How Working from Home Improved My Social Life

Fellow blogger Jamie Harrop recently wrote about the downsides of working from home (to be fair, he wrote about how to avoid these downside, too). When I told people I had quit my job to write full time, the #1 concern was "what'll happen to your social life? Won't you miss going to the office?"

Now, admittedly, I am barely into week 2 of working from home, but so far it has been fantastic. Here's why...

1. Since I'm focusing on writing full time, I no longer have to rush home from the office to finish a project or send out a query. I skipped a lot of happy hours and social events when I was working full time because I knew that editors wouldn't work with me again if I missed a deadline or turned in crappy copy. Sure, I'm still spending a lot of evenings at the computer; however, being more in control of my time has allowed me to put in more face time with friends instead of bosses.
2. I'm more relaxed now. My boyfriend will be the first to tell you I'm a much better dinner companion than I was before. Instead of ranting about what So-and-So said or what they did to create hours of extra work for me, I can make small talk like a normal person. Yes, now there's the concern that the websites I write for could go bust or that an editor will make a ridiculous request at 5:10 on a Friday, but at least I'm doing what I love.
3. A lot of people are concerned about my social life, so I'm making a concerted effort to get out and see people. This gives me an excuse to go grocery shopping in the middle of day or walk to the library to research a magazine I'd like to pitch. I'm even meeting my former coworkers for lunch on Thursday. I still tend to hit the gym during peak hours (hey, a girl's gotta get some work done), but it's nice to know I can go whenever the mood strikes.

What do you think? Has working from home improved your quality of life? Or do you miss interacting with coworkers?

Learning to Delegate

I had every intention of blogging about my first official day as a full time freelancer, but, well, I didn't have time. See, I was so determined to line up enough work for these first few weeks that now I am swimming in work. But this is a good thing, because it means I'm not twiddling my thumbs wondering what I was thinking. I'll leave you with a quick anecdote from the weekend...

Editor A from last week agreed to pay for a photographer (she would not want my photos in the magazine, trust me). I put the word out amongst my friends and coworkers that I needed a last minute photographer. They came through and I lined up a photo shoot for Saturday afternoon. We really only needed one or two shots of one particular cocktail, but of course, the cocktail has dots of herb oil floating on the top, making it almost impossible to shift the martini glass without ruining the effect.

The shoot takes two hours (and two drinks). The photographer tells me he'll burn them onto a CD, which I have to pick up the next day. It would have taken about two hours roundtrip for me, but I was willing to do it so I could get it done and move on with my life. Fortunately my boyfriend lives nearby and agrees to pick them up after his thirty-hour hospital shift (yes, I'm a lucky girl).

Sunday evening at 10pm, I go to email the photos to my editor and discover that they are too large to email (even individually). I download two different Zip programs, and it turns out that photos do not zip, because they are not vectors. Of course. I try to upload to Flickr, but again, the files are too large. I'm in the living room panicking, wondering if it's too late to find a 24-hour FedEx location so I can overnight the CD. My roommate has PhotoShop, so she reduces the file size (but not the resolution, of course) and emails the photos back to me. Crisis averted.

Manic Monday

Editor A needs photos. Editor B wants to see a revised query. Editor C hasn't sent me a contract yet, so I have to follow-up with her. One of my copywriting clients asked for massive rewrites in the next 48 hours. And my boss needs copy for a new product by Friday, but he's not entirely sure how the product works.

All of this begs the question of why I'm blogging instead of working. Hmm... excellent question!

UPDATE: an editor (not saying which one) just asked me for rewrites to an article I didn't write. This is not my day!

