I’ve used the same tactic myself to turn bad encounters upside down. And it works every time, no joke.

So whether you’re going through a rough pitch, a stressful call, or trying to push through a colossally bad day, this simple action makes everything better.

Note that it’s not about the action itself — there’s a lot that goes on under the surface if you put this into play. Do it, and it’s bound to work in your favor.

Here’s to your writing success,

Mindy McHorse
Executive Editor, Barefoot Writer

Discover More Success with Joe Girard’s Six Simple “Extra Smileage” Rules

By John Wood

When the world’s greatest salesman, Joe Girard, was 17, he was set up on a blind date.

It was part of a double date with his friend and his friend’s girlfriend.

He had the normal apprehension …

What would she be like?

Would they hit it off?

How did he let himself get talked into this?

The night of the date, he drove with his friend to pick her up.

His friend honked the car horn. His date emerged from her house.

In Girard’s words, she was “the ugliest girl in the history of the world.”

He says his heart sank to around his socks. But then something happened.

When she got into the car and introduced herself, she lit the place up with a smile that in Girard’s words was “simply terrific.” In under a minute, Girard says, she became the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.

She smiled all evening. It came through in her eyes, voice, and personality.

Smiling not only makes you more attractive and likable, but it can also help change your mood and draw people to you. Plus, studies have shown that smiles have significant health benefits, such as making your immune system work better and lowering stress.

And for writers marketing their services, prospects and clients are more likely to do business with someone who is smiling and in a good mood than someone whose mood suggests the sky is about to fall.

If your life could benefit from more smiles, what follows are Girard’s six simple rules to get “extra smileage” out of life:

1. Smile when you don’t feel like it. This is probably the toughest one to follow. The idea is that you smile even when you’re moody and blue. Don’t let others sense your troubles or that things aren’t going your way. Girard says it’s better if people think to themselves, “What has he or she got to smile about?” than “He or she has every right to wear a long face.” In a nutshell, he says, “Whenever you don’t feel like smiling is the time to smile the most.”

2. Share only your positive thoughts. A smile is contagious. Once you share your positivity, others catch the fever. Girard says to spread only good news. Don’t talk about crime and violence. Talk only about positive things. Also, only do things that will bring joy to people, not depress them.

3. Smile with your whole face. Don’t restrict your smile to your lips only. Smile with your voice. Smile with your entire face. Put a twinkle in your eye and keep it there.

4. Turn the frown upside down. Girard talks about how salesman and author Frank Bettger tells the story in his book How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success of a young man whose early life had been full of sickness, hunger, and misfortune. He grew up to be a real grouch.

   But the young man was smart enough to know that if he was going to be a success in life, he had to lose the sourpuss. If he was to put on a happy face, he knew he’d have to first take off his unhappy face. It wasn’t going to be easy. He started each day with a 15-minute “smiling workout.” He’d think of reasons to be thankful and to smile. Before long, it became a habit.

   Bettger says, “You can cultivate happiness with a smile. Try it just for 30 days. Give every living soul you meet your best smile you ever smiled in your life, and see how much better you feel and look. It’s one of the best ways to stop worrying and to start living.”

5. Exercise your sense of humor. Girard reminds us to try to see the humor in situations. Always smile and roll with it even when the joke is on you. And always smile with the other person, never at him or her in a way that suggests you are making fun of them.

6. Smile out loud. What’s better than a smile? A good hearty laugh, says Girard. A laugh is an out-loud smile, he says. Don’t be afraid to turn your smiles into belly laughs. Nobody has ever been harmed by laughing too much.

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Girard suggests that you put a sign where you can see it that says:

And then when you see someone without a smile, be sure to give him yours.

When you put these six “extra smileage” rules to work, Girard says, you’ll be amazed at how much they help you sell yourself to other people.

The next time you are engaging with people, whether on the phone or face-to-face, try putting on a smile. You’ll find it can improve your confidence, help you make friends, and even give you the winning edge you need to succeed in your writing career.

But what if you’re shy? Or slow to articulate your thoughts?

What if you’re ready to launch your Barefoot Writing career … but you’re just not sure how to get the conversation started?

I can relate to all these dilemmas, which is why I want to share some killer opening lines you can use at your next networking event. Armed with these icebreakers, you’ll be ten times more productive and effective at meeting people. Follow these four tips to easily strike up a conversation with anyone, whether it’s a fellow writer or a deep-pocketed client from a Fortune 500 company.

Opener #1: For social events with food

“I just sampled the cheese croquettes at the buffet. I think I’ll grab another — would you like one?”

Food is a classic icebreaker, and offering someone a small courtesy like getting a refreshment generally wins a smile. Even if they turn you down, it’s an opportunity to continue the conversation by asking what type of slider they do prefer.

An alternative is asking if the person would care to join you as you return to the buffet. Use this approach if you hope to pull the person away from a crowd of other networkers.

Opener #2: For events with potential writing clients

“I noticed on LinkedIn that you’ve done work for XYZ Company. They publish a lot of sales letters — were you involved in launching any of them?”

If you know in advance who will be attending your networking event, it’s a smart idea to glance at their online work history. Take advantage of the easy-access info on sites like LinkedIn and see if any of their past experiences relate to something you’re comfortable talking about.

Opener #3: For connecting with other writers

“How long have you been a member of this organization?”

This is a great, open-ended question that makes it easy for a new connection to share their background and ask you a reciprocal query. Before you know it, you could be relating to each other and exchanging writing advice.

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Opener #4: For connection with people in your community

“I’ve lived here for several years, but I’ve never actually visited the [name of museum or landmark].”

If you list a popular destination, there’s a good chance the person you’re speaking to has either heard of it, visited it, or wants to visit it. Plus, it’s disarming to share something personal about yourself and makes you appear more approachable.

Once you get a conversation started, remember to keep the person engaged by both listening and speaking.

And before you move on to meet someone else, make sure you either ask for a business card or ask permission to connect with the person on LinkedIn or your social platform of choice.

Even better, pull out your smartphone on the spot and request a connection right then and there.

But remember — while networking can be important in the launch of a new writing career, it pales in comparison to the vital step of following up after and solidifying that new connection.

Christiane Marshall knows this better than most. When her family needed her both in good and hard times, she was there. And her clients never knew the difference.

While it’s true that virtual work is common these days, this is about more than being able to do your job through a laptop. Really, it’s about being untethered to someone else’s idea of what your schedule and effort should look like.

Yet this kind of freedom remains a fantasy for a lot of would-be writers. And when important life events are happening, not being present becomes a major pain point.

I’m happy to say, it doesn’t have to be that way. If you’ve ever wondered whether the flexibility of a writing life is real or just good marketing copy, Christiane’s story answers that question.

To your writing freedom,

Mindy McHorse
Executive Editor, Barefoot Writer

There for First and Final Breaths

By Christiane Marshall

Sometimes Glicken shows up in unexpected ways. It’s not just about beaches and bare feet, you know.

I learned this a few years back. I was on a roll with my writing and my life when my first grandchild was born. I had the opportunity to be present to hold my daughter’s hand, bring her cool cloths for her head, and encourage her during her two days of labor.

I breathed a sigh of relief when I heard that first staccato cry! I had the privilege to break into sobs right there in my daughter, Marlene’s, labor and delivery room.

Marlene’s husband was on a deployment and could not be there to cut the cord and greet his firstborn, though his commanding officer allowed him to be there by phone. It was a bittersweet moment as I felt the soft pulsating lifeline and cut through it, knowing he wanted to be the one to do this.

I had the honor and privilege of spending the next six months in sunny San Diego, helping Marlene with my precious granddaughter, Jazlyn Rose. Marlene was still active-duty Navy herself and it would have been a serious hardship for her had I not been able to do this.

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I organized my writing life around Marlene’s and Jazlyn’s schedules. I spoke to clients on the phone and wrote copy, articles, and blogs from Marlene’s kitchen table. Each time I flew home to Ohio for my monthly visits, I accessed the Internet from 49,000 feet in the air to do my research and stay in touch with editors and clients.

It was not an easy moment the day I tore myself away to go back to Ohio when my son-in-law returned — although I rejoiced knowing he would finally be able to enjoy being a daddy (and not just through FaceTime)!

Later that year, my mother called and said she was in excruciating pain. She has never been a complainer so I knew it had to be bad. I prepared for the long drive to Connecticut, packing my laptop and notes for my newest project.

After the definitive diagnosis of terminal cancer and my mother’s decision to try radiation and stay in a rehab center, I moved into her room to help and be a support. I wrote copy right there in that room, using the clean, unused commode as a desk.

I was there to get her a glass of ice water, to keep her from falling, to watch TV with her, to fetch a nurse, open the window for her, hand her the phone …

Six weeks later, she was gone.

If I had a traditional job, I would have had to take time off without pay — or just quit my job entirely — to be there for my daughter, and then for my mother.

But I was able to be there at the last breath of a loved one, and the first breath of a new life. Priceless.

My friend Cindy created a simple system that combines a spreadsheet, a few categories, and the habit of writing things down. That’s it. The payoff is that you stop staring at a blank doc, hoping to summon the right word by sheer force of willpower.

I’ve kept something like this for years — mostly for subject lines and opening hooks, jotted in the notes section of my phone. It’s not glamorous, but it is glorious (because it works).

So I invite you to read this, and then actually build it.

To your writing success,

Mindy

Executive Editor, Barefoot Writer

4 Steps to Make Sure You Never Run Short of Story Ideas

By Cindy Cyr

Have you ever used an idea factory to enhance your writing projects? It can give you a ready source of words, phrases, and story ideas so you can create spicier copy. Plus, it’s a way to build up a bank of story concepts for any type of writing project you take on, such as emails, articles, and even headlines and leads.

Creating an idea factory came to mind when one of my new clients asked me to write 30 product descriptions. They had some basic descriptions created by their technical people that were “pretty vanilla.” My client wanted to know if I could “spice them up.”

One of the secrets to creating copy that motivates your prospect to continue reading is to get away from generic descriptions. Because when you use a generic description, your reader quickly falls asleep.

