might write well enough to win the week!

    YeahWrite is all about community, so it’s free to join. But a paid membership helps keep the site running and gets you access to editorial consultations with YeahWrite editors. There are two membership packages that cost either $25 or $50 per year; each gives you access to editorial evaluations, discounts and more, so check them out!

    7. NaNonFiWriMo

    Genre: Nonfiction 

    The Write Nonfiction in November Challenge (WNFIN) was created by Nina Amir, a coach who inspires writers and bloggers to create published products and careers as authors. Unlike NaNoWriMo, this informal challenge comes with only one rule: You have to commit to starting and finishing a work of nonfiction in a month.

    “No one counts how many words you write during the month or even checks what you write. You can write any type of nonfiction, such as a magazine article, blog posts, a white paper, or a book.” And your WNFIN project can even be as short or as long as you like.

    To help you along with the challenge, you can join the WNFIN Facebook page, and the Remote Writing Room provides you with a virtual group of writers you can chat and write twice per week. Plus, check out Nina’s blog for more inspiration and tips to improve your nonfiction writing process.

    Stay tuned for 2020 WNFIN details!

    8. 365 Writing Challenge

    Genre: All genres are welcome

    The benefits of discipline and daily practice can’t be underestimated, and that’s what the 365 Writing Challenge wants to help you develop. Created by Jessica White and her group the 10 Minute Novelists, this challenge has helped hundreds of writers over the past five years write more than 100 million words. To be able to participate, you must be a member of the 10 Minute Novelists Facebook Group.

    All you have to do is set aside 10 minutes every day to write, which is about 100 words a day. You can also use that time to reflect on the writing process, set weekly writing goals, or even flesh out a setting or a character. 

    Upon choosing a membership tier, you’ll be provided a Google Sheet to help you keep track of your daily word count, and at the beginning of each month, Jessica awards badges for the prior month’s achievements.

    It doesn’t matter if you spend 10 minutes or 4 hours a day writing — “the key is consistency so you can grow as a writer and finish your projects.” Look out for 2021 registration details later this year.

    9. The Writer’s Games

    Genre: Short stories and poetry

    The Writer’s Games is a free competition designed to help each individual writer improve his or her craft at an accelerated rate. ​This free six-week, multi-challenge writing competition comes with feedback for every entry, opportunities for publication throughout the competition, and the ability to use judge feedback on previous entries to improve them. 

    Here’s how it works: Each week starting in May and September, a surprise Event is announced and writers have 72 hours to create a short story or poem that fits the Event requirements. Every entry received before the deadline is judged and critiqued by a team and winners are published in a charitable anthology.

    And don’t worry about being eliminated — every registered writer is encouraged to try each of the six Events, even if one of their previous stories was disqualified, which is rare.

    Registration opens April 1 and August 1 for two separate portions, and keep in mind that space is limited.

    So, are you ready to take on one of these writing challenges?

    This is an updated version of a story that was previously published. We update our posts as often as possible to ensure they’re useful for our readers.

    Photo via G-Stock Studio / Shutterstock 

  • It’s The End of an Era: Microsoft Word Says 2 Spaces After a Period is Wrong

    It’s The End of an Era: Microsoft Word Says 2 Spaces After a Period is Wrong

    Do you use one or two spaces after a period?

    Sorry for derailing your day and that of the poor non-writers in your household. I know you’re duty-bound as a wordsmith to engage in a raging debate about sentence spacing now that I’ve brought it up.

    Maybe this will snuff the flames on this decades-old dumpster fire: Microsoft Word, that powerhouse in word processing, has finally weighed in on the great space debate. Its verdict? Two spaces after a period is out.

    Word will now flag two spaces after a period with that dreaded Spellcheck-style squiggly line and suggest a single space to replace it, The Verge reports.

    The update is included with the premium version of the company’s new Editor, a browser extension and new Word feature that makes spelling, grammar and style suggestions akin to tools like Grammarly and ProWritingAid.

    Is a double space after a period actually incorrect?

    Two spaces after a period is not incorrect — nor is it correct. (Sorry..?)

