Through this blog and visits to other blogs, I’ve met other aspiring freelance writers who have been friendly and helpful. Blogging is a wonderful networking tool, but lately I’ve been wanting to expand to meeting other freelance writers who also live in California. So I called my local newspaper and discovered that there was a non-fiction writing group right here in my city. I was ecstatic! When I called the contact they gave me, I was told that the group is “on hiatus.” I was very disappointed since I was looking forward to a chance to meet and network with other local writers face-to-face.

So I ventured to check out local seminars and workshops but found that most of them focused on fiction writing. I was more interested in non-fiction, commercial, business writing. I’m still searching for the right seminar and workshop.

Have you been to a commercial writing workshop or seminar in California or in another state? If so, can you offer any recommendations?

Author of “The Well-Fed Writer” Peter Bowerman just started a blog. His book and blog offer wonderful tips for aspiring freelancers. Check it out!

In keeping with the spirit of this month’s “Write Till You Drop” (WTYD) theme, check out my recently published article on AC:

Inexpensive Ways to Transform Your Living Space into a Green Home

Please feel free to view, rate, or leave feedback.

I just discovered that my ultimate writing idol has a blog - Mr. Bob Bly! He is the epitome of a true freelance writer. I know, I know, he’s had a blog since 2005, but I’ve only read his first book about 5 months ago and I’ve admired his writing skills and business acumen since then. He has a series of books on how to become a successful freelance writer and apparently has a blog, too, which I’ve added to my Blogroll. Sweet!

 

The idea of writing to publish can be overwhelming for a writer. Sometimes there’s doubt and fear and questions - Does my article sound foolish? Do I sound like an amateur? Does my lead work well to grab the reader’s interest? Does my ending seem convoluted or is it just me? Will people laugh at my work? Is this really good enough to publish? Putting yourself out there can seem scary, but the fact of the matter is that you’ll never know unless your craft is practiced and perfected reguarly. As the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

There are many ways to build self-confidence when it comes to writing. For one, I studied Journalism in college and this was a great place to hone my writing skills. So I would recommend taking a few English or Journalism classes to develop your skills. In addition, there are literary writing groups that may be available in your local area or online (i.e. writing.com) that evaluate the work of writers of all levels and genres. These groups will give you a support group that can serve as your source of guidance, information, and networking. For aspiring newswriters, I would highly recommend looking into your small local newspapers and magazines. They are great starting places because you have the opportunity to sit and meet with your editor, one-on-one, to review, proofread, and check your article for accuracy. I started with a small local press and am so glad that I did because it was the best “classroom” I’ve ever been in.

These are just a few ideas to get over the fears of publishing. The only thing to remember is to simply write and write more if you want to be a successful writer. The more you write, the more confident you will become in yourself and your writing.