Tough Love for Freelance Writers

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Tough Love for Freelance Writers, what does that mean exactly? Tough Love is a concept of telling it like it is. So with that in mind, I’m not going to ‘sugar coat’ things when I talk of how to be more effective as a writer. Am I living off my writing? The answer is ‘no, not yet, but I’m trying like hell’. So why should you listen to what I’ve learned? You don’t have to, fact is there are numerous “How to Write” books, blogs, and newsletters. The difference from me and them; I’m not here to sell you my book on writing, I am not here to convince you to buy books that I have not personally used and found to be useful.

For over 30 years now I have been the epitome of a ‘starving writer’ I have learned a lot of things along the way.

With the articles below I will share my struggles and triumphs with the hope of assisting you in Tao (The Way) of being a freelance writer no matter the genre. Whether you’re writing poetry, nonfiction, or fiction there are a few basic tenets which writers must observe. Below are some realities that have brought me some success within the writing world. I’m happy to answer questions or offer any advice on your writing if you’d like me to review it. Drop me a message below. *Most of the articles below were originally published on Inky Fresh Press which is no longer in operation which is a big loss to the writing community.

    Identity Crisis

    Identity | Crisis

    It's late and I am writing again. There's a soft patter of raindrops falling outside tonight. The hiss of the freeway (which I now drive to a regular job) is there but much more distant tonight.

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    Second Chances |Seattle

    Second Chances in Seattle

    So I took the photo you see above while awaiting to finish what would be my last night in Oregon. This may be temporary, it may be permanent, only time will tell. I have had some incredible adventures and disappointments while living here. All of those moments are memories now as I am embark on a new chapter within this wild ride of life that I have had the opportunity to live.

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    Bruce Lee and Wardrobe Malfunctions

    Bruce Lee and Wardrobe Malfunctions

    A complete oxymoron. It will make sense later in this piece.

    Pikes Market

    Today marks just five days from when I leave Oregon for the state of Washington. I’ve tried to sleep for hours now and it’s just not happening. So I did what most of my ilk do

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    Poetry and Soul Work

    Poetry and Soul Work

    This is jumping ahead but not too far after the first piece in this series. My Editor and little does he know my second poetry mentor as it were, is in the process of printing has released his second collection of his work Compos Mentis. His first collection Liminal Minim is also available which is a must read for any up and coming poet. I will review it properly here soonish. Make sure to suss those out and I will place them in the library as well.

    Fast forward and the girl I mentioned before in my original post in this series of insane events has moved on to better things. I was hurt by this. I cannot lie about that. With that said, things happen for a reason. I truly believe that; with this last occurrence, it opened the door so to speak. I've definitively realized many things about myself from the experiences I've had within the last few months.

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    Letting Go in the Moment

    Letting Go

    My hands have become swollen making it difficult to type. I don’t know the reasoning for this and if I’m honest I couldn't care less. I should be preparing for my impending journey to another state to share the company of a woman. I know all too well the judgements that come with such actions. I’ve already lost more than a few people whom thought so highly of themselves as to pass their adjudications onto me for my decisions.

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