    Most style guides, which lay out the norms for how industries including book publishers, newspapers and academics write, have made the switch to favor a single space between sentences.

    It’s one of hundreds of miniscule style choices publishers, writers, editors and style guides make about their content. But no Grammar Goddess has ever carved this or any rule into stone.

    Writers and editors tend to have serious feelings about grammar, style and usage — like whether the Oxford comma is necessary — but any editor worth her salt will admit no single rule about how we write is universally correct or incorrect.

    Of the major guides, APA Style — which guides some academic writing — was the lone hold out in the two-spaces camp until 2018, when its seventh edition finally recommended one space.

    Some legal writers still insist on two spaces, as well, but the American Bar Association recommends a single space.

    Why do we double space after a period?

    Most modern lore cites typewriters as a practical explanation for the double-space habit.

    The logic goes: An extra space after a period helped distinguish one sentence from another in a typewriter’s fixed-width typeface (similar to the font Courier New). Digital-age word processors and content management systems use variable-width fonts (what you’re reading now), so periods hug tight to a sentence’s end, and one space leaves plenty of breathing room before the next begins.

    But the debate existed long before word processors came along, journalist and editor James Felici detailed in an essay. The double space — and other defunct sentence spacing — existed before the typewriter, and some typesetters as far back as the 18th century used the single space.

    Another fun fact from Felici: In the 1960s, electronic phototypesetting systems got the jump on Microsoft Editor and automatically collapsed double spaces into single.

    You might have read about the 2018 study published in the journal “Attention, Perception, and Psychophysics” and reported by the Atlantic, which crowned two spaces the winner for helping participants read slightly faster.

    That study is legit, but, the Washington Post reports, studies over the years have yielded conflicting results.

    So, bottom line, we don’t know why we double space after a period — or ever did. You can be sure, though, there were probably some opinionated publishers carrying on about it in some town square somewhere in the 1700s.

    When did double space after a period change?

    No clear double-space era ever gave way to a single-space era — hence the ongoing debate.

    Anecdotally, most people my age (a millennial born in 1986) remember learning to double space after a period in elementary school, even though we worked in word processors. Then at some point in the late 90s or early aughts, we just…didn’t anymore.

    Style guides, because they follow rather than lead usage, were mostly late to make the change. The first edition of AP Stylebook that recommends a single space after a period was published in 2009. The Chicago Manual of Style didn’t explicitly recommend one space until 2003, but tacitly endorsed the style in 1993, says CMOS editor Russell Harper.

    How to double space in Word without that judgy squiggle

    It looks like Editor flags a double space as a style issue, part of its premium Refinements feature, which makes suggestions beyond the spelling and grammar we’re used to. You’ll only see the suggestion if you have a Microsoft 365 subscription.

    Determined double spacers, you’re not doomed to a life of judgment under the watchful eye of Editor. You can adjust your preferences so it won’t flag your double spaces.

    The easiest way is to click on the offending space in your document after Editor underlines it and select “Always Ignore.”

    Or you can be proactive and dig into Word’s settings. 

    Once your version of Word is updated to include Editor, you’ll see the blue-pencil Editor icon at the top of the window when you’re working on a document. To adjust your proofing settings, according to PCWorld:

    1. Click on the icon to open the Editor menu.
    2. Click on Settings at the bottom of that menu.
    3. Click “Proofing” on the left side of settings.
    4. Scroll down to a section that says “Choose the checks Editor will perform for Grammar and Refinements.” Select the Settings button next to it.
    5. In the window that pops up, scroll down to the “Punctuation Conventions” section, and select “don’t check” next to Space Between Sentences. (You’ll notice you can set Editor to prefer the Oxford comma or not, too.)

    Anyone can easily remove the double space after a period

    Don’t have access to Word’s premium Editor? If you use Word without a 365 subscription or you use another word processor like Google Docs, you can spot and remove double spaces with “find and replace.”

    1. In your document, pull up Find and Replace from the Edit dropdown menu or ⌘+shift+H.
    2. In the “Find” box, type a period and two spaces.
    3. In the “Replace with” box, type a period and one space.
    4. Click “Replace All.”