5 Tips for Juggling Writing and Work

Many people are surprised when I mention how I balance freelance writing with a full time job. Yes, it’s tough sometimes, but the thing to remember is that I don’t have kids, pets, or even houseplants. Writing is one of my top priorities outside of work, but I still can’t do as much of it as I’d like. I’m interested in how other part timers make it work, so here are some of the strategies I (try to) use:

1. Choose assignments carefully. I try to only take assignments that interest me (otherwise, it's not worth the sacrifice of time since I could be doing other things). And I learned the hard way that taking on too many source-heavy projects is a recipe for insanity. You can drive yourself crazy playing phone tag during your lunch break and running home in time for your 6pm interview. Instead, you could be writing in otherr forms. Essays and short stories are all about your experiences and imagination, so they don’t require formal interviews, making them the perfect genre for a part time writer. Quizzes, blog posts, and theater or restaurant reviews are also a safe bet (the last two usually require time beyond 9-5 anyway).
2. Try to do interviews over email. Some of my colleagues are probably laughing at the lack of journalistic integrity in this suggestion, but plenty of full time journalists do this, too. It’s probably not appropriate for a full-on profile piece, but it can work if you need a short quote for a service article. And hey, at least you know you’re not misquoting your source! (By all means, fix any typos.)
3. If you must do phone interviews, then find a source in a different time zone or someone who's available during off hours. Six o’clock is only three on the West Coast, so it’s perfectly appropriate to schedule a late afternoon phone call with someone in Oregon or California. Or if you're interviewing someone who's a night owl, they probably won't mind talking to you after 5 or 6 pm.
4. Ask for extensions before you start writing. I'm constantly overcommitting myself, but I'm not shy about saying "I'm really booked this week, could we push the deadline back a few days?" You need to be realistic about your other time commitments and ask for appropriate time up-front so you're not letting down your editor. Unless you're writing hard-hitting news (and you're probably not if you have a full time job), most editors will give you a few extra days if you ask nicely. In fact, I've done this with several high-profile pubs and still gotten repeat assignments.
5. Make friends with other freelance writers. They'll help you stay sane and they can share their own time management tips. Using the buddy system ensures that you always have someone you can email at 2am when you're freaking out because you still haven't come up with a clever headline for your article that's due at 9am.

I'm reading Time to Write, which has more strategies that I'll share when I've finished the book. So, readers, how do it? Do you tell your boss and your editors about your freelancing? I'd love to hear your stories!

Q & A: When do you say 'when'?

I'm still on vacation (blogging from my beachside lanai - highly recommended!), but I did want to offer some advice in my own words, rather than relying on my fabulous guest bloggers for the whole month. Here's a question that a reader emailed to me a few weeks ago. I have a few more guest posts to post, but I'll be back in full force very soon!

Q: How do you decide when a freelance project just isn't worth it for you, in terms of amount of research, backend work, writing time, etc. in relation to pay? I'm writing because I am in the midst of a freelance project that's kicking my butt (writing SEO articles in a very regimented format that always get kicked back for revisions, lengthening the short writing time they promised), and I'm starting to feel a little browbeaten by the amount of work required for what I'm being paid. Any advice?

A: A lot of writers (not including me, unfortunately) charge by the hour so they can avoid this type of situation. This isn't always an option, so you want to look at how much this project is earning you per hour by adding up the time it takes you to research, write, rewrite, and invoice each piece.

But more importantly, consider what you're learning and if having these writings in your portfolio this will help you land more of the type of projects you want to do. If your goal is to become an SEO guru, then you might want to learn as much as you can now so you can move up to higher paying SEO projects. If you're really hoping to write poetry or query women's magazines, then it might be time to refocus.

Here's a test I sometimes use with new-to-me editors: I test-drive one project before I commit to several or a longer term project. I pitch an idea, and if it's accepted, I'll write the article and see if the editor asks a million questions and demands multiple rewrites or if she thanks me for the article, makes a few tweaks, and promptly sends a check. Unless it's a very high-paying (or high-profile) client, I'm unlikely to work with someone again if they fall into the former category. There are enough opportunities out there that you don't need to write for people who don't respect your work.

A little over a year ago, I gave up a regular gig that wasn't giving me the money (or clips) to take me to the "next level" like I wanted. Moving on has given me more time to pursue my dream projects, and I've never looked back and second guessed that choice. If your instincts are telling you it's time to move on, then I doubt you'll regret your decision, either.

