Forget the old-school image of a lonely writer toiling away in a dimly lit room. (Well, maybe not…)

via GIPHY

ProWritingAid is like having a brilliant, supportive, and endlessly patient writing mentor right at your fingertips. It’s not just about catching typos (though it does that REALLY well!). It’s about helping you understand the nuances of language, refine your style, and craft stories that connect with your readers on a deeper level.

We all have blind spots in our writing. Maybe you overuse certain words, or your sentence structures tend to be a bit monotonous. ProWritingAid shines a light on those areas, giving you the insights you need to improve. It’s like having a fresh pair of eyes—a super-powered, AI-driven pair of eyes—reviewing your work and offering constructive criticism.

Imagine this: You’ve just finished writing the most important chapter of your novel, a killer blog post, or a pitch that could land you your dream job. Before you send it off, you run it through ProWritingAid. Suddenly, you’re getting feedback on everything from grammar and spelling to pacing, tone, and even the emotional impact of your words. You can see exactly where your writing is strong and where it needs a little extra polish.

Why ProWritingAid (vs. Other Tools like Grammarly)

So, how does ProWritingAid compare to other writing tools, like Grammarly? It really comes down to what you need as a writer. Grammarly is great at identifying grammatical issues and offers a clean, user-friendly interface. Many find Grammarly to be more accurate in its recommendations. And it is 100% my go-to first line of defense for typos. However, ProWritingAid offers more helpful tips to improve the flow and readability of writing.

Here’s a quick look:

What Makes ProWritingAid So Special?

• AI-Powered Brains: This isn’t just about grammar. ProWritingAid’s AI algorithms analyze your writing style, identify areas for improvement, and suggest better word choices.
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• Learn By Doing: ProWritingAid doesn’t just tell you what’s wrong; it explains why and shows you how to improve your writing.
• More Than Just Words: Tools help you enhance story structure, pacing, and character development.
• Your Words are Safe: With bank-level security, ProWritingAid keeps your writing confidential.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

• With so many features and reports, it can feel a little overwhelming at first. But don’t worry! Just take it one step at a time. Who said you have to know everything all at once?
• You’ll need to invest a little time to learn how to use ProWritingAid effectively. But trust me, the results are worth it.
• ProWritingAid is an investment in your writing career. And with the 25% off sale, it’s a no-brainer!

Ready to Transform Your Writing?

If you’re ready to take your writing to the next level and embrace the power of AI, ProWritingAid is the perfect partner. It’s not just a tool; it’s a coach, a mentor, and a source of inspiration—all rolled into one.

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Click here to snag ProWritingAid at 25% off before the sale ends!

The post ProWritingAid: When You Want to Write Better (25% Off Sale!) appeared first on Freelance Writing Jobs.

It can be fascinating to see how horror reflects our deepest fears and anxieties, prompting introspection. Even though I may not enjoy the chills, I can appreciate the craft behind it—how writers manipulate emotions and leave us on edge, whether we scream or simply admire their skill.

And since it’s Halloween, I thought I’d share this list of some of the best authors in these genres, along with recommended books that showcase their unique styles and contributions. You may not see the usual suspects here, but based on peer research (thank you, Reddit), the names on this list are the real deal.

Whether you’re a badge-wearing horror aficionado or a newcomer seeking chills, Happy Halloween!

Must-Read Horror and Thriller Authors

Stephen King

The “King of Horror,” Stephen King has penned over 60 novels and numerous short stories, many of which have been adapted into films and miniseries. His works often explore themes of childhood, trauma, and the supernatural.

Recommended Books:

• The Shining: A psychological horror novel about a family isolated in a haunted hotel.
• It: A chilling tale of a shape-shifting entity that preys on children in a small town.
• Misery: A suspenseful story about an author held captive by his “number one fan.”

Confession: While I love The Stand, Pet Sematary scarred me for life…

Shirley Jackson

Known for her psychological horror and unsettling narratives, Shirley Jackson’s work often delves into themes of isolation and societal norms.

Recommended Books:

• The Haunting of Hill House: A classic haunted house story that examines fear and the unknown. Truly haunting, this one.
• We Have Always Lived in the Castle: A gothic tale about two sisters living in isolation after a family tragedy.
• The Lottery: A short story that critiques conformity through a disturbing ritual in a small town.

Clive Barker

Clive Barker is celebrated for his imaginative horror that blends fantasy with terror. His writing often features vivid imagery and complex characters. I have to admit, he really does paint horrific pictures.

Recommended Books:

• Hellbound Heart: The novella that inspired the Hellraiser film series, exploring themes of desire and pain.
• Cabal: A dark fantasy novel about a man who discovers a hidden city inhabited by monsters.
• Imajica: An epic tale that intertwines multiple worlds and explores themes of love and redemption.

