KISS - Keep it simple, sweetheart! (How to write about a complex subject in a simple way)

I’ve been working in the Information Technology industry in various capacities for the last decade. Anyone who does not live under a rock will know that the IT field, along with biotech, space and genetics, has been one of the fastest growing, changing and revolutionising areas of work in the world. From the invention of the wheel, to the first cloned sheep, to putting the “smart” into every single smart gadget available on the market today, we’ve come a long way in a relatively short period of time. Little wonder then, that this progress needs – and indeed deserves – to be documented, not only...

Read the full article in the March 2015 issue of Writing World

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2000 words
Nonfiction
US publication

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Words from the Wise

"This is a great article"

Moira Allen

Publisher

Writing World

"I like the angle; I think it is right on point; and it exemplifies the article's theme—a clear handling of a multi-faceted subjects."

Susan M. Tierney

Editor-in-Chief

Children's Writer

8 Simple ways to maximise your earnings

If only we didn’t have to pay tax! Now that would maximise my meagre earnings as a writer by as much as 20% – a significant growth indeed. Luckily for us, though, there are some simple ways in which we can ensure that we are squeezing as much value out of the dollar as the law of the land will allow. 

1. Stay away from non-paying markets Bit obvious, really. It’s a lose-lose situation for you and a win-win situation for them, so why should you even bother with markets that cannot compensate you for your work? Forget the ‘for the love of literature’ and ‘amass glory and prestige’ rubbish. If you wanted...

Read the full article in the March 2015 post of Walrus Publishing

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1095 words
Nonfiction
US publication

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Words from the Wise

"This (is) a very nice article."

Lisa Miller

Editor

Walrus Publishing

"I enjoyed your article... I enjoyed reading your articles at your website which focused specifically on the freelance writer."

Brian Scott

Editor

Freelance Writing

"This one looks right for us."

Dana Cassell

Editor

Freelance Writer's Report

Are all rights alright? (And what to do when they aren't)

When I was recently invited to guest-blog for a software technology company, I was in seventh heaven. "We would love to have you contribute to our blog," said the manager. "You are a very experienced writer and we are always looking for truly creative and informative content. I’ve read some of your material and I think your type of work would be great for us. I need someone with a technical background who understands how to reach out to our audience of techies." The gig promised regular lucrative work and I couldn't wait to start.

Until I read the contract.
 
"We would need sole publishing rights...

Read the full article in the March 2015 issue of Writing

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2070 words
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UK publication

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Words from the Wise

"I like the piece... Wow, this is great! I love the negotiating strategies."

Moira Allen

Publisher

Writing World

 

Returning to work after giving birth - 10 Advice [tips] for mums

‘I’m having a baby!’ I announced at work.

After the initial wave of congratulations had subsided, conversation turned to the inevitable question. ‘Are you planning to return to work?’ asked my colleagues, some with amusement, others in tones more anxious. ‘I don’t really know at this point,’ was my truthful answer. What I did know was that it was going to be an important, serious and potential uncomfortable choice to make, and one that could be life-changing.
 
A year later, as I neared the end of my maternity leave and the manic feeding-changing-sleeping frenzy settled into a regular and...

Read the full article in the February 2015 post of New Age Parents

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750 words
Nonfiction
Singapore publication

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Words from the Wise

"I liked the piece very much"

John Feister

Editor-in-Chief

St. Anthony Messenger

"It's a great article"

Melody Tan

Associate Editor

Sign Of The Times

"That kind of article is perfect for our website"

Lydia Stone

Director Editorial Content

Together Moms

"It is well written, covers an important topic and provides helpful tips"

James D. Standish

Editor etc.

Record

"I'd love to publish this"

Sandy Pedrogao

Editor

Oh Baby!

"It looks quite interesting!"

Kristy Pillinger

Editor

Nurture Parenting

"We really like your article, and we'd love to publish it. It's an excellent article"

Jill Snider Lum

Associate Publisher

Canadian Newcomer/Settlement Roadmap

"We find your ideas and your article to be quite interesting"

Nina Kruschwitz

Managing Editor

MIT Sloan Management Review

"It contains some useful ideas"

Bill O'Sullivan

Senior Managing Editor

The Washingtonian

"It works for maternity but applies to more than just women with a new baby. The intro caught my attention."

