Today, we're going with a seasonal theme - Spooky! For 5 minutes, you'll write about anything inspired by the word, mood, or meaning of Spooky. Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast? Email Amber@Amberpetty.com Want to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signup Did you do the exercise? Take a screenshot or photo of your writing and tag me @ambernpetty on Instagram! Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mi...
Oct 03, 2022•7 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Wanna hear something I hate? "Be so good they can't ignore you." In this episode, I say why I hate that, why it sets up a standard that does NOT help you create good work, and of course, how Andrew Lloyd Webber is involved. Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast? Email Amber@Amberpetty.com Want to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signup Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing...
Sep 30, 2022•9 min•Season 1Ep. 27
To continue Andrew Lloyd Webber week, I'm talking about Cats. In this visualization, you'll head to Broadway in faux fur and spandex and visualize the journey of the original cast, the unexpected support, and how the courage to make Cats can help your writing. Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast? Email Amber@Amberpetty.com Want to find out places to pitch your story? Get my guide to 250 Places That Pay Writers at AmberPetty.com/250 - it's free! Did you do the exercise? Take a scre...
Sep 28, 2022•8 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Though Phantom of the Opera is finally closing on Broadway after a 35 year run, we'll use it today as inspiration! More accurately, we'll use a little song lyric as a writing prompt for a 5-minute exercise. Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast? Email Amber@Amberpetty.com Want to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signup Did you do the exercise? Take a screenshot or photo of your writing and tag ...
Sep 26, 2022•7 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Over the past year and a half, I've helped over 200 students write more, worry less, and start making money with their work. I'd taken lots of writing classes that focused on craft but ignored what to do after your 57th rewrite was finally complete. So, I made my own class. One that reflects the reality of life as a freelance writer with all the accountability, personalized feedback, and support you need to write, keep writing, and start sending it out into the world. In this episode, I talk abo...
Sep 23, 2022•10 min•Season 1Ep. 25
If you're at all like me, you have plenty of practice imagining what can go wrong. "They'll hate my pitch!" "They'll think I'm a bad writer!" "They blacklist me from every penning a word again and ban me from the internet to shield the word from my terrible prose!" We've had plenty of practice imagining what can go wrong with writing. In today's meditative reframe, we think about "what if it goes right?" If you want to write even more, my course Freelance Writing for Creatives is now open! Sign ...
Sep 21, 2022•9 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Incredible things happen all the time, but we tend to dwell on the weird, awkward moments a whole lot more. Today, we're giving incredible things their moment in the sun. If you want to write even more, my course Freelance Writing for Creatives is now open! Sign up ends September 23rd and it's the last live class of the year. To learn more go to: https://amberpetty.com/enroll Or, if you'd like a free sample, come to one of my two free workshops! I'm doing Write Your Pitch in 60 Minutes and Start...
Sep 19, 2022•8 min•Season 1Ep. 23
It's easy to think that the only people who get to write for a living are people with big name degrees and fancy friends. Not true! Today, I share 3 amazing success stories from my wonderful students. You'll find how they transformed from imposter syndrome to full-time writers in less than a year. Thank you to Robyn, Michael, and Joan for letting me share their stories. If you want to write even more, come to one of my two free workshops! I'm doing Write Your Pitch in 60 Minutes and Start Writin...
Sep 16, 2022•16 min•Season 1Ep. 21
A 5 year plan? I've never successfully imagined where I'd be in 5 years. But, picturing the future can be helpful, so we're taking it a step back. Today, this visualization will guide you through the 6-months-from-now version of you. How you wrote consistently, how you feel, and what you feel compelled to do moving forward. Come take this tiny journey to the future (and see how good and relaxed you feel afterwards!). If you want to write even more, come to one of my two free workshops! I'm doing...
Sep 14, 2022•11 min•Season 1Ep. 20
It's Back to School season everybody! Even if you haven't been to school in many years (like me), this early September time brings up a lot of feelings and memories. Today, we're going to write about those feelings and memories (or anything else you want to write about) in this 5-Minute exercise. If you want to write even more, come to one of my two free workshops! I'm doing Write Your Pitch in 60 Minutes and Start Writing Now & Get Your Next Byline. To see more and sign up (for both, if you...