By using specific, vivid words, you can stimulate your reader’s senses. This helps them visualize pictures from their own personal “sense file.” For example, let’s look at the difference between these two descriptions:

“Learn how to run a successful business.” vs. “Discover the ‘Donald Trump Secret Recipe’ for making more while working less.”

Can you see the difference?

The problem is, sometimes it takes a while to come up with picture-perfect words, phrases, or ideas.

So here’s how you can build your own idea factory tool, adapted from a songwriter tool I picked up from author and Berklee College of Music professor Pat Pattison.

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Step One: Set up your worksheet

Open a spreadsheet and label six separate pages and tabs with the following titles: article ideas, objection ideas, verbs, nouns, adjectives, and phrases.

Step Two: Create categories

Decide on some “starter categories” for each tabbed page.

For your article ideas page, consider categories that reflect topics you regularly write about, such as those for attracting clients to your writing business.

If you already have regular article clients, add their names or topics to your page also. For instance, I provide articles to a Pay-Per-Click specialist every month, so this is one of my categories.

For objection ideas you can use in autoresponders, promotions, and other copy, per the suggestion of Barefoot Writer Anthony Contreras, I’ve organized my categories according to common objections, like “too expensive,” “not enough time,” and “too difficult.”

The categories for phrases are similar to your objection idea page. However, you can expand this to include concepts or topics you write about regularly as well. Some of the categories on my page include making money, success, failure, selling, and writing.

Your nouns, verbs, and adjectives pages are a little more challenging to categorize, but you can group them by meaning.

For example, I have the word “money” on my noun page. That is the generic noun, and underneath it, I list a variety of nouns that mean “money.” “Greenbacks,” “bucks,” and “six-figures” — all fall under my “money” column.

Don’t worry too much about categorizing your nouns, verbs, and adjectives pages though. These pages are mainly for recording interesting words when you come across them and are useful for building your own metaphors and similes.

Step Three: Build your idea factory

If you’ve ever read a promotion and thought to yourself, “That’s a great line,” then you’re set to go with this concept.

Carry a small notepad or use a recording app on your smartphone to record all the great phrases, words, or story ideas you come across in your everyday life. Then transfer them to your spreadsheet so you have a bank of story starters when you’re ready to write.

Grab ideas from conversations, things you read and write, or anything you hear that inspires you. Like me, you might also consider spending time actively searching for great words and phrases to fill in your idea factory.

For example, the other day, I read a Facebook post where a reader used the term “toxic liar” in her comment. That created such a visual for me, I recorded it in my idea factory. It also sparked “toxic ideas” and “toxic business practices,” among other ideas.

Leave your idea factory open on your computer all the time. That way, when you run across something, you can easily copy and paste it into your file or quickly record an idea.

The more you do this, the more you’ll notice word choice and the better your writing will become. Not only that, the next time you need to create a headline, article, or autoresponder, you’ll already have a list of ideas waiting to inspire you.

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Nearly a century later, the message still rings true.

What I love about today’s piece is how relatable Katie made it. She went back through Carnegie’s book and pulled out 18 gems that apply directly to your work as a persuasive writer. Not “in a general sense,” but right now, on your current assignment.

You’ll nod your head at some of these. One or two might stop you cold.

Gem #5 is the one I’d keep taped above my desk.

And gem #18 — if you’ve ever struggled to make a true thing feel true on the page, that one’s for you.

To your writing success,

Mindy McHorse

Executive Editor, Barefoot Writer

Thanks for reading! Subscribe now to get your free report on 9 Ways to Make a Great Living as a Writer.📝💵🌴

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18 Gems for Persuasive Writers … And More!

By Katie Yeakle

Now, as you’re shaping your career as a freelance writer, I’d like to share some notes I sent to the team at American Writers & Artists Inc. (AWAI) a few years back.

I had just re-read Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People and was inspired by the power, honesty, and simplicity of his message.

These first few points, I think, are especially meaningful to you as Barefoot Writer subscribers.

In fact, as you read Dale’s words, I’d like you to substitute “Barefoot Writer connection” for “book.” Read on…

Dale reinforces the importance of what he’s teaching and the impact it can have on your life… all the while pointing out that our success is ultimately up to us:

“If you want to get real, lasting benefit out of this book, don’t imagine that skimming through it once will suffice. After reading it thoroughly, you ought to spend a few hours reviewing it every month. Keep it on your desk, in front of you every day. Glance at it often. Keep constantly impressing yourself with the rich possibilities for improvement that still lie in the offing.”

Dale’s clear about the fact that there’s work involved… but the work is worthwhile… and the results are worth it. Two examples:

“Remember that the use of these principles can be made habitual only by a constant and vigorous campaign of review and application. There is no other way.”

“Learning is an active process. We learn by doing. So, if you desire to master the principles you are studying in this book, do something about them. Apply these rules at every opportunity. If you don’t, you will forget them quickly. Only knowledge that is used sticks in your mind.

“You are attempting to form new habits. Ah yes, you are attempting a new way of life. That will require time and persistence and daily application.”

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And then there are these 18 gems from Dale’s book that, if applied, I guarantee will make you a better persuasive writer starting today:

1. “There is only one way under high heaven to get anybody to do anything… And that is by making the other person want to do it.”

2. “ …the deepest urge in human nature is ‘the desire to be important’… ‘the craving to be appreciated.’”

3. “I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among my people,” said Charles Schwab, “the greatest asset I possess, and the way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement.”

4. “Try leaving a friendly trail of little sparks of gratitude on your daily trips.”

5. “ …the only way on earth to influence other people is to talk about what they want and show them how to get it.”

6. Quoting Henry Ford: “If there is any one secret of success, it lies in the ability to get the other person’s point of view and see things from that person’s angle as well as from your own.”

7. Quoting a performer: “I am grateful because these people come to see me. They make it possible for me to make my living in a very agreeable way. I’m going to give them the very best I possibly can.”

8. “If we want to make friends, let’s put ourselves out to do things for other people — things that require time, energy, unselfishness, and thoughtfulness.”

9. Chinese proverb: “A man without a smiling face must not open shop.”

10. “Your smile is a messenger of your goodwill. Your smile brightens the lives of all who see it. To someone who has seen a dozen people frown, scowl, or turn their faces away, your smile is like the sun breaking through the clouds. Especially when that someone is under pressure from his bosses, his customers, his teachers, parents, or children, a smile can help him realize that all is not hopeless … that there is joy in the world.”

11. It’s all about listening to the other person.

12. “The unvarnished truth is that almost all the people you meet feel themselves superior to you in some way, and a sure way to their hearts is to let them realize in some subtle way that you recognize their importance, and recognize it sincerely.”

13. Advice Dale received after correcting someone publicly at a dinner party: “Why prove to a man he is wrong? Is that going to make him like you? Why not let him save his face? He didn’t ask for your opinion. He didn’t want it. Why argue with him? Always avoid the acute angle.”

14. “Nine times out of ten, an argument ends with each of the contestants more firmly convinced than ever that he is absolutely right.”

15. “Suppose you triumph over the other man and shoot his argument full of holes and prove that he is non compos mentis. Then what? You will feel fine. But what about him? You have made him feel inferior. You have hurt his pride. He will resent your triumph. And — a man convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still.”

16. “In talking with other people, don’t begin by discussing the things on which you differ. Begin by emphasizing — and keep on emphasizing — the things on which you agree. Keep emphasizing, if possible, that you are both striving for the same end and that your only difference is one of method and not of purpose.”

17. Appeal to nobler motives.

18. Merely stating a truth isn’t enough. The truth has to be made vivid, interesting, dramatic.

Next time you sit down to write anything… a sales letter, a business memo, a note to a friend… I hope you’ll keep Dale’s advice in mind.

Because when it comes to the world of paid writing, of Barefoot Writer bliss, there’s a lot to love: getting paid, obviously… the freedom to work where you choose, on projects you enjoy… all the “free” stuff that comes with writing (especially travel writing)…

But the real benefits? The best of the best?

Those are the things that can’t be bought or replaced, but make life completely worth living.

Read on and you’ll see exactly what I mean.

To your writing success,

Mindy

The Best “Barefoot” Perks? If You Ask Me, They’re Invisible

By John Forde

There’s a line from a French World War II pilot turned writer that goes, “On ne voit bien qu’avec le cœur. L’essentiel est invisible pour les yeux.”

I know. How pretentious does this guy get, opening with French?

Get ready to groan even louder, as I translate. The line comes from the book, The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and what it says is, “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

I promised my friend Mindy and AWAI I’d tell you about a little of the Glicken that’s iced my own writing cake, over the years. To tell the truth, there’s been a lot. And when I reflected on the list this morning, it’s that line that kept popping into mind.

But first, let me give you a bit of the expected type of reply.

Bright Lights, Big City

Once, thanks to a writing assignment for the International Living newsletter, I scored a full weekend at one of Manhattan’s top hotels, in a suite about double the size of the Baltimore apartment I lived in at the time.

I wanted to impress a girlfriend with a weekend on Broadway, but it was early in my career and a bit above my budget. So I came up with a story idea and wrote to both the hotel and the editorial team. Honestly, I was surprised when it came through.

I was also surprised when we walked into our suite.

Champagne and a tray of chocolate-covered strawberries on the table. Flowers for us in the living room. Thick robes and a personal card from the hotel manager, welcoming us. They laid it on thick.

Possibly a bit too thick. But there it was.

Romantic Vienna, On Someone Else’s Dime

Some years later, I did the same when my wife and I wanted to take an anniversary trip to Vienna — with our nearly two-year-old son along for the ride.

We came up with an article idea called, “Love Plus One: Romantic Vienna with Child in Tow.” I wrote the article, my wife took the pictures of us enjoying the city.

Before it was done, we’d earned a long weekend in a hotel — with a complimentary babysitter for one of the nights — plus a romantic dinner at a nearby café. As a bonus, the publication fee for the article was enough to cover our plane fare.

Oh, and once I wrote a three-stanza poem for a Bass Ale contest that won me a “pub tour” around the world, with $10,000 in spending money to sweeten the deal.