Dean Koontz

Dean Koontz is known for his suspenseful novels that often incorporate elements of science fiction and fantasy. His characters frequently face moral dilemmas amidst thrilling plots. He’s one of the writers who’s not too deep in the horror genre, in my opinion, so if you’re a bit like me, then his books are a good place to start.

Recommended Books:

• Intensity: A gripping thriller about a woman who becomes embroiled in a serial killer’s plans.
• Watchers: A blend of horror and science fiction featuring a genetically engineered creature.
• Odd Thomas series: Follows a young man with the ability to see the dead, blending humor with supernatural elements.

Peter Straub

An accomplished author and frequent collaborator with Stephen King, Peter Straub’s works often explore the intersection of horror and psychological depth.

Recommended Books:

• Ghost Story: A haunting tale about four friends whose past comes back to haunt them.
• Shadowland: A novel that blends fantasy with horror, exploring themes of magic and loss.
• The Talisman (with Stephen King): A gripping journey through parallel worlds filled with danger.

Edgar Allan Poe

Considered one of the pioneers of the horror genre, Edgar Allan Poe’s works are characterized by their exploration of death, madness, and the macabre. I know I said I am not a fan of horror, but Poe is the exception.

Recommended Books:

• The Tell-Tale Heart: A short story that delves into guilt and paranoia following a murder.
• The Fall of the House of Usher: A gothic tale about decay, family secrets, and madness.
• The Masque of the Red Death: A symbolic story about the inevitability of death amidst lavish excess.

My personal favorite: The Cask of Amontillado, a grotesque tale of friendship, perceived insults, and revenge

Ramsey Campbell

A British author known for his psychological horror, Ramsey Campbell’s writing often focuses on character-driven narratives steeped in atmosphere.

Recommended Books:

• The Doll Who Ate His Mother: A bizarre tale exploring obsession and madness.
• The Influence: A chilling story about an artist haunted by supernatural forces.
• The Grin of the Dark: A novel that examines fear through the lens of cinema and performance.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia

An emerging voice in contemporary horror, Silvia Moreno-Garcia blends cultural elements with traditional horror tropes to create unique narratives.

Recommended Books:

• Mexican Gothic: Set in 1950s Mexico, this novel combines gothic elements with social commentary on colonialism.
• Gods of Jade and Shadow: A dark fantasy inspired by Mexican mythology featuring themes of death and rebirth.
• The Beautiful Ones: While not strictly horror, it incorporates supernatural elements within a romantic framework.

Grady Hendrix

Known for his humorous yet terrifying approach to horror, Grady Hendrix often pays homage to pop culture while delivering fresh narratives. I haven’t read him, but if I were to pick up something in the genre, I’d go for his books, based on the three below alone.

Recommended Books:

• Horrorstör: A satirical take on IKEA-style furniture stores with a supernatural twist.
• My Best Friend’s Exorcism: A blend of 80s nostalgia and horror centered around friendship and demonic possession.
• Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires: Explores suburban life through the lens of vampire lore.

Catriona Ward

Catriona Ward has quickly become known for her innovative storytelling in contemporary horror. Her narratives often challenge conventional genre boundaries.

Recommended Books:

• The Last House on Needless Street: An unsettling tale that plays with perspective while unraveling dark secrets.
• Little Eve: A gothic thriller exploring themes of cults, family loyalty, and survival against sinister forces.

Ready to Snuggle Up and Get Spooky?

This list is just a glimpse of the amazing talent out there in the horror and thriller genres. Each author has their own unique voice that really draws you in, creating stories that truly resonate. Whether you’re in the mood for heart-pounding psychological tension or eerie supernatural scares, there’s something here for you.

I invite you to dive into their recommended works and find thrilling and chilling experiences that will stick with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Happy reading!

P.S. If you do pick up a book or two, let me know what you think, all right?

The post Halloween Reading List: Horror and Thriller Legends appeared first on Freelance Writing Jobs.

One of the buzzwords in the past year or is mental health. Given what we are dealing with, this comes as no surprise.

So, my question to you today is this: How are you taking care of your mental health these days?

Buzzword designation aside, even before this pandemic, mental health was already an important issue. Now, even more so.

What exactly is mental health, though?

MentalHealth.gov defines it as:

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

It also identifies contributing factors such as:

• Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
• Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
• Family history of mental health problems

Now that we are all on the same page about what mental health means, let’s talk about how we can nourish ourselves in this regard.

One more thing, though — if you think you need professional help, I urge you to look for a psychiatrist online. It may be cliche at this point, but there is nothing wrong with asking for help. It may literally save your sanity or your life.

Let me just say that I do talk to my psychiatrist via Zoom regularly, but if you do not want to seek professional help, then allow me to share some simple things that have helped me take care of my mental health aside from talk therapy.

Journaling

I won’t pretend that I do this every day, and truth be told, I usually write when I am feeling down or overwhelmed. Or extremely happy. As writers, though, I think we can all agree that writing our thoughts and feelings is cathartic. This is especially true if you are not the “sharing type”. What we can’t tell others, we can tell our journals.

