If you enjoy talking to happy people, youâll REALLY like this one⦠[The Writer’ s Life](
October 5, 2023 "Good writing is good conversation, only more so."
– Ernest Hemingway Hi {NAME}, I've got a fun opportunity to talk to you about today … … and it basically involves a chat. Now, I don't mean a group chat, or Snapchat, or even chatbots. I'm talking about an actual chat. You know, two people having a friendly conversation! 😊 It can be over phone, Zoom, or email … But you'll chat about a positive situation they've experienced, write up a simple "before and after" story, and collect $1,500. And most of these "feel-good" stories are only two pages in length! Now, this may not sound like a typical opportunity … but the reality is that a good interview can open up numerous income streams for you as a writer. And today, AWAI Success Mindy McHorse shares FOUR ways you can make money from doing simple interviews. In her role as Executive Editor of Barefoot Writer magazine, Mindy has interviewed countless writers, entrepreneurs, and marketers, including Case Study Specialist Casey Hibbard … Which was a role reversal for Casey because normally she's the one conducting the interviews! Casey has interviewed over 1,200 people for the case studies she's written in her career. Case studies are a HUGE opportunity for writers … with more than 73% of businesses using them to market to prospective buyers. Casey literally turns away new clients all the time! You can follow in her footsteps with our exclusive insider guide from Barefoot Writer, The Secret to Telling a $2,000 Story … You'll get free access to it today, plus 12 issues of Barefoot Writer for just $11. But this special offer won't be available for long … [>> Go here to grab it now.]( To your success, Rebecca Matter
President
AWAI How to Get Free Stuff as a Writer Imagine scoring free vacations … dinners out … gym equipment … house repairs … relaxing spa getaways … Barefoot Writers have a hidden avenue to land incredible bonuses — at zero cost … On top of enjoying total career freedom. Discover how it's done with our special report, 130 Amazing Perks and Freebies for Barefoot Writers (and How to Get Them!) — yours free with an $11 subscription to Barefoot Writer magazine. [Click Here Now For Details]( Unlock the Doors to Multiple New Income Streams with a Fun Conversation
By Mindy McHorse [Happy woman writer at desk using computer] Have you ever interviewed someone? If so, and if you enjoyed it, you could very well have another line of writing income open to you … Assuming you can get past the nerves part! For example … The first time I interviewed Bob Bly ended in an air-punching stampede throughout my home. It was the accumulation of excitement over getting to talk to him on the phone and worry that I'd mess up … Say something dumb … And ultimately ruin the interview! If you're not familiar with him, Bob Bly is one of the most distinguished writers in our industry. He's been a successful direct-response copywriter and internet marketer for over four decades now, and he's authored over 100 books. He's also a regular presence at AWAI events, where he generously shares his extensive knowledge of how to succeed as a paid writer in this world. So, when I interviewed him that first time for Barefoot Writer magazine, I'd concocted all kinds of fears in my head about everything that might go wrong. I didn't want to ask a stupid question … Or trip over my words … Or annoy him in any way. So — angsty and nervous — I shakily made the call. Bob picked up on the first ring, and you could hear the smile in his voice. We exchanged pleasantries and launched into my questions. He shared detailed, in-depth advice. We laughed. We went off on tangents. By the end of the interview, I was smiling as well. He may be a legend in our industry, but he's also really, really nice. And while that wasn't the last time I got nervous before an interview, it did teach me a valuable lesson: Focus on the person on the other side of the interview … and let everything else go. I've since interviewed multiple New York Times best-selling authors … a Tony-award winning producer … more million-dollar copywriters than I can count … And ALL the interviews have been satisfying, not to mention sources of terrific tips and secrets I'm thrilled to pass on to other Barefoot Writers. Plus, just about all the interviews I've ever done have taken surprising turns … - Which is why when I hear an Alanis Morrisette song on the radio, I inadvertently think of Paul Hollingshead. (Paul is a direct-response copywriter who regularly nets over $300K for his letters; Alanis was one of his favorite artists at the time of our interview.)
- And it's why the sight of a big bowl of fresh green lettuce makes me remember the image of Chris Marlowe walking barefoot through the dirt in her garden. (Chris was a notable copywriter and internet marketer; we talked about finding wholeness by connecting with the earth.)
