At The Upod Academy, professional writers spend three happy, energizing days actively thinking about what’s working, what’s not and what’s possible in all aspects of the writing life. It’s a rare chance to step back from the everyday grind with a small group of like-minded collaborators.

The emphasis is on finding focus, harnessing inspiration, giving procrastination the heave-ho and making a rock-solid plan for the weeks and months ahead. There are tears, cheers and shimmering platters of homemade chocolate. I’m telling you, people leave these weekends feeling super-charged like you wouldn’t believe.

If you’re looking for a creative boost or want to push your writing career to the next level, consider joining us for one of two upcoming sessions, including an exciting new Master Class for Advanced Freelancers.

Option #1
Upod Academy IV — Giant Steps.
February 3, 4 and 5, 2012
10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day
Marina Del Rey, California

Option #2
The Upod Academy Presents: SuperCad
A Master Class for Advanced Freelancers
March 9, 10 and 11, 2012
10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day
Marina Del Rey, California

We are the one percent.

We are the one percent of freelancers doing what we love and loving what we do.

We write for a living not because it’s a job but because it’s the best life imaginable.

We believe this is the most exciting time ever for writers, with so much happening, so many ways to express ourselves, so many ways to get paid.

And speaking of getting paid, we believe in making money – lots of it.

We turn away from gigs that demean, diminish and demand too much for too little.

We seek to open doors to the “adjacent possible,” that shadow future of potential and creative reinvention.

We send off emails with a confident slam of the thumb (we call it a Thumb Slam).

We pitch so smart and with so much passion and finesse, it is impossible to turn us down.

We understand that when they do turn us down, it is not personal, and so we try again.

We have ideas. Many, many ideas. You don’t like those? We have others.

We strive to do good, give generously, share honestly, listen with full attention and live boldly.

We are practitioners in the art of Slow freelancing.

We visualize exactly what we want and head off in that direction.

We believe great things come from quiet stretches of writing time but that even greater things come from collaborating with smart people.

We know there are many smart people out there looking to collaborate.

We take giant steps.

We don’t compare or blame.

We don’t get rattled by naysayers, unresponsive editors or mean commenters.

We believe it’s possible to have everything you want.

We have faith that Everything is Going to Be OK.

We tell the stories only we can tell.

We under promise and over deliver.

We are the one percent.

The Upod Academy Presents: SuperCad

A Master Class for Advanced Freelancers

March 9, 10  and 11,  2012

10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day

Marina Del Rey, California

$625 (PodCad alums, including one-night PodCad class alums)

$695 (all others; writing sample required)

I’m pleased to announce SuperCad, a master class for the freelancing one percent. Open only to alumni of The Upod Academy and select mid-career professionals, the intensive three-day workshop focuses on redefining the very nature of what’s possible in your writing career.

You already know the basics on how to pitch and what it takes to freelance like a rock star. This is a chance to take an unsparing look at the individual sticking points still impeding your professional progress. What specifically are you doing wrong in your pitches and approaches to editors? What are your Big Ideas and why aren’t they selling? What’s missing in your mix of assignments and outlets? How much money do you need to make and – for realz – how can you get to that level and stay there? You may even face the hard truth of whether this career is right for you or whether you should be thinking about a career in, say, sign painting or occupational therapy. But before you go there, here’s what we’ll do:

Day One

The Long Hard Look

Based on a pre-workshop assignment, you will come prepared to discuss what’s working and what’s not in your writing life. We will appraise where you are professionally and get a clear picture of where you want and need to go. Since it is often difficult to self-assess, there will be help. A guest speaker and a frank group discussion will help size up your situation (warning: this mirror view might be uncomfortable). But it’s only to help you take responsibility for the necessary changes ahead. By the end of the day, everyone around the table will have declared up to three specific projects to focus on during the weekend.

Day Two

Digging In

Together we will fine tune Day One’s declared projects, whipping them into pitch-ready shape while also tackling the various pitfalls and challenges of freelancing. Here, I will do something I’ve never done before by opening my editorial docket to you. I will show you exactly who I write for, how those relationships came to be, how I landed various contacts and contracts, how much I’m making where, and how I keep getting work even in hard times. It’s endlessly fascinating to me, at least, and I suspect you’ll find it interesting, too. Plus, you’ll hear some good gossip about who’s nasty, who’s smart and who’s just-plain-lucky to be assigning stories at various outlets.

