Become a Writer Today

Earlier this year, I came across a strategy that dramatically changed how I research and write articles and books. 

It’s called the Zettelkasten or Slipbox. This form of research and note-taking was popularised, at least in Germany, by sociologist and author Niklas Lumen.

(Fun fact: Lumen used the Slipbox or Zettelkasten method of research to write and publish over 70 books).

Basically, it involves writing a web of thought around your ideas, research, and readings. I write five to ten entries a day in my personal Slipbox, which is a little like journaling. 

Fear not: creating a Slipbox is relatively easy providing you follow a few simple rules.

Create a single entry per idea

• Link your entries to each other
• Use descriptive headings 
• Categorize your entries

There’s a little bit more to it than that. 

So, in this week’s interview, Sascha Fast explains:

• What a Slipbox is and how to use one for writing
• How to get started creating your Slipbox
• Why a Slipbox is ideal for non-fiction writers 
• How he’s using a Slipbox to research 70-YES 70!- books
• The tools you need to create one

Resources

Evernote

Day One 

Ulysses

Archive

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You may already know that there are dozens of different writing apps which you can choose for your writing projects, but which one is the best?

That's a question  I answer in this week's podcast episode where I discuss 10 of the best writing apps that I use, and take a look at the pros and cons of each. 

This should help you find the right one for your freelance writing projects, stories, or book.

In this episode I talk about: 

• The 10 writing apps that I like to use
• The pros and cons of each
• The benefits of using a writing app
• Which writing app suits which writing project

And much more.

Resources: 

• iA Writer
• Scrivener
• LivingWriter
• Google Docs
• Day One
• Dragon Dictate
• Rev
• Evernote
• Grammarly
• ProWriting Aid

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If you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins

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Around eight or nine years ago that I first came across the Pomodora Technique and it changed the way that I write.

Francesco Cirillo developed the technique help businesses and individuals improve and increase their productivity in a simple, fast and gentle way.

Before you listen to the podcast, take some time to think about how you structure your day. 

In this episode we talk about:

• The difference between the Pomodoro core process and the Pomodoro technique
• Seeing time as a predator and using it to your advantage 
• The importance of taking regular breaks 
• Mistakes to watch out for when you start to use the technique

And much more.

Resources

Pomodoro

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Productivity is something that's fascinated me over the years in fact, it's how I started Become a Writer Today.

It also led me to stay in touch with my guest Arthur Worsley, who I first met at a mastermind a couple of years ago.

He's an expert when it comes to productivity. His blog, Faster to Master (now called The Art of Living), was created to show people how easy it is to stop working harder and accomplish more.

One of the big arguments against productivity is, you never get to the bottom of your to-do list, and this is one of the questions I put to Arthur. 

You'll find his reply insightful, whatever stage you're at with your writing or creative work.

In this episode I talk to Arthur about:

• What causes procrastination and how to overcome it
• Arthur's writing process for turning ideas into articles
• Tools and resources that he uses to structure his day
• His morning routine and how he prepares to write each day
• The importance of putting life, not work, first 

Resources

The Art of Living
Stop Working Harder

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You may have heard the cliché about the penniless starving artist.

That is true to some degree however, it's easier than ever before to earn a living as a writer or creative, thanks to the tools and software currently available.

But where and how do you turn your passion for writing into profit?

Michelle Vandepas is the co-owner and co-founder of GracePoint publishing, and not only is she an expert in self-publishing, but she also helps many authors turn their books into published works.

In this episode, I talk to Michelle about:

• Why you need to market your book, not just write it and hope it sells
• Is writing a book the right thing for you to do to achieve your business goals?
• Using your book as a business card
• How to decide whether to self-publish or go to a publisher
• Do you need an ISBN number?

And much more.

Resources

Grace Point Publishing

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If you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins

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Have you got a burning desire to become a freelance writer? Or are you already are a freelance writer and you want to take your career to the next level?

Whichever it is, this podcast is for you.

Jessica Lawlor is the editor of The Write Life, and on Monday 14th September they launched their writers bundle. It's a package of courses designed to accelerate your freelance career. From how much to charge, how to find clients and so much more.

If you want to take advantage of it, it's available for 3 days.

I got to together with Jessica to not only discuss the bundle, which I've also contributed to, but how she manages a busy website like The Write Life.

In this episode I talk to Jessica about:

• The Write Life bundle
• Opportunities for freelance writers
• How she manages the workflow for a busy website
• How she creates traffic to her site
• The type of content she enjoys writing 

Resources

thewritersbundle2020
The Write Life
Jessica Lawlor Newsletter

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If you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins

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Would you like to write narrative non-fiction? It's a challenging genre that fascinates me.

Jeremy Dronfield is the author of the Sunday Times best-seller The Boy Who Followed His Father Into Auschwitz.

In this interview, he explains:
What looking at the past teaches us about today

• The process of writing narrative non-fiction  and how to find your subject
• How to write a great pitch letter that publishers notice
• His research process
• Dealing with dark subject matter

And lots more!

Attention writers!
Would you like to learn from top authors like Malcom Gladwell and James Patterson? Check out my Masterclass review.

Support the show

If you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins

Thanks for listening!

Personal development is a huge topic online today, particularly on platforms like Medium. 

Although it’s a topic most people have an opinion about, it’s quite hard to stand out.

Unless your name is Darius Foroux.

Living in the Netherlands, he’s one of Medium’s top writers covering topics like wealth, buildings, habits and decision-making. He’s also an author and instructor, selling popular online courses about writing, careers and more via his website.

In this interview, Darius explains:

How he managed to write 7 books in six years

• Why he focuses on one project at a time
• How he grew his blog into one of top personal development websites online
• His process for researching, writing and publishing non-fiction articles
• What he does when readers suggest editorial changes (including trolls)

And lots more

If you enjoyed this podcast episode, please leave a rating on the iTunes Store.

Resources

Ulysses

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Attention Writers!
What's the best grammar checker of 2020? Find out in this review and claim a discount.

Support the show

If you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins

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Living Writer is a new writing app for authors and novelists. It contains a number of templates and other tools that will help you plot and write a book faster. I'm currently testing it for a new book of nonfiction I'm working on.

It's also free to try for a month. I recently caught up with the founders Dominic Chase and Casey Kerbs and asked them how it can help writers become authors.

Resources
The Best Writing Apps of 2020


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Attention Writers!
What's the best grammar checker of 2020? Find out in this review and claim a discount.

Support the show

If you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins

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Welcome to Hell World is one of the most popular newsletters on Substack today. It's run by journalist, author and poet Luke O'Neil.

His newsletter combines a commentary a US current affairs with poetry and insights from Luke's life. Luke's writings aren't for everyone and he's not afraid to say it. A blurb on his new book reads: "The Left’s new low." —Tucker Carlson

Check out this week's interview.

Resources
Welcome to Hell World

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Grammarly is one of my favourite proofreading tools. Now, claim a 20% discount with this Grammarly coupon.

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If you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple. And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins

Thanks for listening!