Quick Tip #3 for Freelance Writers

Write what you don't know but are interested in knowing.

Sick of writing what you know? Time to write about what you don't know but are interested in getting to know.

When I'm interested in something I'm determined to find out everything I can about it. I read from books and on-line, I talk to people, I try it out, I journal about the experience. I'm so passionate about the new love in my life that I can't stop thinking about it!

This enthusiasm for a new topic will come across in whatever you write about it, whether it's a how-to article, personal story or profile of an expert. Being new to the topic, you will ask questions that those more familiar with it may not. You will look at the topic from different angles than someone who's more experienced might.

Think of something you've always wanted to try or explore in more depth. Give it a whirl and write about it. It won't just open you up to a new world of experiences but open up your writing world too.

Quick Tip #2 for Freelance Writers

Interview using all of your senses.

When doing a face-to-face interview, don't just hear what the person is saying, 'listen' with all of your senses engaged. Look at the way their eyes light up over certain topics, the way the sunlight picks up different colours in their hair, the smell of their home or perfume, the background sounds of children, pets or music, whatever you can pick up about that person and their situation from their surroundings.

Taking in all these aspects when interviewing someone for an article (which is what makes up half of my freelance writing work) brings to life your experience of your time with that person. The reader gets a more rounded view of the interviewee, and your article is more enjoyable to read as it is richer, deeper.

This would not apply when interviewing people for short quotes or when interviewing via email. However, you can extend your listening skills when interviewing via phone to pick up when the person felt tense or excited discussing certain topics, for example. Practice when talking to your friends and family.

Quick Tip #1 for Freelance Writers

Check Your Spam or Junk E-mail Folder Daily.

E-mails end up in your spam/junk folder for any number of reasons, and unbeknown to you, you could be missing out on a communication from an editor.

It happened to me, even though I had the editor's e-mail address saved in my contacts folder: two emails went straight to spam and a third came through to my inbox. Luckily it wasn't too important as it wasn't for a writing gig but for having my details listed on a website. However, I did send an apology.

Now I check my spam/junk e-mail folders daily: no good opportunity is going to slip by me!