Get enough sleep

Getting enough quality sleep is one of my biggest challenges. I used to be a night owl and I am an insomniac. So, you can imagine just how difficult it is to get enough sleep and sleep soundly. One thing that I have found helpful is establishing a nighttime routine.

Try to go to bed at the same time every night. Of course, there would be exceptions, but training your body — and more so your mind — to go on sleep mode at a certain time every night goes a long way.

Other practical things to help you with this:

• Diffuse lavender essential oil. If you have a diffuser, turn it on an hour before bedtime. Lavender is known for its calming properties.
• Take a warm shower.
• Dim the lights and read a little if you want.
• Turn all digital devices off (or on Do Not Disturb/Silent mode) and place them where you cannot reach them till morning.

That last bit will help you get to sleep AND stay asleep. I can’t count the times I woke up in the middle of the night to check my email on the phone. Unhealthy!

Avoid sugar

My downfall…sweets.

Cake, ice cream, chocolate, cookies — anything sweet, I’ll eat it. And not in small amounts. When I am stressed, I tend to “sweet eat” my way to oblivion.

Sugar is not bad in moderation, I think. Some studies have shown, however, that sugar may contribute to mental health issues such as depression, addiction, and anxiety. Even learning and memory!

What to do?

Try not to stock up on sweets. Forget buying that cake or tub of ice cream for “emergencies”. Get dark chocolate instead. But, do not deprive yourself. Treat yourself once in a while. Deprivation only leads to bingeing.

Talk to friends and family

You know that friend/family member who does not communicate regularly? That friend who sends a message or calls once in a blue moon.

That’s me.

Here’s the thing. When you are not in a good place emotionally or mentally, and you don’t feel like talking to anyone, that’s probably the time you really need to. Even if you have to drag yourself by the back of your neck and send a “Hey”.

Yoga and meditation

I’ve already mentioned this once (or twice) in the past, and if it’s not your thing, then skip this part. But if you want to give it a try, I suggest checking out Adriene Mishler. She’s a yoga teacher (among other things) who shares free yoga videos on YouTube. I used to pay for a yoga app, but when I discovered Adriene (thanks to my sister) a couple of years ago, I never looked back. Aside from the physical exercise, the “letting go of things that do not serve you” mental exercises have been a lifesaver.

Take a break

And I mean a real break. There was a time when I worked 12-14 hours a day, seven days a week. You can imagine how that worked out for me.

If you’re living that life, please, take a break. Weekends without checking your work email or writing/editing/whatever you do for work. If that’s not possible, take at least Sunday or half of Saturday off. The important thing is that you give yourself permission to detach from work and immerse yourself in things that you enjoy (that is not work!). Can you promise to try?

Your turn

There you have it. This is how I have been taking care of my mental health. How about you?

Let’s help each other. Add yours to the list by leaving a comment below.

The post How Are You Taking Care of Your Mental Health These Days? appeared first on Freelance Writing Jobs.

That doesn’t mean to say that it’s always going to be an easy path. Whether you require assistance with mobility, experience a chronic illness, or coexist with neurodivergent traits there are aspects of freelance life that represent hurdles. However, as with any challenge, the key to overcoming these is with knowledge and resources.

That’s why we’re going to take some time to review what it means to freelance with a disability. What are some strategies can you use to make the journey a positive one on your own terms?

Consider Your Workflow

One of the main aspects to understand about freelancing is that work is feast or famine. When you’re living with a disability this might affect various areas of your life. For instance, if you’ve previously qualified for Medicare coverage you can still utilize it while working, but your eligibility might fluctuate depending on your income. Indeed, the premiums for Medicare part B, which pays for outpatient care and doctor’s appointments are tied to your income. So you also need to be cognizant of how your ability to remain productive affects the services you might rely on.

This has to extend to your relationships with clients, too. You know better than anyone else how the daily challenges you face affect your workflow. This might be from a general day-to-day operating level or the potential for periodic issues to arise. As a freelancer, there is no requirement for you to discuss this with your clients, as might be expected in a traditional space.

However, your clients will also have certain expectations about the work that is required and the deadlines it’ll need to be completed by. As such, if there is potential for occasional disruption there can be some benefit to a degree of openness here.

Most of all, these considerations have to revolve around being kind to yourself. There is too often a tendency for freelancers to push themselves too hard to maintain a high level of productivity. The potential for burnout is significant, and you’ll benefit from considering in advance what methods you use to co-exist with your disability every day can be applied and adapted to your freelance workflow. Make sure that there is space to manage client expectations and attend to your own needs.

Build Safety Nets

It’s important to understand that freelancing with a disability doesn’t necessarily make the path any more precarious. Each freelancer needs to take time to understand the risks associated with their venture and build appropriate safety nets to mitigate potential issues. As such, you may need to factor the specifics of freelancing with a disability into your preparations.

