The Writing Coach Podcast with Rebecca L. Weber

What’s one thing you’d like help with in your writing life today? I’d like to coach you about it—and share the recording with other listeners of the Writing Coach Podcast. To apply for a free coaching session with me, visit www.rebeccalweber.com/coachme 🔗 You might also like to listen to … WCP 1: What’s your problem? WCP20 Setting freelance writer goals Writing Coach Podcast Greatest Hits Playlist on Spotify 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast by reviewing on Apple Podcasts, sharing a link on your website or in your newsletter, or in your next social media post. Let other writers know why you listen.

Sometimes you AND your pitch need to get out of your head and out into the world. On the first Tuesday of the month, I’m hosting co-pitching calls where freelancers work on their pitches together. This month I offered a few short prompts for those who needed it. Here I elaborate on ways to approach these prompts, your story idea, your editor, your readers, and your mindset. 🔗 You might also like … WCP 245 Archives: 🐶 Monday mornings on the mountain with Mishka WCP 217 Title TK WCP 16: Freewriting for freelancers WCP 4: Pitching: The perfect black T-shirt 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch 🔥 Work with me 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You’ll experience new clarity about what’s been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast by reviewing on Apple Podcasts, sharing a link on your website or in your newsletter, or in your next social media post. Let other writers know why you listen. 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast246

On Monday mornings I used to be cranky and anxious. It’s not a great combo any time, and not a great foundation for the week ahead. Then I created a ritual to help me transition … and I actually look forward to that time when I get to look at my writing projects from a totally different perspective. Creating a ritual or two in your writing life can provide structure, meaning, and momentum. This episode is in memory of the patron puppy saint of the Writing Coach Podcast, Mishka. 🔗 You might also like to listen to … WCP 244: Freelance feast or famine WCP 231 Archives: Writing through grief WCP 43: Bridge thoughts WCP 15: How Nelson Mandela taught me to write faster Writing Coach Podcast Greatest Hits Playlist on Spotify 🔗 Mentioned on this episode … Essential books for writers Laura Feasey on Instagram Yolisa Qunta on Instagram Mishka on Instagram Twyla Tharp’s “The Creative Habit” 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast by reviewing on Apple Podcasts, sharing a link on your website or in your newsletter, or in your next social media post. Let other writers know why you listen. ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🔥 Work with me 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You’ll experience new clarity about what’s been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast245

In one week, you might have a pub that you’ve written for for years fold, receive an email from an editor who said she loved your pitch now asking for a ton of edits, sign a contract for a new book, and have a source ask to reschedule an interview. It seems there’s nothing as constant in change in the freelance writing world … and yet so many freelancers seem continually surprised by the meta pattern of change. In this episode we look at handling change as a freelance writer in general, and then focus in on the pattern of feast and famine. 🔗 You might also like … WCP 150 Archives: Company policies WCP 239: You set your freelance writing rates WCP 214 Cultivate flow WCP 1: What’s your (writing) problem? ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the September 2023 session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast244

They say it’s the thought that counts when it comes to gifts. But if you’ve ever had the experience of receiving a gift that was clearly intended for somebody else (but the tags got swapped or similar), or if you received a generic Secret Santa present, you know that the thoughts leading to those gifts were fundamentally different than when somebody offers you a gift that surprises and delights you because it is just so perfect. Freelancers who pitch regularly have had the experience of sending the wrong idea to the wrong publication at the wrong time. If who you are pitching is an afterthought, that randomness shows. Sending your next editor a pitch that makes their day is an empowering experience for both of you. Learn more about the gift of specificity. 🔗 You might also like … WCP 187 You’re invited WCP 180 Learning mindset WCP 4: Pitching: The perfect black T-shirt WCP 182 Archives: Annoying pitches 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast243

On a road trip, you might see a dozen reminders about an upcoming exit. The frequency doesn’t mean that you should get off the highway for an unwanted detour. Following the trail of habitual thoughts can derail your writing life. Learn to stay the course. Also: The last session for the year of my small group coaching program, Freelance Writer Bootcamp, starts in mid September. Details and application info: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🔗 You might also like … WCP 1: What’s your (writing) problem? Writing Coach Podcast Greatest Hits Playlist on Spotify ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🔥 Work with me 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You’ll experience new clarity about what’s been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast242

