Don't Wait to Write - Your Pocket Writing Coach

Today's 5-Minute Writing Exercise - Your Biggest No. Whether you that makes you think of a time you said no in a big way, a no that was a major decision, or even if you're just a huge Dr. No fan, keep the pen moving for 5 minutes on this prompt.Want to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupDid you do the exercise? Take a screenshot or photo of your writing and tag me @ambernpetty on Instagram! Or email me at [email protected] Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

The prompt for today's writing exercise: Bustin' Out All Over.Whatever that makes you think of, whether it's Rodgers & Hammerstein or something a little saucier, just keep the pen moving for 5 minutes. Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find places to pitch the ideas that are bustin' out all over? Get my free guide to 250+ Places That Pay Writers. Go to www.amberpetty.com/250 - it's free!Cover art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

Today's 5-Minute Exercise prompt: Pep Rallies.Whatever that makes you think of, just keep the pen moving for 5 minutes.Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupDid you do the exercise? Take a screenshot or photo of your writing and tag me @ambernpetty on Instagram!Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

No writer likes promoting their work. Okay, I'm sure some writer likes promoting their work, but they're an anomaly and perhaps their brain should be studied for science.But for everyone else, promotion and marketing isn't the easiest thing, but it's a necessity. In this podcast, I talk about a few ways to promote yourself that don't make you feel like a huge, annoying jerk.Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupCover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

Today's 5-Minute Exercise prompt is: a tulip in a lonely field.Whatever that makes you think of, just keep the pen moving for 5 minutes.Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupDid you do the exercise? Take a screenshot or photo of your writing and tag me @ambernpetty on Instagram!Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

Though Twitter is dying a slow death, it's still an active place for editors and lots of writers. Does that mean you need to get on board the Twitter train? No.In this episode, I talk about why you don't need Twitter or really ANY social media as a freelance writer.Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupCover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

Today's writing prompt is: too much birthday.If you want more time and accountability for pitching - join my Monthly Pitching Sprint! It's practically guaranteed time to write and the closest thing you'll get to me pitching for you.The next Pitching Sprint starts Tuesday May 2nd. Get more info and sign up at: https://www.amberpetty.com/pitchingsprintDid you do the exercise? Let me know at [email protected]!

"What should I write about?" is a hard enough question. But when it comes to "what should I write about that someone will pay me for?" the question gets even trickier.To get through those tricky moments, I give you 3 ways to think of perfectly pitchable story ideas.And, if you want more time and accountability for pitching - join my Monthly Pitching Sprint! It's practically guaranteed time to write and the closest thing you'll get to me pitching for you.The next Pitching Sprint starts Tuesday May 2nd. Get more info and sign up at: https://www.amberpetty.com/pitchingsprintIf you have any questions, email me at [email protected]

Today's 5-Minute Exercise prompt is: pulling weeds.Whatever that makes you think of, just keep the pen moving for 5 minutes.Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupDid you do the exercise? Take a screenshot or photo of your writing and tag me @ambernpetty on Instagram!Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

Lately, I've heard an influx of dramatic success stories along the lines of "I write down all my goals, worked hard, and accomplished all of them in the exact amount of time I gave myself." Well, hooray for you if that happened, but for most creatives this is an incredibly simplistic look at success.In today's episode, I talk about my janky journey to finally meeting some business, writing, and financial goals. And how about 0% of it went "according to plan."Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupCover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

Today's writing prompt: The best gift you ever gave.Write for 5 minutes, listen to soothing ocean sounds, and hear an oddly melancholy (but comical) story about my poor gift giving skills as a child.Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupDid you do the exercise? Take a screenshot or photo of your writing and tag me @ambernpetty on Instagram!Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

Though getting rejections or bad reviews isn't a normal person's idea of a good time, sometimes a one-star review is a good thing. In this episode, find out why and get a new way to think of rejection (that makes it suck a lot less).Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupCover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

Today's prompt is: a time you felt different. Whatever that means or inspires, just keep writing for 5 minutes and see what happens.Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupDid you do the exercise? Take a screenshot or photo of your writing and tag me @ambernpetty on Instagram!Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

A few weeks ago, I went to a creative conference. I was nervous about going and wasn't sure why. Until I remembered that the last time I went to a conference...I had a breakdown.Hear why advice about "living your dream" led to a 10 hour crying jag, how my thoughts have changed over the years to avoid such things, and what you can do to get through the dips of creative life and go back to the work you do best. Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupCover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