Day Three

A Brand New Day-to-Day

You’ll leave with brand new habits and three solid projects ready to roll. As with the “starter” PodCad, you’ll also have a 30-day plan of action in place and a new set of BFFs ready to call you on your sloppy, procrastinating, self-defeating ways. I mean, who will support and love you nobody who you are. You’ll know how much you need to make in the year ahead and have a sense of what that means as far as building your post-SuperCad portfolio of clients. I predict without hesitation that you will leave feeling super-charged, super-motivated and SuperCadtastic.

What PodCadders Are Saying About The Upod Academy:

“Inspiring! Spirit lifting! If you’re feeling stuck, unsure or like all hope is lost, the Upod Academy will help you break out of that negative thinking and energize you to work to your maximum potential as a writer.” – Michelle Lanz

“I’m feeling so refreshed from PodCad it’s like I’ve woken up from a multiple-months daze. Thanks David!” — Will Taylor, writer for Outside magazine.

“I pretty much cried all the way back home. In a good way. So much of what you said over the weekend clearly resonated. ‘Live boldly,’ for starters. ‘Have fun.’ ‘There are lots of ways to change the world.’ My notebook is filled with your brilliance. What’s more, to see you living this – without any of the hand-wringing, print-is-dead rhetoric that’s been saturating the Web – was so incredibly refreshing. You’re a changemaker. Like Oz…but without need of the curtain.” – Leslie Garrett

“So inspiring, thought-provoking and heartening to share what has been a mostly private struggle with a roomful of empathetic, interesting, supportive allies.” – Ari Karpel, writer for Fast Company, Time, The New York Times.

“I came to the PodCad expecting a fun and inspiring weekend. I left PodCad with an entirely new and inspiring career direction. Wow!” — Nicole Nazzaro, writer for Sports Illustrated and elsewhere.
“Took the scariness out of pitching.” – Jennifer Netherby

I’ve been in the mag business a long time, so I’d been on the fence about doing the PodCad thing; it felt a bit embarrassing to admit I had plenty to learn. Still, I wanted to see if I could up my game — learn work more efficiently, pitch more accurately, break into new and better markets. The Cad provided lots of tips for reaching those goals, but it also addressed issues that may matter more in the long run: How to grapple with the uncertainties of freelancing; how to structure your days (and weeks, and months) in the absence of a nine-to-five gig; how to tamp down the angst and ramp up the joy; how to escape home-office solitary confinement and find potential co-conspirators; how to figure out what you really want out of writing (and life), and how to pursue those things in a more focused and confident way. Props to Hochman. Dude can teach by example, as well as by classroom methods. He’s an original thinker, but also a skilled synthesizer of ideas from far-flung sources. He’s good with systems, but also with the more intuitive, emotional stuff. Fine sense of humor. Knows how to listen. Incisive in his criticism (of story ideas, pitches, and self-defeating habits), but generous with encouragement. Just do it.
– Ken Miller, former West Coast Editor, Reader’s Digest; People magazine editor and more.

“If you have any trepidations about your career, money or life path. Take this workshop! You’ll get more than you can ever imagine.” — Linda Arroz

“Every journalism school in the country should offer a Upod Academy — an intensive course that helps writers understand how editors think, how the business of writing actually works and how to find the freelancer ‘sweet spot,’ where interests, skills and opportunities intersect.” — Joe Donatelli

“A rare opportunity to spend three days with like-minded people thinking about issues essential to the writers’ life. Being part of the Upod Academy felt like a gift I gave myself.” – Michal Lemberger

“Transformational. A life-changing experience.” – Imani Dawson

“Upod Academy rocks! What a great three days. You really did over deliver.” — Kim Kowsky

What else?

A-list guest speakers, definitely.

My wife Ruth’s pro pastries and catering, totally.

Handmade chocolate typewriters, obviously.

The cost:

If you’ve done a PodCad, including a one-night workshop, you’re in for $625.

If not, it is $695 (writing sample required).

If you have not taken a class with me, please send a note of 100 words
or less along with two links to your work.

davidhochman@me.com

Announcing Upod Academy IV — Giant Steps.

February 3, 4 and 5, 2012

10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day

Marina Del Rey, California

$695 tuition

I launched the Upod Academy last spring to share what I know about writing professionally, something I’ve been doing for 20 years. For three beautiful and intense days, 15 writers from across the country gather around a table with me to face the fear, kick bad habits to the curb and leap boldly into….

Wait. Let me just tell you about the results:

Someone from a recent PodCad, a woman in a self-described “pitching slump,” sold two feature stories to big national publications in the first three weeks after the workshop (total take home: $5,000+). A guy from last spring’s session who shared his “pie-in-the-sky fantasy” to be on NPR is now a regular correspondent for them. A young writer who had never sold a bylined story is now getting assignments from places like Salon, without even pitching. Long neglected book proposals are being finished, writers are booking trips to meet New York editors, obsessive Facebookers are declaring 30-day Facebook sabbaths. People are asking for raises, quitting stupid gigs, clearing cluttered desks, exercising for the first time in years.  I’m telling you. This Upod Academy. It’s a whole thing!

