I’ve heard writing teachers say it, and I’ve heard magazine editors say it: “Throw out the first three paragraphs!”
What in the world are they talking about?
The truth is, even for professionals, the first couple of paragraphs, if you’re writing an article, or even the first chapter if you’re writing a book, is likely to be dreck. I’m not sure why. It’s almost as if the mind has to warm up somehow, maybe by writing some semi-coherent sentences, or even a full paragraph or three or four before the good writing kicks in. I know it often works this way …read more

Dawud Miracle, blogger, web designer and marketing guy has a nifty post called Be Careful Who You Ask For Help With Your Business. As I read his cautions about how to hire someone to help you with your writing business, it occurred to me that every point can be turned around and become part of what you offer, or at least a way to decide who you’ll work for.
For example, his first question is Do I like the person?
While you probably don’t want to become best friends with your client, it only makes sense that you have mutual respect; it’s …read more

With a huge nod to Copyblogger and his What Keeps You From Writing?, I’m asking:
What keeps you from marketing your writing?
You know, what’s stopping you from sending that query or that article on spec, or calling about corporate writing, or…. you get the idea.
We’re sure to get a whole bunch of different answers, but I’m willing to bet there will be some similarities too.
Write well and often,