Today, we have a simple writing prompt in honor of spring: birds.Whatever that makes you think of, you'll write for 5 minutes and likely be surprised with all the lovely things you come up with.Also, sorry for the audio. I tried out a different mic setup and it was a bad choice! The better quality will be back next time.Want to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupDid you do the exercise? Take a screenshot or photo of your writing and tag me @ambernpetty on Instagram or email at [email protected] Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

If writing an about page or bio feels tricky, give this 5 minute exercise a try!Did you do the exercise? Take a screenshot or photo of your writing and tag me @ambernpetty on Instagram or write me at [email protected]!Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

Yes, writing is hard. But it's not always a struggle. In this episode, I talk about some of the very easy ways I made money writing. Tune in for taco and champagne talk.Sign up for Freelance Writing for Creatives ends March 10th. For more info, go to AmberPetty.com/EnrollCover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

In today's exercise, we'll flash back to the first story you ever wrote. Side note: I would love to hear about the first story you ever wrote, so feel free to share at [email protected], sign up for Freelance Writing for Creatives ends March 10th. For more info, go to AmberPetty.com/EnrollCover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

Pitching can be a pain, but it leads to so many good things. So, to make it as easy as possible, in my class I offer a 20 Pitch Guarantee. If you don't sell a story in 20 pitches, you get your money back. Hear more about the 20 pitch guarantee for Freelance Writing for Creatives in today's episode.Sign up for Freelance Writing for Creatives ends March 10th. For more info, go to AmberPetty.com/EnrollCover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

For today's writing exercise, you'll write about something you learned late. Whatever that brings to mind, just keep the pen moving for 5 minutes.Sign up for Freelance Writing for Creatives ends March 10th. For more info, go to AmberPetty.com/EnrollCover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

It's easy to think "will anyone care about this" or "will it take too long" or "why bother" when it comes to pitching. But, a lot of lovely things can happen because of just one pitch. Today, I share 3 stories of the cool things pitches can bring. Want a week where I tell you exactly where to pitch, give you editor info, and all you have to do is show up and write? Great! I'm doing that exact thing!Come to the Pitching Sprint! Starting February 27th, you get 5 days of writing time, pitch specifics, encouragement, and expert advice. No putting off your story ideas or getting too scared to hit send. You'll write. You'll pitch. You might get a story before the week is over.All for $20.Find out more and sign up at AmberPetty.com/PitchingSprintCover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

In today's exercise, you'll write about whatever marathon makes you think of. By the end of the episode, you'll hear why President's Day always makes me think of marathons (and its nothing to do with running).Did you do the exercise? Take a screenshot or photo of your writing and tag me @ambernpetty on Instagram! Or email my at [email protected] a week where I tell you exactly where to pitch, give you editor info, and all you have to do is show up and write? Great! I'm doing that exact thing!Come to the Pitching Sprint! Starting February 27th, you get 5 days of writing time, pitch specifics, encouragement, and expert advice. No putting off your story ideas or getting too scared to hit send. You'll write. You'll pitch. You might get a story before the week is over.All for $20.Find out more and sign up at AmberPetty.com/PitchingSprintCover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

If you're feeling overwhelmed or negative about pitching, listen to this episode! I talk about why you should pitch, why you aren't bothering editors, and a way to reframe pitching so it doesn't feel so crappy.Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] a week where I tell you exactly where to pitch, give you editor info, and all you have to do is show up and write? Great! I'm doing that exact thing!Come to the Pitching Sprint! Starting February 27th, you get 5 days of writing time, pitch specifics, encouragement, and expert advice. No putting off your story ideas or getting too scared to hit send. You'll write. You'll pitch. You might get a story before the week is over.All for $20.Find out more and sign up at AmberPetty.com/PitchingSprintCover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

In honor of the coming holiday, your prompt for today's 5-Minute Exercise is...the worst Valentine's Day.Get 5 minutes to write and hear my worst Valentine's Day story in this quick episode.Want to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupDid you do the exercise? Take a screenshot or photo of your writing and tag me @ambernpetty on Instagram! Or email your work to [email protected] Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

More wonderful listener questions! Today, I cover how (or if you even should) pitch multiple places at the same time, what to do about profile pitches, and how much info you need before pitching a story involving an interview.Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupCover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

Today's 5-Minute writing prompt: the greatest chocolate in the world. Feel free to use this time for any and all Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Fan Fiction.Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupDid you do the exercise? Take a screenshot or photo of your writing and tag me @ambernpetty on Instagram!Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

