Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen is a full-time wordsmith and blogger in Vancouver, BC. Known as the Adventurous Writer, she created six "Quips and Tips" websites, and has written four "Quips and Tips" ebooks.
Two years ago, my agent stopped trying to sell my nonfiction book because the biggest publishing houses rejected it. Now, I’m sending a revised query letter to different literary agents because I really really want to write this book (under contract with a book publisher)! Back then, I was sorta relieved that a publisher didn’t [...]
Probably the best way to start selling articles is to spend 90% of your time preparing (sharpening your ax, as Abe Lincoln would say). These tips for new freelance writers range from preparation to execution, and are inspired by a reader’s question… “How would you recommend a newbie to start earning money from writing?” asks [...]
If you’re sick of being a “wannabee” writer and tired of wondering where your writing ability went, check out these tips for getting your groove back. They’re inspired by a reader who is both sick and tired… “I have wanted to write ever since I can remember, and I used to write an awful lot [...]
Just like one man’s trash is another’s treasure, my best writing tips may be your tripe. But can agree we’re tired of writing tips like “show, don’t tell” and “read voraciously”? Here’s a bit ‘o wisdom from a writer who just won the Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award (formerly the Dayton Literary Peace Prize Lifetime [...]
Even if you’re not an ESL student, these tips for finding the right words will improve your English writing skills… This article is inspired by a recent comment: “I’m an Asian student studying in a foreign country,” says Howard on How to Write Good Sentences and Paragraphs. “I’ve found out this year that my favorite [...]
Often, you need someone else to review your website or blog before you can improve it. This quick site review is from Chris of Really Simple Web, and it can help you improve your own blog or website. He gives away a free cut down version of his full site review to a few of his [...]
Want to start an inspirational or self-help blog? These tips are for bloggers who want to inspire and help readers, but aren’t quite sure where to start. They’re based on a question from a reader… “I just saw your biography in the August issue of Alive magazine and decided to check out your blog. I’m [...]
Maybe you don’t want Google Adsense ads on your blog, maybe Google banned you, or maybe you just want to find better products. If you want your blog to pay more than your hosting fees, these tips are for you! “Place your ads in such a way that they don’t turn readers off,” says Susan [...]
Even the most talented, creative, brilliant writers won’t go far unless they know how to overcome the discouragement of getting rejection after rejection! Talent and creativity isn’t nearly as important as stick-to-it-iveness. Here’s what one poet recently said: “Lately, I’ve been struggling with writer’s block with my poetry,” says M. on my Ask a Question [...]
Congratulations – a magazine editor is interested in publishing your article! But when do you ask about pay rates? These tips for freelancers are inspired by a reader’s question… “I’ve read several articles on this topic (pitching query letters) and am almost good to go,” says Laura on How to Pitch a Query Letter to Magazine [...]
