Here at The Urban Muse, we spend a lot of time swapping tips on how to make more money, improve relationships with editors, and other aspects of running a freelance business. But let’s take a step back for a moment and talk about craft.
After all, without a solid grasp of language and an ability to wow with words, there isn’t much of a writing business to begin with, as one commenter pointed out recently.
So, I’ve combed the blogosphere in search of posts that will help you become a better writer, whether your genre is fiction, journalism, or marketing copy. Here are my picks (as well as one post of my own):
General Writing
Copywriting
Journalism
Writers: do you agree or disagree with the advice above? Anything else you’d add?
Flickr photo courtesy of Phinzup
Thanks for the tips!
Susan: I agree that I spend a lot more time thinking and conversing about the business of freelancing and less on the craft side of things, so thanks for the reminder that there wouldn't be one without the other. Thanks also to linking to those posts on writing basics. It still surprises me how many reporters I work with find it difficult to write a nut graph (or even identify which paragraph in their story is the nut graph). And quotes, don't get me started. When it comes to quotes, less really is more.
Michelle
Thank you for the mention, Susan!
The difference between showing and telling is so powerful it's actually inherent to journalism: who, what, where, when, how, and why. The more you stick to the facts in your writing—whether fiction or nonfiction—the more intrigued your readers will be.
@Michelle: I think some online journalism has devalued the nut graph so it's not as familiar to many writers. But it's still important.
@Victoria: Agreed! I still have to remind myself to show, not tell sometimes. Showing really does make for a more compelling articles or story, though.