5 Characteristics of Great Editors

Yesterday I covered 5 Tell Tale Signs of a Bad Editor. Yes, we’ve all been there, but hopefully you’ve worked with some good ones, too. Here are some of the traits that I appreciate in my favorite editors.

1. They give clear instructions (and a writer-friendly contract) before you start writing. It’s hard to fit someone’s “editorial vision” when you don’t know what it is. My favorite editors understand this, and they don’t expect me to be a mind reader. Instead, they send me their style guide, outline their expectations for the article, and give me a contract up-front.
2. They come to you with assignments and may even suggest sources (when appropriate). I love it when an editor emails me and says “we have this idea and I think you’d be perfect for it!” Talk about validation! Plus, when an editor gives a few suggested sources, it starts me on the right track and gives me an idea of what she’s looking for.
3. They allow you enough time to turn in a good article. Good writing takes time! Obviously, there are times when you need an article in a hurry, but in order for me to do my best work, I need time to research, interview, write, and rewrite. I’m a busy girl, so I appreciate at least a week of lead time, although I often make exceptions for "special editors" (meaning those I like).
4. They edit to improve, not obscure, your writing. How many times have you eagerly waited to read an article you were really proud of, only to find your editor’s words interjected among yours, causing abrupt (and totally inappropriate) shifts in tone? Too many, I’d imagine. There’s an editor I work with who sometimes tweaks a turn of phrase here or adds a little modifier there, but it always sounds smarter and sharper than what I submitted. I generally agree with her edits, because it enhances my voice, rather than removing it.
5. They make sure you get paid on time and notify you when the article goes public. I hate having to track down a check or beg for a contributor's copy, because that's time that I could be writing. Great editors know that you're a busy professional and they treat you accordingly.

So, how do you get in good with these "golden" editors? Check out 5 Ways to Wow an Editor. As always, please leave your comments below!

5 Tell Tale Signs of a Bad Editor

We’ve all suffered through nightmare editors: the kind who make outrageous demands, sit on your article for months before requesting a million rewrites, and never seem to know the ETA on your paycheck. I tried to compile a list of warning signs to avoid this type of shady character altogether, but instead I came up with some signs that you may encounter as you get further into the editing process.

1. They give you a vague direction on your story angle, then ask twenty billion clarifying questions after you’ve turned in the article. I try to avoid this by anticipating any issues before they happen (yes, this is hard, especially when you’re first starting out). I’ve even been known to email an editor to approve a source before I do an interview: “just wanted to check in and make sure this is the type of source you had in mind.” A thorough editor appreciates this because it saves them from asking you to rewrite later and possibly delay printing.
2. They give you a topic and word count that are totally incongruous. For example, a 150 word piece on the history of Greece or a 2,500 word feature on Uggs (can you say Ugh?!). I was once asked to write a multiple-choice quiz in fewer than 250 words. I can be succinct when I need to be, but 250 words is REALLY short! I asked the editor to expand the word count, but she never got back to me, so she ended up with the World’s Shortest Quiz and I had a clip that was practically useless. I didn’t work with said editor after that. Good editors understand what a reasonable word count is, rather than making you a slave to layout or budgeting concerns.
3. They make assignments and update their writers via mass email (and don’t even bother to use bcc). I’ve cut most of these editors out of my life, thankfully. Half the time I used to email them back and the story topics were all snatched up! If an editor wants to make an assignment to me, she can email me directly and not her complete list of fifty-some-odd writers.
4. After they make an assignment, they don’t send a copy of their pub’s style guide and ignore all of your style-related questions. Not all websites or magazines have their own style guide, but the editor should certainly know whether they favor past or present tense for quotes and if they use the serial comma. A response like “whatever you think is best” rubs me the wrong way, because it shows a complete lack of respect for language.
5. They are not sure when the article will run or when you might see your check. In fact, they’ve stopped responding altogether! It’s one thing if you’re paid on acceptance (and “acceptance” is often defined a bit too liberally for my tastes), but if you’re getting paid on publication, it’s not fair to string you along. I also hate it when you're writing for a publication that's not available on newstands and they "forget" to send you a contributor's copy. Sorry, but these editors aren’t worth my time or yours!
6. UPDATE: They actually make your article worse by inserting factual errors and typos or distorting the meaning of the article. Dawn rightfully pointed out that this is another gripe that writers (including me) sometimes have. Even though I listed #1 as a pet peeve, I'd rather they ask me to clarify than commit textual homicide.