The best way to do this is by being honest and cognizant of your personal challenges. Take time to write down how tasks might be affected — this can be through a simple list or something more active like a mind map. You should also then commit some research to the external factors that affect your disability and freelancing.

Become more familiar with the operation of your Medicare program. Do a deep dive into the specifics of income limitations, find out how your medical savings account (MSA) might be affected by your switch to freelancing. Consider elements such as labor protections — is there scope under the Americans with Disabilities Act to prevent discrimination?

You can then use this information to inform the types of safety nets that you can start building for yourself. These don’t have to be complicated, but making plans can not just mitigate potential problems but also prevent you from becoming overwhelmed by the prospect. The freelancing life is unpredictable; that’s important to accept. But you are not powerless. Make sure that you’re not selling yourself short during bidding and pitching so that you can direct some income into savings programs and health accounts. Arrange your support network so that you have assistance on any particularly rough days — this might even include your clients themselves. Whatever your plan, formalize it so that you can make better use of it.

Address Business Challenges

Freelancing often gets a reputation of being the same as regular employment, except that you’re operating from home. In reality, it is closer to running your own business. As such, you need to understand and actively engage with what the challenges of being a business owner with a disability can be, and how to adapt to them.

One aspect to consider is that as a freelancer, the people you work with are likely to be classified as your clients rather than your employers. As such, the accommodations that you may have been provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act in the workplace may not be applicable here. Rather, what would usually be an expectation may have to evolve into a negotiation. If there is specialized equipment or working methodologies that help you to be productive, you’ll need to discuss why your clients should contribute to this. While they may certainly have some ethical responsibility, they don’t have a legal obligation. Understanding how to communicate these accommodations as worthwhile investments can be a positive approach.

As an independent business owner, you’ll also generally find that financing is a challenge. This can be pronounced when you’re transitioning from disability benefits to full-time freelancing. In the beginning, it is less likely to be an issue. Indeed, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) system is organized to support entrepreneurs to some extent. This benefit is income-based, and there are Trial Work Period TWP and Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) programs that allow you to maintain stability for between nine and 36 months. However, this also makes it imperative to make a business plan that helps you prepare for the end of these periods.

Conclusion

Freelancing with a disability can be a great way to take control of your career. However, to get the best out of it you must pay attention to your workflow and put in place any safety nets that you feel you need. Remember that by treating your career as a business, you are empowering yourself to be a successful contributor to the freelance writing industry.

The post Freelancing With a Disability: What You Need to Know appeared first on Freelance Writing Jobs.

The Italians call it “La Dolce Far Niente” which means “the sweetness of doing nothing.” And it was a concept one author learned while watching Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love. The scene was set in a barbershop in Rome. Julia and her newfound friend are scarfing down napoleons while the men of Italy are educating them on the ways of the Italian.

One of the male characters begins his diatribe about how the Americans’ idea of relaxing is working themselves to the bone all week just so they can lay around in their pajamas on weekends, drink six-packs of Miller Light, and watch other people live their lives on TV. He then presents to the audience the concept of la dolce far niente, or the sweetness of doing nothing.

The character goes on to explain that Italians may wander home after a few hours of working to take a nap, they may be inspired by a nearby cafe and sit down to have a glass of wine, they may go home and make love to their wife. And that scene was still compelling. As far as that author was concerned. 

Another author mentioned that in her country in India they have a version for this called “Shunya.” It is a literal translation that means “zero” but in essence, it means “nothingness.” 

While I have something to say about how my experience of Europe and Rome was, let us park that thought for a moment and allow me to take you to this island in Southeast Asia I call home. Mabuhay and welcome to the Philippines.

You may have read somewhere that the Philippines is composed of some 7,000 plus islands, the numbers depending on whether our seas are experiencing low tide or high tide.

The Art of Doing Nothing

The first time I encountered “The Art of Doing Nothing” was through a coffee table book found lying around Sonya’s Garden. Sonya’s Garden is located in Alfonso, Cavite and was originally a bed and breakfast place. In order to get there, you pass by this volcano sitting inside a lake and another volcano called Taal Volcano. Sonya’s Garden also serves as a wedding place and a retreat place where they offer meditation, yoga, and other restful activities for the busy Filipino (particularly the busy Manila dweller which was what I also was at that time). The year was 2010.

I was there with colleagues, we had a weekend outing slash planning for our small tech startup company. They were mostly friends who are board of directors of the company and I was the president. It was our first time to see profits in our little company and we were all very happy. I was running the company for six to seven years then and felt it to be a celebratory event. I just finished a life coaching program and was all about creating a strong vision for the company.

