10 Bloggers That Make Me Happy!

Okay, folks...here's the moment you've been waiting for!
As you may recall, back in August I received the "Happy 101" Award,(though I didn't know it until September), which I'm honored to be recognized as 1 of 10 Bloggers to make my blogging buddy @ Evelyn Parham.com happy!

According to the guidelines, in turn, the recipient has to award the award in the same manner.

So, for your reading pleasure, and in an effort to share some online "luv" here are my choices. Some are newbies here at Pen and Prosper, others are "oldies" but goodies.

10 Awesome bloggers that make me happy! (Not necessarily in order of their importance).

1. Missed Periods---Who woulda' thunk that a subject like English and grammar could be fun and cool! Certainly not any of my former students. :-) She makes learning exciting and inviting! She's so hilarious that I'm sure that her students have missed very few periods in terms of reporting to her class! Check her out and brush up on some basics, or stop by to say "hi" and help to recognize the very noble work that teachers today do. Missed Period, you are the "Captain" in my eyes. :-)
2. Live Well for Less---Not only do readers receive great info on saving money, making wiser choices, and a host of "how-tos" through her popular site, Nikola is such a warm and friendly lady. She's the kind that you'd wanna have as a next door neighbor or running buddy.
3. Write Now---Visit Karen Lange's site and not only will you be engaged with the content, you'll be amazed at how popular she is within the blogging community! She's got more badges, awards, and followers than most of us could ever hope for. Not to mention she's loyal and supportive. Thanks Karen, for being in my circle!
4. Evelynparham.com---Such a warm and gracious lady provides a valuable service to her readers through her online spot dedicated to the Vegan lifestyle, and healthier living in general. She also addresses various blogging topics of interest.
5. Jean @ Virgin Blogger Notes---What can I say about Jean that hasn't been said already? She's a fantastic writer, a supportive blogger, a friendly spirit, and very giving in her style of writing.
6. Sibyl at Alternaview---Sibyl is recognized for her eloquent and enlightening commentary posts at Alternaview. Readers may not always agree with her perspective, but they will definitely have their consciousness level raised and their expectations met upon each visit. Sibyl, you make a "sistah" proud, girl.
7. Newly acquainted with Emma at Graceful Balance, I was immediately impressed with her "vibe" at my first visit! She has a holistic approach to life and an honest approach to her blogging. My favorite post thus far? "The Gift of Anxiety." Read it and tell me what you think.
8. Andrew Rosen @ Jobacle.com---Is a boast-worthy blogger. Whether he's writing about job issues at his award-winning site, or contributing his expertise to other blogs, he's funny, smart, and interesting! And he gets bonus points for allowing me to write a thing or two for his cause as well. :-)
9. The Letter Writing Revolution, with Julie resurrects a much needed lost art, in the midst of these technological, fast paced times in which we live. What a great mission and a great message for future generations!
10. Amy @ The Parm Farm is a cool chick. She combines humor, personal development, and social responsibility all under one "barn" and keeps us coming back to the farm to learn more about her, ourselves, and that "sheriff" husband of hers! Though I don't get to visit often, I enjoy my stop each time I do.


Well, there you have it folks, my terrific 10! Agree or disagree? Any you'd like to add? "Speak now or forever hold your peace." :-)

Are You Dropping The Ball With Your Blog?

From the time a reader enters your online "field" the ball is in your court.
Will you score, fumble, or drop the ball?

Here are a few factors that will influence your status and determine whether you'll emerge a winner or a loser in the overall scheme of things.

