| Author | Message | ||
     Joanna_c New Here Username: Joanna_c Post Number: 1 Registered: 06-2010 Posted From: 82.39.188.97 |
Hello, I am posting here on the offchance that someone may be able to provide me with some advice. I am currently not working and would love to start earning money through working at home (mainly due to an unlucky streak of previous jobs and back problems). In an ideal world I would love to make money through writing or research; I have yet to discover whether I will be able to make any money from the former! I have a degree in International Business Studies, have lots of office admin experience (my last job was in data entry) and did work in business travel - but that was 10 years ago. I'm not doing too well on the confidence levels and don't really like dealing with people on the phone - I prefer work which is more "behind the scenes" so to speak. I have started writing a novel but this is very much a longer project and need to start earning now (before I have to go back to the horrors of temping!). So, that is a bit about me. Does anyone have any advice they could offer? I would be so grateful. I don't really know where to begin and the right channels to use etc. Thank you! | ||
| Manfriday Senior Member Username: Manfriday Post Number: 1029 Registered: 05-2002 Posted From: 195.188.152.14  |
Joanna Welcome to the forum Writing a Novel is good...Very competitive market of course, but I am sure you will not let that hold you back... As you say it is a long term project. You therefore might like to try (at the same time) attacking the short term market. That is to say looking at the Article Market both of line Magazines etc or On-Line web sites. There is scope there for someone who can turn out original and quality work. And doubtless also for not so original but of good standard I am not the one to advise vis a vis the Web however one of our moderators (Julie) will doubtless see your post and get in touch As you are already undergoing a Novel Writing Project you will doubtless be aware of the "Writers and Artist Year book and any web sites that cater to the aspiring writer, of which this is but one http://www.websitesforwriters.net/ Good Luck MF | ||
| Joanna_c New Here Username: Joanna_c Post Number: 2 Registered: 06-2010 Posted From: 82.39.188.97 |
Hello Manfriday, Thank you very much for the welcome and your suggestions. I hadn't come across the website you listed so am enjoying looking at that. I have always wanted to write a book and decided that I would have a try - if I get knock back after knock back I have decided to console myself with the fact that I tried! In the meantime I shall have a search through some online websites that you were suggesting and see what I can find. Thank you! | ||
| Sweets39 New Here Username: Sweets39 Post Number: 1 Registered: 06-2010 Posted From: 86.145.62.12 |
Hi all im new to site please visit my website <Advertising removed - please keep links in your profile only. Thank you!>for ironing services in clitheroe. Feel free to give me some tips thanks | ||
| B2bscott Forum Specialist Username: B2bscott Post Number: 424 Registered: 10-2000 Posted From: 72.74.124.60  |
It's me, the freelance writer, checking in! Welcome, Joanna. If there ever was a time in history when the freelance article writer ruled, this is it. There is more than enough writing to go round and not enough prolific writers available. Webmasters and webdesigners outsource most writing activities so that they are free to do what they do best. The neat part of this equation is that you don't even need to be in the "right place at the right time" to reap the benefits. But you do need to know HOW to write for the web. I offer my mentoring free to new writers who come to the Forum. Over time, it has become clear that there is a 3-month learning curve before you become a savvy writer. However, you can be earning cold, hard cash during that period. If you would like to join me, please send a PM with some background information about your education, interests, hobbies, etc. BTW: Self-confidence is NOT a pre-requisite for success as a writer! | ||
| Joanna_c New Here Username: Joanna_c Post Number: 3 Registered: 06-2010 Posted From: 82.39.188.97 |
Thank you very much for such a positive reply! I had been feeling a bit low today and reading your words dramatically lifted my spirits. I shall definitely take you up on your kind offer and PM the details you mentioned. Joanna | ||
| B2bscott Forum Specialist Username: B2bscott Post Number: 425 Registered: 10-2000 Posted From: 72.74.124.60 |
I'm glad I helped you out! Hey Mel, I just spent the past ONE FULL HOUR at the site you recommended above and just needed to tell you that it is a FABULOUS resource for writers living in the Northern Hemisphere! Thank you so much for this. My mentees are certainly going to get lots of mileage from this information. Julie | ||
| Manfriday Senior Member Username: Manfriday Post Number: 1030 Registered: 05-2002 Posted From: 195.188.152.14 |
Julie Hi My pleasure Mel | ||
| Manfriday Senior Member Username: Manfriday Post Number: 1031 Registered: 05-2002 Posted From: 195.188.152.14 |
Joanna No probs. Locally I am a member of a small but serious writers group. We have once a month meetings in a local library More than half are going down the write a novel route. Currently I'm trying to set up an informal (mostly local) email group for those who have shown interest but are unable to attend our writing group (Early Morning)our membership is mostly made up of retired folk like me. Although I have had one short story published my main activity is as a playwright and tend to concentrate on one acts for my own and other drama groups. If you want to test reaction to any of your work then try www.shortbreadstories.co.uk This is a site sponsored by Robin Pilcher the son of the Novelist Rosamunde Pilcher...Robin is of course a novelist in his own right but perhaps less well known... The site will post short stories up to (I think) about 10,000 words. Folk will read them and post back critique... It's not a bad way of testing the waters and site membership is free. Contributors are from around the globe Feel free to get in touch if you need advice or just want to bounce an idea around. Good Luck with your article writing I think that will be better from an earning point of view. I'm afraid that writing one act plays for Amateur Drama Groups pays not at all.... Regards MF | ||
| Joanna_c New Here Username: Joanna_c Post Number: 4 Registered: 06-2010 Posted From: 82.39.188.97 |
Hello MF, Thank you very much for your advice and suggestions - very much appreciated. I have had a quick look at the shortbread website and I shall definitely join. I am at the early stages of writing my book. I have spent a lot of time researching technique, structure, characters, sagging middles....and finally realised that there is only so much research you can do and just have a go! If I can manage to generate some income from article writing in the meantime that would be ideal. I have yet to see whether I am going to be any good at that but Julie is being most helpful! At least I am trying - rather than researching now... Kinds regards, Joanna |