To be fair, there are some great editors out there, too. Check back later this week for the flip side of this topic.

Why Freelance Friends Rock

Writing can be kinda lonely: all those hours hunched over a computer, searching for the perfect word or phrase and churning out stories by the hour. Though some writers actually prefer it this way and worry that swapping tips could encourage the competition, I am not one of them.

I need outside stimulation, and I need to know that other people can relate. Which is why I find friendships with other freelancer writers so vital and invigorating. Here are a few more reasons.

They know people. When I’m stumped about finding an editor’s email address, there’s usually someone in my Gmail contacts who’s written for that editor and will often pass on their information. Plus, they’re good about warning me when a certain pub is habitually late on payment or generally being a PITA (of course, it feels good to pass on that info when I have it, too).

Their success is (partly) your success. When I hear that one of my writing pals has broken into a big dream market, it’s almost as exciting as hearing she’s just gotten engaged or promoted at work. And I think, if she can do, maybe next time it will be me! Plus, swapping editorial contacts and hearing that someone got an assignment based on your recommendation is pretty validating.

They’ll look out for you. I have a few freelance friends who can actually recognize my articles just based on the headline – talk about being tight! Plus, they make me laugh and share the ups and downs of writing.

They get it. My real life friends are a pretty ambitious crowd: we have a law student, a medical resident, several PhD candidates, and the like. But unless they freelance themselves, it’s difficult for them to understand the intricacies of writing a query or negotiating first serial rights. My freelance friends understand what’s at stake when I email a major editor asking for more money or discover that the magazine I’ve been contributing to is going bust. They get why it’s necessary to obsess over headlines and second-guess story angles, because they’ve been there.

See also: finding sources through social networking.

What do you love about your fellow freelancers? Leave a comment and let me know!

My Writing Resolution for 2008

All the "cool kids" are doing it, so now it's my turn to post my New Year's resolution. I get overwhelmed by long, multi-pronged resolutions, so next year I vow to...

Focus on the big picture.

Of course, what this really means is “don’t sweat the small stuff,” but I’d rather frame it in a more positive light, to concentrate on something actionable, rather than feeling guilty for being the detail-crazy person that I am.

The past year has been pretty good to me. I’ve gotten in the groove with this blog. I’ve found a day job that lets me apply my writing and blogging skills. I’ve churned out a ridiculous number of queries and broken into several big writing markets (in fact, almost exactly a year before I published my essay in the Boston Globe, I wrote about that as a personal goal – behold the power of blogging!).

Now it's time to focus my efforts on a few key markets, rather than going after them all, and to evaluate how I'm spending my time (does a 500 word short really require 5 hours of research? probably not). Hopefully this will increase my hourly rate, so I can earn more money without sacrificing my personal time. I also want to work on being a marathoner instead of a sprinter and maybe even spend some time on that novel floating around in my head.

For more writer's resolutions, check out these blogs:
Inkthinker: What Can You Do to Improve Your Business in 2008?
CatalystBlogger: My Business Resolutions for 2008
Freelance Switch: How to Apply What You Learned in 2007 for Continued Success in 2008
Writing the Cyber Highway: My Top 10 Goals for 2008

Happy holidays!

All I Want for Christmas...

is more time!! But since Santa doesn't have access to the time/space continuum, I'll settle for some books instead. The Anti 9-to-5 Guide and Query Letters That Rock are both on my wish list this holiday. Truth be told, I've already read both of them, but I want to my own copies so I can refer them without running to the library.