Another listener question! This time I talk about niches, values, and voice and how to let that shine in your writing. Find out which place you couldn't pay me to write for, how to embody your voice without getting too intellectual, and why you-ness is the most important part.Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupCover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

For today's 5-minute exercise, we're using the prompt "a movie that broke your heart." Keep the pen moving and see what comes up!Did you do the 5-minute exercise? Take a screenshot or photo of your writing and tag me @ambernpetty on Instagram! Or email me, they're both great!Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupCover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

It's a listener question episode! Today, I talk all about headlines. Why you should spend a little time on them (but not get too stressed), how to improve your headlines, and the most important thing to keep in mind when you're writing the subject of your pitch.Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupCover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

The writing prompt for today: A time you overthought something.Want to write more, worry less, and tell that “it’s not GOOD ENOUGH” voice to F off for a while? Come to the Perfectionist’s Half-Assed Writing Spree. Half-assed effort. 100% more writing.The 4-Week Live program that gives you accountability, tools to tone down perfectionism, and easy goals to keep you going.To find out more, go to amberpetty.com/spree. Sign up ends Tues January 24th!Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

What is the Perfectionist's Half-Assed Writing Spree? Find out in todays episode!I go through all the details of my brand new program and talk about why dealing with perfectionism helps you really write.Want to write more, worry less, and tell that “it’s not GOOD ENOUGH” voice to F off for a while? Come to the Perfectionist’s Half-Assed Writing Spree. Half-assed effort. 100% more writing.The 4-Week Live program that gives you accountability, tools to tone down perfectionism, and easy goals to keep you going.To find out more (and get an early bird bonus if you sign up by Friday January 20th at 11pm PST), go to Amberpetty.com/spreeCover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

New Years Eve is not my favorite holiday. It's just too easy to get sad and look back at the year thinking of all the things I haven't done.Well, that's not true.So, today we're going to do an exercise to focus on all the things we have done this year and go into 2023 giving ourselves a lot more credit for our work.Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupDid you do the exercise? Take a screenshot or photo of your writing and tag me @ambernpetty on Instagram! Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

Today the word is: Tired.Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupDid you do the exercise? Take a screenshot or photo of your writing and tag me @ambernpetty on Instagram!Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

From the Don't Wait to Write Vault, comes Amber Petty's 1950 Christmas special.It's a charming variety show with Evelyn St. Clair (famous movie star and advice columnist), the Treesap Trio (with harmonies to spare!), and...KISS!What does this have to do with writing? Nothing! I just felt like making this old timey radio special, so I hope you enjoy.Oh and if you want that guide to 250 Places That Pay for Your Writing, go to AmberPetty.com/250Special thanks to Jon Gutierrez for his lovely announcer voice and this YouTube karaoke video for providing accompaniment:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcbC5cq-Osg

Your prompt for today's 5-Minute Exercise: We Won't Go Until We Get Some.In today's episode, get the prompt, soothing ocean sounds, and brief talk about very rude party guests.Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupDid you do the exercise? Take a screenshot or photo of your writing and tag me @ambernpetty on Instagram! Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

Another part of the perfectionism series, today we're talking about Kmart videos, the effect of your work on others, and why sending more work out in the world will always make a bigger difference (even if that work isn't life changing material).See the Kmart In-Store Music: Christmas 1974 video, read the comments and get ready to be sad.Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupCover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

Your 5-minute exercise prompt of the day: Then we got upsot.Whatever that brings to mind, just keep writing for 5 minutes.Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupDid you do the exercise? Take a screenshot or photo of your writing and tag me @ambernpetty on Instagram! Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

Welcome to the start of my new Perfectionist series! A few following Fridays will be focused on things to help break through perfectionism (and motivate you to put out more writing).Today, you'll find out how to motivate yourself from your why...or your spite. Hear the tale of a crazily cocky college actor and how to use unusual sources to get you to the keyboard.Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signup Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

Your prompt for today is "snow pants." It sounds silly yes, but see where these winter trousers get you for the next 5 minutes.Want to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupDid you do the exercise? Take a screenshot or photo of your writing and tag me @ambernpetty on Instagram! Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

Will this very simple marketing tip bring you thousands of fans or subscribers? No. But it can get you past 0 (and sometimes lead to jobs, referrals, and all kinds of other cool stuff).Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signup Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

