The Writing Coach Podcast 49: When sources want to see your draft
WCP49 Sources who want to review drafts Have you interviewed somebody who wanted to review your copy before publication? This is a surprisingly high-tension issue for many journalists, even thought it seems like it could be nipped in the bud with a simple, “Sorry, that’s against the publication’s policy.” Subscribe to The Writing Coach Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Android, […]
The Writing Coach Podcast 48: 100 reasons why you shouldn’t pitch today
WCP48 100 reasons why you shouldn’t write your pitch today Running out of reasons to avoid pitching? I’ve got you covered with 100 reasons why you shouldn’t pitch today. Many of these can be adapted to be reasons why you should not write anything else today, like the article you were assigned last week, or […]
The Writing Coach Podcast 47: Listener Q&A, Vol. III
WCP47 Listener Q&A, Volume III This week I’m answer a number of your questions … and asking you quite a few myself. This isn’t slippery side stepping, but trying to help you get to the heart of the matter. Subscribe to The Writing Coach Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Android, or RSS. This week I’m answering a number of your questions … […]
The business of freelancing: How to chart a course for success
This Monday, July 22, I’ll be part of a virtual panel called “The Business of Freelancing,” hosted by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. We’ll talk about how to run your freelance business like a business, addressing things like the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset, how to successfully develop clients and interact with […]
The Writing Coach Podcast 46: Literary Paris with Nichole Robertson
WCP46 Literary Paris with Nichole Robertson Nichole Robertson, author of the new book “Literary Paris,” (and four others) joins us this week to talk about books, Paris, writing, photography, Instagram, and what happens when the internet wants to label you as a photographer instead of a writer. Subscribe to The Writing Coach Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Android, or RSS. Nichole […]
The Writing Coach Podcast 45: Setting freelance writer goals, Volume III
WCP45 Setting freelance writing goals, Vol. 3 In the first two quarters, we discussed setting and working toward your goals. Today we talk about something you might not have bargained for: You reached your goal but it turns out it isn’t all you thought it would be. Your life didn’t change. That big article didn’t […]
The Writing Coach Podcast 44: Monday morning on the mountain with Mishka
WCP44 Monday morning on the mountain with Mishka On Monday mornings I used to be cranky and anxious. It’s not a great combo any time, and not a great foundation for the week ahead. Now I have a ritual that helps me transition … and I actually look forward to that time when I get […]
The Writing Coach Podcast 43: Bridge thoughts
Often when I start coaching a writer, they ask, “How do I get myself to do this thing I know I should do?” The short answer is to change the thinking that’s causing your blocks. If you think differently, you’ll feel and act differently too. Bridge thoughts are a mindset management tool that can help […]
The Writing Coach Podcast Bonus: Don’t believe everything your mind tells you
This live session builds on this week’s podcast episode re imposter syndrome. We’re very aware of fake news and disinformation campaigns in our daily work and in the world around us, and we see the consequences of fact checking sources vs letting hoaxes run rampant. You know it’s important to distinguish between objective fact and […]
The Writing Coach Podcast 42: Writers and imposter syndrome
“I was lucky to get that assignment; it’s only because the editor knows me.” “I don’t know how I pulled that off … or how I’ll ever do it again.” “They liked the pitch, but the article won’t live up to expectations.” Sound familiar? Imposter syndrome can derail writers at any career stage. Feeling like […]
The Writing Coach Podcast 41: Sorting and archiving freelance articles
Whether your articles are published online or in print, you need to make them readily available for potential clients to read online. Simply having a list of links isn’t sufficient. Sites reorganize and your links go bad; your piece gets pulled or the publication closes; and paywalls prohibit access. Clips that look great on paper […]
The Writing Coach Podcast 40: Warming up to your next client
Do you love your existing clients? Everything else being equal, somebody you’ve already worked with is more likely to give you new work than somebody who’s never heard of you. Freelance writers often lament not knowing the “right people” while overlooking the clients we’ve worked with in the recent past. Let’s look at the reasons […]
The Writing Coach Podcast 39: Listener Q&A, Volume II
Time for an encore edition of answers to questions from podcast listeners. Hearing another writer’s conundrum can be quite revealing. Even when the specifics are different, you’ll often recognize an aspect of the problem that’s very familiar, and you’ll be able to see how the coaching applies to yourself as well. Today we address these […]
The Writing Coach Podcast 38: Writing through grief
In some important ways, it doesn’t matter what your job is when somebody you care about dies. In today’s episode, we look at ways you can use writing to process your emotions and communicate love and loss, or to support somebody else who is in mourning. We also discuss the practical challenges of freelancing while […]
The Writing Coach Podcast 37: Write locally, publish globally
Freelancers want to write for foreign publications for multiple reasons: access to larger or more engaged audiences so that your stories have more impact, higher income, and the thrill of a new challenge. I’ve written stories for publications in the US, as well as in South Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and Asia. But […]
The Writing Coach Podcast 36: Editing expectations
You’ve completed your article, your editor received it, and now … silence. Are you thinking that the silence means that the editor hates it and wants to kill it? Or do you figure no news is good news and send a new story idea? If you’re a freelancer with a high pitch acceptance rate and […]
The Writing Coach Podcast 35: Podcasting with Suchandrika Chakrabarti
Suchandrika Chakrabarti is a freelance journalist, podcaster, and media trainer. Based in London, Suchandrika has got a dozen years reporting for UK newspapers and international news agencies and training people in digital storytelling. She’s got practical experience pitching, presenting, producing, and editing podcasts. This episode is essential listening for all freelance writers, whether you’re trying […]
The Writing Coach Podcast Bonus: Telling people you’re a writer
Are you happy and excited when somebody asks, “What do you do?” No? Listen in as we go a bit deeper into how to practice your new way of thinking and talking about what you call yourself. Practicing telling people you’re a writer will make it easier. Use this visual tracker to gamify the process […]
The Writing Coach Podcast 34: Investing in your writing
Do you invest money in your freelance writing business rather than in stocks, real estate, or Bitcoin? Do you make a distinction between spending and investing time? Are you investing in uplevelling your skills and improving your mindset? Have you been reaping excellent returns on your investments? We look at a few areas that can […]
The Writing Coach Podcast 33: A writer by any other name
When somebody asks you what you do, are you completely at ease with your response? Many writers feel that they need to do something more—such as publish more or elsewhere, earn more, write more words, write about more important topics—before truly feeling comfortable introducing themselves as a writer. This episode will help you reframe what […]
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