What I love most is the momentum that starts during these three days and how it continues to fire. On the most basic level, the Upod Academy is about getting unstuck. That’s why I’m calling the next Upod Academy…PodCad IV — Giant Steps.

After three days, you’ll know which ideas work and which don’t; how to pitch and how not to pitch; what habits work best in the current writers market and how to impress the right editors at the right publications in the best ways. Plus, you’ll eat a lot of homemade chocolate (my wife’s a pastry chef), eat amazing healthy food, and meet great, wise, funny, helpful people. Among those people are our three speakers:

1. Cortney Pellettieri, west coast editor @ Good Housekeeping and all-around good egg.

2. David A. Keeps, freelancer extraordinaire @ Travel + Leisure, The Los Angeles Times, Architectural Digest and ∞ more.

3. Taffy Akner-Brodesser, a Upod superstar whose freelance career went from zero to The New York Times, WSJ and The New Yorker in less than two years.

Meanwhile, here’s what happens over three days:

The Upod Academy Experience

Community: Whether you live in L.A. or not, the ne plu ultra of your PodCad experience will be connecting with like-minded souls to support and affirm your efforts as a writer. You’re really going to come to rely on these people, trust me.

The Long View: A rare chance to step back and assess where you are as a writer and think deeply about where you’d like to go. To me, this is the real luxury of the weekend. Asking open, honest questions with a thoughtful group about the best direction for your life and work.

Money: You want more of it. I’ll tell you how to get it. The immediate financial goal is to double your investment in this class with pitch ideas we develop together over the weekend. Tripling and quadrupling (or 1,000x-ing) your investment is acceptable, too.

Inspiration: What PodCadders especially appreciated was identifying what I call “the stories only you can tell.” These are the stories that take you from anonymity to “instant credibility” with pieces in places like The New York Times, Salon, Esquire, Fast Company and beyond. Start thinking about it now: What are the stories only you can tell?

Focus: Stop procrastinating, stop finding excuses, stop blaming others for your career setbacks. Wait till you see the tricks and exercises I have for tackling these puppies. Prepare yourself for Mr. and Ms. Thumb Slam.

Perspective: You’ve probably heard how much it sucks being a freelancer right now. What you may not know is, you’ve been fed misinformation. I can safely say this the most exciting time to freelance in the nearly 20 years I’ve been at this. Success in this realm is all about being the right writer with the right idea in the right place at the right moment. I’ll tell you everything you need to know about how this gets done.

Vision: You won’t leave empty-handed, and I’m not just talking about Ruth’s trademark chocolate typewriters that everyone goes home with. You’ll exit the weekend with a 30-day plan for your career and a clearer mission for the months and perhaps years ahead. And I’m not kidding when I say you’ll have a new circle of writing BFFs ready to hold you accountable, call you on your crap and cheer your every success.

Burning Questions: Answers to literally every question you have as a freelancer, from the truth about multiple pitch submissions to how to make your Twitter feed the most essential resource in your freelance repertoire.

“The Stream”: That’s my term for the torrent of creative people, places, projects, technologies and practices changing the way we writers do business. Tapping into the stream – and I’ll show you exactly how and who the key “thought leaders” are – could easily be the most valuable and lasting benefit of your PodCad experience.

What PodCadders Are Saying About The Upod Academy:

“Inspiring! Spirit lifting! If you’re feeling stuck, unsure or like all hope is lost, the Upod Academy will help you break out of that negative thinking and energize you to work to your maximum potential as a writer.” – Michelle Lanz

“I’m feeling so refreshed from PodCad it’s like I’ve woken up from a multiple-months daze. Thanks David!” — Will Taylor, writer for Outside magazine.

“I pretty much cried all the way back home. In a good way. So much of what you said over the weekend clearly resonated. ‘Live boldly,’ for starters. ‘Have fun.’ ‘There are lots of ways to change the world.’ My notebook is filled with your brilliance. What’s more, to see you living this – without any of the hand-wringing, print-is-dead rhetoric that’s been saturating the Web – was so incredibly refreshing. You’re a changemaker. Like Oz…but without need of the curtain.” – Leslie Garrett

“So inspiring, thought-provoking and heartening to share what has been a mostly private struggle with a roomful of empathetic, interesting, supportive allies.” – Ari Karpel, writer for Fast Company, Time, The New York Times.

