Rob Parnell's Writing Academy Blog

Why is it that the more successful you become, the better you get at doing what you do, the more people want to criticise you? It's a bizarre phenomenon that seems to be far more prevalent in Australia than in the US. In fact, in Australia, we have a name for it. It's called the Tall Poppy Syndrome. It assumes that if you achieve success - or even want to be noticed for something you're doing, then everyone else has a  right  to cut you down.  To the extent that 'it's your own fault' for raising your head above the other flora.  It doesn't matter how proud or good and  right  you are - the fact you have the audacity to stand tall must mean you deserve every bit of criticism you get! I've noted that Americans love success - in whatever arena, artistically, creatively, even in business. Doesn't matter - success is the pinnacle of the American Way.  Not so in Australia. Success is treated with suspicion, even fear by the lo...

Today I'm giving away a free course. The Instant Author Kit. It's all part of the official launch of the Writing Academy. You may see some ads about it on Facebook. Please share this article wirh anyone you feel might be interested in this new course! Anyway, this week's article is about changing writing rules when you feel the need! Keep Writing Rob Parnell Your Success is My Concern The Writing Academy It's Okay to Break the Rules (Sometimes) Recently I've changed the way I write fiction. You know me. For years I've been saying the best way to get past novel writing blocks is to write your first draft quickly. Get the words and the story down first and worry about the editing later. This process certainly works if you're having doubts about your ability to actually get a whole book written. The principle of letting go of your inner critic is valuable - especially if you're prone to bloc...

Share: It's one of the problems with writing: if you want people to buy your work, you need to let them know about it. And you have to balance this issue with how marketing can seem a bit vulgar - even desperate - sometimes. It's like the ads on TV. We say we don't like them but we know that TV wouldn't exist without them. Couldn't. Nor could magazines or newspapers - or, more especially these days, the Internet. Sorry to burst your bubble on this but if you think the Net is in any way free, you're kidding yourself. For a start, how much do you pay your service providers EVERY month? And how exactly do you think Google, Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, and Amazon have survived for so long? It sure ain't charity, Bub, I can tell you that much. I know. We'd like to think, as writers, we can be quiet, reserved, indeed anonymous - and people will somehow hear about us and buy our books -...

It's taken me a long time to get this right: 97 video lectures, 128 pdf downloads, 8 ebooks, 11 exercises and activity sheets to help you make a lot of money as a writer. I wanted to get this course perfect for you. Secrets of a Freelance Writer . Thousands of dollar value. All just $27 - for this weekend only. Keep Writing! Rob Parnell Better Than The Rest Secrets of a Freelance Writer Do You Sincerely Want To Be Wealthy? Take my hand and I guarantee you can change your life. Simply become a freelance writer and take charge of your total freedom, independence, and your new found riches. I want to fill you in on what I’ve been doing recently, on how I’ve been trying to come up with something to help you succeed beyond your wildest dreams. My latest course, Secrets of a Freelance Writer is really my magnum opus, my swansong – the most epic achievement of my life up to this point! Okay, all that might sound a b...

Nice to see ya. To see ya, nice. Finally moved to our new home in the country this week. Been packing and humping boxes and furniture for days and everything aches! Which is why I'm a bit late getting my latest course up on The Writing Academy . Should be ready sometime next week. It's a good one: Secrets of a Freelance Writer , a massive video course that contains every tip, tactic, and trick I've employed to make a great living over the last 25 years - being only a freelance writer. Look out for that soon! Keep Writing Rob Parnell Your Success is my Concern The Writing Academy The Key Ingredient in Great Stories During some sleepless-night downtime recently, I was thinking about stories and what made them work, and what made them satisfying to read. I mean, pretty much anyone can sit down and write - but it takes a little extra thought to write a story that other people will care about. And I wond...

Share:          Already half way through February and our new year's resolutions are looking vague and somehow inappropriate for 2017.  Funny how that works. You get all excited about new projects one minute and then the next, you wonder what it was that inspired you.   It's all part of being a creative artist. You need to focus, make decisions based on moments of clear thinking, and follow through - whether motivated or not. If you wait to be "in the right mood" before you start, you'll never get anything done! Keep Writing! Rob Parnell Your Success is My Concern What Makes a Pro Writer? They say writing is more than a skill, a pastime, or a way of making a living.  It is a  vocation  - like being a nurse or missionary.  In order to commit yourself, and impress those that would read your work, you have to want to do it for nothing. Indeed this is how many of ...

Everyone talks about Black Friday - but I thought,  "There should be another crazy sale at this time of year!" So here it is:  95% OFF everything until midnight tonight. The  St Valentine's Day Price Massacre:  see below for prices as low as UNDER FIVE BUCKS for entire writing courses! Keep Writing! Rob Parnell Your Success is My Concern The Writing Academy Valentine's Day Price Massacre! All of the links below will take you to a special Valentine's day discount of 95% OFF all of my Writing Academy courses. These links are now LIVE until MIDNIGHT, Valentine's Day! FREE Webinar Replay FREE Mini Writing Course PLUS The Easy Way to Write a Novel The Easy Way to Write Short Stories That Sell: The Video Course Writing The Thriller For Submission and Publication Writing The Fantasy Novel Writing Horror for Fun and Profit How to Write a GREAT Children’s Book: The Video Course The Easy Way to Write C...