Fiction Writing - Savvy-Writer

Sink Your Teeth into Better Content Writing with the Vampires from True Blood

August 15, 2012 by Amandah Blackwell 4 Comments

Lately, I’ve been catching up with the cheeky and sexy HBO series True Blood. Be still my beating heart! Anyway…I started to think about how True Blood can help improve your content writing.

True Blood (season 1) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The vampires on True Blood use their eyes to glamour (compel) a person when they need to get out of a sticky situation. It comes in handy for briberies and commandments. But it also comes in handy when you want your content writing to be read by your chosen target audience. It’s how you become an ‘authority’ in your niche market.

Wouldn’t it be great if your content made readers want to take some type of action?

It doesn’t matter if you’d like them to subscribe to your blog, share blog posts or purchase a product/service. The bottom line is that your readers must feel something that makes them ‘want to’ take action based on your content.

Let’s face it; most entrepreneurs and business owners want to drive traffic to their blogs, websites, squeeze pages, and email signup forms.

In order ‘to drive’ your clients, customers and readers, you first must entice them by using the right words within your content writing. Forget about trying ‘to force’ them to take action because you can’t force anyone to do anything. Just ask a parent! [Read more...]

Filed Under: Clients, Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Ghostwriter, Overcoming Obstacles, Publishing, Screenwriting, Search Engine Optimization, Tips and Tricks, Travel Writing Tagged With: Blogs, Communication, Copywriting, Fiction Writing, Freelance Writing, Ghostwriting, Mistakes to Avoid, Non-Fiction, Publishers, Publishing and Printing, Screenwriting, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media, Travel Writing, Web Traffic, Writing, Writing and Editing

7 Benefits of Hiring a Ghost Writer

August 29, 2011 by Rebecca 3 Comments

Image via Wikipedia

Let’s face it; some people don’t enjoy the art of writing as much as others do. Some find writing to be a tedious and time consuming process; they’d rather be golfing. Hiring a ghost writer could work for you because you hire a person who loves to write. Most writers (me) find writing to be second nature — it’s like breathing. If you have an idea for a book or eBook, consider hiring a ghost writer today. Tomorrow, you could be selling and earning income on Amazon.com

Benefits of hiring a ghost writer

1. The pressure if off of you to write and produce a book.

2. You’re able to spend time on other things such as setting up a website/blog, social media sites, email campaigns, etc. However, a ghost write that’s skilled in marketing and social media can assist you with these business endeavors.

3. You receive a well written book or eBook.

4. You take all the credit. However, some ghost writers are given credit because they’ve worked with a client numerous times. It’s important to work with a ghost write that’s checked their ‘ego’ at the door.

5. A ghost writer loves to write and will probably finish your book ahead of the scheduled deadline.

6. A ghost writer understands the importance of marketability and can give you objective feedback on your book’s subject matter.

7. Hiring a ghost writer means you don’t have to through the process alone. Perhaps you considered writing the book yourself but didn’t want to work alone; the writer’s life isn’t for you. However, working with a ghost writer may inspire you to co-author your next book. It could happen.

When you hire a ghost writer, it can feel as if a burden or weight has been lifted off of you. Your time can be spent on the business side, i.e., developing your web presence, scheduling interviews and speaking engagements, building a social media platform, connecting with the ‘right’ people, etc. You don’t have to worry about your book because it’s in good hands with your ghost writer. You can now breathe a ‘sigh’ of relief.

Rebecca

7 Points to Look for on Social Media Sites When Hiring a Freelance Writer (savvy-writer.com)
How to Write Your E_book (thewritershelp.wordpress.com)

Filed Under: Authors, Clients, Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Ghostwriter, Networking, Overcoming Obstacles, Publishing, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: Authors, Communication, Fiction Writing, Freelance Writing, Ghostwriting, Marketing, Mistakes to Avoid, Networking, Non-Fiction, Publishing and Printing, Self-Publishing, Writing, Writing and Editing

Freelance Writers Spice-Up Your Freelance Writing with Ginger Software

August 15, 2011 by Rebecca Leave a Comment

Image via CrunchBase

This is a review of Ginger Software and based on my ‘use’ of the writing software. I was not paid to write this review. However, I was offered a permanent version of Ginger Software which I have yet to activate.

Rony H., who’s a part of Ginger Software’s marketing team, emailed and asked me if I’d be interested in testing and reviewing Ginger Software. Before I agreed, I inquired about Ginger’s customer service. I will no longer review products without knowing how a company responds and treats customers. Too many writers complained about the customer service of another writing software company which has prompted me to ask ‘tough’ questions. With that said, here’s the review of Ginger Software.

What I like about Ginger

Let me reiterate how much I appreciated the attention to customer service. I communicated with Rony, who was nothing but professional and speedy, with responding to my inquiries. I found Ginger software to be super easy to download; it didn’t take long. The bonus is there are no ‘wonky’ toolbars downloaded onto your computer. This is a big issue with other writing softwares.