“I came to the PodCad expecting a fun and inspiring weekend. I left PodCad with an entirely new and inspiring career direction. Wow!” — Nicole Nazzaro, writer for Sports Illustrated and elsewhere.
“Took the scariness out of pitching.” – Jennifer Netherby

I’ve been in the mag business a long time, so I’d been on the fence about doing the PodCad thing; it felt a bit embarrassing to admit I had plenty to learn. Still, I wanted to see if I could up my game — learn work more efficiently, pitch more accurately, break into new and better markets. The Cad provided lots of tips for reaching those goals, but it also addressed issues that may matter more in the long run: How to grapple with the uncertainties of freelancing; how to structure your days (and weeks, and months) in the absence of a nine-to-five gig; how to tamp down the angst and ramp up the joy; how to escape home-office solitary confinement and find potential co-conspirators; how to figure out what you really want out of writing (and life), and how to pursue those things in a more focused and confident way. Props to Hochman. Dude can teach by example, as well as by classroom methods. He’s an original thinker, but also a skilled synthesizer of ideas from far-flung sources. He’s good with systems, but also with the more intuitive, emotional stuff. Fine sense of humor. Knows how to listen. Incisive in his criticism (of story ideas, pitches, and self-defeating habits), but generous with encouragement. Just do it.
– Ken Miller, former West Coast Editor, Reader’s Digest; People magazine editor and more.

“If you have any trepidations about your career, money or life path. Take this workshop! You’ll get more than you can ever imagine.” — Linda Arroz

“Every journalism school in the country should offer a Upod Academy — an intensive course that helps writers understand how editors think, how the business of writing actually works and how to find the freelancer ‘sweet spot,’ where interests, skills and opportunities intersect.” — Joe Donatelli

“A rare opportunity to spend three days with like-minded people thinking about issues essential to the writers’ life. Being part of the Upod Academy felt like a gift I gave myself.” – Michal Lemberger

“Transformational. A life-changing experience.” – Imani Dawson

“Upod Academy rocks! What a great three days. You really did over deliver.” — Kim Kowsky

The Details

February 3, 4 and 5, 2012

10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day

Marina Del Rey, California

$695 tuition

Home-baked breakfast pastries, phenomenal lunches, healthy snacks and handmade chocolates included. For further information and to RSVP, contact davidhochman at me dot com.

Everything you need to know about the Upod Academy in a handy word cloud.

Stay tuned for announcements for new sessions for 2012.

“How’s it coming?”

I recently spoke to Carl Honoré about living a more meaningful, “slow” life. He’s the author of In Praise of Slowness and an all-around cool guy, especially for a Canadian. He shared some advice that’s particularly relevant to freelancers. Thought I’d share:

“Something that’s very important is the power of saying no. We find it so, so hard to do. Especially in the workplace. We think that if we say no, we’ll be discarded or scorned or fired. As a freelancer especially you think you need to say yes to any offer on the table. But it’s not the case and shouldn’t be the case. Often you say no and because you’re the only person saying no, the editor or person offering the job will be impressed. You will stand out. It’s important to explain why you’ve said no. Say something like, “I want to do the work I do well rather than doing it fast.” Or, “I don’t think I can do this to the standard I aspire, or that this project deserves, therefore I’m turning this down.” If you put it in that language, what often happens, at least in my case, is that the person comes back to offer work again, and with another offer, usually a better one. Because you’ve set yourself apart from the mob of people saying yes, yes, yes manically at every turn. In many cases, slow wins the race.”

The Upod Academy 3.0

Whenever I announce a new session of The Upod Academy, I feel a little like Willy Wonka at the door of the chocolate room. Hold your breath. Make a wish. Count to three.

It’s that time again, Augustus! The PodCad 3.0 is taking your applications.

Upod Academy 3.0

January 6, 7 and 8, 2012

10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day

Marina Del Rey, California

Early Bird Registration until November 11: $595

After November 11: $700

For three beautiful and intense days, 15 writers from across the country gather around a table with me to face the fear, kick bad habits to the curb and leap boldly into….

Wait. Let me just tell you about the results:

Someone from a recent PodCad, a woman in a self-described “pitching slump,” sold two feature stories to big national publications in the first three weeks after the workshop (total take home: $5,000+). A guy from last spring’s session who shared his “pie-in-the-sky fantasy” to be on NPR is now a regular correspondent for them. A young writer who had never sold a bylined story is now getting assignments from places like Salon, without even pitching. Long neglected book proposals are being finished, writers are booking trips to meet New York editors, obsessive Facebookers are declaring 30-day Facebook sabbaths. People are asking for raises, quitting stupid gigs, clearing cluttered desks, exercising for the first time in years. I’m telling you. This Upod Academy. It’s a whole thing!