We're just past Thanksgiving and going into the winter holidays, so it's certainly a time of too much. So, that's the prompt: too much.Want to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupDid you do the exercise? Take a screenshot or photo of your writing and tag me @ambernpetty on Instagram! Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

Are there a ton of newsletters out there? Yes. But there's still room for yours. In today's episode, I'll give you a few tips to make your newsletter stand out from the growing crowd.Also, it's Black Friday time! The 2-Hour Live Workshop Start Your Newsletter & Get People to Read It is normally $149, but if you sign up by November 28th, get it for only $99!To sign up and save $50, go to amberpetty.com/newsletterHave a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

For today's Thanksgiving themed prompt, you'll writing about when you're supposed to be grateful. Whatever that means to you.Also, we're coming up on Black Friday time! If you want my new workshop: Start A Newsletter & Get People to Read It, normally $149, it'll be on sale for only $99 November 25th-28th.To get this deal, go to AmberPetty.com/newsletter and you'll be the first to hear when the discount goes live!Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

I got a few emails recently asking, "how do you make money?" Not that they wanted my bank account info, but they were curious how I had a working business when I was doing so many free workshops.In today's episode, I'll tell you exactly how I do it, why, and how it's a great way to bring in cash. Plus, you'll be able to borrow this sales structure (that I absolutely did not invent) to sell your own classes.Also, we're coming up on Black Friday time! If you want my new workshop: Start A Newsletter & Get People to Read It, normally $149, it'll be on sale for only $99 November 25th-28th. Go to AmberPetty.com/newsletter for more info.I'll also have Build & Sell Your Own Writing Class (without the selling part making you want to die), a private coaching package that's normally $300 and it's only $199 from November 25th-28th. Go to AmberPetty.com/teaching to check it out!Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

It's a writing prompt about writing! How meta. For today's exercise, you'll be inspired by any piece of writing you've recently loved. Sometimes focusing on the writing we enjoy the most helps us remember that our writing will charm someone too.If you want to hear about another way to keep writing, come to my free workshop Your Substack Won't Make Money...And Why You Should Start One Anyway. You'll learn even more about building your audience and it's free!The workshop is Tuesday November 15th at 10am PST/ 1pm EST/ 6pm GMT. Sign up at AmberPetty.com/ClassesCover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

Twitter's officially worse than ever and could implode at any moment. If you have a big following there, WTF are you supposed to do?In this episode, I talk about how to start a newsletter (to keep in touch with your audience, even if Twitter Fs off for good), plus a few way to get your Twitter followers to sign up.If you want to hear more on starting your own newsletter, come to my free workshop Your Substack Won't Make Money...And Why You Should Start One Anyway. You'll learn even more about building your audience and it's free! The workshop is Tuesday November 15th at 10am PST/ 1pm EST/ 6pm GMT. Sign up at AmberPetty.com/ClassesCover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

Today, we're going to take a trip back in time to when writing probably felt a lot easier. You'll get a chance to relive your 12 year old writing style and see how that helps you in your adult life.Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupDid you do the exercise? Take a screenshot or photo of your writing and tag me @ambernpetty on Instagram! Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

Last week, I talked about how to take notes from editors in a way that doesn't fill you with rage. Today, I'm talking about the notes you can throw right in the garbage.Though it's often good to get feedback, I think too much feedback can be confusing and detrimental to your work. Sometimes, even professionals give super terrible notes and this podcast gives you full permission to ignore those critiques completely.Here's the article by Audrey Dundee Hannah that I mentioned in the episode:When They're Committed to Misunderstand Your Creative WorkHave a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupDid you do the exercise? Take a screenshot or photo of your writing and tag me @ambernpetty on Instagram! Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

It's Halloween! In honor of the holiday, we've got a spooky prompt: best or worst Halloween.Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find out about open writing jobs and get even more freelance advice? Sign up for Amber’s free newsletter at Amberpetty.com/signupDid you do the exercise? Take a screenshot or photo of your writing and tag me @ambernpetty on Instagram! Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing

Getting notes might feel like a flashback to High School English, with the gleefully mean teacher covering your work in red ink. But really, editors are just trying to make the story better (and not trying to make you feel like crap).Today, I give you some helpful tips to make notes easier. They come from life experience, high school drama class, and Bob Ross, so you know they must be good.Have a question you'd like answered on the podcast?Email [email protected] to find 250 Places That Pay Writers? Sign up for Amber’s free guide at Amberpetty.com/250 Cover Art by Jené Hernandez of Mixology Marketing