My thoughts were racing to… “Where do we take this next, a vision will drive us there. Now that we have a greater reach in the Philippines, how about the world.” But, my major board members, on the other hand, was more concerned about systems inside the company, how we can clean up the records and how can divide the profits while the company is still earning. We have two opposing points of view, mine was as my friends would call it “too pure” and theirs was more practical. Neither was right or wrong, it was just what it was back then.

Seeing that coffee table book about “The Art of Doing Nothing” did not make any sense to me.

My thoughts were racing for a vision so I can take the company somewhere while the technology we were offering was something of value. My mind was all about what to do next.

That happened ten years ago and that book was imprinted on my mind up to now. We closed that company some four years ago. My board members were contented with the results. It was a good thirteen-year run for me. But I know it was bittersweet for me thinking maybe there was something I could have done better. Wondering where that better is. Looking at it back then, it was just is. There were things I didn’t know and had to learn to get me to the version of the now that I have.

For two or three years, I was doing what I would call “odd jobs.” Because it was too painful to go back to startups and anything related to going digital or technology. Even if startup and trying out new things have been part of what I have been involved with for the past twenty or so years.

Read: Have you Hit the Wall of Freelance Writer Burnout? How to Deal with It

I was tired of goals and going after it and then creating more goals. I was tired of running after dreams. Chasing after dreams is just too tiring. Instead of “Being,” it just feels like “Doing” is the easier alternative. I felt like I was being reduced to a “Human Doing” rather than a “Human Being.” And beingness I told myself back then was something I cannot afford because it does not pay the bills. “I have no time for this,” said the person who no longer dreams or longs for something thinking that she already fulfilled a dream that she had in her twenties.

For two or three years, I just did not know where I was going or what I was doing. What I had was a feeling of what I think I want to go to but it felt like it does not exist yet. Where the eff in the world do you find it? It’s not like you can buy inspiration packed as a Buy One, Take One in a grocery or a supermarket.

Something memorable came to me in March 2017, after a seminar called 8th Intensive. To briefly describe that seminar… they talk and do concepts like Ikegai, movement, meditation, to briefly skim over 3 days of activities done over a weekend. While everybody had this life-changing discovery, I, on the other hand, just didn’t want to move. I was still participating but I did not want to move.

Discovering Meditation

It was after that weekend that out of nowhere an Abraham Hicks link popped out on my YouTube recommendations. I can talk about who Esther Hicks and Abraham in detail later on, maybe. I remember this event clearly because all I watched on YouTube at that time were clips about K-Drama and K-Pop idols. What struck me out of listening to all these random Abraham Hicks upload every night before going to sleep was that part how Esther Hicks would take some 15 to 20-minutes in what she calls “meditation” – just closing her eyes and listening to the sound of an air conditioner. Then she talks about how it raises the frequency and be in vibrational alignment.

She does not make sense if you listen to her. If, after this, you go to YouTube and you listen to her and do not resonate with what she is saying, I would understand. I just wanted to mention where I got that “15 to 20-minutes” of listening to background noise (air conditioner in her case, electric fan sounds or the outside traffic, in my case) is the most “Doing Nothing” I did in the forty-three years I am on earth. And I started doing it in 2017.

This is how I do “Doing Nothing.” It is a slight variation from the Esther Hicks version but it still has that 15 minutes of sitting or lying in a comfortable position, closing your eyes and doing nothing. There are days when it feels really peaceful. And there will be days when your internal mental chatter would keep on talking incessantly.

I use an app called “Meditation Timer.” There’s nothing more soothing as a Tibetan bowl that rings every time “the time is up.” It is my own need because blaring ringtones are close to giving me a heart attack.

I set it to 30 seconds preparation time.

15 minutes of meditation time.

And then a 1 minute after meditation lingering around after meditating time. I do this every morning upon waking up.
I have programmed the Meditation timer app to ring every 5 minutes and do one yin yoga pose for every 5 minutes. These poses are:

Savasana (just lying down)

Source

Sphinx (lying on your stomach with your chest and head up)

Source

Butterfly (legs folded in butterfly position as you move your chest and head towards your feet). 

Source

In the span of 15 minutes, I listen to my mental chatter or I just savor the sounds and the darkness.

After the meditation, sometimes I jump out of bed and get on with my day. Sometimes I stay in bed and get back to sleep. Sometimes I write some 3-pages of whatever comes up on a journal (it can be feelings, it can be thoughts, it can be ideas. Anything goes).

For those who have no background in meditation and are beginners to this thought, you can reduce your meditation time to 2 to 5 minutes on your first week. And then gradually increase in the next weeks or months as you get into the habit. Another app I can suggest and I found useful when I was just beginning with mediation was Headspace.

Fast forward to May 7, 2020 … I am just starting with freelance writing and I have been in quarantine in Manila since March 15. I started the day with the 15-minute meditation or “my time to do nothing.”

It was just darkness. I did not want to jump out of bed today. A part of me was saying I should be “writing professionally” but I know I will be sharing something deeply personal.