1. The Design and set-up. Truth be told, few of us are expert graphic designers or artists. That's a given. Still, first impressions are important. Make sure that yours is one that will be "lasting" in a positive way, by using complementary colors, an attractive and easy to read font, and easily identifiable sections on your blog. Remember the K.I.S.S. Principle.
2. Intriguing titles with quality content to back it up! Titles are important "teasers" that when effectively done, can draw readers in and hold them captive. Keep them reading and returning by backing it up with interesting, well written material that addresses your particular niche.
3. Authenticity---They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery; still copying content or faking who you are is definitely not cool when it comes to the blogging game. And rest assured, you'll pay a penalty!
4. Consistency---Opinion varies in terms of the best posting frequency schedule, but for optimal results, once a week is a good target. Anything less is not a pursuit, but rather a past-time.
5. Careless Errors---Things like incorrectly spelled words, poor grammar, and excessive typos are a turn-off for many.
6. The "silent treatment"---Respond to readers' comments in a timely and thoughtful manner. It creates good karma and shows value for other folks' time.
7. Additional Resources---Give your blog readers more bang for their buck! Though it's nice to have a little exclusive "attention", it's really cool to increase your value and the chances for repeat visits by offering up other recommended blogs in your niche, or interesting books, classes, and industry happenings.


Follow these fabulous tips and you'll be a M.V.P. (most valuable player) in the blogging game!

What's your take on this topic? Are you dropping the ball with any of these issues?
Share your thoughts...

Image: Luigi Diamanti

10 Things That Make Me Happy!

Okay, so why am I devoting a blog post on happiness on a site dedicated to writing pursuits and rituals?

First of all, because there is a correlation--at least for me.
Secondly, because I just happened to be surfing the Net and found out that Pen and Prosper and yours truly have been honored with another distinction/award! YAY!

Evelyn at Evelynparham.com, has listed my site as one of the 10 Blogs that makes her happy! Thereby granting me the Happy 101 Award.
Thanks! Glad to be a recognized source of satisfaction. :-)

To quote a popular song, "everything I do, I do it for you."
Anyhow, as I was saying...
As it turns out, she received the Happiness Award from Blessed Mama.
And as a part of the process, recipients are to name 10 Things That Make Them Happy.

So, here it goes. Though it varies from day to day, and sometimes I have more than 10 things that make me happy, thank God. These are not necessarily in order.

...10 Things that make my heart sing!

1. Simple pleasures during difficult times. Things like herbal tea, bubble baths, a good read, music, and looking out the window at my backyard and the beauty and divinity of nature.
2. The Blessing of still having my mom with me. She calls me just about every morning in the wee hours, and we talk longer than I'd like to sometimes. :-) Still, there's nothing that can replace it. Nothing. She's my biggest fan, and sometimes the biggest pain. :-) But I owe the woman I am today largely to her. Thanks, mom!
3. A spiritual foundation--To each his own. But during these frantic and sometimes fearful times, I'm glad I know who to look to for comfort, peace and needed answers.
4. Good food. What can I say? I've never been a gal to count calories,(though thankfully I'm not overweight). I'm passionate about cooking and consuming good food and sharing it with friends.
5. My Family--They keep me grounded and connected.
6. The love of a good man. Hey, a sistah's gotta' keep it real! :-)
7. My home--I thank God for every inch--from the basement to the back yard. It's truly my sanctuary.
8. A strong sense of who I am, and what I'm about---even in the face of haters, naysayers, doubters and gossips.
9. The Writer's life---Which gives me YOU my followers, work that I love, and that I feel makes a difference, and entrepreneurial pleasures.
10. My friends. Many I've known for more than a decade, some since high school. In the words of Emily Dickinson, "they are among my greatest assets and my estate".

And, of course my laptop...what did I do before it? ;-)
Stay tuned for part 2 of this post, where I identify 10 Blogs that make me happy.
In the meantime and in between time...what makes you happy? Do tell...


Image Credit: Salvatore Vuono

Birds of a Feather...Should Writers Date Other Writers?

It's a commonly held belief that opposites attract.
Oftentimes these notable differences are obvious even to us when we encounter lovebirds in public.
You know...

The 6ft. fella' with a mate who looks like a midget while walking hand in hand in the park.
The couple at a cocktail party where the woman is extremely outgoing while her husband is an apparent introvert.

A thin man with a full-figured female.
The list goes on and on.

