The Zen of Writing an Effective Query Letter

Categories: BlogTags: editor, query letter, writer, writer tipsAuthor: Jessica Benavides Canepa+

Next time you begin writing a query letter to send out to perspective publications, consider this scenario:

A desk cluttered with manuscripts, a computer with over 100 new emails every day, a phone that never stops ringing and deadlines that are always looming.

Welcome to a typical day in the life of a  successful editor.

In much the same way that zen practices help to simplify your life, mastering ways that your query letter makes an editor’s job easier will give you an edge over the competition.  Read more →

WordPress Writer Portfolio Themes…Free!

Categories: BlogTags: themes, wordpress, writerAuthor: Jessica Benavides Canepa+

A wordpress writer portfolio theme might just make the difference in landing you that first big assignment.

Let’s say that you have finally decided to pursue writing as a career. You excelled in all of your journalism courses, but have yet to be published. How do you show your talent and flair for writing? By writing, of course.

But with so many other writer aspirants vying for the same jobs, what else can one do to set themselves apart?  With all else  being equal, an easy-to-use wordpress writer portfolio will demonstrate your dedication to becoming a serious writer. It will give you an organized platform to show-off your writing skills. Read more →

Creative Block: What to Do When the Words Aren’t Flowing

Categories: BlogTags: writer, writer tips, writer's block, wunderkitAuthor: Jessica Benavides Canepa+

As with any creative profession , writers can sometimes get stuck or alternately lose their motivation. We have all been there at some point or another; staring at a blank computer screen…writing a few lines… deleting. Trying again…deleting. The hours tick away as your deadline looms closer as panic sets in. What can be done? Even though we cannot help being in this scenario from time to time, there are a few steps one can take  in order to get back on track and write to their full capabilities.

 Here are 5 tips to get you back on track:

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Why Writers Need Mentors

Categories: BlogTags: contest, mentor, writerAuthor: Jessica Benavides Canepa+

I am a professional writer.

To me, this basically means that I make a full-time living from my writing. I wish that I could tell you that being a writer was always my dream and that I wrote my first relevant piece at the tender age of six, but that would be a lie. My passion was far more glamorous and unattainable than that — I was going to be a movie star. Read more →