The past few weeks, I've been adjusting to a new morning routine. Moving outside in the sunshine helps the body recalibrate to wake up earlier. But somehow the effort of actually putting on my socks and sneakers soon after waking up has seemed like waaaaay too much effort. At a conscious level I told myself: "It's no big deal. You'll be ready in a minute." And then I tried to Nike or Yoda my way: "Saying you'll try isn't good enough. Just do it. Go on, do it." But I still wasn't putting the sock...
Feb 17, 2023•16 min
If you’ve experienced something as difficult in the past, or know that a task is challenging for others, you may subconsciously make it harder for yourself because you believe the dominant narrative that it is hard. On the Writing Coach Podcast this week, we look at how different writers struggle with letting the things that are easy for them be easy without overcomplicating or overthinking. Let go of the habit of making things harder than they are by working with your brain instead of against i...
Feb 14, 2023•19 min•Ep. 218
In the movie version of my writing life, there’s a scene where I walk up and down the aisle of an airplane watching strangers open the inflight magazine with the Bonnie Raitt cover story I wrote. That really did happen: I wrote the story while a freelance newbie and then got to see people reading it IRL. Landing that assignment took persistence on my part. I tried numerous things to make it happen. When I try something spontaneously that turns out to be effective, I don’t always recognize that i...
Feb 10, 2023•19 min
Please don’t @ me, the title is correct. ;) TK (or a similar place holder, eg “XX” or writing a NOTE IN ALL CAPS) is a practical tool to take to remind yourself that after the current drafting phase you’ll need to come back and add some more content or context. Many writers implement TK when they want to stay on task–eg the words are flowing and they recognize it’s better to stay in writing mode–but I want to encourage you to also try it when you DON’T want to stay on task. Writing a draft witho...
Feb 07, 2023•18 min•Ep. 217
What’s the importance and impact of seeking out original stories that nobody else is doing? In this conversation with freelance journalist Raymond Joseph, we examine how much a unique story and/or angle matters for you, your career, your editors, and society at large. Ray’s investigations into lottery corruption over the past four years have won him both journalism awards as well as threats. When you follow BIG money, people notice. In this episode, we discuss: Collaborating with colleagues Buil...
Jan 31, 2023•32 min•Ep. 216
Rebecca coaches a writer live who has worked on a number of pitches but keeps getting stuck in the same place. 🔗 You might also like: WCP 174 Archives: 100 reasons not to pitch today WCP 82: Live coaching WCP 74: Why you’re the one WCP 140 Archives: Portfolio shame WCP 1: What’s your problem? 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas , “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into y...
Jan 24, 2023•16 min•Ep. 215
Table Mountain is the old school GPS. But here’s what happened when I got a teeny bit lost in Cape Town, and how I found my way home—and how it applies to reorienting and evaluating our writing goals. ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al ...
Jan 20, 2023•11 min
My word of the year is flow. I began my inquiry asking, where do I already see this in my life? Where can I observe it when I’m writing, and when I’m not writing? What are the conditions that lead to my creating it? What research can I study to enhance my understanding of flow? 🔗 You might also like: WCP 1: What’s your problem? ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program...
Jan 18, 2023•21 min•Ep. 214
Do you expect somebody (eg an editor, a source) or something (an idea, an interview) to make you feel excited about the story you’re going to pitch? If so, you’d benefit from changing your relationship with pitching and learn to sell yourself on your story ideas. A similar dynamic is often in place with goals: If you’re in an adversarial relationship with your goal, it’s time to learn to engage with them in a more fruitful way. This Tuesday, January 17, I’m teaching an exclusive goal setting wor...
Jan 14, 2023•14 min
When editors start saying YES YES YES to the ideas you send them, your freelance writing life becomes your own AND it becomes more collaborative. Apply now to master the art of the pitch at www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com I teach a 3-step pitching process in my group coaching program, Freelance Writer Bootcamp , that will make you and your future editors fall in love with your story ideas: 1. Learn what your dream pubs want and need before you pitch. Studying the publication before you start to ...
Jan 13, 2023•7 min
Dancing and writing pitches have some surprising similarities. Today we break down why understanding one choreographic sequence prepares you for learning the next one, and the takeaways for writers. Pitching often seems natural or intuitive *after the skills have been mastered. In Freelance Writer Bootcamp, you’ll learn the proven pitching processes that have helped writers break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply for...