Some writers always honor their deadlines for clients, yet aren’t accountable to themselves when it comes to marketing or creative work. Maybe you want to pitch more stories, finish your book proposal, or write in your journal every single day. You get started, then quit, and never build enough momentum to create the writing life you really want for yourself. In reality, signing a contract isn’t what actually makes you complete an assignment on time. It’s your decision to complete it (which you may do because you like the consequences of doing so, such as feeling reliable or spending the income). If you already know how to be accountable to somebody else, you can use that experience to practice being more accountable to yourself too. And you can do it without any negative self-talk, shame, or blame—instead, honoring your deepest writing desires is a form of self-care and we can do it more effectively from a place of curiosity and learning. 🔗 You might also like … Writing Coach Podcast Greatest Hits Playlist on Spotify WCP238 Accountability hit ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🔥 Work with me 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You’ll experience new clarity about what’s been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast241

Perception of time varies from person to person, and from task to task. Before, during, or after a particular writing task your estimate of how long it takes will likely vary. This lack of clarity about time in the moment can be seen or described in very different ways depending on the context (eg “flow” vs “time blindness”). If you don’t know how long something will take you, how can you quote profitably? If you don’t know how much time has gone by, how do you know what to do next to stay on schedule? Here’s what I’ve found helpful in terms of this aspect of time management. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: WCP 238 Accountability hit WCP 175 Writing in community WCP 214 Cultivate flow WCP 217 Title TK WCP 111 Intentions and transitions WCP 1: What’s your problem? 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast with a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing a link on your website or in your newsletter, or in your next social media post. Let other writers know why you listen. ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🔥 Work with me 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You’ll experience new clarity about what’s been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast240

Freelance writers often have a hard time setting rates, or feeling great about them after we’ve signed a contract. It can feel challenging when: Spoiler alert: It is *always* possible for a potential client, a freelance colleague, or a well-meaning friend/family member in another field, to think or say: “You are charging too much” OR “You aren’t charging enough.” Ideally YOU won’t be the one telling yourself either of these things. This episode we uncover some of the common reasons freelancers struggle with setting their rates, including the most common issue that affects high- and low-earners alike, and how to take control. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: WCP 134 What to charge WCP 153 Archives: Pay me now! WCP 193 Rates shaming WCP 67: 3 strategies to earn more money as a freelance writer WCP 1: What’s your problem? 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast with a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing a link on your website or in your newsletter, or in your next social media post. Let other writers know why you listen. ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🔥 Work with me 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You’ll experience new clarity about what’s been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast239

Do you (almost) always honor your agreements to others (e.g. you routinely make your deadlines), but have a hard time doing things that nobody else is completing (e.g. pitch a story to a new-to-you editor)? External accountability can help interrupt narratives that are neither fact-based nor helpful. Today I share with you a number of external accountability practices that are helpful for writers as well as questions to help you better tune into what works for you. Learn how to bridge the external accountability you’ve already got to your internal accountability, so that you can show up more for yourself, your career, and your readers. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: WCP 72: Internal and external accountability WCP 174 Archives: 100 reasons not to pitch today WCP 218 When it’s hard to let it be easy WCP 236 Judge me WCP 1: What’s your problem? 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast with a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing a link on your website or in your newsletter, or in your next social media post. Let other writers know why you listen. ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🔥 Work with me 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You’ll experience new clarity about what’s been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast238

No electricity. No internet. They’re not one in the same, but when they overlap they make for a powerful Venn diagram. The extreme weather and increased pressures on infrastructure means we’re going to continue to see large areas lose power and connectivity. Here in South Africa, we’ve had plenty of chances to learn how to freelance efficiently both with some tech strategies and managing our own expectations during power outages. Let’s get into both so that you can keep getting your work done. 🔗 You might also like … Writing Coach Podcast Greatest Hits Playlist on Spotify 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast with a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing a link on your website or in your newsletter, or in your next social media post. Let other writers know why you listen. ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🔥 Work with me 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You’ll experience new clarity about what’s been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast237

As a species, we’re pretty judgey. As working writers, we’re constantly having our work judged. Sometimes it can feel like how someone feels about our writing is how they feel about us. When we add our own judgement of somebody else’s judgement, things get sticky. Fear of judgement (by an editor, a friend, an anonymous reader who leaves a comment, or even ourselves) can be a major blocker. This episode is a bit shorter than normal to give you some time to write into a prompt in your freelance journal. 🔗 You might also like … WCP 16: Freewriting for freelancers WCP 74: Why you’re the one WCP 1: What’s your problem? 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ❤️ Support the Writing Coach Podcast with a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing a link on your website or in your newsletter, or in your next social media post. Let other writers know why you listen. ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🔥 Work with me 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You’ll experience new clarity about what’s been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast236