But that’s a story for another day.

When I really think about writing-life Glicken, though, I think back to my opening quote. And really, it’s the invisible things — the abstract perks of the Barefoot Writer’s life that I’ve loved best, above any free trips, dinners, free products, and the rest.

And what are those, exactly?

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The Invisible Essentials

The last time I worked in an office, my wife was days from delivering our daughter. I only borrowed office space, so I didn’t really need to report to anybody. But I called in just the same, to say I’d be staying home until after the baby was born, in case of a sudden ride to the hospital.

In France, where our daughter was born and where we — both Americans — choose to live for a good bit of the year, they keep you in the hospital for at least five days after a birth. So what the heck, I figured, if I can work anywhere ... why not make the best of it?

I haven’t been back to that office since — and our daughter turns eight in October.

When I talk to my friends from college or even high school, there’s nothing better to hear than they’ve got great careers and they’re doing well. But too often, it comes at a high price. Long commutes and long hours preclude a shocking amount of family time along the way.

Sappy as it might sound, the whole experience of fatherhood — one I might have missed, if not for my wife’s encouragement — took me by surprise. That is, I had no idea I’d be such a sucker for it. I love it even better than writing. And luckily, this way of working maximizes my chance to be a part of it.

My own father, I should note, was a great dad and great man, as much a part of our lives as he could be. But he didn’t work like this. He was a lawyer with a commute to downtown Philly every morning, on a train that left at 6:45 a.m. Every night, he insisted on getting back for dinner, but it still wasn’t until after 6 p.m.

Relative to what most people do, that’s a great schedule. But not a perfect one. How many breakfast mornings did it force him to miss? And how much time did we spend looking at the window at the back gate, waiting for him to get home? We did the math on his commutes alone. In 34 years of working, he spent over 12,750 hours in transit. Now that he’s gone, how much would we love to have those hours back?

For me, there’s a different commute: Every morning, my wife and I walk the kids to school. I go for a run afterward. Or we both walk back to the apartment, have a coffee together, and I set up to work in the living room. Lunch is local, at a café two doors away. After school, the kids stop in to say hi and tell me about their day.

Of course, it only works with help — both my wife and kids jealously guard my working hours, as much or more than I do. That’s huge. But now that we’ve worked that out, it opens doors on other opportunities too. For instance, a lot more family travel.

We’ve done a lot together — a hilltop villa in Greece, 10 days in a Barcelona apartment, trips to London, a house with family in western Ireland, and so on — and we’ve got more planned for this year, including a week at the beach and another in the Luberon, over the summer, plus trips to Germany and London planned for the fall.

All but one are working vacations. But that’s better than it sounds. During conferences, I’ll teach while they play. Then we’ll meet up to explore. When it’s just writing, I’ll get up at dawn and work until lunch. After that, we’re free to hang out together. Frankly, while the kids are still young enough to allow it, I can’t imagine living any other way.

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Or should I say, the idea of travel writing brought me in. Back when I was trapped in a 9-to-5 with a long commute and a stiflingly gray office, I’d use my lunch breaks to scroll travel articles like the one below.

As I learned more about travel writing and the people living and loving that profession, I discovered how copywriting was integral to the job. And, presto—next thing I knew I was training to be a copywriter.

If the joy of free travel and getting paid to write about your adventures sounds good to you, you’ll enjoy Roy’s account below of the most epic travel adventure I’ve yet read. (Imagine… so many massages you get tired of them!!)

Even though copywriting became my bread and butter, I did go on to land some travel perks and travel writing jobs of my own. Was it worth it? Absolutely, completely, and without hesitation, yes.

Best of all, once you learn it, travel writing is a skill you can always tap back into if the explorer bug ever hits. Enjoy today’s glimpse into the life of a travel writer.

To your writing success,

Mindy

The Priceless Perks of Travel Writing

By Roy Stevenson

Top travel writers are often able to land exciting press trips with most, or all, of their costs covered by tourist agencies and their media outlets — all because they’ve established longstanding relationships with magazine editors.

I’ve scored some spectacular gigs over the past few years of being a travel writer. I get to write in vivid detail about the exclusive resort or spa my wife and I stayed at (with our own personal concierge), how we were treated like royalty, ate gourmet food when we felt like it, and how we toured around in a limousine like VIPs while tourists gawked at us.

For a few short days or a week or two, we live well above our station and get insight into how the really, really rich spend their vacation time. I’ve had three such trips in the past year… and I’m going to tell you about one that seriously rocked.

Last January, my wife (a professional travel photographer) and I tacked a 4-week stay in Bali onto the end of a two-month S.E. Asian tour that started in Singapore, followed by Borneo.

I had widely advertised my assignment — about “Bali’s Most Luxurious Resorts and Villas” — in a number of travel media-related websites. The response was great! Our Bali trip just grew longer and longer as more and more luxury resorts, villas, and boutique spas invited us to stay there, until I finally had to say “enough” when we had 12 resorts and villas lined up, for 28 nights.

Much as I would have liked to spin it out for another month or two, we eventually had to get back to Seattle to do some work.

Bali is a sparkling, stunning, tropical island with ever-changing landscapes overflowing with colorful rice fields and mysterious temples. Its graceful people seem born to welcome guests to their bustling paradise, and they’re happy to show you their fascinating cultural heritage, always with a wide, white toothy smile.

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Our assignment resorts and villas were the crème de la crème for the elite. Some of the resorts we stayed at don’t advertise their rates because if you have to ask, you can’t afford it (seriously). More than one resort had helicopter pads — another sure sign of an affluent clientele.

We stayed 2-3 nights each in a wide array of idyllic boutique villas: many with native Alang-alang Balinese architecture, spacious air-conditioned rooms, huge four-poster beds draped with colorful mosquito nets, marble tiled and hardwood floors, private swimming pools, indulgent spas, and top-of-the-line restaurants.

Sungai Gold had, for example, a spectacular courtyard with a large infinity pool overlooking the hillside to the river. Surrounding the pool were outdoor living spaces; a living room pavilion, relaxing beds, and a pool deck with lounge chairs, plus a dining pavilion and gardens.

We were subjected to dozens of spa therapies and Balinese healing treatments. Our two-and-a-half-hour “Love and Connectivity” treatment at one spa included a foot wash, an exfoliation scrub, massage that heals the heart chakra, and a rose oil bath for two. Churlishly, by our fifth resort, I had tired of massages and pampering treatments.

Our memorable gourmet meals included a 3-hour, 8-course Imperial Chinese Dinner seated at a 12-meter long table amidst 18^th century artwork, surrounded by the bright red walls of an ancient Chinese temple — definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. An equally appealing meal was the Waroeng Jawa, a humble but romantic dining experience in an open-sided hut where an elderly Balinese lady renowned for her authentic old-style cooking prepared our food over an open fire.

We would cool off in crystal-clear swimming pools as the mood took us. Some villas were so gorgeous that we didn’t leave the property for our entire stay.

We earned our keep by inspecting these palaces for an hour or two, escorted by the property owners or media reps. My wife worked 1-2 hours per day to provide images for the article, and I would write up each resort in an hour or two each evening.

Most of us travel writers know we’re not going to get rich with travel writing, but we’ll show you dozens of stamps from exotic countries in our passports — we visit more places in one year than most 9-to-5ers will see in five years.

You can travel like this too. Between your article payments and comp travel, you can have nice inexpensive trips. Even if you hold down a job with regular hours, you can still do this part-time, with some time management and good planning. So next time you look at your passport, imagine what it will look like with most of the pages stamped.

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Time-saving hacks are always on my radar, so the advice below was a welcome tool.

It’s tricky, though, because in those post-lunch, long hours of the afternoon, this tip makes it much easier for me to want a nap.

Maybe that’s where the freedom of getting to choose your breaks comes in handy.

Anyway, try it and let me know if it helps. (The tip below, not the nap. Well, maybe the nap too…)

To your writing success,

Mindy

Want to Boost Productivity? Turn Up the Heat!

By Mindy McHorse

If you’ve ever spent time in a shared office space, you can probably relate to thermostat woes. It’s one of the biggest complaints of working in a space you don’t control: You’re either too hot or too cold, but never just right.

Fast-forward to life as a Barefoot Writer, where setting your own thermostat is one of the many perks you enjoy.

That said, what’s the ideal temperature for maximum productivity?

Many people say, “the cooler, the better” — the theory being that a dropped thermostat makes you less sluggish and therefore more productive.

But it turns out the opposite is true. Not only is a cold office environment uncomfortable, it also kills your focus. According to a study by Cornell University researchers, a cool 68 degrees caused employees in an office environment to make 44% more errors.

Employees were also more distracted in the colder environment. Researchers reasoned that the resulting drop in body temperature means your body expends energy to stay warm, which means less energy for concentration and creativity.

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However, in the same study, researchers found that cranking the temperature up to 77 degrees made employees twice as productive.

But if you’d like to test this theory, consider upping your thermostat for a week to see if you come out more productive than before.

I totally didn’t take it seriously. 😂😂😂

And yet here I sit with 18 years of working from home as a paid writer under my belt, 15 of those with six-figures in gross revenue.

(Joke’s on me, Paul! You were right all along.)

I highly recommend you take Paul’s message to heart if you enjoy writing, would like more freedom and income in your life, and want to be part of an amazing group of supportive freelancers.

To your writing success,

Mindy

The #1 Secret to Living a Good, Happy, and Wealth-Filled Life in These Difficult Times

By Paul Hollingshead

Warren Buffett, one of the smartest and most successful businessmen of our time, was asked what he thought was the best investment anyone could make in difficult times.

His answer was fast and simple …

That could very well be the best advice Mr. Buffett has ever offered. If ever there were a time to take control of your future, it’s now.

Never before have we faced such perilous times.

A free-falling stock market is jeopardizing the comfortable retirement of millions. Once rock-solid, mainstay companies are struggling to survive. Millions of blue- and white-collar jobs are on the line.

And a lot of experts agree – the worst is yet to come.

