April Showers and Spring Updates

It's May almost.
And I can't believe how quickly this year has gone by!
Can you?
This month has been busy and bountiful.
This week for example, I have a variety of interesting projects to enjoy.

I'm proofing and editing essays for a client who's a college professor, coming up with web content and design consults, writing weekly blog posts for my gig at Bloggingpro.com (please check me out every Monday and Wednesday), doing guest posts everywhere, (one scheduled next week at Living Well for Less), and a bunch of other stuff that I'll reveal at a later date.

In the meantime and in between time, I've been enjoying weekly "movie marathons"!
It's one of my favorite kick-back-and-relax activities.

Wanna know what I watched this week?

To Sir With Love
A Warm December
Step Brothers
Derailed
Julia Child on French Cooking
Pink Panther 2

Have you seen any of these?

I'm also noticing a lot of movies where writers and authors serve as the main character, or as an important key player in the story's development and treatment.
Why do you suppose that is?
Are we as writers exciting? Weird? Fun to poke fun at? What do you suppose?
If your life could be captured by the title of a book or movie what would it be called?
Just curious...

Burgers for Breakfast? What's Your Draw?

In the area where I live, there’s an eatery on just about every corner, for at least a four block radius. “Foodies” like me can delight in Dunkin Donuts, dine at Mcdonald’s for a dollar, go to the border at Taco Bell’s or have it “my way” at Burger King’s.

As a person with a business background, (two degrees), I’ve often questioned the logistics behind this. Faced with price wars, similar products, the same consumer target base, and each in close proximity, how does an establishment stand out and survive in a competitive environment?

Recently, I discovered how one restaurant came up with a “gimmick” or simple strategy that allowed it to stand out without spending a lot of money on advertising or promotions.
I stepped up at the window to place my order at Burger King’s and the lady behind the window asked, “May I take your order?” I hadn’t quite decided. It was too early for lunch, but I wasn’t in the mood for breakfast either.
I considered coming back and perhaps taking a short walk to clear my mind to focus on a day of non-stop “to-dos”.

As I started to walk out, I asked, “What time do you start your lunch menu?” She said, “Ms. we serve lunch all day.” I’ve been a regular ever since.
Let’s face it; our cravings can’t always be categorized in a time frame.
Admit it. How many of us have eaten a big bowl of cereal in bed in our Pjs in the P.M.? :-)

So what does this have to do with blogging?
It dawned on me that this situation is similar to what happens in the virtual world as well. With so many folks launching blogs daily, weekly, monthly, it becomes a real task to draw an audience, connect quickly and keep them engaged and entertained.

Of course everybody comes to the blog game with a different agenda, but I would say that on a very basic level, we all want to be read.
If not, why would we go public?
With this being said, the K.I.S.S. principle applies.
Don’t over think things, but from a marketing stand point, be mindful of the question…
What’s your draw? If you can’t answer this question it’s quite possible that others can’t either.

5 Fierce Ways to Make More (Writing) Money by Shopping!

Admit it. For years you’ve been trying to justify your shopping sprees. To others you’ve rationalized that it’s “therapeutic”, that the mad dashing from store to store and aisle to aisle even keeps you in good physical shape. You’ve even rationalized how strategic bargain hunting can ultimately save you and your family money!

But to the average spouse this is probably a “hard sell.” However,(smart)shopping can actually be a way to increase your base of creative ideas and your bottom line if approached correctly.


Here’s an example.
I’m a big fan of shopping at (quality) thrift stores and antique outlets. At a trip to one of my regular local spots, I happened to browse their video section and came up with about a half-dozen 30 minute tapes on fitness and exercising. This collection included Richard Simmons and the ever-popular Tae Bo workout. The cost came out to about $6.00 including tax.
I watched them, compared the level of difficulty, penned a 500 word review for a singles’ publication, and earned 50 bucks for “exercising” a little creativity.

Are you an avid reader? The same concept works for book reviews as well.

Here are a few other ways to cash in on your next shopping trip.