- It's also why I have a secret fantasy to one day attend an adult summer camp in the Colorado Rockies — because that's what Casey Hibbard did, and it sounds amazing. (Casey is one of the top case study writers in the country, and also one of the kindest people you'll ever meet.) The thing I've come to realize about interviews is that no matter what kind of accolades are held by the person on the other end of the line, you're still talking to a human. And that human has the same kind of worries and hopes that other people do … That human may very well share the same fears of coming across as a fool in an interview, or of somehow making a bad impression. I share these stories because I want you to understand just how rewarding and ultimately easy an interview can be. And as someone who's pursuing the paid writer's lifestyle, it's a good skill to add to your own toolbox. Certainly, it's something that gets easier over time, and it's something you can get better at. But armed with some research and a list of pre-thought-out questions, there's not really anything hard about it, other than overcoming your own nerves and maybe not laughing too loudly at the other person's jokes. The other reason you should consider being open to giving interviews is because it unlocks a lot of doors — not to mention new fees — for you as a writer. For example, you could … - Write articles or blogs based on an interview with a person who's an authority on the topic you're writing about.
- Create focused, super-targeted website content with information gleaned from interviews you conduct on your clients.
- Put together a video script for a client who plans to interview with someone, or based on an interview you do yourself.
- Launch an entire career in case study writing built primarily on the skill of interviewing other people. Personally, it's this last one that tempts me the most … Can you imagine calling someone up, having a friendly chat with a paper in front of you to guide the conversation, and then basically writing up two pages about your conversation and netting $1,500-$2,500 for it? That's what case study writers do, and if I were starting all over again as a copywriter, that's the specialty I would turn to first. It's fun … low-key … and pretty simple, once you understand the basic structure of a case study. Plus, you get to know really cool people over the course of your projects. And there's just something about connecting with someone voice-to-voice — human-to-human — that elevates them beyond just being another contact. From your end, you'll find you are more memorable to them, and that alone could play out in dozens of other door-opening opportunities. And even if you don't see yourself focusing on case study writing down the road, I'd still recommend looking at it given how much it'll teach you about the basics of interviewing — a great skill to have no matter which direction your writing career goes. What's Hot at AWAI … 👀 [Grab access to our Barefoot Writer magazine today for just $11!]( 👉 Did you miss this week's Monday Morning Jumpstart? [Catch up here!]( 😊 [9 action steps to building the ideal writer's life (even if you're working full-time).]( 🙌 Did you see the news about the new writing contest? [Check out the details here.]( 🤩 [Nurse-turned-copywriter finds the flexibility to care for family.]( You're ahead of the curve … [Social media post about having a discovery call during which the potential client said the copywriter seemed knowledgable and experienced] Great job, Kati! Having a potential client's confidence in you before any work is completed speaks to you knowing your strengths and being able to pinpoint the client's needs. Way to go! Have your own story to share? Email us at mysuccess@awai.com, or [post it over in the Facebook group](, so we can celebrate your win too! Countdown to Bootcamp — 19 Days to Go!
Crafting a Life You Love: 3 Tips from a Successful Copywriter [AWAI Bootcamp Member Spotlight Jen Adams] If you're feeling stuck in a job that is unsatisfying and leaves no room for the things that truly matter to you … You'll want to get to know Jen Adams. Jen is a former corporate professional turned copywriter who found the key to building a life she loves. Here, she shares her journey of transformation, from working 60 hours a week with no time to enjoy herself to a life of freedom and fulfillment. If you've ever wondered how to achieve the perfect work/life balance, [this video is a must-watch](. Get ready to be inspired! Don't miss your chance to hear this year's Member Spotlights live … Join Virtual Bootcamp 2023 and experience the Copywriting Event of the Year LIVE from the comfort of your own home! Learn more and reserve your spot [here](. Full Access for Just $1!!! This free blueprint shows you how to make $2,500 to $8,000 a month as a writer. And for just a buck, you'll gain access to every resource you'll need to execute that blueprint. All the roadmaps … All the articles … All the how-to videos … All the training webinars … The member forum, the job board, the tutorials, the tools … All of it! [Check It Out Now]( Featured Jobs You can find these jobs and thousands more on [WritersWanted.com](: --------------------------------------------------------------- Copywriter — Creative Circle Contractor, Dania, FL As Copywriter, you'll report to the Senior Writer in the marketing department as you concept and create engaging, witty copy across a variety of projects. The focus is heavily digital with occasional print projects crossing your desk. --------------------------------------------------------------- General Copywriter — PoweredByMRP Full-time, Park City, UT The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of digital marketing techniques and copywriting for B2B, social media, and email campaigns. --------------------------------------------------------------- Senior Digital Copywriter, Social Media — Talbots Full-time, Hingham, MA Conceptualize new ideas for brand moment storytelling that are emotional and engaging. --------------------------------------------------------------- Trouble viewing this email? [View in your browser, here](. For questions or requests: [contact us online](. --------------------------------------------------------------- ©2023 American Writers & Artists Institute Do you know of someone who would benefit from reading The Writer's Life? Simply direct them [here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- American Writers & Artists Institute
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