I do not want to share the personal stuff. It is too painful. I can get defensive and I might defend myself to death while writing because I do not want to go back to that part of my life where I felt I was a failure. Then a little voice just said “But what if somebody is going through something and needed to hear this right now. Would you deprive them of this message?”

And so here I am.

I know there are a lot of write-ups and articles out there telling you why it is a good idea to meditate. All I can say is “Just try.”

Meditation for me is about listening to that tiny voice that gets drowned out in the “shoulds.” It is in that clarity of what the fear is about. It is also in the getting to a place of silence and getting in touch with a Self that is true to me and unique only to me. Just like you have a Self that is also true to you and unique only to you. A place devoid of belief systems and popular world views.

I would say that getting into the habit of “doing nothing” is not something you “should” do. It is something you can explore and try out for yourself. What I have shared is something that works for me. There are tons of information out there. You can try what I do or try out some other method or technique. I would recommend that you go explore and find out what works for you. I do not profess to be someone who knows everything.

If this piece of writing sparked a certain something in you, please feel free to comment. Let this be a space of sharing and learning as we allow ourselves to connect to our own light.

And with that, I end with… The teacher in me honors the teacher in you. The light in me honors the light in you. There is great love here and for now… Namaste.

The post Why Freelance Writers Should Learn the Art of Doing Nothing appeared first on Freelance Writing Jobs.

If you want to attend the conference but you don’t have the financial means to do so, it’s not too late to apply for a sponsorship. We’ve got two to share with you. The first one is due tomorrow, so get writing!

The Lisa Jackson Scholarship

The Lisa Jackson Scholarship is designed to help someone who is struggling financially attend The Killer Nashville Writers’ Conference. Funds will be awarded to authors who demonstrate need in an essay format. The money will be used to pay for attendance to the conference, breakout sessions, a critique, and lodging on a case-needed basis. Write a 500-word essay that illustrates your financial need and why you want to attend the Killer Nashville Writers’ Conference. Scholarships will be awarded by July 31, 2016. The conference is from August 18-21, 2016 and is being held at the Embassy Suites Nashville South Cool Springs. Deadline: July 1, 2016. For entry details, see here.

The Jimmy Loftin Memorial Scholarship

The Jimmy Loftin Memorial Scholarship is designed to help someone who is struggling financially attend The Killer Nashville Writers’ Conference. Funds will be awarded to authors who demonstrate need in an essay format. The money will be used to pay for attendance to the conference, breakout sessions, a critique, and lodging on a case-needed basis. Write a 500-word essay that illustrates your financial need and why you want to attend the Killer Nashville Writers’ Conference. The conference is August 18-21, 2016 and is being held at the Embassy Suites Nashville South Cool Springs. Deadline: July 31, 2016. For entry details and prizes, see here.   

The post Announcing Scholarships for The Killer Nashville Writers’ Conference appeared first on Freelance Writing Jobs.

We all have to start somewhere, though, and one of the ways to do so is to know what genre you want your book to fall under. Sometimes, you won’t have to decide – your ideas and characters will come alive without you having much control with regard to genre. They’ll practically give you the finger and say “F” genre! Write our story!

Still, it is interesting to know what book genres are the most popular even if knowing doesn’t have anything to do with your novel-writing endeavors.

I found this lovely infographic about the most popular book genres and the best-selling books under each genre. Some may surprise you, some not. Why don’t you take a look for yourself?

The most popular book genres – and then some

Before we go to the graphic, here’s a quick summary for your convenience.

Children’s Fiction

This is not so surprising, is it? Children’s books – the classics and the modern ones – are always flying off the shelves. When the infographic was made, the total copies of children’s fiction books equated to 1 billion!

12 Quotes From Children’s Books Every Author Should Know

Can you guess the best-selling books in this category?

Fantasy

Fantasy’s popularity has grown drastically in recent years, especially with other media picking up the genre; not to mention modern authors being active on social media.

Fantasy fiction total: 350 million. A far cry from children’s fiction, but still a considerable number.

Mystery

Mystery stories have always fascinated the ordinary person, with criminals and all sorts of shady characters being the focus. Life may be stranger than fiction, but in this genre, we get to immerse ourselves in a world that’s not impossible but probably won’t experience in real life.

Classic Literary Fiction

What is there to say? Classic literary fiction will always be on the list of popular novel genres, even if it’s not at the top, with “only” 336 million.

Modern Literary Fiction

This includes works by authors by the likes of Paulo Coelho, J.D. Salinger, and Jostein Gaardner – works dated after 1950. Total: 409 million.

Magical Realism

Magical realism has been a confusing concept mainly due to how critics (and other literature experts) have used the term. Author Bruce Holland Rogers has a great description of this genre: “magical realism is serious…trying to convey the reality of one or several worldviews that actually exist, or have existed. Magical realism is a kind of realism, but one different from the realism that most of our culture now experiences.”