1. CONSUMER REVIEWS---Whether it’s dining at a local restaurant, purchasing toys for little Tommy, or test driving new cars, take note. The cool thing about this type pf writing is that it doesn’t require any “expertise” or major time investment. Think about it. How many times have you bought something that you boasted to friends about? Or perhaps you’ve had a bad experience and had to craft a complaint letter. The sky’s the limit. Do tell.
2. SHOPPING TIPS---Can you stretch a dollar like African-rubber? Feed a family of six on a shoe string budget? Have a system for organizing coupons? Turn your know-how into net worth through essays, how-tos, and helpful hints fillers.
3. FASHION FINDS---Where’s the best place for women to buy blue jeans that flatter their figure? Which stores have great return policies and helpful staff? What local spot lets you be a diva on a dime? This valuable information is sure to find a home at places like Lucky Magazine, Consumer Reports, or many general interest magazines for women.
4. “DO IT YOURSELF” WISDOM---“Kids do not try this at home!” Share horror stories or humorous anecdotes you might have from Home Depot and a
not-so-handy husband’s attempt to repair plumbing. Or perhaps you’re a gadget “guru”. Your reflections and revelations can help others to make their learning curve shorter, and save time and money.
5. PAPER OR PLASTIC? Are you a “conscious consumer”? Buy green products? How are they different? What effect do they have on the environment? What resources are available to learn more? Was the transition an easy one?
Your green lifestyle can earn you green! Weigh in.

By following these five tips, you’ll never experience true “buyer’s remorse” again.
Not to mention, shopping stimulates the economy. :-)

What creative ways has your shopping or thriftiness led to writing materials or enhanced your creativity? Do tell!

BLOGGING FOR PLEASURE OR PROFIT

Blogging has become the "new black".
Everybody and their momma is doing it.
Some for recreational reasons, others to promote their businesses, or promote a cause.

But what is really cool about this blogging phenomenon is that it creates an additional income stream for writers and other creative individuals, if you know the secrets and strategies.

Which is where this info comes in...
I can show you those insider's secrets.

My work has appeared at various award-winning and influential sites such as Search Engine Journal, Blogging Pro, Daily Blogging Tips, Living Well for Less, and Small Biz Bee, to name a few.

I'd love to show you how to go from zero to hero with my new ONLINE class!

Study from home at your own convenience.

Blogging is extremely competitive and you need a winning edge. In my course you'll discover: how to blog strategically, where to find job opportunities and increase the odds in your favor, how to choose good topics and more!

See the details here:
http://www.coffeehouseforwriters.com/Blogging.htm

You know you love it anyway. Why not get paid to do something you love?

Classes start Monday, April 19th. Register now for this 2-day workshop. Credit cards accepted.
Hope to see you there!

Why this "Go-getter" is Not on Twitter---A CONTEST

"To be or not to be?"
Shakespeare posed this reflective question many moons ago in contemplating some of the complexities of life.

Today, I find myself faced with a question of much less gravity, but important nonetheless.
Recently, a client asked me to sign up for (Twitter/Tweeter?) as a way of providing more exposure for my work.

But, I'm not convinced just yet.
Don't get me wrong, in theory I have nothing against those who tweet.
I think it's sweet.
But I'm concerned that tapping into all these different social media outlets will perhaps make me more "social" but not necessarily more productive as a writer.
Which, in my mind, is what writers should be devoting their online efforts to.
Am I wrong?

Convince me.
"Here's your mission if you should choose to accept it"...

Pen and Prosper presents its 1st Contest

CALLED GET THIS "GO-GETTER" ON TWITTER!

Rules:

1. In 140 words or less, tell me why I should join the pack in terms of signing up for this popular social media phenomenon. I already have a successful writing career and I'm already on FaceBook. How is Twitter different? Help me fill in the blanks.

2. Post your "entry" in the comments section of this post.

Winners will be judged on originality and compliance with contest rules.
The best two creative ideas will be awarded with either gift certificates, a title, both, books, or gift baskets. It depends upon their choice, my cash flow and product availability.
Deadline? May 12th

So go for it, and have some fun!

A Tribute to Peter McWilliams

He was to poetry what Picasso was to art.
For me, his eloquence was unequaled.
Here was a man who had experienced every emotion that the heart had the capacity to feel, and unshamefully shared it with the world.
He was a “hopeless romantic”. And yet he was a hopeful romantic.