Here are some other suggestions for the writer on your holiday gift list...

Fancy notebooks and office supplies. I know you can write just as well in a plain spiral notepad, but frankly it's not as fun. I'm a sucker for cute little notebooks and pens, so I have several sets strategically placeed around my apartment in case inspiration strikes. Right now I'm coveting the mini notebooks and mouse pads from Paperchase, the British paper purveyor that just opened a store in Boston. See Jane Work also some cute supplies.

Magazine subscriptions. Please do not (I repeat: do NOT) buy me a gift magazine subscription, because I'm trying to widdle down my reading list, but it's a good idea in theory. Magazines.com is running a gift promotion right now, so you could help out a fellow writer that way.

Writing course or membership. We writers need to stick together! I love my memberships to Freelance Success (btw, the rates are going up on January 1, so now's the time to join!) and Media Bistro, and I bet the wirter in your life will like them, too. Both offer online courses and some of MB's classes are offered in person, too.

Charitable donation. I'd love for someone to donate money to a childhood literacy program or a local library on my behalf (hint, hint). Alternatively, you could donate a favorite childhood book to Toys for Tots or another organization. Charity Navigator is a great way to research nonprofits.

Inkygirl offers more writing-themed gift ideas. I'm curious... what's on your wish list this year?

From the Mail Bag

I knew that my essay in the Boston Globe would probably ruffle some feathers. And it did. That is the risk everyone takes when they publish a personal essay. Here are some highlights from my "fan mail" as my editor so aptly put it...

I thought the writer's negativity towards the older generation was inappropriate in this article.

Though I am usually a model of politeness and decorum, I am tired of reading that my generation is made up of spoiled, lazy, and illiterate wastes of space. Some are like that, but many of us are hard working and socially conscious individuals with a genuine desire to make an impact on the world around us.

The writer's description of the plethora of errors found in the writer's work makes me wonder how the writer lasted long enough to give two weeks notice.

Let's talk for a minute about the difference between editing for spelling and syntax and editing for personal style. I'm not saying we should be sloppy about careless grammar or passive verbs (certainly not!), but there comes a time with every piece of writing when you need to stop second guessing the nuances of every single verb or the number of vowels in a headline and just let it go. As they say, art is never finished, merely abandoned. If that weren't the case, then we'd never be able to move on.

In closing, Ms. Johnston should view PBS once in a while.

Actually, I do watch PBS and attend the theatre and symphony regularly (shocking, I know), but then my taste is pretty eclectic.

I admit I was a little surprised by some of these comments; however, many of the writers I admire get flack for taking a stand (for instance, Penelope Trunk), so I consider myself in good company.

Clip: Public Speaking for Writers

This is one of the articles I'm most excited about, so take a look....

Even more than death, people dread public speaking. All of those faces staring up at you, judging you, counting the minutes until you step down from the podium. Many writers shy away from public appearances because they find it easier to hide behind their computer and the safety of the written word... Read more.*

*Because this article is part of Media Bistro's premium content for AvantGuild members, you'll need an AG login. Membership costs $49, but it's soo worth it, in my opinion. (Not just because you can read my article, because you also get discounts on writing courses, two magazine subscriptions, and access to lots of insider info for writers and media types.)

My Golden Weekend

This weekend the bf has what residents call "a golden weekend," which means he's not on call nor is he recovering from being on call. "It's so rare we call it golden," he explained (yes, honey, I understand the significance of the color gold).

Come to think of it, that kind of weekend is pretty rare for writers, too. I started to wonder about the last time I'd had a whole weekend when I wasn't frantically churning out queries or answering emails to editors. This week was especially stressful, so I've decided that this weekend is my golden weekend, too. See you Monday (maybe)...

Make My Day!

The last week or so has been really hectic with some last minute deadlines and back and forth with editors. The stress really peaked on Tuesday, then it began to calm on Wednesday when I got this very nice email and everything else started to straighten itself out. I wanted to share part of the email, because it really made my day.

