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Showing posts from September, 2009

To Pay or Not to Pay

This week I've received lots of correspondence from my esteemed subscribers over the issue of whether writers should have to pay for writer's resources - including market listings. I thought the topic worthy of discussion, not least because there are so many writer's sites out there that do charge fees - for almost everything from agent contacts, representation services, and the old chestnut, vanity (now often called POD or partnership) publishing. It's interesting to me because it seems to be an issue that is unique to the Internet. Writers feel no similar qualms over paying for writing services and market listings off-line. It's only on the Internet that writers seem to think everything should be free! Why, I'm not really sure. I guess it's because once, a long time ago, there was an idealistic notion that the web would one day become a resource for humanity, free to all, forever... Whilst a fervent minority bought into this cute idea, vast money

Finding Your Genius Within

Rob Parnell Below is an article I wrote way back in 2002. It's been reproduced hundreds of times on the Net and in books and courses. I guess that means it's kind of famous! Take a look - it's still inspiring! Understanding genius is a three-stage process. First, you need to break down your preconceptions about what you think being a genius is. When you call someone a genius, what do you mean? That they display characteristics that seem to be above the common herd? That they think ahead of their time? That they seem to be able to create perfect art with little or no effort? Einstein was a genius they say. So was Leonardo da Vinci, Shakespeare, Beethoven and Van Gogh. Why? Because they displayed a unique way of thinking that separated them from the mainstream. Did genius just bestow itself upon these individuals? No, every so-called genius is a craftsman first. They learn the basics. They study them, copy them until they are implicit. So that, when it's time to create fo

Romance Course out on sale!

Hello everyone! I have a special offer out today. If you've ever taken an interest in writing, and if you've ever taken an interest in love, then this course is definitely for you! You can easily write in the Romance Genre. And best of all, it is a huge, lucrative business. Check out this offer because it is truly a one off great deal. http://www.easywaytowrite.com/romance.html Do it now because this can't last!! Keep Writing! Rob Parnell Easy Way to Write http://www.easywaytowrite.com

Be a Writer First

Be a Writer First Rob Parnell Writers often talk about their quest to be published. They talk as though it's the end result to their work - as though, when they're published, everything will change and be wonderful. This is not exactly how it works for most professional writers. Getting your stuff published is often only the beginning - the starting point for a career that may, after a while, feel very much like where you are now - as in, working for a living! You may improve as a writer. You may start to find it easier - though I doubt it. You may have success - whatever that means to you. But at the end of the day, wherever you may be in your writing career - a newbie or a seasoned pro - you're still in a constant burgeoning relationship with words. I use the word 'relationship' deliberately - because I think we should see writing as a kind of mistress, toy-boy or lover. Listen. Your starting point and your end point is to improve the way you communicate your ide