    Writers, your editor will almost certainly make this change to your copy. And then they’ll roll their eyes and wonder which century you rolled out of.

    Whether you prefer double spaces or just can’t retrain your itchy space-bar thumb to stop at one space after a period, do yourself and your editor the favor of removing double spaces before you submit.

    So…how many spaces after a period is correct?

    Sentence spacing is an ever-changing piece of grammar and style, subject to stylistic whims, technological shifts and editorial compulsion.

    Most publishers and editors you’ll work with have come around to single spacing, so stick to that style if you’re writing for publication by pretty much any third party.

    For anything you write to publish yourself — or things that aren’t for publication, like emails — you’re free to follow any style rules you choose.

    But, let’s be honest: Two spaces after a period is, obviously, the wrong choice.

    Now, can we talk about why you’re still using Microsoft Word and not literally any other writing tool? Plus, do we think Google Docs might follow suit? We sure hope so!

    Photo via Alex from the Rock / Shutterstock 

  • Yes, You Have To: 6 Legitimate Reasons to Create a Book Outline

    Yes, You Have To: 6 Legitimate Reasons to Create a Book Outline

    Writing a book is beyond hard. Those of us in the thick of the book writing process know that.

    Which means if there’s something that can make the entire process easier, we’d likely hop on it as fast as possible. Luckily, that very method exists and it goes by the intimidating name of outlining.

    If you’re not sure what an outline is, you’re not alone.

    When I first started out, I had no idea what this was and how it could help me but after failing miserably to get through even half of my first “book,” I knew I needed some help. After research I realized there are a lot of benefits to creating an outline for your book, and they’re really not difficult to understand, either.

    What is a book outline?

    Think of an outline as a document that lists the events of your novel by chapter. It’s instructions or blueprints for writing your book.

    There are tons of different methods for making an outline that works, but as long as you end up with detailed instructions for the direction of your book from start to finish, it’ll be effective.

    An outline will save you time, energy and a bunch of stress. Time is precious. Even non-writers can agree with that. However, time for writers is probably a little more important than it is for other people and that’s because writing takes a long time.

    And yes, without an outline, you will have errors.

    TWL. CTA. Book Outline Template

    Why you should outline your book before writing it

    With an outline, you’ll still run into some issues here and there but in order to avoid a majority of them, you should use one.

    Here’s how making an outline and sticking to it will save your novel.

    1. It’ll get rid of plot holes

    If you’re a pantser, aka, someone who writes by the seat of their pants, you’ve probably struggled with some major plot holes in your previous works.

    This is because throughout the process of writing, you might forget some minor, but important, details that can have huge impacts on the rest of your book.

    You might write something in chapter three that creates an issue with something you wrote in chapter 20, which then causes problems in all the chapters between, and the reason is simply because it took you months to get there. It’s completely understandable, but also preventable.

    A lot can be affected by a seemingly minor error earlier on in your book.

    You may end up needing to go back and fix the following throughout the rest of your book:

    • Dialogue and events related to said incident (which can add up quickly!)
    • Character personalities or motives
    • Actual events that unfold later in the book
    • Events that are to unfold in later books

    All of that means some serious rewriting and some serious time. However, an outline completely prevents that because you’re basically writing the events of the book in its entirety in about a week or two.

    That means you can see any plot holes from a mile away before you’ve even started writing. The time, effort and stress you can save are well worth the extra week or two to get that outline written.

    2. You can better map out the flow of emotions

    One of the major elements that makes a book fantastic is the ebb and flow of emotions you put your readers through. Giving them a warm, comforting moment before ripping away any hope they had left for a happy ending is what’ll hook readers and leave them with a powerful impression of your book.

    The best way to do this, and do it right, is by planning it.

    When you write your book without an outline, it’ll be really difficult to “chart” those emotions. You’ll have to go off what you remember and this is often what makes a book “drag” in the middle sections.

    To prevent drag and captivate your readers even more, make an outline.

    Depending on your method of outlining, you can literally chart these emotions and watch the rollercoaster your readers will go on. Not only will this make them more emotionally involved with the story, it’s also that special factor that makes them share your book with others.

    book outline3. You won’t have continuity errors

    Unlike plot holes, continuity errors aren’t necessarily plot-related, but they do cause problems for readers. It takes them out of the moment because the realistic aspect of your story is gone when you have too many of these.