But there’s a small group of people who have risen above it all.

They’re folks who don’t have to worry about a free-falling stock market – or if their jobs are going to be there at the end of the day.

In fact, these people don’t even have “jobs” as most people know them.

On a typical day, they’ll wake up, make a cup of coffee, read the paper, maybe go for a run or get a little exercise …

And when they’re good and ready, they’ll saunter over to their laptop – and begin their day.

No alarm clocks buzzing. No drive through rush-hour traffic. No bosses looking over their shoulder.

Heck, they don’t even have to get dressed if they don’t want to.

Yet they have an opportunity to make much more money than the average full-time “work-a-day” Jane …

$50,000.

$100,000.

$200,000.

Some (who choose to spend more time at it) are making $500,000 a year or more.

Better still, they’re making that kind of money doing fun and interesting “work” … using their minds and their creativity, while providing an essential, very-much-in-demand service to a $2.3 trillion (and still growing) industry that’s virtually recession-proof.

And it’s all because they took Mr. Buffett’s good advice long before he gave it:

I highly recommend you do the same today. Especially today …

But how?

The best and fastest way is to take a good, hard look at the resources offered by our very good friends over at American Writers & Artists Institute (AWAI).

For 29 years now, these folks have been giving fed-up, burned-out rat-racers a much-welcomed “second chance” at fun, creative, challenging – and, yes, high-paying – careers.

More than that, the careers they offer are as much about lifestyle as they are about making a very good income.

Take The AWAI Method™ for Becoming a Skilled, In-Demand Copywriter, one of the most popular programs AWAI offers.

Here’s a work-at-home career where, if you can write in a nice, easy conversational tone – and you’re willing to learn the basic formula for writing a good, effective sales letter – you can make a very nice income from the comfort of your own home.

Many who have taken the AWAI copywriting program have not only been able to leave jobs they hated … but move to places they’ve always dreamed of living: mountains, seaside towns, even different countries altogether! All they need is a laptop and a good internet connection.

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And, despite the economy, copywriters are still in very high demand, since they are the engines that drive the $2.3 trillion direct-response industry. Copywriters I talk to say the demand for well-written letters is higher than ever, as marketers tend to mail more often and more aggressively in down markets.

In other words, it’s virtually a recession-proof business!

Plus, the other great thing about mastering the art of copywriting is that it’s a financially valuable skill that will reward you the rest of your life … and give you a source of income well into your retirement years.

What better way to invest in yourself than to learn a skill that could earn you many millions over the course of your lifetime AND let you live your life “boss-free” on your own terms?

Learn more about becoming a work-at-home copywriter.

Another fast-growing segment of the writing market that offers exciting income and lifestyle opportunities is writing for the web.

Website landing pages, pay-per-click ads, email promotional letters, search engine optimization – these continue to be the buzz-terms for long-standing commerce opportunities in the world today. Anyone who sets out to become an expert in any or all of these areas will forever be in high demand with companies all over the world.

And the timing for this opportunity couldn’t be better. Once a job handed to underlings, smart businesses are now realizing that to be competitive online these days, they need knowledgeable, qualified professionals to create powerful sales-driven web content—beyond what AI can do. As a result, it’s estimated in the U.S. alone, businesses from Fortune 500 companies to local mom-and-pop shops in your hometown spent $395 billion in 2025 on digital content and advertising.

This program lets you do what Mr. Buffett and so many other successful people say is the most important thing anyone can do, especially in the times we’re in:

Take control of your future.

Take back your good life.

Invest in yourself.

Learn more about becoming a work-at-home copywriter.

Or maybe you can’t focus because it’s Friday and everyone else has powered down and headed for the mountains…

Then quick and easy boosts like the five shared below might give you that extra little push you need to make it to the finish line.

(My go-to’s are number 5, 3, and 2, in that order.)

To your writing success,

Mindy

5 Quick Ways to Get a Motivational Boost

By Rae Robinson

1. Alternate your big tasks. If you’re juggling several different projects, pick two and switch between each one for 20 minutes each. This keeps you from getting bored and helps you maintain focus.

2. Drink a glass of water. Good hydration makes it easier to concentrate.

   

3. Chat with a fellow writer. Writing friends can be a great source of support, especially when you’re stuck on a project or you’re facing doubts about your writing career. You can connect with other Barefoot Writers here on our public Facebook page.

4. Write down what you’ve already achieved. The next time you feel stuck when it comes to your writing goals, make a list of everything you’ve already accomplished. It could be anything from landing your first client to practicing your writing every day to simply telling people about your writing aspirations.

   

5. Go for a walk. Just getting away from your writing space and giving yourself a mental break can do wonders to recharge your creativity.

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It’s never failed to help, especially in terms of infusing my copy with a little more zazz and heaps more emotion and connection.

So take note of these eight tips and revisit them any time you’re about to ship a new piece. They’re pretty much guaranteed to strengthen your copy and can lead you to many, many happily satisfied clients.

To your writing success,

Mindy

8 Tips for Better Writing
By Mindy McHorse

Simply getting started is often the biggest problem writers face when presented with a new project.

Maybe you’ve been in that situation. You feel overwhelmed by the task of writing great content that achieves all of your client’s goals, so you hesitate and delay.

Keep in mind that the goal of good content writing is to generate a strong message that doesn’t appear forced or awkward.

The best way to do this is by sticking to the basics — and by starting your project as soon as possible.

Here, you’ll find eight fundamental strategies to help you write well and to ensure your clients keep coming back to you.

Tip #1: Never lose sight of the “Big Three”

All good content writing consists of three core elements:

1. Benefits

2. Core emotions

3. A solid understanding of your target market

You can’t do a good job with the first two unless you have the last one. This means every project should kick off with research about your prospect.

First, uncover details like age, sex, income, geographic location, and family status. Next, figure out whether you’re dealing with people who are repeat buyers of the product or service you’re writing about, or whether they’re first-time buyers.

Then, dig deeper.

Once you know your audience, it becomes easier to understand why they buy things, beyond practical reasons. This is where you look for core emotions that drive the sale. It’s also where you’ll recognize which benefits resonate most with your target demographic.

Tip #2: Get emotional

Understanding the core emotions that drive your prospect to buy isn’t the same thing as writing to them. Good writing should provoke those very emotions, but in a positive way.

Let’s say you’re writing about a walk-in bathtub, and your audience consists of older folks who are gradually losing their mobility.

Two major benefits to this product are its safety and ease of use. Paint a picture with your words of the independence and satisfaction your prospect will gain, rather than focusing on the problems he will avoid.

There is a time and place for fear-based statements and “Here’s what you’ll escape” remarks. But, especially when it comes to product sales online, emphasize the positive. Choose words like always over never and tell inspiring stories. When possible, pepper in enthusiastic testimonials.

Tip #3: Have a conversation with one person

Always think of your copy as a conversation with one other person. This means writing in second person and using the word “you” so your prospect knows you’re speaking directly to him or her.

This keeps your copy to the point and makes each of your visitors feel like the content was written specifically to them instead of to an all-encompassing group of readers.

You can also use the “bar stool” technique to make your writing more conversational. The easiest way to do this is to read your copy aloud and edit it until it sounds like something you’d say in a face-to-face conversation, as if you were chatting with someone at a bar.

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Tip #4: Make it snappy

Good writing is concise and to the point. Readers don’t want to wade through long sentences with multiple adjectives, especially if they’re reading your copy online. Even if you have a lengthy list of benefits and features you want to share, the average reader doesn’t have time to wade through long pages of copy.

Keep your copy tight and to the point by using short sentences (16 words or less) and simple words. Aim for paragraphs that are only two or three sentences long. Every now and then, add a punchy, one-line sentence to give your writing rhythm.

One of the best ways to keep your copy short and snappy is to write at an eighth-grade level or lower. If you use Microsoft Word, you can measure this by going into the “Options” menu and selecting the “Proofing” tab. Then, click the “Show readability statistics” box. (Note: The “Check grammar with spelling” box must be checked in order to access the “Show readability statistics” box.)

After you run a spell-check, a box called “Readability Statistics” pops up. It includes the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level. Aim for an 8.0 or less.

Tip #5: Use lots of white space

It’s a daunting thing to click on a web link and see a hundred lines of text. Even the most fascinating subject can be a hard read if it’s too copy-heavy.

Instead, break up long blocks of text with page breaks, headings, bullets, and graphics. All of these serve as visual cues about the information you’re sharing. They help certain elements of your copy stand out, guiding the reader to take note of specific content.

Tip #6: Demonstrate credibility

Even the best writing can be brushed off as unimportant if it’s not presented credibly.

Make sure your copy includes multiple credibility-boosters. Glowing testimonials and easy-to-spot contact information go a long way in making content appear trustworthy. It’s also a good idea to mention reviews and awards.

Sometimes, even talking about a flaw or downside to your product or service helps boost credibility. People appreciate honesty.

Tip #7: Study writers with strong voices

If you want to practice good writing, it’s smart to spend time with successful writers. Make it a point to read articles, blogs, and other content crafted by strong writers.

When possible, get to know them. If there’s no way you’ll ever connect in person, at least connect via social media. Twitter and Facebook are excellent for presenting a well-rounded picture of other professionals. You can find out what books they read, what conferences they attend, and what gurus they follow.

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Tip #8: Review, review, review

Keep in mind that every second of attention you get from a reader is precious. Make an effort to write your content several days before you have to submit it. This gives you the chance to step back and take a break from it so you do the final review with fresh eyes.

By sticking to these basic strategies for good writing, you’ll significantly boost your chances of writing content that works, and — importantly — keeps clients coming back to you for more projects.

Because to those of us on the outside, fortune-and-fame-tinged copywriting careers like his look easy. Maybe it’s a product of his particular genius. Or connections. Luck, perhaps?

Could be a combo of all of them.

But then you read something like this and discover he’s just another human, like the rest of us, who makes mistakes and gets sucked into temptation. The difference though, is that he’s learned to pull himself out and use the experience as a lesson.

