Halloween can be a great source of blog traffic or article ideas – if you can think of things to write about. These eight ideas for blog posts or magazine articles at Halloween go beyond the same old same old costumes, craft ideas, scary movies, etc…these ideas should prime the old Halloween pump for unusual twists on the usual nightmares!
Before [...]

These tips for interviewing people as sources or experts for articles are from a panel of experienced journalists, who recently spoke at a Writer’s Craft Fair hosted by the BC Association of Magazine Publishers.
Before the tips, a quip:
“Writing comes more easily if you have something to say.” – Sholem Asch.
One benefit of interviewing sources or experts [...]

The sooner you reduce the stress of freelance writing, the easier your writing life will be…and the more money you’ll make as a writer! These six tips will help you flow through the ups and downs of a writing career — even if you’re not earning a full-time living as a writer.
Before the tips, a quip:
“Sometimes [...]

These writing and editorial tips are from a senior editor I write for regularly – and they include some of the most frequent errors she sees in article submissions. Pay attention, fellow scribes, because even when you think you’ve got writing down to a fine art, there’s always more to learn!
“It is perfectly okay to [...]

These ten tips for recognizing great article ideas will help you focus your pitches and land more assignments, fellow scribes! Especially if you’re into magazine writing…
Before the tips, here’s a quip from this fantastic book about magazine writing:
“Editors frequently complain that freelance writers don’t study their publications before they submit unsolicited ideas and manuscripts,” write [...]

These tips for writing feature articles that sell are from one of my favorite writing books, The Portable Writer’s Conference: Your Guide to Getting Published. In it, there’s a great article by Donna Elizabeth Boetig – and she shares her secrets to great writing! 
Before the tips, here’s a writing quip:
“Fiction writing is lonely in a way most people [...]

It’s rare for writers to get an inside peek into the editor-in-chief’s job, so when I received this email from Terry-Lynn Stone, the big kahuna at British Columbia-based alive magazine, I jumped on the chance to share her writing tips with my fellow scribes! These tips are based on a writer who sent an email to the wrong person.
Before we [...]

Before you query an editor, make sure you can find expert sources for the magazine articles you want to write! Leading your article or query letter with a “real” story is a great way to hook readers (and editors). People love reading about other people – which means editors love articles that include compelling anecdotes.
Before the tips, a quip:
“I [...]

Writing an excellent first draft makes your revisions, editing, and rewriting much easier. This advice from published authors, full-time copywriters, and freelance writers will pave the way to an excellent first draft – even if you’re a professional published writer. 
First, a writing tip – because that’s what “quips and tips” is all about! 
In Writer Mama: [...]

These five different types of conclusions will help you write a great ending for your article, chapter, or book. Next to writing a gripping introduction, ending your 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.
First, a quip from writer [...]