Tag: writing article

GUEST POST: SLIGHTLY OFF-KILTER: SONGS FOR CREATING DEMONS BY BARRY MAHER

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Slightly Off-Kilter

Songs for Creating Demons

By Barry Maher

I listen to music when I write. This column for example is being created with the help of—or perhaps in spite of—a piece of music that seems to be an unfortunate blend of God Save the King and The Moldavan National Anthem. But creating my new supernatural thriller, The Great Dick: And The Dysfunctional Demon, a thriller that’s able to laugh at itself, (one reader called it “Horrifying and Delightful!”) required an even more horrifying type of music. Music like: 

Dust by Fleetwood Mac 

Fleetwood Mac? Aren’t they much too pop for horror? Actually Dust was from an early incarnation of Fleetwood Mac, with no hits and lots of drug problems, not the later version of the group with lots of hits and even more drug problems. The lyrics to Dust come from a 1909 poem by Rupert Brook, who was no bundle of sunshine.

“When your swift hair is quiet in death
And through the lips corruption
Thrust to still the labor of my breath”


Midnight Mile by the Rolling Stones. 

This haunting tune about a mad day on the road “with a head full of snow,” gets me picturing Keith Richards as the guitar playing, coked-up, walking dead. Perhaps not a huge stretch.


I Put a Spell on You by Screaming Jay Hawkins. Writing about obsession? 

Here’s Screaming Jay screaming that he doesn’t care if you don’t want him. It doesn’t matter to him at all. He’s still yours. A non-returnable gift that threatens to keep on giving.


She’s Not There by the Zombies

This one doesn’t make my list for the name of the group, but for the mood the music evokes. And the lyrics do have a touch of the sinister. In this British song, a mysterious woman is causing untold suffering, Like the singer, we can only wonder about how much she lied, with no way of telling “how many people cried.” I know what you’re thinking. But the song was released in 1965, considerably before Maggie Thatcher ever became Prime Minister.


No Bravery by James Blunt 

I thought this guy wrote love songs, but this one features shallow graves, burning houses, the odor of death, and dying families. I listen to this, then write horror to cheer up. 

Tie a Yellow Ribbon by Tony Orlando. Not a horror classic, just a horrible song. I can’t listen to it without dreaming of tying a yellow ribbon as tightly as possible around Tony Orlando’s neck. And I understand the reasoning of a homicidal demon.

Last and in so many ways least, Black Sabbath by Black Sabbath 

Apparently, Satan, with eyes of fire, is coming after the singer. That might explain the vocal. I think this one is from the Black Sabbath album Blue Skies, Sunny Days and Lollypops, or it may be from Kittens, Puppies and Other Easy Meals. To quote a key phrase, “Please, God help me.”

Take a listen. The singing sounds like a weasel caught in a meat grinder. The question this little ditty raises is more theological than musical. Namely: why would a loving God allow something like this to exist? And to somehow be a hit? When I first heard it on my car radio, I thought my transmission was disintegrating, but it was only humanity’s musical taste.

Check out Barry Maher’s dark humor supernatural thriller, The Great Dick: And the Dysfunctional Demon, on Amazon. Contact him and/or sign up for his newsletter at www.barrymaher.com. 


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GUEST BLOG POST: Freelance Writing: How College Students Can Turn Words Into Work By Marcie Sullivan

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Image: Freepik

Freelance Writing: How College Students Can Turn Words Into Work

Writing has quietly become one of the most adaptable freelance careers for college students and recent grads. You don’t need a fancy office, expensive gear, or years of experience — just clarity, consistency, and a laptop. Whether it’s content writing, blogging, ghostwriting, or UX copy, the field rewards creativity and curiosity.

Core Points

  • Freelance writing lets students earn while learning, often with minimal startup costs.
  • Popular paths include content writing, ghostwriting, editing, social media copy.
  • Essential tools include grammar checkers, portfolio sites, and payment platforms.
  • Building a reputation requires consistency and responsiveness.
  • Consider forming an LLC for credibility and legal protection.

FAQs

Q1: Do I need a degree to start writing professionally?
No — portfolios beat diplomas in this industry. Build samples on platforms like Medium or Substack.

Q2: What should I charge as a beginner?
Start with $0.05–$0.10 per word or per-project pricing on marketplaces like Upwork.

Q3: How can I get clients fast?
Pitch via LinkedIn, use job boards like ProBlogger, and build an SEO-optimized writer profile.

Q4: Should I niche down early?
Yes — specializing (e.g., sustainability, SaaS, or education) boosts trust and rates.

Q5: How do I stay organized?
Use free tools like Notion or Trello for task management.

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Why Writing Works as a Student Side Career

Unlike gig jobs or retail work, freelance writing compounds in value. Each article is a potential reference, backlink, or resume piece. The flexibility lets students:

  • Work from anywhere (libraries, dorms, cafés).
  • Adjust schedules around exams.
  • Turn part-time work into full-time careers after graduation.