Freelancing while traveling disrupts the home routine. Get clear about your process and expectations when traveling, and you’ll be better able to reduce frustration and optimize your next trip. Some unconscious and/or unrealistic expectations include: + Stamina, sleep, and food choices + Only reporting vs. starting to do some writing before reporting is complete + An overscheduled itinerary vs. intentional white space on calendar 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: WCP 195 Archives: Pitching travel stories before or after the trip WCP 136 Archives: Pitch the chicken WCP 162 Archives: The research rabbit hole WCP 1: What’s your problem? 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast with a review on Apple Podcasts, sharing a link on your website or in your newsletter, or in your next social media post. Let other writers know why you listen. ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🔥 Work with me 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You’ll experience new clarity about what’s been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast235

One great guiding question is at the heart of a pitch that lands an assignment, or in an article that resonates with readers. Answering this question is usually going to be more compelling for a reader, and often essential for an assigning editor. This episode unpacks the power of answers, plus the exception you want to watch out for (ie, when you want to make sure that the question is explicit). Not sure how to generate guiding questions? Listen for the exercise I recommend to get your understanding up to speed quickly. 🔗 You might also like … Why Boston doesn’t have any Michelin Star restaurants WCP 155 Why your pitch is too long WCP 1: What’s your problem? 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast by writing a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Let other writers know why you listen. ❤️ Share the podcast with other writers via your social media accounts or email newsletter, or leave a comment on my Instagram or Facebook feeds. 🎧 Listen and subscribe in your favorite podcast app. 📸 Follow me on Instagram @FreelanceWriterBootcamp ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🔥 Work with me 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You’ll experience new clarity about what’s been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast234

As a writing coach, I’ve heard countless writers complain about their numbers. Or, more accurately, I’ve lost count. Often somebody will hook into a goal number (daily word count, annual income, how many likes on a post) that disappoints–whether they hit that number or not. And many others don’t identify a goal number from the outset, but then lament that whatever number they’re looking at is “not enough” (or possibly “too much”). Using numbers against ourselves in this way is largely counterproductive, both for achieving goals and for enjoying our writing lives. I recently noticed that more than listeners have downloaded a quarter million episodes of the Writing Coach Podcast. 250k is a data point that doesn’t actually mean much in practical terms. It’s a fairly arbitrary number … as are so many of our writing metrics. Even hitting the number of words you wanted for a writing session doesn’t necessarily mean that those words are brilliant, concise, or bloated. Choosing to celebrate with little #podcakes is a lot more fun than not having cake. Having fun is valuable in its own right. And when we are in a playful state of mind, we’re far more able to step out of restrictive thought habits that shut down our creativity, energy, and motivation. Some of the very same games that you’ve naturally developed through playfulness with words can be applied to numbers. On this week’s episode, explore a few ways you can bring a little more fun to your own numbers. 🎉 This week marks a big celebration for the Writing Coach Podcast: 250,000+ downloads! If you’ve enjoyed an episode (or a couple hundred), please help another writer by sharing the Writing Coach Podcast. Recommend a fave episode or share a takeaway: + Leave a review on Apple Podcasts + Include it in a “best podcast” or writer resources list + Shout out with a screenshot or link on social media (tag me on Instagram stories @freelancewriterbootcamp and I’ll do the same) + Share a link in your newsletter: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast 🔗 You may also like … WCP 132 Archives: Celebrating WCP 168 Wordle wisdom WCP 1: What’s your problem? ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast233

Steph Fuccio invited me to her podcast, Content to Connect, to discuss the value and impact of podcasting and newsletters. This BTS conversation is relevant to anyone involved with a podcast, newsletter, or other (semi) regular form of opt-in communication. I share my own transition from a newsletter to podcast and how these both help my ideal clients decide they want me to be their writing coach. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: Steph Fuccio’s website: https://www.stephfuccio.com/ Content to Connect podcast: https://podcasttoconnect.buzzsprout.com/ 🎧 You may also like … WCP 1: What’s your problem? WCP 200 What I learned creating 200 podcast episodes WCP 35: Podcasting with Suchandrika Chakrabarti WCP 114 Everyday dream clients: Pitching triad miniseries part 2 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast by writing a review on Apple Podcasts, or share with other writers via your social media accounts, newsletter, or on your website. ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🔥 Work with me 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You’ll experience new clarity about what’s been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast232