    When, earlier in the book, you have your characters walking down their gravel driveway only to have them trudge up their asphalt driveway, it’s a problem.

    Your book isn’t as realistic when you have these issues and the best way to get rid of them – aside from editing – is to make an outline.

    You’ll be able to keep track of the environments and rules and laws within your story and this will make your book more believable and cleaner.

    4. You’ll avoid writer’s block

    Ah, yes. The biggest, most annoying struggle writers face. The moment when you can’t seem to continue writing because your brain is just coming up blank. While all writers will deal with crappy writing days from time to time, not having an outline is usually the biggest cause of it.

    Why? Because without an outline, you have no idea where to take your story.

    You might know what happens and have a vague direction for the book, but you don’t know specifically what will get your characters from point A to B. And that means you’ll sit at your computer screen with a frustrated expression trying to figure out what needs to happen next.

    All of this can be avoided with an outline. Since you have directions for what to write next, all you need to do is start writing. Sure, it might not get rid of those pesky bad writing days but at least you know where to take the story next.

    If you want to avoid writer’s block, take the time to put together a comprehensive outline, first.

    5. It’ll make the process of writing the book faster

    Writing a book tis a long process, especially if you’re someone who writes in their spare time. It can take months, a year  or even longer to complete a book from start to finish. And that’s just the writing part.

    But since writing does take the longest amount of time, finding ways to make the process quicker means you’ll have a finished book in a lot shorter of a time frame.

    Making an outline will definitely expedite the writing process.

    When you don’t have to sit and think about what to write next or where your story is even going, you’ll just be able to write. You can open your laptop, sit down and pump out the words at a much faster rate when you have the directions right there in front of you.

    6. The quality of writing will be much better

    Let’s be real for a minute. What’s your main focus when writing a book if you don’t have an outline? Where the story goes. It’s not on the prose or the character development or the dialogue.

    When you’re thinking about what to do next as you write, your main focus is on that, which means you’re not giving the actual writing all you’ve got. When you know exactly what’s going to happen, you can instead focus on the way you tell it.

    This means you’ll have much stronger character development, more in-depth prose, and a higher quality book overall.

    Forgoing an outline for writing a book is like trying to put a bookshelf together without the directions. Sure, you may be able to make something that you can use to hold books, but it won’t be nearly as stable and it won’t look half as good as it should.

    When you take the time to follow the instructions, you’ll be able to focus on the quality of work you’re doing instead of just getting it put together.

    Why do you use an outline when writing your book and what has it helped you overcome most as a writer?

    This is an updated version of a story that was previously published. We update our posts as often as possible to ensure they’re useful for our readers.

    TWL. CTA. Book Outline Template

    Photo via baranq / Shutterstock 

  • How to Write a Good Story: You’ll Love This Simple Method

    How to Write a Good Story: You’ll Love This Simple Method

    It’s not a secret: there’s a limited number of plots in the world. Some say seven, some say 20.

    But there are certainly more than seven or 20 original stories circulating about. And as a writer, it’s your job to tell them.

    But what’s the key to telling a great tale? How do you learn how to write a story?

    How to write a story

    In this post, we’ll cover the difference between plot and story, boil down plots, and then use plot mutation to come up with a good story.

    Here’s how come up with an interesting plot and write a story.

    [twl_reusable_block post_id=41455]

    1. Know the difference between plot and story

    E.M. Forster defined “story” as the chronological sequence of events, and “plot” as the causal sequence of events.

    As he puts it, “The king died and then the queen died” is a story. “The king died and then the queen died of grief” is a plot.

    But then, “The king died and then the queen died because she ate the same poisoned soup” is also a plot. So is, “The king died and then the queen died because she felt remorse at having killed him.”

    Same story. Three completely different plots.

    This gap between story and plot is the key to successfully mutating plots into a wealth of original ideas.

    2. Boil your novel down to a sentence

    You may have heard of the “elevator pitch” of a novel, where you have to convince someone to read your novel within 30 seconds.

