Sarah-Beth advocates writing not only about what you know but more importantly what interests you. Using her advice will ensure that you write with enthusiasm and this will come across in your articles. The Lifestyle market is huge and Sarah–Beth manages to cover most of it in this book. There are hints and tips on how to get started and how to get organised, as well as information on keeping records, interview techniques and presentation. She advises brushing up on your English skills if need be and then to get writing. There are tips on generating ideas, creating a good opening, the importance of titles and the difference between writing for print and writing for the web. She states that ‘perseverance is key’, (is it ever!) as well as developing a thick skin, necessary attributes for every writer. Full of good advice with plenty of exercises that will get you writing. ~ Tracy Baines, Regional Organiser of The Society of Women Writers and Journalists (Dorset/Hants/Wilts)

Carys Llewellyn : Writer and book reviewer Everything we do in our daily lives reflects our own person ‘life-style’ and in ‘The Lifestyle Writer’, Sarah-Beth Watkins shows how to write for the home and family market. The book opens with the words: “Look around you. What does your life contain? Home, family, children, grandchildren, eating out, good health, holidays abroad? Or maybe it’s not so sunny and your life includes relationship issues, a lack of a decent holiday, imminent surgery and a clapped out car. Wherever you are in your life, whatever you are experiencing, you can turn your life stories into saleable articles for the lifestyle market. People want to read other people’s stories. Humans are fascinated by other humans; what they’ve got, what they are doing, where they are doing it and whether we can do it too!” And, she makes clear, you don’t have to be a specialist in any given field to contribute lifestyle articles, just having the relevant ‘life’ experience is enough. From letters to the editor to full-length articles and interviews, ‘The Lifestyle Writer’ shows that lifestyle topics are one of the widest market-outlets open to the freelance writer. Highly recommended. ~ Carys Llewellyn , Amazon and Goodreads