The most popular work known in this genre: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Historical Fiction

What’s the first book that comes to mind? I don’t think I have to guess.

Young Adult Fiction

This genre is fast rising in popularity, too, although it seems to overlap with children’s books at times. In any case it still is hanging in there with 70 million (with only two books taken into account).

So here, take a look at the infographic itself.

Source

If you were to write a novel now, what genre would you go for?

You Are What You Read. What Does Your Bookshelf Contain?

Note: Amazon link is an affiliate.

The post The Most Popular Book Genres appeared first on Freelance Writing Jobs.

I may be biased since C.S. Lewis is one of my favorite authors, but when it comes to children’s books, no truer words have been spoken. I believe that if there is one thing children’s books authors should always remember, it is this quote.

While the children’s book market is shifting, with sales numbers going up and down, the market is still strong. Factors such as reading an eBook instead of a paperback, parents choosing a personalised children’s book instead of a mass-published one, and preferring hardcovers bought in brick-and-mortar bookstores all come together to continue boosting the children’s book industry.

At the end of the day, children’s books are here to stay. They have stories to tell, lessons to teach, and adventures to be enjoyed.

If you’re a children’s book author – or you want to be one – don’t be discouraged. There are people out there waiting for your book, and even if it’s you have an impact on only a handful of readers, that would be worth your while, wouldn’t it?

And, even if you’re not a children’s book author, there are some things you can learn from children’s books. After all, these books do bring out childlike qualities in all of us.

You may not have read all the good children’s books out there, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pick up a gem or two of wisdom from some of the most loved stories. Adult and children alike are affected in countless positive ways by these stories.

Whether you need some inspiration for your story, or you simply need a boost, here are some quotes for children’s books that will perk you up, make you think, and maybe encourage you to read those which you haven’t.

1. “One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.” – The Little Prince

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2. “But all the magic I’ve known, I’ve had to make myself.” – Where the Sidewalk Ends

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3. “The greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.” – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

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4. “A person’s a person, no matter how small.” – Horton Hears a Who

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5. “Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” – Alice in Wonderland

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6. “I don’t understand it any more than you do, but one thing I’ve learned is that you don’t have to understand things for them to be.” – A Wrinkle in Time

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7. “When someone is crying, of course, the noble thing to do is to comfort them. But if someone is trying to hide their tears, it may also be noble to pretend you do not notice them.” – A Series of Unfortunate Events

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8. “You’re mad, bonkers, completely off your head. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.” – Alice in Wonderland

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9. “Courage, dear heart.” – Voyage of the Dawn Treader

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10. “The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.” – Peter Pan

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11. “Keep all your promises, don’t take what doesn’t belong to you, and always look after those less fortunate than yourself, and you’ll do well in the world.” – The Dragon of Lonely Island

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12. “Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me… Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.” – Where the Sidewalk Ends

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Which of these quotes resonate most with you? Do you have any other quotes from children’s books that you want to share?

Some more quotes for you:

15 Encouraging Writing Quotes for When You Feel Like a Failure

The post 12 Quotes From Children’s Books Every Author Should Know appeared first on Freelance Writing Jobs.

We’re still alive, aren’t we? We continue to look for new clients and work with existing clients.

Shouldn’t we then apply Einstein’s words to our professional lives? Shouldn’t we find ways to continue growing professionally?

The reason I’m writing about this topic is that I have always been a firm believer in keeping up with new ideas and trends in my line of work. This is particularly important for online writers as the landscape of freelance writing, blogging, and content marketing is in a constant state of flux. If you stand still by not expanding your knowledge, you’ll find yourself being left behind.

Ways to continuously improve as a writer

One of the best and easiest ways to keep up with the times is to read – blogs of other writers, books, news, and other material that will aid you in learning more about writing and other online jobs you may have.

Another way – and perhaps more effective – is to take courses that teach you skills and ideas beyond what you already know. There are a lot of online educational providers today, some free, some for a fee.

I know that not everyone has the money to spend on expensive courses, but guess what? We have a treat for you.

Udemy

The guys a Udemy got in touch with us about a “free writing course” they are currently offering.

If you’re not familiar with Udemy, it is one of the biggest providers of online courses. Their courses range from app development to search engine optimization to job search to writing. Some of their courses are free, but they also have paid courses.

One of their current offerings on writing is “Writing with Flair: How to Become an Exceptional Writer”. It focuses on tightening your writing style while at the same time honing your skills to take your writing to the next level.

My experience

Michael Blau from Udemy generously gave me a code to take the course, which is priced at $299 (now don’t stop reading yet), and while I haven’t finished it, based on the outline and the sections I’ve gone through, I can honestly say that I will walk away a better writer when I am done.

To give you a sneak peek, the course introduces you to the “world elite writing” – not the usual articles/web content you see online – and the “secret sauce of flair” (while at the same time cutting out the unnecessary).