But how about birds of a feather?
I'm a firm believer that sometimes commonalities provide a concrete foundation for relationship success.

Which brings me to today's $64,000.00 question...
Do creative individuals make better matches?

Is the bonding better when a writer dates another writer, or a musician, or an artist?
Do you dig dating someone who “gets” you and your lifestyle? Or does it breed competition?
Or do you perhaps feel that it really doesn't make a difference in the world of “Mars” and “Venus”?

As we head into the romantic fall season, I'd love to hear your thoughts on dating and mating in the creative world. "A penny for your thoughts..."

Image Credit: Liz Noffsinger

Roses and Thorns...

Where do I begin?
It's been an interesting month, folks. One of many peaks and valleys.
First off, I'm glad to be back on the scene and reconnected with each and every one of you. :-) Due to a nasty virus on my laptop, I was out of commission for awhile.

But, now I'm back on track!
Here's the lowdown on what's been happening in my corner of the world.

ROSES:

1. Recently I was honored to have been asked to serve as a guest speaker at the MENSA organization's conference scheduled in my area in October. For those who may be unfamiliar, MENSA is an organization of beautifully brilliant people with above average I.Q.s. Unfortunately, due to transportation issues and a few logistics, I had to decline. But, hey, that was a real cool invitation just the same.

2. After months of targeting the same publication and being rejected, I finally, finally, got an acceptance! YAY! Never underestimate the importance of confidence and persistence. :-)

3. Being Single Magazine, of which I am a staff writer, (for more than a decade) is now online. It's a great read, regardless as to your marital status.

4. My followers are becoming fierce in numbers! Thanks to all of you. I really dig and appreciate your support!


THORNS:

1. As mentioned before, I've had a heck of a time with computer troubles, which made me realize a few things. First, that I really have grown quite attached to this thing! Second, technology makes us as writers very vulnerable. True? I was on pen and needles hoping that my files could be restored. Some were very important, and could not be duplicated. But, thus far, all is well...praise be to God! Lesson learned---back up your files pronto! And invest in a good virus protection program.

2. This year is going by so quickly I can hardly believe it. The crazy weather is taking its toll on my allergies,and my sleep patterns. Not to mention, I have yet to finish my rose garden in my back yard.


Well, that's it folks. How about you? Any roses and thorns lately?

Rejection Revelations...

OR
(Why you Should Never Entrust Your id and Ego to an Editor)


I adore editors. As writers, where would we be without them? They’re like “image consultants” for our words. They give us poise on paper.
The good ones have superhero qualities, with the ability to transform and rescue by the power of their red pen!

But, let’s face it: editors are human. Believe it or not, they make mistakes, are subject to mood swings, and suffer some of the same maladies as the rest of us mere mortals. (And I should know, as the former Senior Editor of a popular regional publication.)

Which is why, as a serious writer, you should never let their words of criticism be the death of your confidence or career, if you want to go the distance, and enjoy the spoils of success.

Here’s how I had this epiphany.

THE INCIDENT:

A few years ago, I sent a piece out to an editor whom I held in high regards.
I was painstaking in my efforts, and was pleased as punch with the finished product. The next day, I excitedly opened my Email, to read her response.
She rejected it. But, not only did she reject it, she gave me a laundry list of things she thought were wrong, scolding me like an English college professor.
I was devastated and embarrassed.

After I sulked for awhile, and had a “pity party, “I took the article out again and reread it--twice. I disagreed with her assessment. I trusted my writer’s instinct and decided to disregard her instructions on how to rework the piece. Instead, the next day I submitted it to another publisher in its original form.

You know what happened? It was sold in a matter of an hour, with no revisions required. My writers’ confidence was restored, and all was right with the world again. Truth be told, since then it’s actually happened several times.

THE LESSON: “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” In other words, treat periodic criticism as a guideline for your writing, not as gospel. If you’re proud of your project, and you’ve done your best, keep sending it out until you find the right market and editor for your work.
Whether it’s in medicine or the world of publishing, second opinions can be crucial to survival.


