Although I've been getting articles published and paid for since 1990, I still take writing courses. How come?
Read MoreProfessional writer
No time to write? Here are 7 things you can do about it
Most of us live in the real world rather than an ideal one, and sometimes find it almost impossible to find enough time to write productively. Here are seven things you can try to help ensure that when you do have time you’re not at a loss for words.
Read MoreThe London Book Fair 2020
The seminar programme at the London Book Fair (10-12 March) seems to be taking shape. Definitely worth checking out what’s in place so far.
Read MoreMy non-writing writing day
Not every day for the writer has to involve actual writing.
Read More12 Ways to get repeat work as a freelance writer
You've successfully pitched the editor, so the hardest part is over. Now what can you do to maximize your chances of getting further work from the same outlet? Here are 12 things I've been doing for years with quite a bit of success. Maybe they'll work for you, though there’s no guarantee of course -- they don’t even work for me 100% of the time! But hopefully they’ll give you a better than average chance of continuing commissions.
Read MoreHead in the clouds? Updated
Writing in your head, or prewriting, can be a good idea -- and you don't always need to type it out.
Read MoreWhy I reject rejection slips UPDATED
The value of clippings Updated
I feel a bit like the first person in Khalil Gibran’s story of The Gravedigger. It’s taken me years and years, but I am finally getting rid of boxes and boxes of my clippings, ie the articles I’ve had published.
Read MoreWhat I've been reading: Dreyer's English
A no-nonsense style guide that manages to be both humorous and readable too.
Read More4 things to do when using your own illustrations on your blog
Using your own drawings and photos? Make sure you protect your intellectual property as best you can.
Read More7 reasons to use your own illustrations in articles
Using your own illustrations — photographs or drawings — can be both lucrative and satisfying. Here are 7 reasons for doing so.
Read MoreNews from the desktop: A room of your own, and the EU Copyright Directive
A couple of reports that will be of interest and useful to writers have just been published. These are the Royal Literary Society’s report ‘A Room Of My Own’, and the Society of Author’s plain English guide to the EU Copyright Directive.
Read MorePrize draw for Dreyer's English coming soon
Dreyer’s English is a great, irreverent, guide to English grammar and usage. It’s ideal for writers, and I’ll be running a prize draw for subscribers to Terry Freedman’s Books Bulletin.
Read MoreBig news which isn't news: writers' earnings are down
Two recent reports show that writers’ earnings have declined markedly over the last decade, and that this is an international phenomenon.
Read MoreDavid Bowie's advice
David Bowie’s advice to musicians could easily apply to writers and other creatives. Find out what he had to say.
Read MoreBe professional: know the legal aspects of being a writer
I read a horror story recently about someone who could have got themselves into a lot of legal trouble. But there are organisations, books and blogs that can help you avoid such pitfalls.
Read MoreThe writer's day: a graphical representation
As far as I can gather, the pie chart in this article summarises every writer’s dilemma.
Read MoreThe upside of losing clients: 7 things you can in place of client work
Losing a client doesn’t have to be a complete disaster.
Read MoreReview of the American Gothic course at the City Lit
Why has doing a course on American fiction been so enjoyable, and useful to me as a non-fiction writer?
Read MoreA Writer's challenge: managing deadlines and projects
What a lovely problem to have: so much work that you need some assistance keeping track! In my forthcoming Journalist’s Toolkit course I’ll be looking at a range of options.
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