The good stuff

When you saw the price of the course in the previous section, you might have ditched the idea of taking it – and understandably so. The $300 price tag is not easy to swallow, and even if I keep on repeating how good the course is, some of you may just not want to spend that money.

I’ve got good news for you, though. Michael was generous in giving me a code to take the course, but he has gone the extra mile by giving a code for our readers, essentially making “Writing with Flair: How to Become an Exceptional Writer” a free writing course!

How do you get in on the action?

Just visit the course page, and enter the code NOEMIBUSINESSWRITING.

It’s that simple. You get to take a $299 writing course for free!

Here’s one important detail: This code is good for the first 50 users who sign up (no fees to create a Udemy account).

Learn how to improve your writing skills from one of the most popular courses on Udemy without spending a single cent. How’s that for a great deal?

The post Become an Exceptional Writer with Udemy’s “Writing with Flair” Course [FREEBIE ALERT] appeared first on Freelance Writing Jobs.

That’s why I was really interested when the guys at Grammarly got in touch to share their new web app, which does what Word does, but more effectively and more efficiently. In fact, Grammarly is supposed to find and correct up to 10 times more mistakes than the conventional word processor. Of course, I had to give the app a try!

Why Grammarly?

The reasons can easily be summed up in three points.

• It catches grammar mistakes, as well as contextual spelling errors, plagiarism, and word usage (100 checks). You will never make a mistake with “its” and “it’s” anymore. (Not that I am saying you do.)
• It has an extension for Chrome which works on whatever website you type in. Grammarly instantly corrects what you type, highlights potential mistakes and provides explanations and suggested corrections. The tool works whether you’re typing on Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, or whatever site you’re using. Later this year, Grammarly will be available for other browsers.
• It is powered by an algorithm developed by experts in linguistic technologies.

Grammarly is free to use, so you don’t have to add it to your business expenses. However, if you want more features, you can look at Grammarly Premium, which only costs $11.66 a month. The additional features are:

• Over 250+ checks for sentence structure, writing style issues, and effective vocabulary suggestions
• Web Editor
• Microsoft Office Add-in
• Customized writing corrections for over 30 document types like student essays, professional emails, and personal blogs

For beginning writers or those who have a tendency to make mistakes due to lots of work (and too little time), that’s a worthwhile investment.

My experience

Now it’s easy to highlight those points and say that Grammarly is a useful tool for writers, but there’s nothing like giving it a test run to know if it lives up to the great copy on their landing page. That’s the reason I am writing this post. I want to share my experience with Grammarly, as some of you may want to use it as well.

The web app

The first step to using Grammarly is looking at the dashboard, which conveniently provides information about the app.

As you can see, you have the option to upload a document or create a new one. This means you can use Grammarly to replace Word! In my case, I immediately installed the Chrome extension as it’s my main tool for work.

Just like other Chrome extensions, it is simple to install Grammarly. Just click on the “Install Now” button, and you should see the following.

Just like that, Grammarly started checking what I typed.

Here are two simple examples.

Obviously, those two messages were not written on the same day. I have to say, though, that while my telco still sucks, today is a good day.

Those red circles at the bottom left indicate errors in the text. The errors are highlighted and if you hover over them, you’ll see a short explanation and a suggested correction. Before you see a red circle, though, you’ll see a green circle with a rotating arrow indicating that Grammarly is correcting your text in the background.

Here is an email example, which can be very useful if you’re writing a cover letter or corresponding with a client.

I find the Chrome extension useful, especially when my fingers fly across the keyboard, faster than my brain, and make mistakes without realizing it.

Documents

Aside from the web app, Grammarly also makes it easier to create polished articles. In our line of work, we sometimes have to send documents to clients. You’ve seen the options to create or upload documents to the Grammarly system.

Grammarly lends a helping hand in creating documents by providing different document types. This will help in determining the way errors are detected.

As with the web app, Grammarly’s document feature shows error alerts.

You can choose what type of error alerts are displayed.

The verdict

If there’s one thing I can say about Grammarly, it is that I learned quite a few things about grammar and syntax. While I am a stickler for grammar, I can be rather flexible if necessary. Grammarly follows structure strictly and offers options that I wouldn’t have used in some cases.

I still believe in proofreading my work before publishing or submitting it, but Grammarly makes that task easier. I think of it as the first line of defense, but still rely on my discretion as a writer whether to follow the suggested corrections or not.

So, yes, I would recommend it anytime.

Try out Grammarly for free, and let me know what you think.

P.S. Grammarly’s rotating green arrow kept working in the background as I was writing this entire post. Disclosure: I ignored some of Grammarly’s suggested corrections. Call it writer’s style.

Disclosure: I ignored some of Grammarly’s suggested corrections. Call it writer’s style.

Surprising Grammar Mistakes

The post Catch Writing Mistakes More Easily With Grammarly appeared first on Freelance Writing Jobs.