Our final common writing myth (though there is no shortage of such myths, we are limited by space): slower you write, more time you spend with each and every word, better your writing will be.

The catch to this one is simple: there's a time and place for writing, and there's a time and place for editing.

When you mix two activities (which are very different in their requirements and purpose), you rarely do either one justice. If anything will suffer, it will be your writing. Because suddenly you'll be under constraints of editor sitting on your shoulder. You'll be fretting over words while losing perspective on more important elements of story. Does scene work? Are your characters being true to their nature? Does this move story forward?

The truth is this: your writing will ALWAYS be better when you write in moment. Remember when you were a child? When you could spend hours building a sand castle or playing catch or flying a kite? Those were moments when nothing else in world existed because you were completely absorbed in activity. Write with that same captivation, as if each scene were unfolding right before your eyes, and you'll find your writing will not only be vivid and powerful, it will flow faster than you ever imagined possible.

Writing does not have to be a torturous, exacting process.

Allow yourself to have fun with it, and you'll be a better writer for effort.

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Copyright 2003. All rights reserved. David B. Silva is a professional writer, editor and publisher. For a FREE mini-course on best way to make writing that novel faster and easier, Click Here ==> mailto:easyway@thesuccessfulwriter.com?subject=TRAArticle

Brian Konradt (copy writer/DTP publisher): "Years ago I had joined a national writers' group. I started a newsletter for organization, out of my own expenses, and charged each member $3 for a copy. I also wrote a press release to publicize newsletter. My press release was published in three trade magazines. I never made a profit -- in fact, I lost money on this endeavor. But I used newsletter and published press releases as samples. Members also mailed me testimonials about how much they loved newsletter and how professional it looked. This was my very first professional sample that I stuck in my portfolio, and possibly, I believe, persuaded my first client to invest in my services. You can do something similar."

Michelle O'Reilly (copy writer): "Network. Meet people. You got that? My first client came as a result of my being in right place at right time with a stack of my bright white business cards tucked away in fist of my hand. I had attended a marketing seminar that was held by a local business chapter. The seminar had attracted a large gathering of business professionals, entrepreneurs, and other freelancers. There was time afterwards for networking -- and that's what I did. I handed out my business cards to anyone who sounded as if they'd be interested in my writing services. And somebody was interested! A few days later I received a call from a young entrepreneur who was looking for a way to promote a new product. Was I interested in writing a brochure for him? I told him let's get started, I'm ready, with not even an idea of what I was going to charge him. I only got paid a fraction of amount I demand now, but it helped me launch my career. Whenever there's a social gathering in your area, make sure you attend and network. Put your face in front of crowd. Let everyone know you exist and you have these great skills as a writer. Network. Remember it. It's a great way to get clients and referrals."

Andi Lipschein (technical writer): "If you want to get yourself samples, attend a workshop. It's how I got my first professional sample: a technical manual, critiqued and corrected by instructor, on how to operate a piece of equipment. My advice is attend as many workshops as you can in your area of specialty. They offer tremendous benefits: you increase your knowledge on subject, you get trained by a professional, you get hands-on experience, and you walk away with professional, critiqued samples for your portfolio. Many local community colleges and high schools offer writing workshops as part of their Continuing Education series. The information and samples you obtain will last a lifetime."

Rita Clayborne (PR writer): "I interned my way to success...My experience and skills came from interning for five different public relations firms in New York for two years. I got a lot of hands-on experience -- and a lot of headaches, but I learned how to work with deadlines and how to deal with clients. I also got tremendous insight into field, such as pricing my services competitively, how to tap into my market, and how to make a business succeed. This had a positive impact on success of my PR business today. You can intern part-time (a couple of days out of week), or full-time (five days out of week). I got paid for my work as an intern, but don't always expect to get paid. Call up some PR firms in your area and speak with person in charge. Ask if they offer an internship program; if not, ask if they'd be willing to accept you as an intern. You can locate PR firms in Yellow Pages. Alternatively, you can contact Cooperative Education department of your local college and ask director to help you in your search. As an intern, you will collect many professional samples, references and contacts!"

John Palmeri (graphic designer): "When company I worked for was planning to do a newsletter to celebrate its 30 years of service, I jumped at opportunity. I was only a stock clerk there, but I was attending college for my bachelor's degree in Communications Arts, and I had some skills as a layout artist. My boss agreed to let me produce newsletter, and boy, did I get excited. I didn't get paid for doing it -- although there was a bigger Christmas bonus for me -- but it helped me produce my first sample with my name on it. At that time I wasn't planning to freelance -- but that changed down road when I wanted to make more money doing what I love most: producing newsletters. To this day, I still produce newsletters for same company I had worked for five years ago. The difference now is I get paid top dollar to produce it, and I'm my own boss."

NOW WHAT? Once you have samples, you'll need to prepare a portfolio, plus a brochure or sales letter or web site selling your services. Your promotional material should contain testimonials for hard-hitting power. As a beginner, don't spend a lot of money advertising your services. The time will eventually come when you'll turn "pro" and you'll spend at least 25% of your earnings on promotion. For now, decide to place a small classified ad in your local newspaper, tack up fliers on bulletin boards at your local supermarkets and libraries, or advertise your services on free job boards on Internet. See what types of responses you get. Be persistent in your search for clients. Most of all: Don't give up! The professional is amateur who had never quit in first place.

When you get your first client, let client do most of talking. You will find that many clients will not even ask to see your samples -- so don't even bring it up. Many clients will accept you as a writer -- on your word alone -- and will work with you.

Work hard and good luck!