Peter’s work was raw. It was real. He spoke in a language that every human could relate to regardless of race, religion, orientation or background.
In fact, he was so gifted that I’m afraid that my words in this tribute will not sufficiently do honor to his.

As an avid reader and poet myself, I stumbled across his writings many, many years ago while browsing the selection of books at a used book store.
If I remember correctly, (because I’ve purchased quite a few), the book that began my love affair with him was “How to Survive the Loss of a Love.”
Very few poets’ work can bring me to tears; he is one of them.

Every woman longs to hear the words that he expresses, and some of us even pretend that he’s written those words for us. :-)

As I sit here today, and reflect upon his contributions to the world of creative arts, and browse through his book, “Come Love With Me and Be My Love,” I’m trying to come up with my favorite piece. I can’t.
They’re all beautiful pieces. Some are brief and playful, others are introspective and painful, and some defy description.

Here’s a sample of his work, (one of my favorites).

I wanted to
Spend the night with you
Eat with you
Take you to meet my friends
Make you one of them
Take you to bed
Make you one with me
Say I love you
Hear you say the same
Meditate, with your heart as
My mantra.

I wanted the sun,
And a goodly portion of the moon.
All I got was this poem,
Which I wanted to be
A happy one.

This year marks the anniversary of Peter McWilliams’ death.
I only recently learned of the tragedies surrounding his demise.
May he rest in peace.
May he know the many legions of fans he left behind.
May he know that his life mattered.


For more information on his works see this site: http://www.myspace.com/petermcwilliamstribute

APRIL IS NATIONAL POETRY MONTH!

April is National Poetry Month.
And I'm excited!
Though I've had a great deal of success in different genres of writing, some people are surprised to discover that poetry is really my "first love."
I started writing as a teen, and have published (5) books to date.
There's something about its realness, its simplicity, and ease of flow that I truly dig.
This month, I'll be bringing to you some of the best in poetry, maybe even a few pieces penned by yours truly. :-)

Without further adieu...Here's a talented poet and friend who's taking the poetry community by storm. I bring you Henry L. Jones...

*Cabrini Red/Black/Green

Who will recognize the calling
as we watch our prophets die?
The silent night streets
where only a few roam
searching for tomorrow
longing for some answers
instead a scream
escapes the darkness
and echoes around corners
but it’s muffled
by the thunder of gunfire.
Am I still alive?

*Cabrini is a Chicago housing project.

Henry L. Jones

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Henry L. Jones is a writer and an artist who focuses on cultural and social change as a theme in his work. Run into Blackness is his first book of poetry. He’s been writing for over thirty years. As a child he’d write in journals about his experiences. Now, his poems are mostly inspired from urban experiences and Black heritage. From his dedication to writing and sharing his poetry in many communities, he’s received awards and recognitions such as an Accolade Award Medallion presented by Nashville, Tennessee’s Poet Laureate, Dr. Harriette Bias-Insignares. In a grassroots fashion he’s lead many creative writing workshops and open-mic nights. Published poems appeared in journals, magazines, newspapers, and some anthologies such as Blacks n Asia, Chicago Quarterly Review, Center Stage Magazine, Urban Flavor, Home Coming (book, Parthenon Museum Press), Houses of God (Gospel CD, House of Blues/Platinum Entertainment), Black Digest, Fisk Herald Journal, Vanderbilt Review and others. He lectures about the arts at schools and universities. His performances and recitals of poetry take place at cultural events, festivals and coffee houses. Jones has organized creative programs for youths and adults. He’s a Detroit, Michigan native with planted seeds in Chicago's art community. Jones, an alumnus of Fisk University, works and lives in Tennessee.

Poems from RUN INTO BLACKNESS: Feeling My Poetic Gumbo
by Henry L. Jones, Pneuma Publishing International, Inc. copyright 2009
ISBN: 9780979047695, 132 pp, Softback

Readers, what do you think of this poem? What mood does it inspire? What do you think is the message behind this piece? Weigh in.