Jan 10, 2023•22 min•Ep. 213
We often notice that an article works on two levels: On an obvious level it’s about X, but what it’s *really* about is Y. Goals have a similar dynamic, especially when they’re well chosen and intentionally take us outside of our comfort zones. On one level, you identify a goal that’s in line with your values and vision for yourself as a writer. And on another level, the pursuit and achievement of this goal shifts who you are. Your beliefs, your identify, your behaviors, all have to change to get...
Jan 03, 2023•11 min•Ep. 212
I’m kicking off 2023 with a free open coaching session for writers . This will help you start the year clear, creative, and powerful. If you’re on my email list, check your inbox for details to join on Wednesday. Otherwise, sign up for my free guide on how to pitch and I’ll send you the login info to join. www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch To prepare, simply choose one thing you want help with in your writing life. It might be a challenge you want to address. Or you might notice something in your...
Jan 02, 2023•6 min
Live events like conferences, conventions, and trade shows can be a rich source of multiple story ideas—or an overwhelming waste of time and energy. Plan ahead for 2023 by learning how to leave with a small notebook bursting with everything you need to write up pitches for feature ideas instead of a bunch of lousy brochures. 🔗 You might also like … Writing Coach Podcast Greatest Hits Playlist on Spotify WCP 25: Using juicy quotes in your pitches WCP 28: Listener Q&A ✏️ Work with me in Freelance...
Dec 27, 2022•23 min•Ep. 211
Today you’re hearing the interview I had with novelist Jo Buer on her podcast Alchemy for Authors. Jo and I discuss how as an author of fiction and nonfiction books you can take charge of your writing career through freelancing, writing articles to enhance your platform, and increase your social proof. This is valuable when submitting a book proposal/manuscript, when pub day approaches, and in ongoing promotion of your books. 🎧 Invite me to be a guest on your podcast Are you looking for a podca...
Dec 20, 2022•47 min•Ep. 210
Should you pitch during the holiday season? Yes, if you want more assignments. No, if you want to take time off. There are two valid approaches to taking time off as a freelancer: 1. Take time off during conventional holidays. Editors and sources may be less available; family and friends may be off too. 2. Freelancers make their own schedules and don’t need to conform to public holidays. If you want new assignments, pitch away. Many editors continue to check email and assign stories, and fewer f...
Dec 13, 2022•32 min•Ep. 209
For many freelancers, getting sick quickly becomes finding hours or days when you’re able to push yourself to get things done vs. not getting paid, rather than taking actual time off. Today I’m talking about my own experience contracting coronavirus, and discussing how to care for yourself and your freelance writing business when you get sick in general. We look at getting rest, saying no, prioritizing, and transitioning back to full days while respecting your limitations. 🔗 You might also like...
Dec 06, 2022•30 min•Ep. 208
Today we’re looking at how your mindset impacts your ability to implement strategy effectively. One tricky thing about mindset is that when we can’t recognize that we’re believing something that’s holding us back, we don’t take action because it seems like a fixed reality. For example, if you believed that a story had no possible news hook, you probably wouldn’t look for one. If you believed that the same story had multiple possible news hooks, you’d almost certainly include one or more—and be f...
Nov 29, 2022•19 min•Ep. 207
One of the participants in this discussion from the archives, Yolisa Qunta, passed away last year. Listening to this episode again reminds me of her heart, insight, and humor. I’m thankful to have had her as a writer friend. In this episode, we discussed the challenges and opportunities for multilingual writers. We speak with freelancers from Brazil, Poland, and South Africa, who have all used their locations and language skills to build relationships with editors overseas. This is a fascinating...
Nov 22, 2022•52 min•Ep. 206
Allison B. Salerno’s award-winning writing and audio production has been featured on Southern Foodways Alliance’s Gravy podcast, America’s Test Kitchen podcast, Proof, on local NPR stations, and in The Washington Post, Ms. magazine, and Columbia Journalism Review, among others. Allison’s audio news features have earned her two Georgia AP awards and a Gabby from the Georgia Association of Broadcasters. A former daily newspaper editor and writer, she has more than two decades of experience coverin...