Sep 12, 2022•10 min•Season 1Ep. 19
"The editor ghosted me." I hear this a lot and though "ghosted" is just one seemingly innocuous word, it can really screw up your attitude. So today, I talk about why editors aren't ghosting you and a phrase to use instead that makes future pitches easier. If you want to write even more, come to one of my two free workshops! I'm doing Write Your Pitch in 60 Minutes and Start Writing Now & Get Your Next Byline. To see more and sign up (for both, if you want!) go to: https://www.amberpetty.com...
Sep 09, 2022•10 min•Season 1Ep. 18
In today's reframe, I'm giving you a question: Why not you? We ask ourselves "why should you write this," "why do you deserve this," "why would someone want to hear from you," but we don't often ask the question "why not?" This relaxing reframe will give you lessons on how to combat that inner negativity and use E.L James' tome as inspiration. If you want to write even more, come to one of my two free workshops! I'm doing Write Your Pitch in 60 Minutes and Start Writing Now & Get Your Next B...
Sep 07, 2022•11 min•Season 1Ep. 17
It's Labor Day! Woo? In today's 5-minute exercise, you're going to write about dumb holidays or dumb holiday experiences. This could be anything from having to celebrate National Hot Dog Day at work to a very disappointing New Years Eve where you spent the night writing a play report for theatre history class (perhaps that's just me). You'll get your prompt, 5 minutes to write (with soothing ocean sounds), and some very fun ideas from our holiday prompt. If you want to write even more, come to o...
Sep 05, 2022•9 min•Season 1Ep. 16
As a writer, you will encounter trolls. It's a sad fact of the internet and I wish it wasn't true. In this episode, I share why they aren't as scary as they seem, 3 things to do to reduce the crappiness of trolls, and why trolling is sometimes a good thing. Plus, you'll find out that you don't ever have to go viral to have a writing career and that I'm always here to listen if you ever get negative feedback (and I'll write you a bunch of petty things about whoever insulted you). Have a question ...
Sep 02, 2022•21 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Today, you're going to take a compliment! Deflecting compliments or undercutting yourself is something I'm an absolute master of. But it's not great! When you can't take a compliment to heart, it sends a little message to yourself that you're not really deserving of praise and good Lord is that not true. In this relaxing reframe, I'm going to give you a bunch of compliments and you'll say thank you. It might feel a little weird, but it helps a lot. Also, this topic was inspired by my own recent ...
Aug 31, 2022•11 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Today, we're using a simple prompt to bring about fun (or maybe not so fun) memories of your first crush. You'll get the prompt, 5 minutes of soothing ocean sounds while you write, and a little wrap up at the end. If you want to write a list of ideas or the start of a story - great! Do whatever feels good to you, use keep the pen moving (or keys typing) for 5 minutes. I bet you'll be surprised at how much you get done. Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast? Email Amber@Amberpetty.co...
Aug 29, 2022•7 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Today, it's all about pitching, aka stuff I wish I knew when I started freelance writing. You'll find out how pitches work, why you shouldn't be scared to pitch, and what to put in your pitch email to give your story the best chance of a yes. If you want to make money with your writing, this is the skill to know. Put aside 19 minutes and learn how to get bylines you can brag about. Also, I highly recommend subscribing to Sonia Weiser's Opportunities of the Week for many pitch requests directly f...
Aug 26, 2022•18 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Today, we're doing a more traditional visualization (don't worry, references to musical theater and late 90s pop songs will surely make a return). If you feel like you don't belong or that other writers are impossibly far above you, listen to this relaxing visualization to find your seat at the table. Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast? Email Amber@Amberpetty.com Visit AmberPetty.com/signup to get Amber's free writing job newsletter Did you do the exercise? Take a screenshot or p...
Aug 24, 2022•10 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In today's 5-Minute Writing Exercise, you're going to focus on something you don't care about. "Why would I do that, what a dumb idea?" you might ask. Well, there's a point to my madness, so just give it a try. Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast? Email Amber@Amberpetty.com Visit AmberPetty.com/signup to get Amber's free writing job newsletter Did you do the exercise? Take a screenshot or photo of your writing and tag me @ambernpetty on Instagram! Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mi...