Ginger Software includes features such as a Learning and Settings section. The Learning section is very helpful. When you click on Learning, you’re taken to Ginger Learning. Click on the ‘Most Recommended Topics’ to learn more about these areas. You have the option to review Lessons and Quizzes. This is extremely helpful for writers.

I liked how Ginger Software scanned my writing line-by-line. The writing software also catches and hi-lights errors. You have the opportunity to correct or learn more about the errors by clicking on Learning.

When you click on Settings, you can view General, Display, and Speech settings. Adjust these according to your needs. I liked the ‘Speech’ setting because sometimes it’s helpful to hear what you wrote. The Settings section includes Enter Activation Code, Help, Contact Support, and About.

What could be improved?

My suggestions were as follows:

1. Include a translator. Sometimes, a writer translates writing into different languages.

2. Include reference materials such as dictionary, thesaurus, etc. I didn’t see these.

3. Include information on punctuation in the Learning section.

Free gifts for you from Ginger Software

1. Ginger Software’s free online correction service where your website visitors can go and paste/type their text and have it corrected instantly. Visit Ginger Software to grab your free gift.

2. Ginger Software’s brand new writing tool for web sites. The writing tool below can be placed on any webpage on your website, to enable the website visitors to receive corrections directly from your website. Visit Ginger Software to grab this free gift.

If you want to purchase writing software that’s easy to use, consider purchasing Ginger Software. As I said, I inquired about the company’s customer service before I agreed to ‘test’ the writing software. I, personally, had no issues with customer service and communication with Rony. Plus, the company’s offered everyone free gifts. This doesn’t happen every day. You may want to take advantage of this generous offer.

Rebecca

Ginger Software Announces Exciting New Features (prweb.com)
The Challenges and Joys of Freelance Writing … Freelance Writer’s Perspective (savvy-writer.com)

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Tips and Tricks, Travel Writing Tagged With: Authors, Blogs, Business Tools, Communication, Copywriting, Fiction Writing, Freelance Writing, Ghostwriting, Mistakes to Avoid, Non-Fiction, Travel Writing, Writers Resources, Writing, Writing and Editing

Authors and Writers Get the Skinny on Purchasing and Using Photos

August 8, 2011 by Rebecca Leave a Comment

© is the copyright symbol in a copyright notice

Image via Wikipedia

Question: This is a two-part question. First, I use photos to accompany or enhance my blog posts. Some clients expect me to incorporate photos into a blog post or article I write for them. Do I need to purchase extra licenses? As a freelance writer my business is writing, not photography. Second, what kind of license would I need if I wanted purchase an illustration or photo for a book I wrote? If I self-publish, am I better off using the self-publisher‘s graphic designer and or illustrator? Help!

Answer: These are excellent questions and a good sign you’re aware of copyright protection.

Photos for freelance writing clients

Most clients have their own stock photography; you shouldn’t be stressed about it. If you need to purchase or find photos from a stock photography site, a photo can be used once (at least this is my understanding) in a blog post or article. For example, if you purchase a photo from iStock, Bigstock Photos, Fotolia, etc. you’ll be able to use the photo one time for a specific client. You can’t reuse photos for all clients, unless, you purchase additional license agreements. Reading and interpreting license agreements can be a tricky. When in doubt, always ask questions before your purchase photos. Each stock photography company has different licensing terms. However, the goal is the same; to protect the copyright of artists.

The bottom line for you, the freelance writer, is selling your writing and not worrying about photos. Of course, if you’re interviewing someone and writing an article for a magazine or newspaper, you can take your own photos or have the publication’s photographer take photos.

Adding a photo is nothing more than an ‘enhancement’ to a blog post or article; your main focus is writing. If you’re a freelance writer who ‘dabbles’ in photography, feel free to sell clients your photos separately or as part of a writing package. To ease your anxiety about purchasing photos (if you have any), you may consider telling a client your focus freelance writing. They’ll have to purchase photos.

Artwork for book covers

You may consider using the services offered to you by a self-publisher or hiring a freelance graphic designer or illustrator. Traditional publishers also have graphic designers and illustrators. Again, it will behoove you to ask questions such as:

● Who owns the rights to the artwork?

● Is the artwork licensed to me, the author?

● Where did you purchase the artwork from?

● Can I reuse the artwork?

All of this may sound like paranoia, but it’s better to err on the side of caution. When I worked for a real estate and development corporation, we used to say, “CYA” which stands for ‘Cover Your A**”

BTW: Artists appreciate knowing how and where their photos are used. If you use ‘royalty free’ photos from Stock Exchange or some other site, send the artist an email and link to your writing.

As an author or writer, you want to understand copyright protection. The more you know and understand the better for you and your writing (freelance) career. There’s nothing wrong with investigating and making sure you dot the “I’s” and cross the “T’s.” Not only does it protect you, it protects your clients. Artists are also protected; all they want is credit and recognition. Isn’t this what we all want?

