Expert tips from a nurse-turned-writer

P.S. I’m not an expert-expert, but I do make a living by stringing words together and want to share everything I learn with you!

Happy love week, valentines

Hello writers,

I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine’s Day with your partner, kids, family, or friends. I’m currently trying to stay away from the news (for my mental health) and take lots of walks in the chilly Scottish air! In this week’s newsletter, read all about how to fight writer’s block, client-finding tips, and my museum adventures.

Talk soon,

WRITING TIP OF THE WEEK

How to break the block

Every single writer in the entire universe has experienced writer’s block at some point. Too broad? Painting with too big a brush? I disagree. Show me an author who always knows exactly what to write and I’ll show you a liar. 😇

For me, it’s the intros. That first paragraph or two has to be polished, interesting, and quick-to-the point. We can’t give all the answers away too fast, or no one will keep reading. But we also can’t bore them with fluffy nonsense or dull exposition.

How can I snag my readers’ minds using only my words? The task can feel daunting enough that my brain tries to protect me by shutting itself down. “Nope, no thanks, just skip it!” But you can outsmart your own brain with these handy tips I’ve used to break the block:

• Pace: I sometimes walk around the room and talk to myself, trying out different phrasing. (I’m not weird you’re weird)

• Use paper: Blank screen freaking you out? Try a different medium, like a good ol’ fashioned pen and paper.

• Read: Take some inspiration from your fellow writers. (Just be careful not to copy too closely!)

If you’re still stuck, I say just start writing. It’ll be terrible. Painful to read. But the best way by far I’ve found to squash writer’s block is by writing something — anything! The more you write, the faster you’ll settle into your creative rhythm.

TRIVIA-PALOOZA

Undercover research

Your trivia question for the week is…

💡 Which journalist, using a pen name, feigned mental illness to expose conditions at New York’s Blackwell Insane Asylum? 💡

(The answer’s at the bottom!)

FREELANCER CORNER

Snag that first client

When I first started freelance writing, I hopped right on the struggle bus and rode it to the end of the line. How was I supposed to convince anyone to let me write for them? Much less pay me for it??

I got my very first paid assignment on Verblio. Yep, a content mill. I had to write the piece and submit it for consideration. If I got lucky, the client chose mine. And then I got paid $11.50.

I know. It’s terrible. Pennies! But, let me tell you, I jumped up and down with excitement when those cents hit my bank account. Even a small job can give you a huge confidence boost.

After that, I decided I needed to show the “big kids” what I could do. I created a portfolio on Medium and wrote a handful of articles — the kind I wanted to write for health publications. And, lo and behold, I got my first “real” client.

I found them on LinkedIn (where I find most of my clients). I started connecting with editors and commenting on their posts. I even sent cold LOIs (letters of introduction) via DM (while they were still free). And, finally, one of them bit. Once you get through your first few pieces, you can build a portfolio of published work. And it’s (mostly) downhill from there!

(That’s a heinous oversimplification, but I’ll save the rest for another week…)

IT’S PERSONAL

Dinosaurs and mummies

For a few years in middle school, I wanted to be an archaeologist, then a paleontologist. The idea of handling artifacts and bones from thousands to millions of years ago thrilled me like the true nerd I am.

Even though I moved on from these career aspirations, I still love reading about new discoveries. These interests set me up to be an avid museum-goer (although I fully acknowledge many artifacts sitting in museums should be returned to their home countries).

Last weekend, my family made the trek into the city to visit the National Museum of Scotland. The kids dragged us straight to the animal exhibits, including a T-Rex skeleton and hundreds of other fascinating specimens. Then we meandered through exhibits featuring ancient Egypt, fossils and geodes, and the history of scientific instrumentation.

Heaven!

‘Til next time

Thanks for reading and see you next week!

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You can view all my work on Authory and also feel free to check out my website!

💡 Find the trivia answer HERE 💡