In some important ways, it doesn’t matter what your job is when somebody you care about dies. In today’s episode, we look at ways you can use writing to process your emotions and communicate love and loss, or to support somebody else who is in mourning. We also discuss the practical challenges of freelancing while grieving. In the four years since this episode was first published, it’s quite likely you have experienced grief over the loss of a loved one (and/or have wanted to support someone who has gone through this). Grief runs on its own timeline; in this new intro I also address allowing time to grieve through the years. 🔗 Mentioned on this episode … Writing Coach Podcast Greatest Hits Playlist on Spotify Apply to work with me: rebeccalweber.com/coach ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Let other writers know why you listen. ❤️ Share the podcast with other writers via your newsletter, blog post, article, or on social media. ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🔥 Work with me 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You’ll experience new clarity about what’s been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast231

Some thoughts on writing and pitching together, trying new things, and how timing your work sessions gives you useful data. 🔗 You might also like: WCP 175 Writing in community WCP 111 Intentions and transitions WCP 1: What’s your problem? 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts; including in an article or blog post; or sharing in your newsletter or a writer’s group. Let other writers know why you listen. 📸 Follow me on Instagram @FreelanceWriterBootcamp ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🔥 Work with me 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You’ll experience new clarity about what’s been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast230

One great idea element can be developed into so many different kinds of stories for noncompeting audiences. Listen to my interview on the Do Good Work Podcast, where Raul and I talk about pitching, freelancing, flexibility, generating original ideas, exploring creativity, inspiration, and more in a slightly different context than we’ve ever done before. -Importance of recognizing personal biases and understanding audience needs -How curiosity and unique ideas help writers stay ahead of the AI curve -Challenges staffers may find when pivoting to freelancing 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: #DoGoodWork podcast WCP 1: What’s your problem? WCP 200 What I learned creating 200 podcast episodes 🎧 Podcast tour: Invite me to your podcast to discuss writing, creativity, freelancing, process, publishing, etc. I promote the interviews I do on other podcasts via my newsletter, social media, and/or by republishing here on the Writing Coach Podcast. Drop me a line and let’s talk about the show we could do to meet your audience’s needs. 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast with a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, sharing a link on your website/blog/newsletter, or shouting out on social media. ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast229

Black lives matter, today and every day. This is not always reflected in the media. Today we look at how an anti-racist approach to reporting helps us get closer to the real truth of what is happening in the stories you cover. An anti-racist approach works both in stories that explicitly cover racism, as well as so-called softer stories where you may not have initially identified a racial angle. This process will require you to confront biases in society as well as within yourself. In No Name in the Street, James Baldwin wrote, “Well, if one really wishes to know how justice is administered in a country, one does not question the policemen, the lawyers, the judges, or the protected members of the middle class. One goes to the unprotected—those, precisely, who need the law’s protection most!—and listens to their testimony.” Listening is the foundation of good reporting, and anti-racist journalism that challenges the status quo. Get quiet enough in your own head to listen to your own responses to what’s happening. Ask yourself how you’ve chosen the people you’re interviewing (see Baldwin above if you don’t like your answers). Listen closely to what the people you’re talking to have to say. 🔗 Mentioned on this episode … Writing Coach Podcast Greatest Hits Playlist on Spotify Ramaphosa calls 11 lockdown deaths and 230,000 arrests an act of ‘over-enthusiasm’ ‘Unarmed Black Man’ doesn’t mean what you think it means Erin Brown on Instagram @ecce_b Apply to work with me: rebeccalweber.com/coach 🎁 Download my free guide on how to pitch freelance article ideas, “5 Proven Steps to Writing Queries that Sell.” www.rebeccalweber.com/howtopitch ⭐ Support the Writing Coach Podcast by leaving a review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Let other writers know why you listen. ❤️ Share the podcast with other writers via your newsletter, blog post, article, or on social media. ✏️ Work with me in Freelance Writer Bootcamp Break into your dream publications and get paid well while covering stories that matter. Alumni of my group coaching program have used the proven Bootcamp processes to break into the New York Times, the Guardian, Bustle, Fodor’s, Ms., Nat Geo Travel, Al Jazeera, the BBC, and many more. Apply now for the next session: www.FreelanceWriterBootcamp.com 🔥 Work with me 1:1 Private coaching is for the writer who wants a personalized agenda and transformative breakthroughs. You’ll experience new clarity about what’s been holding you back and choose new patterns of thinking and behavior to propel you forward toward your writing goals. Apply for private writer coaching: www.rebeccalweber.com/coach 📝 More info and complete show notes: www.rebeccalweber.com/podcast228