Hi Susan,
I wanted to let you know I read your blog every day and enjoy the content and topics you write about. However, there was one thing you said that really stayed with me. You said (I'm paraphasing) that you were focusing on landing major assignments with major publications instead of competing with the masses for writing jobs on Craigslist. At that moment, the light went off in my head. She's right, I said. I am competing with thousands of writers for one or two jobs. So, I stopped wasting my time and started honing my queries. I writing to thank you because it worked. After years of trying, I have upcoming articles in [name withheld].
Thank you, Susan. You truly inspired me.
Best,
Terah Shelton

Terah,
Thanks for the pick-me-up. Your note helped remind me of my priorities. It's easy to get caught up in the minutaie of keeping with emails and following up on queries, but like you, I've cracked several of my dream markets (the articles haven't come out yet, so I don't want to jinx it) in the last few months and have a lot to be proud of (OK, I've answered some posts on Craig's List, too, but you gotta strike a balance). Thanks for the reminder of what's really important, and congrats on your recent successes!
Best,
Susan

Beating Burnout

One of the reoccuring themes that I'm seeing on many of the writing forums I follow is other writers are feeling overwhelmed this time of year. "Sounds like burn out is going around," warned one poster, as if it were as contagious as a case of the flu.

Truth be told, I'm feeling a few of the symptoms myself. Lately it's felt more and more like there just aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish half of what I want to do. And trying to set up multiple phone interviews around my subjects' crazy schedules has wreaked havoc on my personal time (one person had to reschedule 3 times, which mean I had to change my schedule 3 times - oy!). So, here are a few of the tactics I'm going to try to get back on track:

1. Say no more often. I'm already booked up until the beginning of December, and I've already said no to one low-paying assignment. I really wanted to write the story because the topic is near and dear to my heart, but it just wasn't worth driving myself crazy for a small chunk of change. Lately I've been asking editors for more time before my deadline (upfront, not springing it on them the night before) and they've been happy to oblige.
2. Turn off my computer at a reasonable hour. As long as my laptop is on, my brain is still running a mile a minute with story ideas, emails to write, and topics to Google. Shutting off my computer helps me wind down for the night, but when I'm on a roll, it's really tempting to just keep going. Part of me regrets it the next day, and another part is pleased with the quality of writing.
3. Take breaks. Heather Strang recommends something called an "artist date." The idea is to take time for those activities that keep you sane and help you get in touch with your inspiration. For me, this means rocking out on the treadmill and leisurely browsing book stores. Many writers give themselves at least one computer-free day per week, but since I have to fit writing around my full time job, that's not really an option for me (at least not right now).

Any other tips on staying sane and avoiding burn out? I'd love to hear them!

UPDATE: Thanks to everyone who has weighed in so far with their comments. It's great to know that so many other writers feel the same way. Speaking of other writers, Allison Winn Scotch (who is one of my freelancing idols) blogged about this very same topic recently, so you may want to check out her post, too.

Another way to combat burn out which I remembered belatedly is writing in a different locale, because sometimes a change of scenery can really help recharge those creative batteries. I've found several cafes near my apartment that are ideal for writing. While we're on the topic, what's your favorite writing spot?

A Writing Meme

Jenny recently tagged me for a meme on writing. Here goes...

• I love the sound of my keyboard as my fingers glide across the keys and the words keep pouring out.
• I love when the right idea, the right publication, and the right timing come together simultaneously.
• I love getting inspired by reading a really good essay and wanting to capture that same feeling in my writing.
• I love writing about the things that matter to me.
• I love the community of fellow bloggers and writers I've met online.

Now I'm tagging Liz, Jessica, and Jason.

When is a Clip Just a Check?

I choose my writing projects based on several factors. How much does this topic interest me? Will this clip help me land more of the kind of assignments I want? And, of course, is the money worth my time? Lately I've been so busy that I've had to turn down assignments that don't meet this criteria. Which is why it's frustrating when I can't get a copy of the clip to show to other prospective editors or the article is being held hostage for some indefinite period of time.