Anonymous

Editor/Reader/Administrator

Broward Family Life

"This is a lovely piece of writing."

Tara Corcoran

Publishing Editor

Early Childhood Australia

"I love the topic. The subject is a great fit for our publication."

Dana Kamp

Managing Editor

Giggle

"It is well-written and practical. Having personally returned to work after maternity leave just a year ago, I enjoyed reading your thoughts on this topic"

Emily Schatz

Editor

New Jersey Family Magazine

"Your articles are excellent"

Sheryl Rachmil

Editor

Rhode Island Family Guide

"I love the article and would love to have it featured in Today's Child"

Susan Koppel

ex-Editor

Today's Child Magazine

It's an ad mad world! Advertising - Does a freelance writer need it? How do you do it?

Let’s face it. In today’s competitive world, if you want to stay ahead in the game, you need every help you can get. On one hand, the Internet has opened up new vistas for writing. Nowadays, a lot of companies and websites advertise for writers to write copy. They may have a blog which they would like to keep updated, or they may need a person familiar with social media networking to keep them “in touch” with their customer base via Facebook or Twitter etc. For example, a magazine’s editor may not actually have the time to write a weekly blog post but may still want to maintain a blog called, say, ‘From...

Read the full article in the February 2015 post of Freelance Writing

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2825 words
Nonfiction
US publication

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Words from the Wise

"The 'how-to' part itself is excellent"

Moira Allen

Publisher

Writing World

"It's a great article"

Brian Scott

Editor

Freelance Writing

Are you a happy writer?

I am a part-time writer. Unlike the author who says he is busy writing an eight hundred page opus of a five part “trilogy” in the midst of two blog posts and a feature length article every day, I'm lucky if I can get eight sentences written down in eight weeks. The only things I do manage to write about are reminders for doctors' appointments and kindergarten events.

I don't earn much money from writing. A hundred quid now, a couple of them in six months' time just about keeps me in chocolate cake and icecream at every birthday.

I've never won an award. I've come close—short listed, honorable mention...

Read the full article in the February 2015 issue of Writing World

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1250 words
Nonfiction
US publication

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Words from the Wise

"I like the idea behind this article, that of defining happiness for yourself in the writing process. This is an extremely important point of view for all writers, and all people, really... This piece is really trying to offer a perspective through which to view the writing life."

Bill Kenower

Editor

Author Magazine

"I really love this. I have to say, it speaks to me - because I am doing so many fulfilling things in my life, and writing often is not at the top of the list. So I feel guilty that I'm not WRITING even when I'm doing other things that make me happy. I'm sure there are a lot of us in a similar situation. I think what this conveys is that "being a writer" is part of what you are as a total person, not 100% of what you are. So much of what is written about "being a writer" makes it seem that if you're not devoting 23 out of 24 hours of your day to it, you're not "serious." As opposed to - you're a writer, maybe you're a mom, maybe you are a photographer, maybe you have a day job - it's part of the package, not the total package. I think it... will make a great editorial.
That's a great editorial, really. There's so much out there on being the non-stop, full-time, full-speed-ahead writer, as if that's the ONLY kind that makes you a "real" writer. The idea that writing, for some of us, is something we do "in addition" to all the OTHER things we do just isn't "fashionable." I thank you for saying it so well!"

Moira Allen

Publisher

Writing World

Dealing with team dynamics after a promotion

Recently, something significant happened to me at work. I was promoted. I had been performing exceedingly well in my job over the last couple of years, so it came as no surprise when the decision was announced. I knew that my life would change in many ways: An advancement up the corporate ladder meant bigger challenges, bigger responsibilities and a bigger paycheck. What I hadn’t expected was the subtle, yet significant change in the office environment around me.

Advice abounds on how to deal with rejection – rejection at a job interview, rejection from a love interest, rejection at a competition...

Read the full article in the February 2015 issue of Insight

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1000 words
Nonfiction/Corporate
UK publication

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Words from the Wise

"Good article. We like it. I enjoy your writing style."

Paul Sterman

Associate Editor

Toastmaster Magazine