    This exercise is different.

    An elevator pitch celebrates everything unique and exciting about your book. Here, we’re trying to get to the bottom of a given plot, to its common, unadorned story.

    As an example, let’s have a look at the first book of the Harry Potter series.

    Wikipedia sums up the plot in 1,943 words.

    Amazon goes for a much less detailed version, recapping the book (without spoiling the end) at 103 words.

    We can further boil down the novel into a single sentence. For example: “Boy reclaims his birthright.”

    Actually, that’s a bit too concise for our purpose here, so we’ll dial it back and add some details: “In a quiet English town, a boy grows up unaware of his heritage until something opens his eyes to it, and then he reclaims his birthright.”

    So far so good?

    But hang on, isn’t that the plot of King Arthur? Or David Edding’s series, The Belgariad? Or a countless number of other novels?

    Yes, it is.

    And herein begins the magic of creating plot from plot.

    3. Win at plot mutation

    A successful plot mutation is completed in four steps:

    1. Choose a novel you love.
    2. Boil it down to a single paragraph.
    3. Make a simple but profound change.
    4. Follow through.

    Let’s go over these steps in detail.

    Choose a novel you love

    We’ll stick with the first book of Harry Potter for this example.

    Boil it down to a single paragraph

    Make sure you cut out all names and actual places until you’re left with a generic summary. Do include a phrase about the settings (e.g. “In a fantasy world,” “In the Wild West,” “In Victorian England,” and so on).

    How do you know if it’s boiled down just right? Well, it should allow you to easily recognize the novel you’ve started out with (enough details), but it should also remind you of some other novels (enough free play).

    Make a simple but profound change

    Start with underlining the elements that can be swapped. These will usually be the settings, the protagonist, the object of the protagonist’s desire, and the main obstacle in his or her path. In our Harry Potter example, we have “quiet English town,” “boy,” and “heritage/birthright.”

    Now begins the fun. Try taking an underlined element and changing it. Instead of “quiet English town,” for example, let’s make it “ancient Japan.”

    This alone is enough to completely transform the story, but you can go on changing other elements. Instead of “heritage/birthright,” we can have “a treasure,” or “a special power.” Instead of “boy,” we can choose “hardened assassin.”

    Because we’re working with a big-picture summary, every minor variation creates a whole new story. Now all that’s left is to…

    Follow through

    If you skip this important stage, you’ll end up with a cheap Japanese Harry Potter knock-off.

    What you really want is to dig deep into how every change you’ve made affects the story. Don’t stop at the superficial level.

    If you’ve changed the settings, spell out how a new settings affect your protagonist.

    What new cultural elements do you have to work with? What impact do they have on your protagonist’s desire? What in this new environment would stand in your protagonist’s way?

    If you’ve changed the protagonist’s desire, follow through on what a different person it makes your protagonist, what it says about the settings, and so on.

    It’s in these little details that true originality comes to play. Revel in the details. Let them lead you to new worlds and stories. And most of all, have fun.

    4. Use plot mutation for your own story

    Choose a novel, boil it down, change a key factor, and follow through.

    Master these four steps of plot mutation, and you’re well on your way to an endless source of original story ideas. And that puts you on the right track for how to write a story.

    This is an updated version of a story that was previously published. We update our posts as often as possible to ensure they’re useful for our readers.

    Photo via fizkes / Shutterstock 

  • This 30-Day Course Will Help You Earn a Living Online as a Freelance Writer

    This 30-Day Course Will Help You Earn a Living Online as a Freelance Writer

    Freelance writers come from all walks of life. Few of us knew as youngsters this is what we’d do for a living.

    That means many of us don’t study anything related to writing or business, or even follow a career path that would naturally lead to freelancing. We usually just have to sort of dive in and figure it out.

    Writer Gina Horkey pivoted from her work with a family-owned financial firm to freelance writing and virtual assistance in 2014.

    She had no formal training or professional experience, but she put up a website, wrote for Huffington Post in the early mornings to build clips and found her first paying client within two months by leaning into her experience in personal finance to quickly carve out a niche.