So if your paid writing dreams continue to loom large in your life and you want to bump them to the next level, take John’s advice to heart—especially the gem at the end of tip #2.

To your writing success,

Mindy

Seven Toxic Habits That Could Wreck Your Writing Career

By John Forde

“It is a great thing,” said Cicero, “to know our vices.”

With that in mind, let’s dig in and take a look at some positively poisonous habits that could dash any aspiring copywriter’s career. No, I don’t mean the biggies like gorging yourself on pizza… quaffing gin with breakfast… or hanging out with loose women and/or using that exercise bike you bought last year only as a towel rack.

Arguably, these are the habits that just make copywriters more interesting. But in this essay, I’m only talking about the little work-related habits. Each of them all too easy for any copywriter, even one with the best intentions, to develop…

Bad Habit #1: Compulsive “Inboxing”

Here’s one of those bad habits where yours truly was once guilty as charged.

I’ll be frank. I’m a nut for technology. The nerd gene, in our family, runs long and deep. In 1981, my brother and I were using an early Apple desktop with a cassette tape drive and a 300-baud phone line to log onto local “bulletin boards.” In the early 1990s, I was among the first in our office to use CompuServe via dial-up… and first to tap into search engines (remember “Archie” and “Veronica?” Way before Google’s time)…

And even now, I’m about as armed as you can get with POP accounts, instant messaging, and all the rest. There isn’t anything I can’t FTP, bit-transfer, or digitally find. But still, I’ve learned one has to be careful. Even the best technology is a distraction if you let it intrude on your deadlines.

Email especially.

Over the last year, I consciously re-prioritized my email activity to fall later on my to-do list. Emails no longer get answered instantly. Unless they’re urgent, they can wait for my reply. The results have been liberating. And profitable.

Ironically, you can find dozens of “productivity websites” offering exactly the opposite advice. Along with elaborate systems for keeping your inbox clear at all times, including how to empty out your inbox early as part of the “fresh start” for the day. And to those I say … baloney.

Don’t get me wrong.

Email is a valuable tool. It makes my laptop career possible in more ways than one. But just answering emails around the clock won’t get the job done, no matter how productive it makes you feel at the time.

Which is a good way to segue into …

Bad Habit #2: Inverting the Checklist

This too, is something I was once more guilty of than not. In fact, I still find myself slipping into this poisonous practice from time to time. By “inverting the checklist,” I’m talking about when you take your list of ‘must-do’ items and flip it so that you end up doing the things of least importance first.

Think about it.

Most people write their checklists starting with the small details, especially the pressing items and immediate tasks. As you finish the list, the feelings of urgency fade and your imagination kicks in. You write out the big stuff, the life-defining things, the things about which you dare to dream.

The next day, on the next to-do list, you change the details on the front to match the newest, most pressing, undone stuff …

Pick up dry cleaning. Send email. Order paper clips.

But the back half generally remains unchanged. And still, very general about the things you hope will eventually happen in your lifetime. Become a copywriting guru. Write the novel. See world. It’s an easy rut to fall into.

But every success story you can imagine begins with somebody flipping that personal checklist around. The big, ambiguous accomplishments become the priorities. And the little niggling daily stuff gets pushed back, even dumped from the list entirely (though, hopefully, not to the level where personal safety, relationships, or hygiene will suffer TOO dramatically).

This, of course, is just as true for copywriting as it is for any other endeavor. You’ll make the most happen if you aim to get the big stuff done first.

The secret is to pick the big goal and break that down with the same detailed fervor you applied to the less important details of past “to-do” lists.

For instance, do you really want to be a six-figure copywriter? I get lots of emails from people telling me they do. But who also don’t think they can. I’m shocked, after digging deeper, to find out how many of those who have quit on the idea have yet to try landing even one client… have yet to try writing a full promo… have yet to even finish the exercises in whatever copywriting course they’re following.

Each time, I lay it down: Yes, it’s true. Not everyone can succeed at this. Because not everyone has the “stuff” to do it. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be such a lucrative career path. Still, you’ll get nowhere if you don’t get started. And getting started means more than sharpening pencils every morning. It means approaching and hitting the big milestones, step-by-step.

Make a daily game plan to finish the course. Get on the mailing lists and read OPC (other people’s copy). Get that one client … offering to write on spec if you have to … as the first step in building your client list. And THEN come and talk to me, yah?

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Bad Habit #3: Chronic Cathode Overloading

Oh boy, is this one a tar trap.

I’m talking, of course, about screens and scrolling. And here too, I want you to know I’m not throwing stones. I was notorious, as a child, for getting sucked into the boob tube. Turn one on a mile from where I stood, my jaw would drop and my eyes would go wide. Think the torture scenes in Clockwork Orange, but self-imposed and self-supervised.

Then, by circumstance, I found myself without a television. For eight years straight, it stayed that way. And I couldn’t believe what happened. I started reading. A lot.

Mind you, I was always a reader. But not like this. I plowed through books end to end, like a chronic smoker facing the firing squad. I bought classics for 50 cents a pop at the used book store. I picked up how-to books on advertising, fiction writing, and guitar. History books. Philosophy. Biographies. And more.

Where my TV wasn’t, I had IKEA bookshelves eight feet high and filled to bursting with text. Even better, I couldn’t imagine how — during my TV-watching days — I had managed to find and then waste all that time.

I confess, we have a TV again. We rationalize it as a learning tool, for language, since the one TV we own we keep in our apartment in France. Streaming is now the danger. And the Internet. Both have a similar power for sucking up time. Still, I read plenty. Less fiction, since I don’t find as much of the modern stuff nearly as satisfying. But lots of books and articles related to what I’m writing about. Plus, I’m a heavy user of audiobooks on all kinds of subjects, from trade and finance to science and ideas of all different kinds.

You don’t have to toss your TV. Especially not if it’s one of the brand spankin’ new flat screen variety. But do try switching it off… or even unplugging it… for a while. A week. A month. And see what happens. You might be surprised.

Bad Habit #4: Writing from the Mountaintop

No question, one of the things I love about my copywriting career is the isolation. An open window, a quiet room, the clack of the keyboard. It’s how I prefer working, most of the time. And it’s usually all I need to feel like the master of the universe.

Still, there’s a danger to be aware of. Even as a writer, you can’t be alone with your ideas all the time. Because writers, even the great ones, grow stale in isolation. It’s the energy you draw from contact with other people that keeps your writing interesting.

In copy, that means regular if occasional contact with colleagues and customers. Brainstorming meetings. Trade seminars. Company cocktail parties and, yes, happy hours. If you get the invitation to mingle with like-minds, you shouldn’t pass it up. Make a point of staying in touch. Phone calls will do, but a few hours of face time is even better. Both social and professional.

Bad Habit #5: Tossing the Roadmap

What’s the point of speeding if you don’t know where you’re going? If you never get where you’re headed, it doesn’t matter one lick if you’re making great time. Germane to copywriting, I’m talking about passionate writers who consistently miss the point of why they’re writing or what they’re writing about.

Exhibit A, the new writer that’s passionate about the idea they’re pitching… without a game plan for how they’re going to lay the whole thing out. Start with at least a general outline. An end and a middle, not just a beginning.

Before you pile up research, ask yourself: What’s this product really about? Who’s this customer and where does he stand? Where do I need to take him to make the final sale? Early in my own career, I wrote without a map.

I started and let my research pull me through, heading down this path and that. Sometimes it worked. Most of the time it did not. Then I started dissecting other pieces to see how they came together. I “lifted out” the outlines and stuck it together again, with my own research draped over the skeleton instead.

Now I write my own outlines. Because I’ve got the basic structure imprinted on my memory already. Once you’ve got this, it helps you make all kinds of choices about how the whole piece will come together, just as planned.

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Bad Habit #6: Radical Revisionism

The opposite of too little planning is, of course, overplanning. And this too, in copy, can happen to the best of them. After all, great copy has the feel of being written fast and spontaneously. Yet, we’ve also always heard that great writers revise.

So when do you stop perfecting?

Where do you draw the line?

I once knew a writer who spent over a month writing and rewriting his headline. Once he had it, he moved on to writing his first line. How long would THAT take him? Nobody waited to find out. The company had to fire him. See, here’s the thing. You’ve got to recognize what all the editing you’ll do is actually for.

You’re going back to tighten, yes. To take out the clumsy phrases, to clarify the ideas, and more.

You’re revising, too, so you can hide the seams and stitches, the girders and rivets, and all those other pieces of your construction that need to be there but remain hidden so as not to impede the flow of your prose.

After that, though, there comes a time when you just… have to… let… it… go. Let it mail. Let if flop. Let it win. But get it out there to get tested, where all good (and bad) copy belongs.

Polish the writing, yes. But remember that you’re nothing as a copywriter if your copy never, ever mails. Speed up that process to get it out there, in as many ways as you can.

Bad Habit #7: Thin-skinned Amateurism

It’s not easy, in this biz, not to take lots of things personally. You spend a lot of time alone with the things you’re writing, after all. So when a critique feels extra harsh… when a client seems less than happy… when a mailing flops… at least once in a while, you’re going to feel personally let down.

Don’t.

It’s great to throw yourself into your work. It’s great to feel responsible for results. But the truth of the matter is, it’s also a sign of a real pro if, whenever you get knocked down, you get up brushing off the dust and ready to go all over again.

Instead of defending yourself during a critique, ask questions that open you up for more. On flopped mailings, study the results. Do a post-mortem on the copy to find out what happened. And then move on. Maybe getting the flop out there was the best way to unveil the newer, better idea that will work the next time.

You never know until you give it a shot.

The responses I got from my last post, 4 Deeper-Level Tips for Better Writing, have been tremendous.

But it’s no surprise. I think for most writers, me included, tips on writing better, faster, and with greater ease are always welcome—regardless of time in the game or honors accumulated.

After all, our brains are not static. Learning new techniques and writing tricks is what keeps our thinking nimble and our ideas unique.

So along that same vein, here are four additional deeper-level, better writing tips to get your content off the ground and your words flowing fast.

