Friday, December 16, 2011

Provocative Phrase Friday – How low will you go? +11 other writing prompts

Here are your Provocative Phrase writing prompts for Friday, December 16, 2011:
Community Thrift Store (i)
Courtesy of Pete Boyd via Flickr

  • How low will you go?
  • Don't think much of it…
  • It's another reason…
  • They've made it easy to…
  • If she described yourself as…
  • How she got it…
  • That's a problem.
  • What would you do?
  • What it looks like…
  • He just got…
  • You need to prepare a girl for…
  • When you walk into the store…

Friday, December 09, 2011

Provocative Phrase Friday – She stuck her neck out +11 other writing prompts

Provocative Phrases for Friday, December 8, 2011:
Weather Necking
Courtesy of Mark Rain via Twitter

  • She stuck her neck out...
  • How well do you share?
  • You are going to…
  • I see you sitting erect…
  • How I did it…
  • I can deal the…
  • The man in my basement…
  • I can see how…
  • When the phone doesn't ring…
  • I am getting knocked around.
  • Only go there for a good reason…

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Muse Review: The Well-Fed Writer (2nd Edition)


The Well-Fed Writer: Financial Self-Sufficiency as a Commercial Freelancer in Six Months or Less (the revised edition) Includes heavily updated content from the original Well-Fed Writer (published in 2000) and The Well-Fed Writer: Back for Seconds.  This book includes everything that has made all of Mr. Bowerman’s books best sellers. The easy, conversational tone of the book, the numerous examples of how other writers have found their success in the marketplace, many links and resources for more information about the topics contained within the book. These resources range from other authors’ and successful freelancers’ websites, to recommended online newsletters and e-zines that you should be subscribing to, books that provide additional information about these topics and serve as essential desk reference material for any serious freelance commercial writer out there.

Don’t be fooled by the title of the book.  The book deals very little with the writing process or how to create specific written content. Bowerman provides links and suggested resources to get additional details about these specifics.  This book is about how to build a freelance commercial writing business providing information that I have not found anywhere else on how to set up your business, generating sales via cold calling, where to find customers, how to set rates and get paid, how to “adapt” your business to thrive in small markets, and how to take the business from part time (while you are still working a day job) to full time.
Bowerman’s practical advice in addition to the can-do spirit of the book can’t help but to motivate  you to take action today.  The numerous testimonials and side-bar articles written by numerous experts more suited to provide that specific information than Bowerman , is what makes the book truly unique and valuable.  He could have researched these topics and interviewed these experts, but instead turns them loose to provide the reader with first-hand knowledge and also gives the reader an additional resource to consult while taking on the challenges of the business.

This book addresses many topics of current interest to freelancers these days such as using social networking and how to push your business to earn more than $125 per hour.

The WFW is an essential resource for anyone who is serious about writing for a living or has dreamed of striking out on their own as a freelance writer.  Bowerman is a knowledgeable guide since he’s been through every step of the process himself, having started a writing business in the Greater-Atlanta area back in the early 90’s with no experience or industry contacts.  He knows how to build a business because of his experience, but also though the other writers and professionals that he has networked with over the years.  If you are looking for a way to make good money as a professional writer, then buy this book, read it and re-read it.

Buy it from Amazon here: The Well-Fed Writer

Rating ***** (Well Worth it at Full Retail Price)

About Ratings: ***** -- Well Worth it at Full Retail Price; **** — Buy on Sale/Discounted; *** — Buy Used; ** — Borrow It from the Library; * — Waste of a Good Tree

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Writing Topic Tuesday – The Holiday Nightmare Edition

Trees on Fire.jpg
Courtesy of Drew Geraets via Flickr
Many people look forward to December and the holidays especially, but the last few years, December has not been a lot of fun.  It always seems to be marked with turmoil and uncertainty at my workplace (not a problem this year), illness and death.


Last year I got pneumonia and was extremely sick for almost 6 weeks. I’m sure this is just a coincidence but it got me thinking.  The holidays are always portrayed in the media as happy times full of cheer and good friends, but the truth is somewhat darker. Are the holidays always wonderful and magical like a Very Brady Christmas? Probably not.

Here is a quick and dirty list of writing topics associated with the darker side of the holiday season:
  •     Riot at the shopping mall
  •     Dysfunctional holiday family gathering
  •     Hyperactive, out of control kids
  •     Eating too much
  •     Drinking too much
  •     Company holiday party
  •     Insane retail hours
  •     The all-consuming quest for the perfect Christmas
  •     Death of a loved one
  •     Shared custody of the kids during the holidays
  •     Not enough money for Christmas
  •     Finding out that Santa is not real

Friday, December 02, 2011

Provocative Phrase Friday – Where are they now? +11 other writing prompts

Here are the Provocative Phrases for Friday, December 2nd, 2011:

Where’s Wally World Record (where you there?)
Courtesy of William Murphy via Flickr
  • Where are they now?
  • How hot is…
  • Do you know…
  • How can I…
  • Would you please…
  • You got to take it.
  • I zoom in on her face.
  • Here I am with this…
  • Here's a look at…
  • There's nothing like…
  • You’re watching the… 
  • He's unstoppable.