    She made more than $800 in her first month of paid work. She’s since written for big-name financial firms and publishers, including BMOHarris, Discover and GoBankingRates.

    Now she teaches others how to launch their own freelance writing or VA business through her well-known “30 Days or Less” courses and her blog, Horkey Handbook.

    Through her course 30 Days or Less to Freelance Writing Success (30DOL), Gina promises, “If you give me just 30 days, I’ll give you everything you need to build a high-paying freelance writing business.”

    I’ve been freelancing for nearly 10 years, and I wish I’d found this course at the beginning of my career. I recommend it to any writer who wants to quit their day job and quickly find paid writing work.

    How to find freelance writing success

    Without training or experience, Gina attributes her success to grit. She was unhappy in the job she’d had for 10 years and determined to develop a career she loved as a writer.

    Gina recommends goal setting and networking to set a foundation for your new career or side hustle as a freelance writer. But the real driver of your success will be how much work you put in.

    Gina got up to write at 4:30 a.m. until she left her day job at the end of 2014. She’s a mother of two, and her new income had to continue to support her kids and husband, who’s a stay-at-home dad.

    Your goals might be different — maybe you define success as a side hustle, extra income that pays off your debt or a hobby that lets you share your talent and explore your creativity.

    Whatever success means to you, you have to commit to doing the work to get there. 30DOL is a great introduction to how that work might look and where to start.

    Who should be a freelance writer?

    As Gina’s story illustrates, anyone can become a freelance writer. The work doesn’t require formal training, and you can start small to build experience that will help you get better clients and make more money.

    You should, at least, enjoy writing. There’s no sense in being self-employed at something you don’t enjoy — finding clients and managing your finances are unnecessary work if you’d be just as happy working for someone else.

    Freelancing is for people who want to carve their own path. Gina left behind her full-time job because she was unhappy there, and she chose freelance writing because she wanted flexibility and autonomy. She developed her writing skills along the way.

    As long as you enjoy it, writing is a learnable skill. Tons of writing websites, communities and courses exist to help you hone the craft, so don’t be intimidated if you’re not a star writer (yet). You can learn with practice and experience.

    30 Days or Less to Freelance Writing Success: Course details

    30DOL is an all-online course that covers the basics of becoming a freelance writer: what kind of writing you can do, how to find clients, how to pitch, business basics, building a website and self-promotion.

    It includes 12 text-based modules and a 90-day pitch challenge. Course participants can also purchase a membership to an exclusive Facebook group for leads and support.

    Text-based modules that cover the basics of freelance writing

    The text-based modules cover:

    • Laying the foundation: Set goals for your freelance business and build a support network of friends, family and colleagues.
    • Types of online writing: Learn the industries, mediums, formats and topics you can specialize in, plus what kind of writing pays best.
    • Where to find paid work: Research your target audience or clients, tap into your existing knowledge and find work through job boards and other sites.
    • Get your pitch on: Learn what makes a good pitch, how to keep track of your pitches and how to get started with a 90-day pitch challenge.
    • Establishing your business: Keep track of your finances, decide whether to create an official business, set your rates, create invoices and contracts, write your bio and polish your LinkedIn profile.
    • Building your writer’s website: Learn what your website needs (and why you need one).
    • Web hosting and WordPress tutorial: Learn the nitty gritty of creating a site, including registering a domain, setting up hosting and how to navigate WordPress. This module also includes video tutorials to show you how to set up pages and other functions in WordPress.
    • Promoting your new business: Build your brand on social media and email, and protect yourself as your profile grows online.
    • Honing your writing skills: Get tips for coming up with ideas, formatting for the web, using images, conducting research, interviewing sources; and writing for various markets, including content marketing, copywriting, SEO writing and B2B writing.
    • Helpful tools: Get an overview of the Google suite, tools and courses to help you write better, and tools to streamline your pitches.

    Each module includes several lessons, a checklist of action items to apply the lesson to your work and a quiz to help you evaluate what you’ve learned.

    Each lesson ends with an action step or several, which I love. They’re filled with useful resources, including Gina’s own worksheets, personalized tools (like the Pitch Tracker) and links to third-party resources.

