July 2024

Living the Writer's Life: Michael Glenn

As a young man, Michael Glenn thought he knew exactly what he was going to do for a career. But the Navy steered him in a different direction, and then the realities of life and war stepped in to once again alter his trajectory. Through it all, Michael’s love of writing was present, despite having to be rediscovered and reshaped. Enjoy this vulnerable and very relatable interview about how he’s using his writing to help others who’ve faced challenges similar to his own.

Sometimes Quitters DO Win

Michele Peterson outlines four steps to take to get away from your current circumstances and move toward your dream life… a writer’s life full of freedom… The freedom to work when you want, from where you want… writing about what you want, for whomever you want… And most importantly, the freedom to spend your time as you choose… whether that means taking a long break this winter, spending more time with the kiddos, caring for a loved one, or simply going to a yoga class at 10 in the morning.

5 Ways to Improve Your Copywriting

AWAI success Tammy Powell shares the five simple strategies she uses to keep her skills sharp as she continues to build her copywriting business.

Easy Domino-Effect Audience Research for Stronger Writing

The core, the heart, the soul of our writing… lies in our audience. And getting to know your audience is the gold standard for good persuasive writing. Health Master Copywriter Carline Anglade-Cole perfected this art when writing about supplements to the older market. To really find out what was on their minds and haunting their dreams, she went to Walmart and sat on a bench near the pharmacy.

Living the Writer's Life: Melynda Boyce

Melynda Boyce stepped into freelancing out of both choice and necessity, after her family and financial obligations grew exponentially in a short amount of time. Though she’s had a strong cheerleader in the wings by way of her older sister (the fabulous Jen Adams, who is director of The Professional Writers’ Alliance and also one of our favorite fellow Barefoot Writers), Melynda was able to harness the elements of freelancing that were ideal for her while also making her own mark in the world of copyediting. Discover how this flexible career continues to meet all her needs.

July 2024 Winner Announced for AWAI's 4 Days to $400 Writing Challenge

Congratulations to Barbara Clabots, who wrote the winning blog post in our special program for new freelance writers — AWAI's 4 Days to $400 Writing Challenge. This program is for aspiring professional freelance writers learning the ropes of effective content through AWAI.

How Parenting Changed My Writing — One Mom’s Writing Tips for Parents

How one mom’s writing career changed when she became a parent.

The Best AI Tool to Repurpose Your Writing for Social Media Posts

With all the AI tools available, how effective are they really? Click through to see how three tools do at producing engaging social media posts from existing content.

AI Updates for the Average Writer

It’s been a year since AI tools become the talk of the town. Check out tips for using AI as a freelance writer. [Including use cases.]

Is Your Relationship Status with AI Complicated?

See how highlighting your humanity, conducting original research, and implementing personalized and niche marketing strategies can enhance your content and SEO efforts.

What Max Factor Teaches Writers About ChatGPT

Learning from the experiences, mistakes, and triumphs of others can help you find success faster. See what a twentieth century makeup magnate can teach you about ChatGPT.

How I Used AI Tools to Create a High-Value Sales Piece

The AI toolset is growing… have you added any new tools to your own kit. Take a look at how using AI tools in sequence can help you produce high-value work faster.

Help for “Overwhelm”… and Four More Lessons I’ve Learned as a Mentor

Michele Peterson has been getting paid to enjoy the writer’s life for 15 years now. Full time for the last 13. And for the last several years, she has been helping fellow writers along the way to their own successful writer’s lives as an AWAI Circle of Success Mentor. She shares a cure for overwhelm nad for other lessons she has learned as a Circle of Success Mentor.

7 Lucrative “Side Hustles” to Support Your Ultimate Dream

Robert Rice shares seven lucrative opportunities for “hustling” your way to freedom right now.