Aug 22, 2022•8 min•Season 1Ep. 10
"How do I get started?" is the question I hear most often about freelance writing. So, I'm answering it. Spoiler: It's not as hard as you think. Bonus: If you know what musical theater song I'm referencing in the title (Just One Spec), email me at Amber@AmberPetty.com and the first to get it wins a prize! Or if you have a question you'd like answered on the podcast, also email: Amber@Amberpetty.com Visit AmberPetty.com/signup to get Amber's free writing job newsletter Cover Art by Jené Hernandez...
Aug 19, 2022•11 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Though there's always a place for big dream, sometimes they're more stifling than inspiring. Taking a page from Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, today we'll visualize our more mediocre dreams. Not to give up hope, but the make the next steps feel easier. Warning: There is musical theater singing in this episode. Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast? Email Amber@Amberpetty.com Get a free list of 250 Places That Pay Writers at: AmberPetty.com/250 Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixol...
Aug 17, 2022•7 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In today's exercise, your phone will be an inspiration, not a distraction. Shocking, I know. Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast? Email Amber@Amberpetty.com Visit AmberPetty.com/signup to get Amber's free writing job newsletter Did you do the exercise? Take a screenshot or photo of your writing and tag me @ambernpetty on Instagram! Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing
Aug 15, 2022•7 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Most of the time, first drafts are the worst. Today, Amber talks about a different way to look at rough drafts to make the writing and editing steps a little less painful. There's still a contest going on! Leave a 5-star review by August 15th and you'll be entered to win a $100 gift card! Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast? Email Amber@Amberpetty.com Visit AmberPetty.com/signup to get Amber's free writing job newsletter Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing...
Aug 12, 2022•7 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In today's reframe, instead of focusing on all the wonderful, inspirational writers of the world, you'll take a moment to think about all the people who...you're so much better than. This won't make you a jerk! You won't revel in negativity forever. But taking a few minutes to remember your talent can do a world of good. Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast? Email Amber@Amberpetty.com Visit AmberPetty.com/signup to get Amber's free writing job newsletter Did you do the exercise? Ta...
Aug 10, 2022•9 min•Season 1Ep. 5
This 5-Minute Writing Exercise is a great way to brainstorm, start a new story, or just get some thoughts out of your head and onto the page. Plus, it's only 5 minutes. You really can spare 5 minutes to write some cool stuff. In today's exercise, you'll imagine you're writing the words of your best friend. This is especially useful if "no one will like this idea" or "who cares about what you think" pop up when you try to write. Imagining you're writing down a friend's idea can be a way to circum...
Aug 08, 2022•8 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Not sure how to start freelance writing? Amber discusses her complete career change at age 30, what she did to get started, and how Snooki absolutely lead to her byline in the New York Times. Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast? Email Amber@Amberpetty.com Visit AmberPetty.com/signup to get Amber's free writing job newsletter Follow Amber @ambernpetty on Instagram! Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing
Aug 01, 2022•14 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Take a moment to relax, breathe, and quell your writing fears with the wisdom of Smash Mouth. No, really. A lesson from Smash Mouth will make you feel better about your ideas and writing possibilities. The Wednesday Writing Reframes are a way to settle your nerves, reframe critical thoughts, and take the work of writing a little less serious. Warning: Contains MIDI file version of All Star. I'm sorry and/or you're welcome. Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast? Email Amber@Amberpett...
Aug 01, 2022•6 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Welcome to the first 5-Minute Writing Exercise. It's a great way to brainstorm ideas, start a new piece, or write whatever comes to mind based on the prompt. Fiction, non-fiction, whatever you want - I don't own you! Whatever you do, you'll be surprised how much you can get done in 5 minutes. This week, you get 5 minutes to write like an A-hole. Amber explains why that's not weird and how it can boost your writing confidence. Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast? Email Amber@Amberp...
Aug 01, 2022•9 min•Season 1Ep. 1
It's a sneak preview of Don't Wait to Write. If you want to know what this is, why it's happening, and why in hell I wanted to post 3 times a week, give this a listen! Plus, there's a contest. What kind of contest? Well, why don't you listen for 2 minutes to find out! Want a question answered on a future show? Email Amber@Amberpetty.com
Jul 28, 2022•3 min
