Hey there! Thanks for checking out me and ProductiveWriters.com.
I’m John Soares and I’ve been a full-time freelance writer since 1994. I’m passionate about helping you and other freelance writers get more done for more money so you have more time for whatever jazzes you most about life.
I Write Hiking Guidebooks
I started writing in 1990, first in the outdoors niche (three hiking guidebooks on Northern California) and over 100 articles, including pieces for Sunset and VIA) and later in my main niche: freelancing writing for college textbook publishers. My latest book is about dispersed camping in the United States.
But I’m Primarily a Freelance Writer
Since 1992 I’ve completed over 300 education projects (lecture outlines, instructor’s manuals, study guides, test questions, and the like). Most of the work has been for large textbook publishers such as Cengage, Pearson Education, and McGraw-Hill in many diverse subjects: political science, history, geography, geology, oceanography, environmental science, biology, and business. I love this writing niche: it allows me to both reinforce what I know and keep learning, and I get paid well to do it, typically $50 to $100 per hour. (Find out more in my e-book Writing College Textbook Supplements: Developing Test Questions, Quiz Questions, Instructor Manuals, Lecture Outlines, and Other Curriculum Components, third edition.)
In recent years I’ve expanded into new niches, primarily writing website copy for businesses and nonprofits.
Being a Productive Writer
I’ve always been interested in how to make the most out of life. For me this means feeling as alive as possible and truly enjoying each moment. I first started studying personal development in my late teens, beginning with Dale Carnegie’s work. I truly got interested in the early 1990s, and since I have a science/academic bent, I focus on what scientific studies in psychology and other fields tell us about the human brain and human behavior, and expecially on what actually works to make our lives better.
So stick with me. Subscribe to the ProductiveWriters.com blog (in the sidebar).
My Education
My formal education? I have a B. S. degree in biochemistry from the University of California at Davis (highest honors) and I earned a M. A. degree in political science from UC Davis. I’ve also taken coursework in history, geography, and earth sciences. Beyond that, I’m a life-long learner with a strong interest in many subjects, from astronomy to poetry. (See more about my education and publications here.)
My informal education? I lived abroad for two years in my early 20’s, including over a year hitch-hiking and vagabonding throughout Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. I also spent three magical years on the island of Kauai. In recent years I’ve stayed in Mexico for several months and have been teaching myself Spanish. I learn a lot about myself and life by spending time in nature and hanging out with interesting people.
Where I Live
I live near Mount Shasta in upper Northern California. I hike as often as I can, and I do tai chi nearly every day.
Contact Me
Send me an email: johnsoares88 -at- gmail.com.