And unlike other jobs, writing scales with skill — better words bring better clients.

Building a Freelance Writing Career From Scratch

  1. Identify Your Interest Area → Start with topics you know (tech, travel, psychology).
  2. Create 3–5 Writing Samples → Post them on Medium or your blog.
  3. Build a Simple Portfolio Website → Use Carrd or WordPress.
  4. Set Up Professional Tools
    • Payment: PayPal, Wise
    • Proofreading: Grammarly
    • Document sharing: Google Docs
  5. Start Pitching Clients → Personalize outreach emails and include your best samples.
  6. Track Income and Deadlines → Use spreadsheets or free project trackers.
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Before You Take Your First Client

✅ Have at least two polished writing samples
✅ Know your rate (per word or per project)
✅ Set up a professional email
✅ Create a Google Drive folder for client work
✅ Confirm how you’ll get paid (and when)
✅ Read the client’s brief carefully
✅ Keep communication clear and friendly

Establishing an LLC

Establishing a business structure gives freelance writers legitimacy and protection. Forming an LLC can separate personal assets from business income, simplify taxes, and boost your professional image when dealing with clients. Filing fees differ by state, and online formation services like zenbusiness.com providers offer customizable registration packages to make setup simple and affordable.

Common Writing Niches and Average Entry Rates

NicheTypical Client TypeAverage Starting RateLong-Term Growth Potential
Tech/SaaSStartups, agencies$0.08–$0.12 per wordHigh (retainer potential)
Lifestyle/HealthBlogs, brands$0.05–$0.10 per wordModerate
Finance/BusinessFintech, education sites$0.10–$0.15 per wordHigh
Academic EditingStudents, journals$20–$40 per hourSteady
UX/Product CopyApps, software companies$50–$150 per projectHigh

Featured Product: Grammarly 

Even professional writers rely on proofreading and editing software. Grammarly helps refine tone, clarity, and consistency — a must-have for freelancers handling multiple clients at once. Use it alongside style guides or editing frameworks for clean, confident delivery.

Freelance writing isn’t just a side hustle — it’s a foundation for creative independence. With focus, structure, and a bit of persistence, college students can turn their curiosity into cash and their skills into sustainable careers. Writing is one of the few jobs where learning and earning evolve together — and that’s a pretty smart start.

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Tips for Writing Your First Sci-Fi Novel by Marcie Sullivan

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Tips for Writing Your First Sci-Fi Novel

Embarking on the journey of writing your first science fiction novel is an exciting endeavor that blends imagination with storytelling. This genre, known for its boundless potential and exploration of the unknown, offers a unique canvas for writers. The key to success lies in understanding the nuances of the genre and mastering the craft of writing. Here’s a guide to set you on the right path.

Secure Your Creative Endeavors

In the process of crafting your first science fiction novel, prioritizing the security of your manuscript is essential. Your novel represents a unique blend of creativity and dedication, and it’s imperative to shield these intellectual efforts from potential compromise. Utilizing effective security measures, like password protection, is a practical approach to safeguard your documents. This strategy not only fortifies your work against unauthorized access but also provides the tranquility needed to concentrate on your creative endeavors. By learning how to password protect a PDF, you can ensure that your novel remains your exclusive creation. Remember, this novel is more than just a story; it also embodies valuable intellectual property that merits vigilant protection.

Anchor Your Novel in a Core Idea

A compelling science fiction novel is often anchored in a strong, clear core idea. This idea serves as the foundation of your story, guiding the narrative and giving it purpose. Whether it’s an exploration of an advanced technology, a unique take on time travel, or a vision of a dystopian future, your core concept should be intriguing and thought-provoking. It should captivate readers’ imaginations and set the stage for the narrative journey they are about to embark on.

Create Relatable Characters

Characters are the heart of any story, and in science fiction, they become the bridge between the reader and the fantastical elements of your world. Crafting well-rounded, relatable characters is essential. These characters, human or otherwise, should possess depth, flaws, and motivations that resonate with readers. They are the lenses through which your audience will experience the wonders and challenges of the sci-fi world you’ve created.

Weave an Immersive Setting

The setting in a science fiction novel is not just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right. Your setting should be richly detailed and fully realized, immersing readers in a world that is both fantastic and believable. Whether it’s a distant planet, a futuristic city, or an altered version of our own world, your setting should captivate the reader’s imagination. It should be so vividly described that readers can effortlessly visualize and lose themselves in it.

Maintain Logical Consistency

While science fiction is a genre that thrives on imaginative and sometimes outlandish concepts, maintaining internal consistency is crucial. Establish logical rules for the science or technology in your story and adhere to them. This consistency anchors your story in a semblance of reality, making the unbelievable, believable. It encourages readers to suspend their disbelief and fully engage with your narrative.