A very brief FAQ

Q: Sneer. Aren’t I too good for you?

A: Not at all. The writers who benefit most are the ones committed to making this their full-time careers. We’ve had veteran editors and writers from the biggest publications in America (The Atlantic, The New York Times, National Geographic, The Daily Beast, Reader’s Digest and more). The key is that you’re looking for support, direction and coaching to get your career where it needs to be, and fast.

Q: Oh, so you’re telling me I’m not worthy then?

A: Ahem. You are worthy (though if you’re not feeling it, that’s something we work on). Lots of junior writers and editors join the PodCad as well. The point is to ignore everyone else’s career trajectory and focus on what you need to do bigger and better.

Q: Will there be handmade chocolate typewriters?

A: Yes! My wife’s a pastry chef and she caters to your needs, even if you’re a gluten free ovo-phobe.

Here’s what else you can expect.

The Upod Academy Experience

Frankly, I can’t think of a better way to kick off 2012.

Community: Whether you live in L.A. or not, the ne plu ultra of your PodCad experience will be connecting with like-minded souls to support and affirm your efforts as a writer. You’re really going to come to rely on these people, trust me.

The Long View: A rare chance to step back and assess where you are as a writer and think deeply about where you’d like to go. To me, this is the real luxury of the weekend. Asking open, honest questions with a thoughtful group about the best direction for your life and work.

Money: You want more of it. I’ll tell you how to get it. The immediate financial goal is to double your investment in this class with pitch ideas we develop together over the weekend. Tripling and quadrupling (or 1,000x-ing) your investment is acceptable, too.

Inspiration: What PodCadders especially appreciated was identifying what I call “the stories only you can tell.” These are the stories that take you from anonymity to “instant credibility” with pieces in places like The New York Times, Salon, Esquire, Fast Company and beyond. Start thinking about it now: What are the stories only you can tell?

Focus: Stop procrastinating, stop finding excuses, stop blaming others for your career setbacks. Wait till you see the tricks and exercises I have for tackling these puppies. Prepare yourself for Mr. and Ms. Thumb Slam.

Perspective: You’ve probably heard how much it sucks being a freelancer right now. What you may not know is, you’ve been fed misinformation. I can safely say this the most exciting time to freelance in the nearly 20 years I’ve been at this. Success in this realm is all about being the right writer with the right idea in the right place at the right moment. I’ll tell you everything you need to know about how this gets done.

Vision: You won’t leave empty-handed, and I’m not just talking about Ruth’s trademark chocolate typewriters that everyone goes home with. You’ll exit the weekend with a 30-day plan for your career and a clearer mission for the months and perhaps years ahead. And I’m not kidding when I say you’ll have a new circle of writing BFFs ready to hold you accountable, call you on your crap and cheer your every success.

Burning Questions: Answers to literally every question you have as a freelancer, from the truth about multiple pitch submissions to how to make your Twitter feed the most essential resource in your freelance repertoire.

“The Stream”: That’s my term for the torrent of creative people, places, projects, technologies and practices changing the way we writers do business. Tapping into the stream – and I’ll show you exactly how and who the key “thought leaders” are – could easily be the most valuable and lasting benefit of your PodCad experience.

What PodCadders Are Saying About The Upod Academy:

“Inspiring! Spirit lifting! If you’re feeling stuck, unsure or like all hope is lost, the Upod Academy will help you break out of that negative thinking and energize you to work to your maximum potential as a writer.” – Michelle Lanz

“So inspiring, thought-provoking and heartening to share what has been a mostly private struggle with a roomful of empathetic, interesting, supportive allies.” – Ari Karpel, writer for Fast Company, Time, The New York Times.

“I came to the PodCad expecting a fun and inspiring weekend. I left PodCad with an entirely new and inspiring career direction. Wow!” — Nicole Nazzaro, writer for Sports Illustrated and elsewhere.
“Took the scariness out of pitching.” – Jennifer Netherby

I’ve been in the mag business a long time, so I’d been on the fence about doing the PodCad thing; it felt a bit embarrassing to admit I had plenty to learn. Still, I wanted to see if I could up my game — learn work more efficiently, pitch more accurately, break into new and better markets. The Cad provided lots of tips for reaching those goals, but it also addressed issues that may matter more in the long run: How to grapple with the uncertainties of freelancing; how to structure your days (and weeks, and months) in the absence of a nine-to-five gig; how to tamp down the angst and ramp up the joy; how to escape home-office solitary confinement and find potential co-conspirators; how to figure out what you really want out of writing (and life), and how to pursue those things in a more focused and confident way. Props to Hochman. Dude can teach by example, as well as by classroom methods. He’s an original thinker, but also a skilled synthesizer of ideas from far-flung sources. He’s good with systems, but also with the more intuitive, emotional stuff. Fine sense of humor. Knows how to listen. Incisive in his criticism (of story ideas, pitches, and self-defeating habits), but generous with encouragement. Just do it.
– Ken Miller, former West Coast Editor, Reader’s Digest; People magazine editor and more.

