Ten Reasons to Attend the 2023 ASJA Virtual Annual Conference
This year’s virtual conference promises to be a winner, with more than 50 expert speakers,…
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ASJA Confidential
Welcome to the ASJA blog, where you’ll get current information about ASJA’s programs, as well as special features on the business and art of nonfiction freelance writing.
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Conference Keynoter Ly Tran: Overcoming Obstacles in Life and Publishing
The beginning of the journey Ly Tran took to publish her memoir, “House of Sticks:…
Conference Keynoter Damon Brown Asks, Are You Ready to Level Up?
Damon Brown wants you to know that AI or other technology cannot replace your value…
Conference Keynoter Janet Stovall Urges Writers to be ‘Conscious Communicators’
Janet Stovall is a diversity expert, global speaker, author, and consultant. But before she was…
Journalism Sessions Re-examine Narratives, Offer New Markets and Techniques
Freelance journalists don’t enjoy the guidance, support, or camaraderie that’s part of working in a…
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Getting to Know You: Four Ways that Biographers Approach Their Subjects
Yes, I’m a biographer. I’ve proudly claimed that title ever since my first book—an independent…
My Own Slow Writing Movement
About eight years ago (!), sitting in my literary agent’s kitchen sipping on a glass…
Writing the War: A Military Spouse's Perspective
When I decided to wade into freelance writing a couple of years ago, I wasn’t…
Being a Writer Doesn’t Mean I’m No Longer a Nurse
I was 17 when I entered college and the world of nursing. I wasn’t sure…
Should I Look for a Traditional Publisher Or Self Publish?
I have been contemplating writing a second non-fiction book, a follow-up to Mastering the Mommy…
A Circuitous Road to Memoir
When I started writing Replacement Child, I had a vague idea that I wanted to…
Writers Do Need Math (Don't Panic)
Raise your hand if you’ve ever said anything like this: “I am no good at…
Tips for Getting Work in a Down Economy
Economy getting your business down? It is mine. I don’t know about you but work…
My Crowdfunding Teachable Moment
I tend to jump into situations feet first – which can be a good and…
Turning your Hobby into Work; Work into your Hobby
It started out as a normal assignment. As much as anything can be “normal” for…
Legal Danger for Bloggers: Two Misconceptions, Three Resources, One Suggestion
No blogger wants to get in trouble with the law, become liable for financial damages,…
Moving from Employment to Self-Employment
“Patchen, either you’re 85 years old, or you can’t keep a job.” Neither is true,…
Care and Feeding of a Bestseller
Reporting is one step. Writing is another. It seems like that should be enough. But…
Embracing the Need for a Publicist
Question: What is the difference between a squirrel and a rat? Answer: PR. For fifteen…
Where Angels Walk: Keeping Your Book in Print
This month one of my books, Where Angels Walk, is celebrating its 20th year in…
How to Create an Award-Winning Blog: Tips from Marijke Vroomen Durning
Not too long ago, SheKnows Canada named my blog, Marijke: Nurse Turned Writer as a…
Paging Tips for Book Reviews
The e-mail pinged in when I wasn’t checking every five minutes for an editor’s response…
Selecting Books on Writing: Decisions, Decisions
Ever noticed that there’s more in your local book store on writing than on real…
From Moonlighting to Full-Time Writing: Six Tips to a Successful Transition
You’re piling up the bylines and thinking about making the leap to full time. Do…
Breaking Into Freelance Wedding Writing
Wedding magazines and blogs are hungry for well-written content, so now is a great time…
Singing the Benefits of Making In-Person Connections
Oh, solo mio! Does that song ever play in your head when you’re sitting with…
The Pulpwood Queens Sail the High Seas (Or My Experience Selling Books on a Cruise)
I don’t like group tours, touristy places or making a spectacle of myself. So why…
How To Conduct a Successful Interview
When interviewing a CEO or celebrity, the first thing you must do is make friends…
Ghostwriters are in Demand
Despite recent news in The New York Times of celebrities disavowing any use of ghostwriters…
12 Ways to Build Readership for Your Blog
I began blogging in July 2009, and I’ve now written more than 1,300 posts. I…
10 Steps Toward Getting a Life, or How I Learned to Write Biography
I never planned to become a biographer. As a journalist who’d covered everything from the…
3 Steps to Becoming a Spokesperson
I’ll tell you a secret that I’ve only shared with a few close writer friends….
Eight Tips for e-Book Authors
If you’re a reader, you know about e-books. You may even know that in 2011,…
Star Struck: Prepping for a Celebrity Interview
I admit it; I’m a sucker for some good celebrity scoop. So when I stumbled…
Top 5 Ways to Network at a Writer's Conference
To some people, networking with others in a large group comes easily. I admit, I’m…