Nov 15, 2022•49 min•Ep. 205
Once you start fact checking your mind, you’ll notice there’s a lot of stuff you’re telling yourself that isn’t true AND that isn’t helpful. This awareness doesn’t mean that the faulty thought won’t keep coming back. It’s usually counterproductive to tell yourself, “Don’t think that!” You can instead decide ahead of time what you do want to think and practice it to help build a new neural pathway in your mind. Today’s episode looks at one of the most detrimental thoughts that a freelancer can ha...
Nov 08, 2022•23 min•Ep. 204
Knowing how to negotiate can be the difference between earning a part- or full-time income as a freelance writer. I don’t want you to break into your dream publication only to have them pay you less than what they pay writers who know to ask for more. Asking for (and receiving!) more money on your first assignment with a new client literally pays off in two ways. First is the initial boost to your cash flow with the piece you’ve just successfully negotiated. It also establishes a better rate for...
Nov 01, 2022•23 min•Ep. 203
Repurposing thoughts, words, ideas, research, reporting, etc., are key to working effectively and efficiently as a freelance writer. Sometimes this means minor tweaks, such as adjusting a post from one text-based social media platform to another. Other times we can take a small bit of great stuff from one pitch or article and develop it into a whole new piece for another pub. This episode explores ways to do this strategically both before and after you’ve created something that can be repurposed...
Oct 25, 2022•18 min•Ep. 202
How ripe avocados help break an old narrative. What's one thing you did NOT procrastinate in the past 24 hours? 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: WCP 1 What’s your writing problem? ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and ma...
Oct 21, 2022•15 min
Iona Brannon is a writer and a photojournalist who deeply enjoys drawing out beauty in the mundane. Her upbringing in multiple countries has given her love for the nuances of culture and travel, and her passion is in uniting people from different backgrounds through the common threads of human pain and joy. Iona is a prolific freelancer who has written for Condé Nast Traveller, Afar, Travel + Leisure, Business Insider, and other publications. Transitioning from full-time job and freelancing on t...
Oct 18, 2022•44 min•Ep. 201
With apologies to Toni Morrison, the Writing Coach Podcast is the show I wanted to hear … so I recorded a couple of hundred episodes of it. Today I’m going behind the scenes: Why I started making this podcast (and why you might want to start or continue one—or choose to be on other people’s shows instead); my workflow, including content generation; and the mindset minefield I ran into and learned from. For me, the biggest mindset bugabear has been consistency. If you’ve been subscribed all along...
Oct 11, 2022•31 min•Ep. 200
We all need a few reliable go-to tools, apps, programs, books, and other stuff. In today’s episode, I talk through a few of my own favorites, and why and how I use them. Be sure to check out one of my oldest blog posts that I keep updating, with all the links mentioned plus several more for you to explore. These are all affiliate-free. I hope you enjoy and share forward your faves too. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: The updated blog post with links to the resources mentioned in this podcast, plus...
Oct 04, 2022•27 min•Ep. 199
Listener Q&A returns! Here are the questions I’ll be answering today: +Do I need to let key sources know when a story runs? +I’m comparing myself to hard-hitting journalists I know, and it makes me think my story isn’t that important. +The pub I want to write for has already done all the story ideas I want to pitch. How do I avoid overreporting my pitches? Want me to answer your question on the next edition of Listener Q&A? Email me at rebecca@freelancewriterbootcamp.com 🔗 Mentioned in this epi...
Sep 27, 2022•24 min•Ep. 198
Borrow from yourself. Borrow from what works. Borrow from the non-writing parts of your life to inform your writing and freelancing. We have a tendency to notice where we’ve failed or not figured things out, and then we continue down that pathway looking for examples to keep the pattern going. When we intentionally look for things we’ve done well or learned in one area of our lives, we can instead build an alternative pattern that reinforces a foundation of what works. 🔗 Mentioned in this episo...
Sep 20, 2022•24 min
If you’ve been listening to the Writing Coach Podcast for a while, you already know I: Send emails to myself. Annotate ideas on paper/screen in one-minute bursts, or else forget them forever Direct my brain to solve something by asking one good question In the quest for the new, we tend to overlook the advantages of repetition. This week on the Writing Coach Podcast, we look at some of the most useful ways to incorporate repetition in your writing, workflow, questioning, and learning. 🔗 Mention...
Sep 13, 2022•24 min•Ep. 196