“If you have any trepidations about your career, money or life path. Take this workshop! You’ll get more than you can ever imagine.” — Linda Arroz

“Every journalism school in the country should offer a Upod Academy — an intensive course that helps writers understand how editors think, how the business of writing actually works and how to find the freelancer ‘sweet spot,’ where interests, skills and opportunities intersect.” — Joe Donatelli

“A rare opportunity to spend three days with like-minded people thinking about issues essential to the writers’ life. Being part of the Upod Academy felt like a gift I gave myself.” – Michal Lemberger

“Transformational. A life-changing experience.” – Imani Dawson

“Upod Academy rocks! What a great three days. You really did over deliver.” — Kim Kowsky

One more time with the details:

January 6, 7 and 8, 2012

10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day

Marina Del Rey, California

Early Bird Registration until November 11: $595*

After November 11: $700^

*Payable by check only. Must be postmarked by November 11, 2011.

^Payable by check or Paypal

Home-baked breakfast pastries, phenomenal lunches, healthy snacks and handmade chocolates included.

For further information and to RSVP, contact davidhochman at me dot com

A young writer asked Upod for advice on returning to the freelance world after working on staff at an environmental magazine. Here’s what I told her:

First, congratulations on making the leap. Know that you are well equipped, having had a staff gig. You already know how editors work and think and what to do to not make them think you’re a crazy cat lady. Many freelancers don’t know this information. You also have a bit of a niche to build a brand with (though do not call it a brand; that’s crazy cat lady talk). Editors who don’t know you can say, “Oh, here’s someone who knows the drill on environmental pieces” and feel comfortable assigning you work. Much of freelancing is about making editors feel comfortable.

It would help to get one great impressive clip somewhere. One article in an A-list publication online or off will make a world of difference. It gives you what my Uncle Sam used to call “instant credibility,” and announces to the writing world that you’re here and have a voice. As such, also tell everyone that you are actively seeking work (people don’t know unless you tell them). And shoot for the moon in terms of pitches. Pitch often in the beginning of this process and pitch high on the food chain. No place is off limits. Hit up your dream publications now and keep hitting till they give you work.

Work tirelessly on building personal contacts everywhere because relationships are far more important than pitches. Far more. Then again, you are only as good as your ideas so go get some good ones if you don’t have any. Get them by talking to people smarter than yourself and by building networks of idea feeders (people and information streams).

Read the publications you want to write for. And by read, I mean read them like a stalker reads Johnny Depp’s fansites. Know everything about them.

Exercise, eat well and meditate or at least quiet down enough to figure out what you really want.

Writing for free feels bad but sometimes writing for only slightly more than free feels worse. Avoid both.

Put 40 percent aside from each check for taxes.

Stick to a regular work and sleep cycle.

Make friends with people who are not freelance writers.

The media world is not dying, contrary to popular belief. Changing, perhaps. But there is enough work out there to keep your words flowing like the fountains at The Bellagio. You just have to tap the source.

Get out often to hear and do and taste and experience things that give you chills. Write about all of them.

Meet someone who will hold you accountable to living the best life ever. If possible, marry that person.

Schedule a once a month meeting with a group of like minded people and commit to meeting every month for a year. Research says nothing makes people happier than that.

Also: don’t rush but also don’t wait too long.

Remember you are as smart and worthy as anyone else out there (and probably way smarter and worthier).

And don’t get hung up on trivialities. Nobody is stealing your ideas. Editors who don’t reply do not “hate” you. Ignore the success and failure of other writers.

If you need contacts, ask UPOD.

Freelancing isn’t rocket science but it is hard work. If you’re as lucky as I am, you get to a point where it all transcends work and simply becomes who you are.

Good luck.

The Upod Academy II

September 23, 24, 25, 2011

10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day

Marina Del Rey, California

Early Bird Registration until July 15: $585

After July 15: $600

I must admit I was nervous at first. In April, fifteen writers I’d never met walked into a conference room at Playboy’s west coast headquarters (with a photo shoot in progress down the hall, no less) to hear what I had to say about freelancing during challenging times. I had promised the attendees a lot: A professional jumpstart, bylines in national publications, even personal transformation. Several people had flown in across the country. A few spent money they didn’t actually have. One woman sat down and literally said, “You better be good, Hochman. My expectations are huge.”