    90-day pitch challenge

    The course doesn’t present the challenge as a separate component — it’s just part of the pitching module — but I think it’s a section worth pointing out for its unique value. The 90-Day Pitch Challenge encourages you to send 10 pitches per weekday — 600 total by the end of the challenge.

    It sounds like a lot — but that’s the point. Setting the goal to write and send tons of pitches forces you to get into the habit of brainstorming, researching publications and pitching. Plus, you’re bound to get at least a few yeses out of 600!

    The challenge includes a free Pitch Tracker spreadsheet so you can track where and what you’ve pitched, contact information and responses.

    This challenge is a good example of how 30DOL drives participants to action. You get a framework for action and the tools you need to succeed — you just have to commit to the work.

    Optional add-on: Facebook group for leads and support

    30DOL course participants have the option to purchase a $33-per-month membership subscription to the exclusive VA Leads Facebook group, where you can network with other freelancers, get support from Gina and her team and take advantage of shared client leads.

    The benefit of the additional price tag is the group is pretty small for an online community — fewer than 500 members when I checked. And you know everyone there is serious about making their freelance business work. That makes for focused and valuable discussion, and the intimate size gives you better access to career and course support.

    The membership also includes a free Flywheel WordPress hosting account, usually $15 to $30 per month.

    Pros and cons of 30 Days or Less to Freelance Writing Success

    My favorite aspect of 30 Days or Less to Freelance Writing Success is its focus on actionable advice. Every lesson includes explicit action steps, so you know how to apply what you’ve learned to building your freelance business.

    Most importantly, the advice in the course is sound. Gina shares action steps and exercises she used to find success as a writer, and I’ve had success with many of the same tactics throughout my career. It’s safe to say you’ll find freelance writing work by following the steps recommended in the course.

    I also like that the lessons are text-based, because it keeps the course simple and accessible. You can read them on any device. The course platform is easy to use on desktop or mobile, so it’s easy to bounce around among modules and mark them as completed when you want to.

    The biggest drawback to the course is it’s a lot of information to absorb as a new freelancer. It’s everything you need to know to run a freelance business and make it your main source of income. You could become overwhelmed if you try to tackle it all as you start freelancing, especially if you’re writing on the side of a full-time job.

    But the course is a trove of information and resources you’ll find valuable throughout your career. Once you sign up, you’ll have lifetime access to the course, so you could take it slow and revisit things like building your website and promoting your business when you’re further along.

    How much does 30 Days or Less to Freelance Writing Success cost?

    The course costs either a one-time payment of $297 or four monthly installments of $89 ($356 total). Registration gets you instant, lifetime access to all course modules and materials.

    Access to the VA Leads Facebook group (which includes free WordPress hosting) costs an additional $33 per month, and you can make your first payment when you register for the course.

    Is Gina Horkey legit?

    In a nutshell, yes! Gina Horkey is absolutely legit. She has shared her advice with The Write Life readers before, and we’re happy to recommend her course to anyone who wants to kickstart a freelance writing career.

    Gina has been working as a freelance writer, covering personal finance, freelancing and entrepreneurship, since 2014. Throughout the course, she’s transparent about her finances, sharing her early income wins and goals.

    She’s built a strong network around Horkey Handbook courses and resources, and her readers and students share glowing online reviews.

    If you’re not sure whether you’re ready to dive in, check out Gina’s article on becoming a freelance writer, including some worksheets to boost your writing business, to see what she has to offer.

    Bottom line of our 30 Days or Less to Freelance Writing Success review: Gina Horkey knows what it takes to launch a freelancing career from scratch, and she laid out the blueprint in 30DOL. 

    Following the action steps in the course will almost certainly get you freelance writing work. This online writing course might be a bit too comprehensive for side hustlers, but it’s well worth it if you’re ready to make writing your full-time job. It also makes a great gift for writers you might know who are serious about growing their careers.

    This post contains affiliate links. That means if you purchase through our links, you’re supporting The Write Life — and we thank you for that!

    The original version of this story was written by Cruz Santana. We updated the post so it’s more useful for our readers.

    Photo via GuadiLab / ShutterstockÂ