Several of the magazines I write for are so niche, they're not available on newsstands or online. So, unless I wanted to subscribe to every single one of those magazines, I'm dependent on the editor sending me a copy when they come out. Some editors are great about this (usually with a gentle little nudge), and others could care less if I get a copy of the magazine, since I've already been paid (thank goodness!) and they have to focus on getting the next issue out. In these cases, the magazine's name isn't going to impress another editor ("you write for New England Teen Girl Monthly? Big deal!"), so if I can't get a clip showing off my article all I get is a check. Which isn't soo bad, but I still get a kick out of seeing the article laid out with photos and fancy font.

For more writerly rants, check out Writing Frump, one of my new favorite blogs.

Weekend Networking

As writers, it's easy for us to become so focused on the words that we forget how important relationships are. Not just with editors, but with other writers and also potential clients. This week I've had several networking opportunities fall into my lap before I even realized it was happening (similar to the way certain guys are oblivious to signals from women until their buddies nudge them out of their sports-induced stupor). Luckily, I managed to put on my game face before the moment passed me by. In fact, today I have two networking calls before noon. Not bad for a Sunday!

Here's an easy way to network and share info that I just discovered (I know, I'm a little behind the times for a Gen Yer). I recently set up a del.icio.us account for my interns since they have to play musical computers. After clicking around, I realized that organizing my bookmarks on del.icio.us is way easier than organizing my favorited sites on my laptop. THEN I thought... why not share the wealth with other writers? So, I'm sharing the link to my (growing) collection of writers' guidelines. If you'd like to set up your account and join my network, I'd love that. If not, maybe you'll discover a new market or two.

Suddenly I (don't) See

Today I had a consultation for Lasik eye surgery. Everything looks normal for the procedure, but after they dilated my eyes and subjected me to a variety of bright, multi-colored lights and small black letters, I have temporary double vision. So if this post has major typos, blame my surgeon, not ME! My mother is probably reading this laughing and wondering if I will insist on having my laptop by my bedside during the recovery period. Answer: yes!

Moving on... Writer's Digest recently announced their best writer's websites for 2007. It's worth checking out the finalists, because they have some sharp web copy, creative concepts, and unusual (but functional) navigation. It's also worth noting that most of them were self-designed, not farmed out to a super-flashy and expensive graphic design firm (in fact, none of them even use the program Flash). See? You don't have to shell out the big bucks for a cool website.

5 Hints for Writing Headlines

Often coming up with a snappy headline can jumpstart your creativity when you're feeling uninspired (not to mention grabbing an editor's attention when you send a query). Personally, it helps me when I'm feeling unfocused to hone in on the all-important question "what is this really about?" A good headline usually answers that.

Of course, finding the perfect turn of phrase can also be a source of angst and frustration (take it from the Queen of Angst herself). Most of my headlines use at least one of these strategies (including the title of this post):

1. Play on words. Brainstorm a couple of well-known phrases related to your topic and then turn them inside outside out. Example: It's Easy Being Green (OK, this one is kind of over-used for veggie and eco-friendly topics, but I still like it.)
2. Alliteration. As long as you don't go overboard with the alliteration, it can tie a title together rather nicely. Example: Depart with Dignity (my editor came up with this one, and I think it sums up the article perfectly!)
3. Juxtaposition. I just love that word, and I love what it does for a headline. Think: black and white, big and small, high and low. Example: Big Ideas for Small Spaces.
4. Lists. Magazine readers are drawn to cover lines like "10 Ways to Improve Your Sex Life" and "5 Must-Have Acessories for Fall," because they are neat, organized, and seem practical. Example: 5 Time-Saving Tech Tips.
5. Simplicity. Sometimes a short, straight-forward title is better than a long, cutesy one, especially online when you want to incorporate keywords. Example: Taking Constructive Criticism.

Am I missing anything? How do YOU brainstorm for titles or headlines?