Before we got around to introductions, I had everyone write their reasons for paying $600 to sit with a bunch of strangers when they could have been out buying Aeron chairs (that’s a Upod joke if you haven’t been keeping up with your posts lately). You could feel the shared sense of relief and empathy as the answers came in: “I want to break into big-name publications,” “I’m in a creative rut,” “Editors never freakin’ get back to me!” “I need a kick in the ass!!” “Must make money – NOWWW!!!”

What followed were three days that absolutely blew me away, blew us all away. By Sunday, we weren’t just feeling totally recharged from the group exercises and brainstorms and guest speakers and collective wisdom that emerged; we actually had created a community, a support system, a freelance family. And it’s still working. The group just met again last week and they’re meeting again in a month. I’m telling you, these people cannot stay away from each other now.

This is all my way of announcing that I’m doing it again and this time my nerves are rock solid. I know it’s going to be magical. It may even be better than last time since I understand what worked well, and what people wanted less/more of. One thing that won’t change much: My wife, Ruth’s, catering and homemade chocolates. The 11s and 12s on the 1-to-10 evaluations went to her.

The next Upod Academy workshop is officially open for registration. The program takes place Friday, September 23, 24^th and 25^th, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 each day. The setting will be more relaxed this time to give the weekend a retreat feel. Say hello to my new freelancer cottage and “boom boom room” in Marina Del Rey, CA.

The Upod Academy Experience

Think of the PodCad as a three-day cleanse for your writing life. Let go of all the toxins standing in the way of a healthy, robust freelance career and start poopin’ out meaningful stories for cash. Okay, let me work on a better metaphor while you look over this list of what to expect:

Community: Whether you live in L.A. or not, the ne plu ultra of your PodCad experience will be connecting with like-minded souls to support and affirm your efforts as a writer. You’re really going to come to rely on these people, trust me.

The Long View: A rare chance to step back and assess where you are as a writer and think deeply about where you’d like to go. To me, this is the real luxury of the weekend. Asking open, honest questions with a thoughtful group about the best direction for your life and work.

Money: You want more of it. I’ll tell you how to get it. The immediate financial goal is to double your investment in this class with pitch ideas we develop together over the weekend. Tripling and quadrupling (or 1,000x-ing) your investment is acceptable, too.

Inspiration: What PodCadders especially appreciated was identifying what I call “the stories only you can tell.” These are the stories that take you from anonymity to “instant credibility” with pieces in places like The New York Times, Salon, Esquire, Fast Company and beyond. Start thinking about it now: What are the stories only you can tell?

Focus: Stop procrastinating, stop finding excuses, stop blaming others for your career setbacks. Wait till you see the tricks and exercises I have for tackling these puppies. Prepare yourself for Mr. and Ms. Thumb Slam.

Perspective: You’ve probably heard how much it sucks being a freelancer right now. What you may not know is, you’ve been fed misinformation. I can safely say this the most exciting time to freelance in the nearly 20 years I’ve been at this. Success in this realm is all about being the right writer with the right idea in the right place at the right moment. I’ll tell you everything you need to know about how this gets done.

Vision: You won’t leave empty-handed, and I’m not just talking about Ruth’s trademark chocolate typewriters that everyone goes home with. You’ll exit the weekend with a 30-day plan for your career and a clearer mission for the months and perhaps years ahead. And I’m not kidding when I say you’ll have a new circle of writing BFFs ready to hold you accountable, call you on your crap and cheer your every success.

Burning Questions: Answers to literally every question you have as a freelancer, from the truth about multiple pitch submissions to how to make your Twitter feed the most essential resource in your freelance repertoire.

“The Stream”: That’s my term for the torrent of creative people, places, projects, technologies and practices changing the way we writers do business. Tapping into the stream – and I’ll show you exactly how and who the key “thought leaders” are – could easily be the most valuable and lasting benefit of your PodCad experience.

