“How’s it coming?”

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.

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.

The Potty Train keeps on chuggin’! We were very pleased to be featured in Daily Candy Kids today

Check out our Tips for Potty Training and good luck!

I asked members of Upod, the group I run for professional writers and editors, to send links to their blogs and websites and send they did. If you take a look here, you’ll see how talented and productive a community it is. Among the many, many (which represents only about a tenth of the total Upod community), there are writing vodka makers, vodka-drinking taste makers, thrillists, banterists and someone who ambushes the unfashionable in Central Park. As we say in the group, In Pod We Trust.

I have an essay in the August issue of Reader’s Digest on learning to play the mandolin as an adult. It’s one of my favorite stories. Doing the photoshoot at McCabe’s Music Shop in Santa Monica with Lori Stoll made up for the humiliation of having to play in front of actual human beings (including my family) as described in the story. Click here to read it.

BoingBoing posted thoughts on this cool recording device:

Olympus TP-7 telephone recording device

“A friend of mine, a journalist, recently emailed to tell me he likes the Olympus WS-110 digital voice recorder I recently recommended.

He said:I just wanted to thank you for guiding me to try the Olympus WS-110 digital voice recorder for interviews, using ffmpegx to convert the audio to MP3, and then Listen & Type to transcribe.
I’ve been using all three for a couple of weeks now, and have been very happy with the results. The recorder in particular has been great: tiny in size, it holds more hours of audio than I could ever need, and has been able to clearly record both sides of an interview.

Being able to store interviews on my computer as MP3 files is also a great benefit.

A few days ago, I bought a very useful accessory for the WS-110: The Olympus TP-7 Telephone Recording Device. You simply stick it in your ear, and make the phone call. It does a great job of recording both ends of a conversation. It will work with any recorder, not just the WS-110. It also comes with various jack adaptors.
For the first time in my life, I feel like I’m really set to record interviews.

Olympus TP-7 Telephone Recording Device ($16.99 at Amazon.com)”

See my powerhouse move into blogging? So many ideas! So much to report on the awesomeness of my daily life! Yes, let’s go!

Or not.

I know how this works, having seen so many of my brethren and sistren in the blogging trade blast off only to fizzle out. Just as you’re getting into reading about their mission to visit every strip mall in LA or sell everything they own on eBay or see what happens now that they’ve started taking steroids…the entries stop. What? Last updated May 23? But it’s December.

Anyway, so I make no promises.

But I will update you to say I’ve gotten many nice responses about the site itself, and I give all credit to Ava Savitsky, my web designer. She’s patient and smart and can be reached at Ava[.]Savitsky@Gmail[.]com.

My writing week this week is filled with brains and Scots and premature grandpas, among other things.

Writing a column for Women’s Health on the latest brain research on male and female brains and how it all translates at the breakfast table.

Spent a few hours at home (his, not mine) with Ewan McGregor for a Best Life cover. He showed me a car that cost more than every car I’ve ever bought combined.

Writing about a very amusing ailment for Details in which otherwise healthy young guys start kvetching about how loud everything is and that they can’t figure out “The Facebook.” Can’t say more than that.

Rosario Dawson cover for Angeleno. She rocks.

Met Christian Slater yesterday. I couldn’t figure out how he looks exactly like he did ten years ago. He told me he doesn’t like tofu.

Had a good conversation with Upod‘s own Chrys Wu yesterday for her blog, Ricochet, where she’s doing some interesting work. Among other things, she’s compiling a list of post-print journalism gigs people are finding. That’s at Ricochet

Project X continues to gain momentum.

Now that you’re here, I thought I’d give a quick update on the latest news. Continue to watch this space for projects in progress, book updates, readings, classes and general thoughts about the writing life.

This week, our children’s book, The Potty Train, sold its Israeli rights and soon children from Eilat to Haifa will be shouting “Chugga Chugga Poo Poo” or however that translates in Hebrew.

This Sunday, Ruth and I are finishing our month of no spending for a Reader’s Digest essay I’m writing and it’s been an astonishing month. All told we’ve spent $92.23 on essentials and made it through without buying gas, toilet paper, lattes, presents or anything from Amazon. So far, we’ve saved about $3,500. I’ll be blogging about it on RD.com.

Our tree planting (for another Reader’s Digest essay) began in earnest this week. Sebastian and I blanketed the neighborhood with leaflets announcing our plan to line Bonaparte Avenue with trees this October. So far the responses have been good — better than I expected on a treeless street that hasn’t seen much change in 50 years.

We volunteered yesterday at an amazing place in Venice called Bread & Roses cafe, which serves three meals a morning to homeless clients in a cafe setting. Ruth and I worked with chef Derrick Walker, a former chef at Bastide in LA, to turn out 150 servings of pasta bolognese. An amazing, moving experience.

In the afternoon, I was on the other end of the spectrum, writing about a fancy, funky “maid cafe” in Culver City for The New York Times. Also, my Forbes editor is having me pick 10 places in Los Angeles ‘dialed-in’ Angelenos should know about. You don’t realize how big a city this is until you write a story like that.

In terms of almosts, I almost went to Survivor in West Africa this week and then to 24 in South Africa. And I almost had to go to London next week and still might, to interview Ricky Gervais. We’ll see what happens.

The proposal for Project X is almost done and it’s a doozy. Stay tuned.