Welcome back to a new week of writing discussions. I trust your weekend was rewarding and restful. Now let’s get to work.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“There are as many opinions as there are experts.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt
And you know what they say about opinions, don’t you? It’s a bit gross so I won’t repeat it here. J
THOUGHT OF THE DAY
The point is this: simply stating that you are an expert in the writing business is practically worthless. That statement and a couple bucks will get you a small coffee. You had better be able to back up your claim.
I liken it to building a house. If you use sub-standard materials you are most likely going to have a pile of sticks the first time a good wind blows, or you’ll have a small pond in your living room the first time a cloud burst arrives.
Building a writing platform and establishing credibility takes time. You can only fool an editor once. You can send the greatest query letter in the world, and an editor will bite, but if the promised work is sub-standard you will never hear from that editor again.
The same can be said for those customers who want you to write for them, be it a newsletter or a blog or whatever. If you promise quality writing you damn well better be able to deliver quality writing. You might be able to fake your marketing campaign but you’ll never be able to fake good writing.
Work on your craft!
RESOURCE OF THE DAY
Check out Janine at J9 Designs if you want help setting up a profitable blog. I have known Janine for over a year now and I can tell you without hesitation that this lady knows her stuff. She is a perfect example of claiming to be an expert and having the platform to prove it. You can find her company here.
PROMPT OF THE DAY
Remember the five senses. Do a little writing exercise and write a couple paragraphs, based on this picture, that appeal to all five senses.
CONTEST OF THE DAY
Writer’s Village has an international short story contest going on now. Cash prizes and feedback from professionals about the quality of your short story. Deadline is November 30th and work max is 3000 words. You can find them here.
TIP OF THE DAY
If you want a successful and professional platform then work at building it. No shortcuts. Learn as much as you can about freelance writing or just writing in general. Read the classics. Join a writer’s group. Look for feedback. Try different genres. This is how it’s been done for decades and it is a proven path for success.
MORE ON THURSDAY
I need to get back to work so that’s it for today. I’ll see you in two days with more thoughts on writing. You can find me on my other blog, A Moment With Bill, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
Seriously, I cannot thank you enough for the shout out here and totally was reading and then all of a sudden saw my name. You really put such a smile on my face and Bill, I am just so happy have known you over this last year and proud to call you a friend. Thank you!! And by the way, the first line, also had me grinning, because my grandfather said this quote quite often over his live, plus the one about assuming. I definitely grew up with great quotes from an even greater man. So I count myself blessed and lucky for that alone! Wishing you a wonderful day today and seriously thank you again for being my friend 🙂
My pleasure, Janine. I like helping quality people and you, my dear, are a quality human being. Keep being who you are.
I heard something today that I absolutely had to write down and it applies to what you say here. Take 100% responsibility for your life. No blame, no excuses. I am responsible for my writing platform, no one else, so it is important that i make it the best that I can each and every day. Thanks, Bill, for all your help in this time in my career. Your advice and encouragement have certainly helped me immensely.
Cygnet, I believe those words as well. If I do not succeed then I have only to look in the mirror for the reason. If I have helped you then I am a very happy writer. 🙂 Thank you for your words.
Bill, this blog speaks to me today. I just finished attending a webinar put on by blogging guru Jon Morrow. It was about making money by guest blogging for the popular blogs. He stated in no uncertain terms that if your post does not demonstrate high quality, you won’t be published by the big guys.
As you know, I’ve been spending the last few months learning everything I can about freelance writing, marketing, blogging, making a name for yourself, etc. so you get noticed. This afternoon I’m attending another webinar hosted by Make a Living Writing where the query letter is addressed. It will go over the common mistake that is made repeatedly and why editors pass you over. I’ve been holding back on sending query letters because I frankly don’t know how to compose one. Especially for a writer with no fancy credentials under her belt. This webinar will address that issue also. Hopefully, after today I will have the tools I need to get out there and start pitching.
I also submitted a short story (the one that won me your first fiction contest) to The Writers Village a few weeks ago. I’ve found Dr. John, as he calls himself, to be very helpful. He takes the time to address emails and make a real connection with his readers. You do the same thing; always there for those who need help.
Enjoy your day. I’m gearing up for my next webinar. Have a great week, Bill!
Sha, you are the poster child for writers interested in bettering themselves and I’m proud of you. Query letters are essential, and if you don’t know how to write one you may as well not send any in, so good luck with that webinar. I hope it holds the key for you.
Thank you Sha! You are appreciated.
Me, too, Bill. Not being confident in sending query letters is why my income is at a standstill. I hope that changes after today!
That is my skiing style, right there.
LOL..Lizzy, you’ll notice we use snowshoes….that’s what I look like when I ski as well.
See? That’s what happens when you live in Florida for too long. Skis and snowshoes start looking the same.
LOL….just consider them short skis. 🙂
Awesome shout out to Janine. 🙂
Is that you in that photo? Haha…blue jacket…snowshoes? Haha.
I hope you’re well. Just stopping in.
No, Cyndi, that’s Bev trying to make a snow angel. LOL I’m well and I hope the same for you.
Great advice as usual Bill. Doing my best to build a solid platform one brick at a time..
Sooooo, hey! Wanna ‘review’ my story? Hmmm…pretty please with brown sugar on top? lol
I know that a good word from you goes a loooong way.
just throwing it out there, my friend – do not feel obligated in any way!
Hugsxx
Good morning, Bill,
So wonderful to see what Janine is up to, thriving in her areas of expertise.
You are such a good friend, sharing these tools with us and offering support every step along the way.
Thank you and have an “all around” lovely day! Love, Maria
Hey Les….I would love to review your book…my only hesitation is in the amount of time I have. I don’t want to say yes and then have it hanging for months. Let me take a look at my schedule this weekend before I commit because you deserve my full attention. If I can do it, how do you want me to do it?
Reblogged this on Dispensable Thoughts and commented:
Fellow freelance writer at HUBPages.com. Was reading one of the articles and responded to an invitation to follow his WordPress blog. Reblogged this post, in case some of my blog visitors might want to keep up with him too.
Thank you for reblogging this and welcome to my blog. 🙂
Always happy to find and hook up with a fellow HUBBER on the outside of the community! 🙂
So nice of you to mention Janine and you are absolutely right, she is brilliant as a person and at what she does. 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to visit, Mel. I think of you often and hope all is well in your little corner of the world.
Your highlighting Janine is so supportive, but also the recommendation is one people will highly benefit from if they decide to hire her services. Thank you for the advice on writing with the goal of quality in mind.
Thank you Dianna! Janine is one in a million and she deserves support as you know. 🙂 And so do you my friend.