What PodCadders Are Saying About The Upod Academy:

“Inspiring! Spirit lifting! If you’re feeling stuck, unsure or like all hope is lost, the Upod Academy will help you break out of that negative thinking and energize you to work to your maximum potential as a writer.” – Michelle Lanz

“So inspiring, thought-provoking and heartening to share what has been a mostly private struggle with a roomful of empathetic, interesting, supportive allies.” – Ari Karpel

“Took the scariness out of pitching.” – Jennifer Netherby

“Every journalism school in the country should offer a Upod Academy — an intensive course that helps writers understand how editors think, how the business of writing actually works and how to find the freelancer ‘sweet spot,’ where interests, skills and opportunities intersect.” — Joe Donatelli

“A rare opportunity to spend three days with like-minded people thinking about issues essential to the writers’ life. Being part of the Upod Academy felt like a gift I gave myself.” – Michal Lemberger

“Transformational. A life-changing experience.” – Imani Dawson

“Upod Academy rocks! What a great three days. You really did over deliver.” — Kim Kowsky

The Details

The Upod Academy II

September 23, 24, 25, 2011

10 a.m. to 4:30 each day

Marina Del Rey, California

Early Bird Registration until July 15: $585*

After July 15: $600^

*Payable by check only. Must be postmarked by July 15.

^Payable by check or Paypal

Breakfast pastries, lunch, healthy snacks and homemade chocolates included

For further information and to RSVP, contact davidhochman at me dot com

Introducing The Upod Academy!

The Upod Academy is an intensive three-day workshop to transform your career as a freelance writer. Yes, I said transform. On one level, it’s a booster shot for your writing, pitching and idea-making skills. It’s also more than that (keep reading). The workshop is scheduled from Friday, April 29, 2011 through Sunday May 1, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 4:00ish each day in Santa Monica, CA.

We have one spot still available.

I’m your host, David Hochman. Please see my website at www.davidhochman.com.

Without ado, I present our inaugural theme:

Harnessing Your Freelance Superpowers!

It’s so easy these days to buy into the idea that journalism is dead and that a freelance writing career is a fading dream. How is it possible then that some writers not only land assignment after juicy assignment but also find a way to make a difference and feel fulfilled? Are these people superheroes or something? Well, yeah, they kinda are.

The inaugural session of the Upod Academy is all about getting you in touch with your superpowers, and not just as a writer but as a thriving citizen of Gotham and the world. Part career jumpstart for journalists, part visionary planning session for the life you dare to dream into reality (did I write that?), the PodCad is three days of butt-kicking, goal-focusing, sentence-sharpening good times.

What to expect:

In advance of the weekend workshop, you will be given several assignments and thought experiments to consider. These will be the basis for important work we’ll do over the course of the sessions. The workshop is limited to 15 people and will feature lectures, group exercises, brainstorming sessions and several guest speakers, including prominent regional and national editors, writers and creative gods.

You will learn:

• How to define your goals as a writer
• How to identify your obstacles and stop self-sabotaging
• How to find balance during times of stress
• How to position yourself in the best way possible as a writer
• How to sharpen your pitches to editors and clients
• Common negotiating mistakes that keep you from making the money you deserve
• How to think more broadly about what it means to live a creative life.
• How to build and maintain a sense of community
• How the collision of ideas from multiple perspectives sparks innovation
• How to communicate your ideas more clearly
• How to make career choices that align with your immediate needs and long-term goals.
• How to stop whining and start thriving

You will leave with:

• A stronger sense of your writing superpowers: what you’re best at as well as what needs work.
• At least five laser-focused ideas ready to pitch to editors or clients.
• At least one ready-to-send article for publication
• Dozens of new techniques to improve your writing and grow your writing business.
• Membership in an ongoing writer’s “council” to support you in the weeks and months following the session.
• A virtual red cape and tights.

The Day by Day

Harnessing
Day one focuses on identifying and strengthening your most significant talents as a writer and creative person. That usually requires some excavation and deep thinking on your part. Group exercises, writing sessions, mini-lectures and guest speakers throughout the day will help generate ideas so you can gain quick insights into your process. By the end of the day, you’ll have a clear (and perhaps even surprising) new definition of your mission as a writer.

Brass Tacks
Getting down to business, Day 2 tackles the ins and outs of writing, pitching, editor/client relations, negotiating and the other fun stuff that makes the writing life so enjoyable. One or more guest speakers will share real-world insights on what editors/clients look for and what irritates them. We’ll also take a hard look at the mistakes, sloppy habits and patterns of self-sabotage that hold us back.

Pow! Boom! Zap!
By Day 3 you should be in full possession of your new superpowers and ready to fly. We will test those powers first, of course. This final session is about fixing goals, setting strategy and pushing off the ledge in ways that make the most sense. One or more guest speakers will help brainstorm ways to keep your momentum going and actually get paid for your newfound skills. You will also learn about the writing council that will support you long after the workshop concludes.

The Fine Print:

Cost for the three-day session is $585. Future sessions may be higher so act now, as they say. Your goal will be to make back your entry fee by selling one article. Breakfast pastries, lunch and snacks will be provided.

Please contact me at davidhochman@me.com to join the League of Podding Superheroes.