Rebecca

Filed Under: Authors, Clients, Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Overcoming Obstacles, Publishing, Tips and Tricks, Travel Writing Tagged With: Authors, Blogs, Communication, Copywriting, Fiction Writing, Freelance Artists, Freelance Designers, Freelance Writing, Ghostwriting, Mistakes to Avoid, Non-Fiction, Travel Writing

Why Rebecca aka Savvy-Writer Became a Freelance Writer

August 6, 2011 by Rebecca Leave a Comment

Image via Wikipedia

Question: Rebecca, why did you become a freelance writer? What’s appealing about it? How difficult is it to think of blog post and or article topics? What is your writing process? Do you suffer from writer’s block? How do you stay ‘sane’ in a competitive market? I want the 411!

Answer: Thank you for asking. I became a freelance writer for many reasons. Read them below.

Why Rebecca aka Savvy-Writer Became a Freelance Writer

1. I love to read and write; I’m grateful for my literacy. My favorite high school classes were art and history; English and literature; and marketing. Writing was natural for me. Completing writing assignments such as book reports, poems, and short stories was easy for me. I enjoy the creative process and creating in general.

2. I fell into freelance writing by applying for a marketing and writing opportunity with a travel company in Arizona. I was given a 2-week ‘trial’ period to see which position I was suited for. The writing position won hands down. The rest they say is history.

3. I enjoy freelance writing because of the variety it offers. I love variety and options! I have my favorite industries and writing specialties but the beauty of freelance writing is you get to decide what you want to write and who you want to write for.

4. It’s not difficult for me to think of a blog post or article topic. This goes hand-in-hand with writer’s block. I can write a blog post or article based on a phrase or word I hear or read. I read blogs, books, newspapers, and magazines. I brainstorm to discover different angles for ‘hot’ topics. I participate in the Creative Copy Challenge and play brainy and word games. I also pay attention to conversations. This may sound like voyeurism (Lol!), but I really listen to what people say. Believe it or not, there are many writing ideas within these conversations. Finally, I used to believe in writer’s block but not anymore.

5. My writing process differs for each project. For example, if I’m working on YA, fiction, or non-fiction, I’ll create an outline. I never liked using outlines but it helps to keep me on track with my writing. I’ll write the synopsis and plot. I then move into character development; I use a character/action grid. I use this same process for screenwriting. The next step is to research.

Blog posts and articles are different. I research when it’s necessary, but I usually write directly in WordPress. I’ll journal ideas or keep a list in a Word document. Sometimes, I’ll keep ideas in WordPress. I review ideas and will delete the ones I know I won’t develop.

6. I stay ‘sane’ in a competitive market by realizing that which is mine can’t be taken away from me. I believe in the saying, “If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.” I can’t force clients to work with me, nor would I want to. I like what Oprah says, “If you don’t want me, I don’t want you.” I also stay on my side of the road which means I don’t pay attention to what other freelance writers are doing or the accolades they may receive. If I constantly paid attention to what other freelance writers are doing, I would lose focus on what I’m supposed to be doing. I’m all for ‘congratulating’ writers on their accomplishments, but I have writing to do.

7. Becoming a freelance writer is a business. Luckily, I have business degrees and am comfortable in business. Sales and marketing are a part of the freelance writer’s life. There’s no getting around it. I’m confident in my writing ability and talent. I keep my writing skills sharp by taking writing classes and workshops; I read books about writing. I love education and enjoy educating myself.

Rebecca

Bonus!

*I love researching and solving problems! I’m a stickler meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations. First, I’m a natural problem solver and researcher. However, I can sit in front of my laptop and research for hours. I adhere to a ‘researching’ schedule. Second, I worked in accounting (real estate) and had to meet deadlines. Most of the time ‘corporate’ increased the closing deadline. I also had to solve problems like “Why is the marketing department over budget?” My controller would forget about the opening of a new property. Sometimes, we had to hire more temporary workers than anticipated. It happens!

5 Steps To A Freelance Writing Career (theworkathomewife.com)
Mashing the Monkey Mind: Has Mental Chatter Talked You Out of Freelance Writing (savvy-writer.com)

Filed Under: Authors, Clients, Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing, Overcoming Obstacles, Publishing, Screenwriting, Tips and Tricks, Travel Writing Tagged With: Authors, Blogs, Communication, Copywriting, Fiction Writing, Freelance Artists, Freelance Writing, Ghostwriting, Marketing, Non-Fiction, Public Relations, Travel Writing, Writers Resources, Writing, Writing and Editing, Writing Exercises and Prompts

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7 Benefits of Hiring a Ghost Writer

Freelance Writers Spice-Up Your Freelance Writing with Ginger Software

Authors and Writers Get the Skinny on Purchasing and Using Photos

Why Rebecca aka Savvy-Writer Became a Freelance Writer

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