Posts Tagged ‘writing course’
Writing like a rock star
Think back to your teen years. What sort of music did you listen to? Country? Ballads? Jazz? Rock? Regardless, you probably supported your favorite musicians by purchasing their albums and hanging goofy-looking posters on your wall. You listened to their amazing tunes for hours on end, wishing you could step into the singer’s shoes for one, brief, magical moment.
Pause to think about your favorite musician. What was it about him (or her) that you wanted to emulate? Here’s what I liked about some of my favorites:
- They paid their dues. Many sang back-up for years or played small venues before “making it big.”
- They were fearless. They stood on that stage and sang/played their hearts out.
- They were talented. Not just a little talented, but over-the-top skilled. They didn’t stand up there half-singing. They gave it their all!
- They had a certain “sparkle and shine.” They stood out above other artists because they had something special.
- They were “known.” All I had to do was say the name of the artist or group—Kansas, Styx, James Taylor, Billy Joel, Janis Ian, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Queen—and everyone knew who you were talking about.
These musicians stood the test of time. They weren’t just flash-in-the-pan artists.
Now think about these things in light of your writing. Most of us set out to write that first book thinking we’ll be famous. We hear the words “pay your dues” and pray they don’t apply to us. We’re not willing to play the small venues (i.e. write for the church newsletter, compose blog entries, etc.). We want to jump straight to the big time. More often than not, we’re not ready. We should follow the lead of our musical superstars and work, work, work our way up the ladder. We need to take writing courses, go to conferences and lean heavily on our critique partners.
We have a lot to learn when it comes to being fearless, too. Oh, sure…we say we’re bold. We say we’re brave. But when the rubber meets the road—say, we have an opportunity to sit across from an editor or agent at a conference—we shake in our boots. It’s time to stand straight and tall. Summon up the courage to see this thing through from start to finish.
Our musical stars inspire us with their talent, but great talent doesn’t just happen. Most of us have to work hard to learn the craft. Writers grow into their talent with extensive training.
Sure, rock stars sparkle and shine. They’re in the spotlight, after all. But, what about you? What sets you apart from the crowd? Do you have that little something extra? Writers set themselves apart by using strong verbs and writing tight, brilliant stories and articles.
One final thing in closing: being “known” is great—and many writers have achieved that sort of success. But consider the fact that most writing is done in solitude. We’re not in front of the cameras or the lights, singing our hearts out. We’re sitting in front of a computer screen, pounding out words, then paragraphs, then whole stories.
My advice for the day? Be a rock star! Strive to be the very best you can be.
Tags: How To Be A Freelance Writer, how to begin writing, online writing courses, writing course, writing courses online, writing skills, writing tips
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Ten No-Brainer Writing Choices
Oy, the life of the wannabe writer! The ups, the downs, the in-betweens. Maybe you can relate. You come into it convinced you’ll be the next bestseller. Day One: You’re seated in the chair, banging away at the computer. Day Two: You’re slightly distracted by a good friend, who invites you to lunch. Day Three: You’re facing the blank screen, struggling with writer’s block. Day Four: You’re suddenly wondering what ever made you think you could write in the first place. Day Five: You decide you’d rather go to culinary school.
If you’re trying to figure out how to begin writing, start by making a few simple, no-brainer, choices:
- CHOICE ONE: Keep your rear in the chair. I know, I know! It’s so tempting to get up and leave the room. To stop mid-stream. To watch TV. Don’t! Stay put. Pound your way through the writer’s block. Keep writing, even if you have to put a steady stream of S’s on the page.
- CHOICE TWO: Find an accountability partner. Choose someone who will call you routinely and ask tough questions…questions like, “What’s your word count?” “How’s that magazine article coming?”
- CHOICE THREE: Start with short pieces. Many writers give up early on because they tackle projects that are simply too large.
- CHOICE FOUR: Begin your day with creative writing exercises. You’ll tease your muse and stir up your imagination in the process.
- CHOICE FIVE: Hang out with other writers. Nothing will motivate you more than spending time with others who love the craft. If you’re writing articles, find other article writers to hang out with. If you’re a novelist, learn alongside other novelists.
- CHOICE SIX: Start a blog or keep a journal. Doing so will keep you writing every day. Writing in a routine manner such as this will be the equivalent of pouring water from a magical flask. The more you pour, the fuller the flask.
- CHOICE SEVEN: Consider taking a class at your local junior college or perhaps a few online writing courses. Remember, all writers are on a learning curve. Acknowledge your need to learn then do all you can to develop your skills.
- CHOICE EIGHT: Set clear, concise goals. You might not hit all of them, but you’ll come closer if you actually set them.
- CHOICE NINE: Go to a conference but choose wisely. Some focus on fiction only. These won’t be of any help to you if you’re a magazine freelancer.
- CHOICE TEN: Don’t give up. Think about the great writers from days gone by. If Louisa May Alcott had given up, we wouldn’t have Little Women. If Charles Dickens had given up, we couldn’t enjoy A Tale of Two Cities. If Jane Austen had given up, millions of women around the world couldn’t sigh over Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. You get the idea. Whatever stories or articles lie inside of you will be nothing but ideas if you give up. Project ahead to those readers you’ve not yet met. Don’t deprive them of the great things they could one day read.
That’s it for today, writers! Read over these ten choices again and make up your mind to do everything you can to stay the course.
Tags: freelance writing, freelance writing courses, how to begin writing, ideas for writers, online writing courses, writing course, writing courses online, writing tips
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Get a head start on honing your skills and learning to market yourself as a freelance writer. Gift certificates can be redeemed for any of our online courses or instructor led courses. They can even be redeemed for our upcoming 2011 Writer’s Retreat.
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Tags: make money writing, market your writing, writing course, writing course gift certificates, writing skills
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U.N.I.Q.U.E. – Finding Your Place in the Writing Industry as a Christian Writer
If you are a Christian writer who feels led by God to use your writing talent to touch the hearts of others, but you’re not sure about how to go about finding your “UNIQUE” place in the often overwhelming world of the writing industry, THIS COURSE IS FOR YOU.
In this course by author Janice Thompson, Christian writers will discover their “fit” in the publishing industry using the word U.N.I.Q.U.E. as an acronym.
Lesson One - U: Understand
You will gain a better Understanding of where and how you fit into the industry.
Lesson Two - N: Natural
The exercises in this lesson will help you learn to consistently do what comes naturally with the gift God has given you.
Lesson Three – I: Individual
Find your UNIQUE voice as a Christian writer by staying true to yourself and true to your calling.
Lesson Four - Q: Quantity
Learn to manage your time and set your priorities. Your success is dependent on knowing how much is too much, and when to say ‘NO’.
Lesson Five - U: Unstoppable
Take a lesson from Noah on perseverance. This industry can be tough, but with determination, perseverance, and the Lord at your side, you will succeed.
Lesson Six - E: Ego
In this lesson, Janice will teach you how to deal with the highs and lows of the writing business.
This course will help you establish a solid foundation and focus for your Christian writing efforts.
Each lesson includes a Download MP3 audio file and PDF Download Worksheets
SIX MP3 audio lessons from full time freelance author, Janice Thompson, including worksheets for only $47.
Start learning to use your gift as a Christian writer today by clicking on the BUY NOW button below.
Tags: christian writing, Inspirational Writing, writing course
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