Bonus Tip #1: Use lots of white space

It’s a daunting thing to click a link and face a wall of text. Even the most fascinating subject can be a hard read if it’s too copy-heavy.

Instead, break up long blocks of text with page breaks, headings, bullets, and graphics.

If you’re formatting your copy on Substack, you have the additional option to use

block quotes,

All of these serve as visual cues about the information you’re sharing. They help certain elements of your copy stand out, guiding the reader to take note of specific content.

Even more important than emphasis, breaking up your copy so there’s plenty of white space gives the brain a break and makes it easier to take in information.

White space also boosts readability and comprehension so your reader is better able to absorb whatever you’re trying to convey. And, it’s one of the easiest ways to make your copy look confident and modern.

Bonus Tip #2: Demonstrate credibility

Even the best writing can be brushed off as unimportant if it’s not presented credibly.

Make sure your copy includes multiple credibility-boosters. Glowing testimonials, awards and accolades, and easy-to-spot contact information go a long way in making content appear trustworthy. It’s also a good idea to mention reviews and awards.

Sometimes, admitting a flaw or downside to your product or service helps boost credibility. People appreciate honesty.

And these days, credibility is going to set you apart from robot-driven AI writing, which tends to just focus on the facts.

When you can address the strongest elements of the product or service you’re writing about, and acknowledge any weaknesses (ideally then flipping them into selling points that underscore the authenticity of something)…

That’s when a logical conversion takes place in your reader’s mind, and also when you win them over emotionally to get them to take the next action.

Bonus Tip #3: Study writers with strong voices

If you want to practice good writing, it’s smart to spend time with successful writers. Make it a point to read articles, blogs, and other content crafted by strong writers.

How do you know you’re reading something from a strong writer? There are two reliable measures: One is when you’re still thinking about the piece long after you’ve finished reading it, and the second is when you get a clear takeaway from the writing.

Once you’ve pinpointed a strong writing voice, make it a point to get to know that writer. Read everything you can from them. Go and hear them speak if possible.

If there’s no way you’ll ever connect in person, at least connect via social media. Substack and LinkedIn are excellent for presenting a well-rounded picture of other professionals. You can find out what books they read, what conferences they attend, and what gurus they follow.

The more strong voices you study, the stronger your own writing voice becomes.

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Bonus Tip #4: Review, review, review

Keep in mind that every second of attention you get from a reader is precious. Make an effort to write your content several days before you have to submit it. This gives you the chance to step back and take a break from it so you can do the final review with fresh eyes.

Then read it out loud. Listen for rhythm and cadence, and be mindful of any errors your eyes missed.

After that, let it go—either to the client for review, or to a trusted writer friend who can give you unbiased feedback.

And then embrace that feedback. Most top-selling, high-performing books and sales letters had whole teams of reviewers and critics—and even then, the tiniest of errors can still squeak by. Good writing is a process.

Each one of these tips has been tried and tested over time in the Barefoot Writer world. Each stands on its own in ability to strengthen content.

Whether that means getting your content to work better through more consistent conversions…

Strengthening the bond with your reader…

Or branding your company, product, or service…

Well-thought-out, quality writing can accomplish much.

And if you’re building your career as a paid writer, these are absolutely the techniques that will help you retain clients and gain referrals so you can build your writing brand (and income!).

Remember, good writing is a process—and mastery comes from practicing these habits over time.

Getting started is often the biggest problem writers face when presented with a new project.

Maybe you’ve been in that situation. You feel overwhelmed by the task of writing great content that achieves all your client’s goals, so you hesitate and delay. (Definitely guilty on this end!)

Keep in mind that the goal of any good content writing is to generate a strong message that doesn’t appear forced or awkward.

The best way to do this is to stick to the basics — and to start your project as soon as possible.

Below, you’ll find four fundamental strategies to help you write well and to ensure your clients keep coming back to you.

Tip #1: Never lose sight of the “Big Three”

All good content writing consists of three basic elements:

1. Benefits

2. Core emotions

3. A solid understanding of your target market

You can’t do a good job with the first two unless you have the last one. This means every project should kick off with research about your prospect.

First, uncover details like age, sex, income, geographical location, and family status.

Next, figure out whether you’re dealing with people who are repeat buyers of the product or service you’re writing about, or whether they’re first-time buyers.

Then, dig deeper.

Once you know your audience, it becomes easier to understand why they buy things, beyond practical reasons. This is where you look for core emotions that drive the sale. It’s also where you’ll recognize which benefits resonate most with your target demographic.

Tip #2: Get emotional

Understanding the deeper emotions that drive your prospect to buy isn’t the same thing as writing to them. Good writing should provoke those very emotions, but in a positive way.

Let’s say you’re writing about a walk-in bathtub, and your audience consists of older folks who are gradually losing their mobility.

Two major benefits to this product are its safety and ease of use. Paint a picture with your words of the independence and satisfaction your prospect will gain, rather than focusing on the problems he will avoid.

There is a time and place for fear-based statements and “Here’s what you’ll escape” remarks. But, especially when it comes to product sales online, emphasize the positive. Choose words like always over never and tell inspiring stories.

When possible, pepper in enthusiastic testimonials.

Tip #3: Have a conversation with one person

Always think of your copy as a conversation with a single person sitting across from you. This means writing in second person and using the word “you” so your prospect knows you’re speaking directly to him or her.

This keeps your copy to the point and makes each of your visitors feel like the content was written specifically to them instead of to an all-encompassing group of readers.

You can also use the “bar stool” technique to make your writing more conversational. The easiest way to do this is to read your copy aloud and edit it until it sounds like something you’d say in a face-to-face conversation, as if you were chatting with someone at a coffee shop.

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Tip #4: Make it snappy

Good writing is concise and to the point. Readers don’t want to wade through long sentences with multiple adjectives, especially if they’re reading your copy online. Even if you have a lengthy list of benefits and features you want to share, the average reader doesn’t have time to wade through long pages of copy.

Keep your copy tight and to the point by using short sentences (16 words or less) and simple words. Aim for paragraphs that are only two or three sentences long. Every now and then, add a punchy, one-line sentence to give your writing rhythm.

One of the best ways to keep your copy short and snappy is to write at an eighth-grade level or lower. If you use Microsoft Word, you can measure this by going into the Options menu and selecting the “Proofing” tab. Then, check the “Show readability statistics” box.

After you run a spell-check, a box called “Readability Statistics” pops up. It includes the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level. Aim for an 8.0 or less.

To sum it up, when you think of good writing, the goal is to get a point across and follow basic grammar and communication rules

But if you want to produce great writing, follow these deeper-level strategies. You’ll significantly boost your chances of writing content that works to convert customers to buyers, and – importantly – keeps clients coming back to you for more paid writing projects.

But because so many of the world’s most unforgettable writers hail from its misty shores.

From Wilde’s wit to Yeats’s wonder, the Irish have a way of turning words into magic.

So in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I’m sharing this lovely article from Katie Yeakle—a literary toast to Ireland’s talent, imagination, and lyrical charm.

Sláinte to words that dance!

To your writing success,

Mindy

Ireland Is Where Strange Tales Begin and Happy Endings Are Possible

By Katie Yeakle

Many festive activities are associated with Ireland, especially during this month of March when we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on the 17^th.

Whether or not you can be counted among the 35 million or so Irish Americans, chances are good you’ll still celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by wearing green clothing or perhaps even drinking green beer. Or, maybe you’ll watch a parade, eat corned beef and colcannon, and wear a “Kiss Me, I’m Irish” button.

But aside from the Irish music, Irish drinks, and Irish religious traditions that define the very unusual culture of the country, there’s another side of Ireland many do not know. The Emerald Isle has had a major impact on the English language over the course of its history.

The oldest vernacular poetry in Europe comes from Ireland, going back as far as the 6^th century. In 1923, William Butler Yeats, Ireland’s most famous poet, was the first Irishman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. A more contemporary Irish poet, Seamus Heaney, won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1995.

The Nobel Prize in Literature also went to two other Irishmen: George Bernard Shaw and Samuel Beckett. And then James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and Jonathan Swift, though not Nobel Prize winners, are among other famous Irish scribes.

Joyce is best known for his tome Ulysses, which laid the foundation for the modern novel. He also wrote Dubliners, a collection of short stories about the lives of the Irish, and two other novels, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man and Finnegan’s Wake.

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Wilde, a witty, flamboyant novelist, playwright, poet, and all-around intellectual, is best known for his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray and the humorous play The Importance of Being Earnest.

Swift, one of the first modern satirists, is best known for writing the travel satire Gulliver’s Travels and A Modest Proposal, in which he proposes that Irish children should be eaten in order to deal with the problems of hunger and homelessness facing the Irish.

Thanks to their gift of gab, Irish sayings, proverbs, and witticisms have flowed freely like Guinness from such acclaimed writers as Wilde, Shaw, and Brendan Behan to the commoner one meets at an Irish pub:

Meet Darren, a brand‑new Barefoot Writer who started with no experience, a dash of nerves, and a whole lot of determination. Three months later, he’s blogging, building his confidence, and even celebrating his first paid win!

I love this story because it shows what happens when you just start. Doesn’t matter if it’s a messy start. You can be imperfect and bold, scared and open-hearted, and just watch—it’ll all work out. 🌟

To your writing success,

Mindy

P.S. Note the four lessons that helped Darren turn “someday” into “right now.”

Three Months In: 4 Tips to Help New Writers Move Forward

By Darren Stout

About three months ago, I was staring unemployment in the face (again).

But now, I’m making strides toward living the writer’s life. And today, I’m going to share four tips that moved me forward so you can launch your own writer’s life as soon as possible.

When I first got excited about being a writer, I wanted to soak up every piece of information I could in as short a time as possible. One thing that stood out immediately was the popular recommendation to choose a niche where you can focus your writing.

Choosing a niche in something you’re passionate about is an important first step. For me, that part wasn’t hard. I love gardening and golf.

So, I decided on a blog for my gardening writing. I’d heard that WordPress was a great place to get started with a blog … and it also fits my budget (it’s free).