Here’s another case in point.

THE INCIDENT:

Not long ago, I wrote a commentary piece on the state of relationships today and the death of chivalry. I considered it thought provoking and timely. When I submitted it to my long time editor for a monthly column I write, she kicked it back. No explanation was given.
She merely said that she wasn’t “feelin’ it.”
Since I already had established a strong relationship with this editor, and felt that I knew her taste, based upon a strong acceptance record in the past, a few months later, I resubmitted. It was a no-go.

As they say, the 3rd time is a charm. And it was. Six months later, that same piece was finally accepted by my editor with no revisions, and appeared in our love issue. She and I laugh about it now, when I periodically remind her.

THE LESSON:

Sometimes in writing, as in other aspects of life, timing makes a difference, whether it’s a seasonal piece, an editor’s mindset, or current events.
Market accordingly and persevere.

It should also be noted that in a T.V. interview with author J.K. Rowling, she shared that her manuscript had been sent off over thirty times for the popular Harry Potter series, before she became an “overnight success.”


THE FINAL LESSON…

Nobody likes rejection, whether it’s personal or professional. But, in the overall scheme of things, rejection can be just as important to a writer’s maturity and development as acceptance. It all depends on what you choose to do with it.
Carpe diem!


How have you dealt with rejection in your creative career? Share your own "rejection revelations" here, personal or professional. :-)

Image credit: Federico Stevanin

3 Ways to Add Curb Appeal to Your "Virtual Real Estate"

First impressions are important.
Don't believe me? Think about it.
How many times have you judged a book by its cover?
Or a man by his Brook's Brothers suit?
Or a restaurant by its decor?
True?
In fact, even in real estate, closing the deal depends largely upon presentation and curb appeal.
So does your Blog.

As an avid reader and lover of all things creative, I devote a good deal of time to "cruising the scene" and checking out the on-line spots of my followers, fellow bloggers, and the top dogs in my niche.

I've seen a lot of great stuff, and I've seen some things that make you go hmmmmm.

With this being said, here are some factors to consider in attracting visitors and maintaining a loyal following.

1. Make your site inviting! I love when I visit sites where you almost feel that you're sitting in someone's living room because it feels so comfortable and not forced. Yours can be too. To achieve this it's nice to have appealing colors that are easy on the eyes, a photo of who you are, a welcome section, and a little Bio about the person behind the words. A sense of humor and sincerity doesn't hurt either.:-)

2. Respond to readers' comments. This may seem silly, but when I visit a site and don't see much interaction between the blog owner and the audience, it's a turn-off. Remember, good communication is always a two way thing.

3. Add take-away value. In other words, don't just rant and rave about you and your life and escapades. Provide guests posts, interesting links, photos, quotes, or something for folks to sink their teeth into.

And, as a bonus, make sure your site is easy to navigate and user-friendly!
That's my take for today. What are your thoughts? Did I miss anything? Do tell...

Image credit: Simon Howden

What Inspires You to "Follow" a Blog?

First off, let me say that I am pleased, tickled pinked, humbled and honored to have you here!

From June to August my "followers" have doubled! That's right---doubled. Don't get me wrong, though the numbers are comparatively "modest", I think it's still a positive statement. And I'm thankful.

In June, my official count reflected "33" ---and I remember thinking when I hit "fifty", how nifty! Oh boy---I was on cloud nine.

Anyhow, it caused me to ruminate and reflect---what factors cause you to actually follow a Blog?
Come on, I wanna know...

Some of you have few amidst your roster, others have dozens. I've sometimes taken a peek. :-)

With thousands, maybe millions of Blogs in the blogosphere, how do you choose whether to be a "regular" as opposed to a casual, infrequent "spectator"?

Is it the design?
The content?
The personality of the writer?
Is it a reciprocal thing? In other words do you follow others as a courtesy of them following you?
Educate me. Consider this a poll on human behavior or a blog building discussion amongst friends.:-)

Image credit: jscreationzs