There’s nothing wrong with legitimate criticism — in fact, it should be welcomed. But don’t mistake nasty put-downs for useful advice.
Read MoreWant to write? Develop a thick skin
in Archives, News & views
Steps, by Terry Freedman
Photoprompt #20: steps
What sort of story or article does this conjure up for you?
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 MoreReview: Short-Form Creative Writing
Short-form writing is neither quick nor easy, but the effort is, in my opinion, worth it. This book explores the form with useful information, challenging exercises, and interesting examples.
Read MoreShort story adventures
My first foray into the world of Oulipo.
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AZZCardfile screenshot, by Terry Freedman
Utility: AZZCardfile
in Technology, Utility
Head 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 MoreAn insane way to keep you focused Updated
in News & views
If you fond it difficult to stay focused on your writing, then maybe this is just the boot up the backside you need....
Read MoreWhy I reject rejection slips UPDATED
Conventional wisdom has it that you should keep your rejection slips to remind you of how far you've come as a writer once you’ve established yourself. I’ve even read of people who proudly plaster their walls with the things.
Read MoreThe 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.
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No photography, by Terry Freedman
Photoprompt #19: No photography
Another photo to act as a writing prompt, this time of a sign.
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Baffled, by Terry Freedman.jpg
A conversation I had which I still don't understand
A recent conversation I had with a cab company has left me completely baffled.
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Click the pic to be taken to this book’s Amazon page. (This is an Amazon affiliate link.)
Should writers aim for unmindfulness?
in Bookshelf, Moments, Reviews, Quick looks
Perhaps a useful aim of writers is to lead the reader to put the book or article down, and disappear in a flight of imagination. After all, surely one measure of success is that what you’ve written led someone to think of something, or to make connections, that had not occurred to them before?
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Bricked-up window, by Terry Freedman
Photoprompt #18: Bricked-up window
in PhotoPrompt
Evidence of what must be one the most ill-conceived taxes of all time (apart from the poll taxes in 1381 and 1989 (Scotland) and 1990 (England and Wales).
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Click on the cover to be take to the book’s Amazon page (please note, this is an Amazon affiliate link).
Quick look: Short-form creative writing: a writer's guide and anthology
You may be very good at condensing a complex argument and proposals down to no more than six bullet points (as one of my line managers always demanded). This book makes it clear that there are more creative opportunities too.
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The scream, by Terry Freedman With apologies to Munch
Turn of phrase
Overheard snippets of conversation should be stored away for when required.
Read MorePhotoprompt #17: Green light
in PhotoPrompt
I wonder if this image could be used for something other than the obvious.
Read More10 websites for free illustrations for your articles
Here are 10 websites where you can find high quality pictures that are free to use on your own website or blog.
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A zombie in London, by Terry Freedman. The “zombibe” pictured is James, from the Hel’s Angels agency.
World Zombie Day
You never know who you’re going to meet in London. Yesterday, I saw a zombie walking around the Microsoft Decoded conference.
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Click the cover to go to the book on Amazon (affiliate link)
Book review: The Online Journalism Handbook
in Bookshelf, Journalism, Reviews
This is a very useful reference book for anyone who is serious about online journalism.
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