That brings me to Tip #1: Create a website or blog and publicize your work. You might not get thousands of visits per month, but it’s an important experience to create work for online display.

I haven’t made any money from it yet, but the blog has been a great way for me to get daily practice writing. I hope to eventually move the content to a website that will help me market myself as a gardening copywriter.

Now that I have a niche I want to focus on, time management has become important. Because, along with posting on my blog three times per week, I recently began both a new full-time day job and the The AWAI Method™ for Becoming a Skilled, In-Demand Copywriter. The program has proven to be an eye-opening and educational experience … and I’m not even halfway through it!

And that’s Tip #2: Study … study … study. It won’t get old if you truly love writing and want the writer’s life someday. Begin a program like the The AWAI Method™ for Becoming a Skilled, In-Demand Copywriter so you’ll be able to practice and get feedback from the experts.

Now, with so much to do, I really have to prioritize. It’s an exercise in balance with family time. My goal is to quit my job this year and start living the writer’s life, but for now, I have to make the best use of mornings and evenings that I can. Fortunately, I’ve found a way to stay motivated by connecting with other writers.

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That brings me to Tip #3: Get involved with a writer’s organization and participate in conversations to get all the mentoring and encouragement you can. To ease my own reservations, I’ve been “picking the brains” of many writers with AWAI. My first interaction with copywriting “gurus” was when I became a member of the Barefoot Writer Club. That led to corresponding with members of AWAI and getting feedback on questions from the AWAI Forum.

I’ll close with Tip #4: Write at every opportunity — especially if it’s a chance to put your work in front of the experts. Who knows? You just might win a contest! It worked for me. My jump-start (and first paid writing accomplishment) was winning the Barefoot Writing Challenge essay contest. I can’t begin to describe my surprise when I won. I was so elated that I literally choked up when I told my wife I had won.

Best of all, I know this is just the beginning and my “wins” will start to snowball from here.

Make the commitment. Don’t wait. And, if you’re still working full-time like me, be patient. The writer’s life will happen for you because of your dedication to make it happen.

PS - If you found this post helpful, would you please consider restacking it and sharing it with your audience?

This spreads the word about achieving a paid writer’s life—and the more voices in our community, the more advice and examples we can share. 🙏

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Sometimes it’s a dream trip, a surprising windfall, or a chance encounter that changes everything.

For writer Christopher Dean, his Glicken showed up as a life‑changing reminder that writing can be a gateway to growth, gratitude, and lasting learning.

What started as a health setback turned into a deeper appreciation for his work—and for the way writing keeps opening new doors of discovery.

I love this because it’s not just about writing… it’s about rediscovering purpose through words. And isn’t that what we all want, deep down?

To your writing success,

Mindy

P.S. Not familiar with “Glicken”? It’s a Yiddish word referring to the icing on the cake… or in this case, that extra reward on top of the regular benefits you get as a Barefoot Writer.

The Glicken of Lasting Learning

By Christopher Dean

Many Glicken stories involve some type of perk where a writer travels somewhere and ends up getting treated like a king or queen. For me, the Glicken in writing is the opportunity to work on a project that involves listening to fascinating lectures from the best professors in the country. And instead of spending hundreds of dollars on those courses… I get them for free.

It started a year and a half ago when my health took a turn for the worst. I had a grand mal seizure one day — what a shock! Up to that point in my life, I’d never had a serious ailment; not even a broken bone. Now I was looking at a possible lifetime of health issues.

After brain surgery and a positive prognosis, I started looking at what I really wanted from life. Before the seizure, I’d been writing copy for a client whose products I wasn’t very passionate about. After I started to recover, I made a promise to myself that I’d go after clients and products I truly believed in. The amazing thing is, after life threw such a curveball, I got the chance to work with a client I’m enthusiastic about.

The client is The Teaching Company, the producers of The Great Courses. Maybe you’ve heard of them, or even watched or listened to one of their engaging, informative, and entertaining courses for yourself. I could almost say having the opportunity to write copy for them is Glicken enough, but that’s not really the icing on the cake.

My assignment was to write new catalog copy for one of their older courses, The Iliad of Homer. The copy editor emailed the course guidebook and lecture transcripts in PDF format so I could dive in right away. Shortly after, the DVD set arrived in the mail, on the house. On the surface, you might think that’s a pretty sweet perk, and it is. It’s nice to receive an interesting course, worth hundreds of dollars, for free. But the real Glicken hadn’t presented itself yet.

If you’ve ever read The Iliad, you probably remember it as an epic war poem. It’s often categorized merely as a war story since it’s brutal and graphic, but it’s so much more than that. Again, if you go below the surface, the true nature of the narrative, and of life, is revealed.

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Normally, you’d have to enroll in an academic program at a top college or university to encounter lectures from an award-winning professor. And we all know how much tuition like that can cost. In my case, this excellent education came with the territory. You could call this Glicken as well, but it’s still not the best part.

I spent many hours reading the transcript, watching the lectures, researching, and thinking about what it all meant. The universal themes you see throughout The Iliad are the nature of the human condition and mortality. What does it mean to be alive? What’s my role in society? These are questions we all ask ourselves at some point.

I’m always looking for new thoughts and ideas pertaining to the meaning of life. Though, neither the book The Iliad, nor the course about The Iliad was on my list of things to work on. It was by pure luck that the creative team at The Teaching Company picked a course that would end up making me think about life and work in new, surprising ways.

So, my Glicken was the chance to go on an unexpected journey of the mind with fascinating philosophical thoughts. The real icing on the cake was, and is, the opportunity to learn something new every day. In my mind, these things are the ultimate — but not always so obvious — Glicken.

What special Glicken or perks have you enjoyed as a writer? Please share!

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Not only is it a fresh approach to livening up tired phrases…

It also makes writing more fun.🤸🏻

Case in point—I tried tip #9 below, and learned more than I ever knew there was to learn about why hotels tuck their sheets in so tightly.

But the beauty of random knowledge is exactly that: it’s random. So random in fact, that it can make copy come to life and feel memorable to the reader.

I’m tempted to go write for the hospitality industry now, because this seemingly trivial knowledge could impress prospects when it comes to appreciating the cleanliness of a hotel.

Cool, right? Don’t just take my word for it… enjoy Chase’s tips below.

To your writing success,

Mindy

Enough Ideas to Fill Your Editorial Calendar Until the End of Time: 12 Hidey-holes to Find Spellbinding Copy Ideas

By Chase Canyon

Your best client is expecting another piece of brilliant writing from you by tomorrow — and you’ve got nuthin’. Problem is, your topic is vague and you don’t know where to start.

But you absolutely refuse to hand in anything mediocre. You’re a respected writer — you write majestic marketing lore that captivates your clients’ audiences and skyrockets their businesses.

You’ve got the skills and you’ve got the talent. You just need a starting point that gets you motivated.

Sound familiar? The next time you’re in this predicament, I’ve got something new for you to try …

Trivia.

In my experience, using trivia in your copy is not only a great way to inspire your creative muse, it also makes for extremely strong writing. Let me explain …

Pursue the Trivial

Trivia tidbits are quick to read and fun to learn. And that’s true for your reader, too. Plus, trivia is an excellent place to start brainstorming.

For instance, did you know that Dr. Seuss coined the term “nerd” in his 1950 book If I Ran the Zoo? That knowledge could spark an idea that leads to original copy about which gadgets today’s self-proclaimed nerds want.

Or, let’s say you write for a parenting website or a health publication. Consider the fact that the average child eats 15 kilograms of cereal a year. That might inspire you to write a post called “10 Disturbing Reasons Kids Aren’t Getting Enough Vitamins.”

Even surprising facts like “the cigarette lighter was invented before the match” can add color to a dull topic.

Once you start panning for trivia, you’ll have more ideas than you can shake an iPad at. So have a pen and paper on hand and brace yourself for the avalanche of ingenuity.

To get you started, here’s a list of the best places I’ve found for trivia tidbits.

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The Rolodex of the Marketing Muse

1. Trivia books — For example, the Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader collection is teaming with thousands of wacky facts and interesting stories about how things came to be the way they are.

2. Board games — Dust off those board games that haven’t been enjoyed since the dawn of smartphones. Games like Trivial Pursuit and TriBond are a veritable gold mine of inspiration.

3. Game shows — Game shows like Jeopardy! and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire are built around facts, statistics, and quotes.

4. Social Media — People constantly share quotes on all the social media platforms. Skim your feeds and see if something jibes with what you’re writing.

5. Buzzfeed.com — This site covers everything from news and entertainment to products that haven’t even been invented yet. Maybe you can parlay the latest pop culture gossip into an article that relates to your industry, like “5 Moves Hugh Jackman Did to Get Those Ripped-to-Shreds Abs” for your client’s fitness newsletter. Or you could spin a blog post on how the latest news affects your industry. For example, the news coverage after a hurricane wreaks havoc might quote the number of people who were left without power for a week, which could lead to a go-green blog post called “5 Reasons You Need Solar Panels for Your Home.”

6. Amazon.com — A search of your topic on Amazon.com will have your brain overflowing with ideas. The book summaries, ratings, comments, and even the titles can trigger your creative juices. Don’t forget to peek at the “people who bought this book also bought this” section, too.

7. Book stores — Don’t just peruse the financial section if you’re writing about finance or the health section if you’re writing about health. Scan the displays for inspirational fodder. Check out the recent bestsellers. Creative stimulus is waiting around every corner in bookstores.

8. Cracked.com — Appropriately named, Cracked.com has some crazy info and wacky lists that are ripe with content ideas.

9. MentalFloss.com — This month’s issue answers “pressing” questions like How long will a Twinkie last? (25 days according to Hostess.) Much of the random trivia that fills the magazine is available on the mentalfloss.com site for free.

10. Yahoo Answers & Quora.com — Here you’ll find socially relevant, crowdsourced, and highly subjective knowledge. Yahoo is better for casual, rapid information-seeking and Quora is a great place for structured, expert-driven insights.

11. Dictionary.com — The dictionary.com site is more than just a place to look up words. It’s had a makeover to include loads of compelling trivia. You can find word origins, words of the day, lists, and quotes to spark copy ideas.