Fuel Your Story with Tension

High stakes and constant tension keep readers turning pages. Introduce challenges and obstacles that your characters must navigate. These trials not only drive the plot but also facilitate character development, revealing their strengths, weaknesses, and true nature. The tension can stem from external threats, internal conflicts, or the very elements that make your world unique. It’s this tension that transforms a story from a simple narrative into a compelling journey.

Engage with Beta Readers

Feedback is a vital element in refining your novel. LinkedIn suggests sharing your work with beta readers, writing groups, and even friends and family for fresh perspectives and invaluable insights. These early readers can highlight strengths, pinpoint weaknesses, and suggest improvements. Their feedback provides a glimpse into how your novel might be received by a broader audience, allowing you to make necessary adjustments before the final publication.

Writing your first science fiction novel is a journey filled with challenges and rewards. Every great journey begins with a single step, and yours starts here. Let your imagination guide you, and may your novel not only reach the stars but also touch the hearts and minds of your readers.

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Anthony Avina is an author, a journalist, and a blogger who seeks to use his creativity to entertain as well as inspire. He looks forward to hearing from you!

Guest Article: Jumpstart Your Writing Side Hustle: Turning a Hobby into a Business by Virginia Cooper

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Photo Credit: Ketut Subiyanto via Pexels

Jumpstart Your Writing Side Hustle: Turning a Hobby into a Business

Are you looking to turn your passion and hobby into a profitable business? Many of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs have started this way – from kitchen-table businesses to tech giants. If you have an idea, the right approach, and plenty of dedication, you can make it happen. Here are some tips from Author Anthony Avina’s Blog for turning your hobby into a business.

Part-Time Business

A great way to start is by turning your writing hobby into a side hustle. This will help you test out the waters without having to invest too much time or money. You can keep your day job while working on your side hustle in your spare time until it becomes profitable enough to transition into full-time work. This also allows you to gauge interest in your product/service and adjust accordingly before committing fully.

Create an LLC

Once you decide to become serious about your business venture, registering as an LLC is important for protecting yourself and other stakeholders involved in the business. With the help of a formation service, you can register your small business quickly and easily online with just five simple steps. 

Registering quickly is important since it will allow you access to key resources such as venture capital funds, banking credit lines, and even free marketing support services offered by banks and chambers of commerce.

Establish a Business Plan

Developing an effective business plan is key for any successful venture regardless of size or industry. Your plan should include research about competitors in the market, production plans, financial forecasts, strategy for marketing and promotion, goals, staffing plans, etc. 

Writing up this plan will give potential investors an idea of what they are investing in and will also help provide guidance throughout the life cycle of the project. It’s also recommended that entrepreneurs update their plans regularly so they remain relevant over time despite changing market conditions or external factors influencing their businesses negatively or positively.

Come Up with a Marketing Plan

Having an effective marketing strategy is essential for any company looking to increase sales and gain more customers. A well-thought-out marketing plan should include research about target audiences, advertising campaigns, website design considerations, and more. Utilizing all available channels effectively can help maximize exposure leading up to launch day and beyond.

Build Your Online Presence

In today’s online marketplace, a well-designed website that accurately represents your brand is crucial for successful marketing. Providing customers with user-friendly ecommerce platforms can build trust quickly and lead to increased sales. Offering a superior web presence can give you an edge over competitors who don’t prioritize these aspects.

It’s important to use SEO strategies to get the most exposure online, so look into how to use keywords strategically. You’ll also want to rely on PDFs over other file types for online posts because they are the most SEO friendly. You can try this page to convert your other digital files into PDFs for free. Just drop in the file and let the tool work its magic!

Locate Funding

To secure funding for their project, startups can explore various options such as angel investors, crowdfunding sites, and grants from government programs. Careful research must be done to ensure that the best possible investment resources are obtained, which will help the project run successfully without running out of funds halfway through. This is crucial for completing the project successfully.

Use a Unified eCommerce Platform for Your Store

Unified ecommerce platforms can help to facilitate a smoother online purchasing process for customers, resulting in an increased likelihood of sales taking place. This is due to the better user experience, which can translate to higher profits over time through increased customer loyalty. Providing better service than the competition can help entrepreneurs gain an edge and incorporate features that can further improve the overall user experience.

Get Your Writing Business Started

Starting a business requires dedication and commitment to make your entrepreneurial dreams come true. It entails considering several factors, such as funding the operation, setting up an LLC structure, and facilitating online purchases via an ecommerce platform. By following these essential tips, you can increase your chances of success in the long run.

Are you looking for more great writing-related content? Then check out Author Anthony Avina’s Blog!

You can learn more about writer Virginia Cooper using this link!

http://learnaliving.co/