Search Results for: blog should you join a writers group

Homeschool Groups and Resources in Mississippi

Homeschool groups and resources exist to provide comradeship and support to other homeschoolers. They can be very important to a family’s success in homeschooling. Joining a homeschool network or support group in your area will make a difference in your homeschooling journey. This installment is for Mississippi. Christian Home Educators Connection of Mississippi The purpose of CHEC is to support and encourage home educators by providing information and opportunities for fellowship both educational and social. Christian Home Educators of Hattiesburg, Mississippi goal it is to provide spiritual and emotional support as well as enriching ministry, academic and recreational activities to … Continue reading →

Just Because You Can Write, Does That Mean You Should Teach?

There are a fair amount of freelance writers and those who are building writing businesses who visit our home business blog. Income from freelance writing can be sporadic and unpredictable and many writers try to find other, more regular and lucrative ways to supplement and build up their income. Some take journalism jobs with local or regional newspapers or magazines, and others take up teaching. But, the question hangs over us writers–just because we are good writers, will that make us good teachers? You’ve certainly heard the old adage, “Those who can’t…teach.” I don’t necessarily agree with that as I … Continue reading →

Author Interview: Leigh Bale (part five) The Importance of a Critique Group

Thank you for joining us for our fifth and final installment of our conversation with Leigh Bale, award-winning inspirational novelist. Click here to read parts one, two, three, and four. Leigh, you’ve mentioned the importance of having a critique group. How does your group influence your writing? My current critique partners are invaluable for helping make my books more marketable. One of my critique partners has been a dear friend of mine for over fifteen years. We knew each other before we were published, back when we were “wannabes” struggling to write the best possible book in the world. Now, … Continue reading →

For Freelance Writers–Do You Keep a Journal Too?

One of the most basic morsels of advice for writers is to keep a journal and many of us just seem to naturally carry a notebook or journal with us wherever we go. However, as we write more and more for pay as freelancers, we may find it harder to take the time to keep up with our journal writing too… Continuing to keep a journal while working on other writing projects and building a freelance writing business is a great way to generate ideas, work out new projects and just keep the “juices flowing” in terms of creative and … Continue reading →

Finding Other Freelance Writers

Writing is, by nature, a somewhat solitary and isolating profession. That said, we’ve talked before in this blog about the importance of networking with other writers and getting suggestions, encouragement, and advice from actual peers. But, where do we go to find other freelance writers to add to our sphere of influence? Web sites like this one are a good place to start. There are many online communities and forums dedicated to the world of freelance writing and, depending on your writing work and other interests–you will likely be able to find others who are working in a similar field … Continue reading →

Do You Have or Need a Portfolio?

Judging by some of the responses to other blogs, we have a fair amount of writers who visit our hallowed halls. Writers, artists, graphic designers, and other freelancers and consultants are often called upon to share samples of their work with prospective clients. However, assembling a portfolio can be a bit daunting–especially if you haven’t done it before. What is a portfolio, what should be in it and how is it best maintained? In general, a portfolio is a collection of samples of your work. For freelance journalist-style writers, we’re often asked to “submit clips” — which are really copies … Continue reading →

Should You Join a Writer’s Group?

I have met writers who belong to one or more “writer’s groups” where they find camaraderie and support for their writing endeavors. Some individuals absolutely swear by the process of reading out their work to other writers and getting comments and critique. From what I’ve been told, the added encouragement, networking and feeling like a “serious writer” are all reasons why people join and become involved in writer’s groups. While I’ve visited one or two, I myself do not belong to any and haven’t really been tempted to join. For me, it’s partly a matter of time—I just don’t have … Continue reading →

Hard to Find Homeschool Resource: Creative Writing

I recently asked homeschoolers what resources they were looking for but unable to find online. One response was that creative writing resources have been difficult to find. Apparently, homeschool students are looking for websites that cover Creative Writing. It is true that there isn’t much in the area of creative writing available for homeschoolers, but if you think out of the box you will still find some creative writing resources that you can use. Here is what I uncovered: The Crafty Writer’s Creative Writing Course can be a self led creative writing course or you can pay a small fee … Continue reading →

Back to the Bargaining Table

Could an end to both the Broadway stagehands and the Writers Guild of America strikes be in sight? In just a few hours striking stagehands and Broadway producers are going back to the bargaining table, exactly one week after the work stoppage began and less than a week before the start of the lucrative Thanksgiving holiday weekend when most plays and musicals rake in millions of dollars. According to representatives from both sides, negotiations will resume this weekend “at an undisclosed place and time.” The good news even prompted New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg to weigh in about the move. … Continue reading →

Writer’s Digest Magazine

Are you an aspiring author? Are you already published but seeking ways to hone your craft? One of the most valuable tools you will find to help you in your quest is “Writer’s Digest Magazine.” Each issue features a Brag Board, where readers can write in and share their accomplishments, such as finding an agent to represent them, getting their first article published, overcoming objections from friends and family to find success, etc. I find myself relating to much of what is said by the other readers and it gives me a feeling of unity. The magazine regularly includes a … Continue reading →