12. Crossword puzzles — More than just a vocabulary workout, crosswords are composed entirely of interesting facts.

Print off this list and stick a copy by your computer so you have it the next time you’re stymied for ideas. You’ll know exactly where to start when you zone out in front of a blank page and start to panic. And as a bonus, your research will be entertaining, enlightening, and motivating.

What random trivia do you know? Share and maybe a fellow reader will feel inspired to use it in their copy.😄

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I’m not saying writing isn’t work… absolutely, it requires diligence and discipline and showing up every day, whether or not you’re getting results.

But the act of creativity, of logging ideas and shaping them in ways no one else has, is best left to the subconscious.

It’s why, when I first became a Barefoot Writer, I was the cleanest human on my block: I’d take regular showers in the middle of the day, even if I’d showered that morning, because word on the writer street was that the best ideas come in the shower.

And it worked, a lot.

I’ve since found outlets beyond the shower—long walks, lunches with friends, glorious midday naps, plopping down in a coffee shop…

All those things prime me to be open to new ideas.

Beyond cultivating that receptivity, it’s useful to go even deeper in your dig for new angles. Below, Christina Gillick shares a shortcut.

Just beware—when you open yourself to new ideas and go out into the world to seek them instead of trying to force it from your desk…

Well, just be sure you have a lot of blank pages at the ready. Once those ideas start forming, it becomes an avalanche—and exactly the hack most writers need to get a successful blog off the ground with loads of creative content.

To your writing success,

Mindy

7 Ways to Generate Great Ideas for Your Blog

By Christina Gillick

One of the best ways to practice your writing skills ― and to position yourself as an expert in the field of your choice ― is to create and write your own blog. (And yes, launching a blog is still a smart idea in 2026!).

But what on earth do you write about?

I’m about to give you seven ideas. But first, I want to share some words of wisdom from a Digital Copywriter webinar.

Heather Robson, Managing Editor of Digital Copywriter, says her favorite way to generate content for blogs is “The Rule of Three.”

1. Read — a lot

2. Take notes, ask questions

3. Keep a notebook

As you begin to learn about freelance writing, you’re likely to start reading a lot. Heather says that as you read, jot down three ideas for posts that the original post, newsletter, book, or article inspires.

Did it raise a question that wasn’t answered? You can answer it.

Did it touch on a small point that deserves more attention? Expand it into a full post.

Did you experience an “a-ha!” moment while reading it? Share your insight with your readers.

If you keep track of these ideas in a notebook, a Word document, or a spreadsheet, you’ll always have a go-to source for inspiration.

Heather does this and she always has a huge list of ideas just waiting for her.

Here are seven more ways you can come up with content for your blog:

1. Visit and participate in forums and communities.

Do a Google search for forums that interest you and pertain to your specialty. (Digital Copywriter has a great one.)

Once you find several of them, bookmark them, and visit often. You’ll probably see ideas for topics all over the place. Pay attention to what people are asking and searching for. The answers to their questions will make a great article.

And if the forum allows it, you can reply with a link to your blog post that answers the question.

2. Be observant.

Next time you’re out and about, look for real-life examples of the topic you’d like to write about.

Let’s say you’re a writer specializing in the pet industry. A short visit to the dog park could give you a dozen ideas for blog post topics. For example, you could write about all the products you see the dog owners using, like leashes, water bowls, and dog strollers.

Keep your eyes and ears open and take note of what comes to you.

3. Go where your readers are.

In most niches, there are certain places people hang out. These are great places to find article ideas. You could write about workshops; review businesses or services; or even feature countdowns to events.

For example, I’m a writer for the self-help industry. I could attend a conference about creating the life I desire and have dozens of article ideas. Plus, I’d meet people in my niche that might need a digital copywriter.

Be creative and research the places your target market hangs out, or the events they attend — then provide useful information. When readers find unique and interesting things to do in your niche on your blog, you’ll be able to get more web-writing jobs in your market by showing how well you understand the audience.

4. Answer your reader’s questions.

Once you have some blog posts under your belt, a great way to find article ideas is to answer the questions your clients or readers ask most often.

Chances are, you’ll know what these questions are because they’ll ask you in private messages or in the comments section. Also, you might consider encouraging your readers to submit questions to you so you’ll have a steady stream of questions to answer. Plus, you’ll increase reader involvement.

5. Review products.

If there are popular products in your niche, your readers will likely be searching for reviews.

Product reviews are a great idea for articles and you can re-purpose them as samples of your writing.

Review products that are popular and useful and you’ll be seen as the truthful, go-to person in your niche. Plus, you’ll increase your traffic and get your name out there.

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6. Write a list.

A great article format to try is the “list post.” It’s an article just like the one you’re reading now. It’s usually titled “Top 10 … ” or “Best of … ” or “8 Ways to … ”

These articles are easy to read and don’t have a lot of fluff. They’re useful and to the point.

As a writer, an example article you might write is “7 Ways to Get Your Reader’s Attention” or “3 Ways to Get More Website Visitors to Click ‘Buy Now.’”

7. Break your list down.

If you write articles using the “list post” format, you can break each point into additional articles.

For example, let’s say you write the article “7 Ways to Get Your Reader’s Attention.” The main article would briefly discuss each way, but each of the seven ways can also be expanded into their own article. You could explain how you tried each way, what the results were, and how your readers can follow your advice.

As you go about your day, keep your eyes open for new article ideas. The more you practice getting ideas from your everyday life, the more ideas you’ll have.

Use your notebook, Word document, or spreadsheet to track your ideas and, like Heather, you’ll always have a huge list of ideas just waiting for you.

The truth is, we can feel perfectly robotic in our careers on our own, without the help of the actual robots.

How?

By moving forward with no meaning.

When your writing lacks purpose, that void shows up everywhere. You see it in the muted energy of the copy. You feel it in your lethargic body.

Worst of all, it does not connect you to higher income and better clients.

Happily, there’s an easy fix. 😊

When you take John Wood’s advice below, it all comes back: The joy, the energetic phrases… and then eventually, the money and clients…

Whether you started your career with a clear purpose and it fizzled, or you never really pinpointed one to begin with, it’s never too late. So if you’ve been feeling a little ‘robot-y’ at your keyboard lately, this one’s for you. 💫

To your writing success,

Mindy

Be Happier and Accomplish More by Pursuing Writing with a Sense of Purpose

By John Wood

Dr. John Eliot, in his audio program The Maverick Mindset, tells a story that happened early in the career of a heart surgeon by the name of Scott Buchanan.

Before a scheduled heart transplant, it was suggested to Dr. Buchanan by some other doctors that he ask his patient, a 65-year-old woman, why she needs her surgery.

It seemed a little crazy to Dr. Buchanan as the answer to his question appeared to be pretty obvious, but he decided to ask her anyway.

It was suggested that he not stop at the first answer — that he keep digging until he got to something that contained real meaning.

So he went to his patient’s bedside and asked her why she wanted the operation.

Not surprisingly, she said to him …

“Son, I’m about to die here and you’re going to be my surgeon? You’re asking me why I need this procedure? Maybe I’d better get somebody else to perform it.”

Dr. Buchanan calmed her down by saying that he knew she’d had a successful life up to that point and he just wanted to know why she wanted to keep going.

The woman replied …

“You mean my unfinished business?”

She then went on to explain how all her life she’d been a very good swimmer. And how she had a 6-year-old granddaughter who was afraid to go in the water. She wanted to be around to teach her granddaughter to swim. Dr. Buchanan thanked her for the answer.

The operation was a success. Normally, after a heart transplant, it can take up to 12 months of physical therapy to get back to normal. It took this 65-year-old grandmother just four months till she was in the water teaching her granddaughter to swim.

Eliot tells this story to highlight the importance of having a “sense of purpose” in life. It’s important to note that once he knew a little about the woman, Dr. Buchanan had a greater sense of purpose during the operation. He was not just performing a heart transplant; he was giving a grandmother more time with her granddaughter.

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So what exactly does having a sense of purpose mean?

It means having something in your life that is so meaningful to you that you don’t want to give it up. It’s something that, without, you might not achieve.

A sense of purpose is something that will inspire you to a greater level of achievement. It gives you increased motivation, fuels your confidence, and gives you the drive you need to take on and conquer any obstacles that fall in your path.

To help develop (or strengthen) your sense of purpose as a writer, I’ve put together a few tips :

• Attach a purpose to each one of your goals differently — Don’t just say, “I want to lose 20 lbs.” Say to yourself, “I want to lose 20 lbs. because I want to show the world that I’m someone who looks after myself and cares about my health and how I look.”

Don’t just say to yourself, “I want to be a writer.” Attach a sense of purpose to it: say you want to be a writer to be a shining example to your friends and family of what one can achieve if they put their mind to it.

• Make a list of things you’re passionate about — It’s important to have a clear understanding of what motivates you. Put a list together of things you’d love to do and things you’re passionate about. Maybe you want to start an Internet business … write a book or a screenplay … go on a European vacation — whatever it may be, write it down. Then, where appropriate, put an action plan together to make things happen.

• Volunteer at a local charity — Have you ever seen the TV show The Secret Millionaire? The real heroes of the show are not necessarily the millionaires who write the checks to help out charities they believe in, but the people who run and/or volunteer at the charities. These are selfless people who have discovered that their sense of purpose in life is helping people in their community who are in need.

• Keep a journal — Write down daily or weekly the progress you make in pursuit of your goals. This will keep you focused and pumped as you move forward towards achieving your goals. And who knows, one day you could turn it into an inspirational story about your life that goes on to inspire others.

Everything you desire to achieve in life can be enhanced by attaching a sense of purpose to it. It can provide you with extraordinary ability and determination.

Whenever you set a goal, also identify the sense of purpose behind it, and I’m confident you’ll find the inspiration and motivation you need to turn whatever you do into a raving success.

My own purpose changes and grows with time… right now, it’s about building generational wealth. What about you? Please share your purpose and inspire others.🌟-Mindy

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