In this guest post, author and psychologist Dr. Paulette Kouffman Sherman, Ph.D., describes how to stay in the zone and succeed as a writer. 
First, a quip from Arthur Hailey on how to be a successful writer:
“I set myself 600 words a day as a minimum output, regardless of the weather, my state of mind or [...]

The panels of professional writers, agents, and editors were one of the best parts of the Surrey International Writer’s Conference. I love panels because they give you a great cross-section of experience and opinions. Here’s what I learned from one of the writers’ panels at this conference, in a Q & A format.
First, a quip from [...]

I’ve been writing for Suite101 since October 1, 2006, and I love it. To commemorate my two year anniversary (since I didn’t get a watch), I decided to round up the top 10 reasons freelance writers love writing for Suite101. 
First, a writing quip: 
“Writing is elemental,” says Natalie Goldberg in Wild Mind: Living the Writer’s Life. [...]

Next to writing a gripping introduction, ending your article, essay or book chapter could be one of the most important parts of your writing. That, and all the stuff in the middle, of course. Here, I’ve rounded up 5 types of conclusion.
First, a quip from writer Rita Mae Brown:
“Writing and money appear to be mutually [...]

Sometimes you’re so enmeshed in your writing, you can’t tell if you’ve improved, gotten worse, or are treading water! Here’s a list of qualities of excellent writers, to help you measure your writing progress and objectively and honestly assess your writing progress. 
First, a quip for writers from Doris Lessing: 
“Advice to young writers? Always the same [...]

Can you earn a living as a freelance writer? That depends on how much you want to earn, how you define “freelance writer”, and what you’re willing to do.
Here’s a writing quip from Robert Bly’s Secrets of a Freelance Writer: How to Make $100,000 a Year or More. (Click the book cover for more information about [...]

Here are 4 great questions from a “Quips & Tips” reader - they really are the foundation of how to earn a living as a freelance writer. She asked about writing successful query letters, finding writers’ guidelines, researching magazines, and taking writing classes. 
First, though a writing quip from Elmore Leonard: 
“I don’t believe in writer’s block,” [...]

Canadian author Margaret Atwood shares her writing advice and thoughts in Negotiating With the Dead: A Writer on Writing. Here, she describes the process of writing, becoming a writer, selling stories, and more.
First, of course, a writing quip from a famous published author:
“All writers must go from now to once a upon a time; all [...]

Writing at home all day seems ideal, but…it also opens you up to several common writing distractions, Luckily, I have several solutions!
I’m earning a living as a full-time freelance writer (I love that and can’t stop saying it, as I’m still a newbie), and thus have no stinky bus or car commute. I theoretically get [...]

If you’re a writer, you may feel isolated and alone - but you might like that. I do. However, to be a successful freelance writer who actually earns her keep as a wordsmith, you need to network. It’s business.
“Something of the hermit’s temper is an essential element in many forms of excellence, since it enables [...]