One of the most time-consuming task of any freelance writer is looking for and following up leads on new markets. I’ve just come across a website that helps you find paying outlets in fiction, poetry and non-fiction writing. You can also sign up (free) for a weekly newsletter that provides you with a round-up of market opportunities. Visit Worldwide Freelance Writer for more information. There is also a dedicated European sub-division called EU Writer.
Archive for the 'Resources' Category
For all you LOTR buffs, there’s a new website that delves into the fascinating links between Tolkien’s fantasy and real historical events and places. Christine Ahmed has put in an enormous amount of work to chronicle the references to Scottish Border and Northumberland history and culture at www.lotrandthescottishborder.net
Established and aspirant writers can spend much of their precious time trawling the web for resources to help them to the next stage in their writing career. If you’re on this page, then you’ve obviously discovered The Crafty Writer. But if you would like to venture further afield than his most useful (ahem) website, then the people over at Literature Training have an excellent A – Z guide to everything from writing books to workshops and publishing opportunities. Don’t let the word ‘literature’ put you off as they cover all forms of writing. Tell them I sent you.
If it’s not on the page, it’s not on the screen. This is what Oscar nominated and Golden Globe winning screenwriter, Simon Beaufoy (The Full Monty, Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day, Slumdog Millionaire) knows full well. Our friends over at The Script Factory offer you a free masterclass on what makes the Slumdog screenplay tick. In addition, they give advice on how to handle flashbacks without losing forward momentum. So why not get the script for yourself? Nick Hern Books have published the shooting script in paperback and is available here: Slumdog Millionaire: the Shooting Script.
Check out the trailer if you’re not sure what all the fuss is about:
It was the droll WC Fields who said: ‘Work is the curse of the drinking classes’. Well, the same can be said of the writing classes – at least full-time work that takes you out of the house and away from the thing you love the most. But before you give up the day job, read this sound advice from fellow freelance AmyM over at Three Questions and Answers.
For a British-based reality check, you should also check out my post on Can You Earn Money as a Writer?
Fantasy is probably the most popular of all children’s genres; however much of it is still read and enjoyed by adult readers. One only has to look at the highly successful Harry Potter series to see how much influence this type of writing has. But as a writer you need to be aware of a few facts and conventions of the genre before trying your hand at writing fantasy.
Image courtesy of ginieland Continue reading ‘Writing Fantasy Fiction’
It’s that time of year again when I have to cough up for a writing market yearbook. I started buying these books six years ago with The Writer's Handbook being my tome of choice. But in those days I was focused on fiction writing and writing for magazines. About three years ago I switched to the Writers' and Artists' Yearbook when I broadened my writing to include stage, screen and radio. I felt that it offered more for scriptwriters than the Writers’ Handbook. As I also write for and teach writing for children, I started buying the Children's Writers' and Artists' Yearbook as well – all tax deductable, of course! This year, I’ve been asked to review the Writer's Market UK. Continue reading ‘Writer’s Market UK 2009 – Review’
As a British-based writer I’m aware that the majority of my posts to this site are a bit Anglocentric. So whenever I come across something of benefit to my North American readers I get excited. I’ve just started subscribing to a market listing www.absolutemarkets.com which gives an up-to-date overview of some of the more unusual US and international markets. There is a subscription fee, but in my opinion it’s worth it. However, be warned, many market listings out there are not worth the cyber-paper they’re written on. Only sign up to ones that other people recommend and never have a rolling stop order.
I’m really chuffed that my first screenplay, Enemy Lines, is going to be made into a film. And thanks to Peter Dillon, my tutor, for helping me on my way. Enemy Lines is a five-minute film short about a British soldier returning from Iraq to face a barrage of anti-war protestors. It has been selected to be filmed for Northern Film and Media’s Stingers 6 programme and will be screened in September 2008.
Continue reading ‘Screenplay success’
Without wanting to get the year off to a depressing start, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to post this link about authors’ earnings from The Times.
In summary:
- The majority of authors aged 24 – 35 earn an average of £5000 a year from their writing.
- The majority of all authors earn less than a third of the UK national average wage (£28,000)
- The majority of authors have to take on extra work to make ends meet
- It may take up to 10 years before an author starts earning significant money from their writing.
Welcome to The Crafty Writer, published by Fiona Veitch Smith, a freelance journalist, editor, author, playwright, screenwriter and writing teacher. This site is full of information and resources to help you to become a better writer. 
