What I'm Reading... and You Should Too!

There are few things that I find more relaxing than a good book and a bubble bath. Besides allowing a certain "escape," I am a firm believer that it's impossible to be a good writer without being an avid reader. True?

My love of the written word started early. Growing up, my mom made it mandatory for us to read. Of course, that was B.C., (BEFORE CABLE). And as they say, "Old habits die hard."

Since you all are my "peeps", today I'd like to share a few gems that will enrich your literary world regardless as to your genre of preference.

Here they are, in no particular order:

A Step in the Write Direction (Student Edition) by Donna Clark Goodrich
Readers will "move to the head of the class" upon studying the chapters provided in this hugely helpful "how-to". Not just instructional in nature, it's spiritual and practical as well. This must have reference guide is filled with valuable lessons from how to get started to how to get unstuck! More than a "step in the write direction"; it's the entire road map!

Smart Women Finish Rich by David Bach
Let's face it. In today's tough economic times, becoming more financially literate can be the ticket to survival. This book goes beyond the basics like "saving for a rainy day" and "pay yourself first". It helps women to recognize how their values, perceptions, and habits influence their wealth, and what can be done to make the most of what they make.

Cinematherapy (The Girl's Guide to Movies for Every Mood) by Nancy Peske and Beverly West
What a clever and creative read! I scored this book at a thrift store, and let me tell you, it was worth 10x more than what I got it for. Grab a cup of your favorite brew and discover must-see movies for every mood. Got mayhem with men? Dealing with the blues from a bad hair day? Need to believe in the magic of love again? Well these female versions of Siskel and Ebert will pick the perfect flick for whatever ails you. Slightly over 200 pages, you can read it a little at a time, or as the mood hits you. Popcorn optional. :-)

Cupid's Playbook by Jeannine and Keith Kaiser
As someone who has served as a relationship columnist, (in the many hats I've worn as a writer), I rather dig reading informed perspectives in the field, if you will. Authored by a husband and wife team, this page-turner provides sage advice on how to be more strategic and savvy in matters of the heart. And who better to advise the romantically challenged than this couple who has been married for many years, and parented three children? Chapters include: great dating ideas, dating I.Q., falling in love with you, and personal exercises to help readers to navigate the right moves. It's a true winner!

Now that I've shared what's on my bookshelf, it's your turn. What have you been reading lately? What's hot, or not?

6 Ways to Use Down Time to Elevate Your Writing Career!

Though there are no scientific studies to support my theory, or quantitative statistics from which to draw, I’d bet that if many of us could recover the collective time we’ve spent waiting in a “hold” pattern for something or someone before we could move to the next stage, we could add years on to our lives.

Whether it’s the time we spend on hold waiting for a customer service rep to help us with a problem over the phone, the time in between meeting a guy who takes our phone number and promises to call, the lapse between our “appointment” time and when we actually “see” the doctor, or the seemingly eternal wait from when we submit a creative piece and hear the status from an editor. It can play out like dog years.

There’s no doubt about it: down time can get you down! For some it’s seen as unproductive and unsettling.

But, when it comes to a creative career, you can’t afford to let “the wait” wreak havoc with your productivity, play mind games with you, or cause you to question your ability and shake your confidence.

Why? Because time is money. And how you spend it will determine how profitable you will ultimately become.

I admit, that in the infancy of my career, I didn’t always know this. I’d use down-time for pity parties, second guessing my goals, and being detoured on the road to success.

And though there is a grain of truth to the expression, “Good things come to those who wait”, it’s important to know how to wait productively for optimal results.

Here are a few fruitful lessons I‘ve learned along the way:

1. Set long term and short term goals.
This way, you’re always working towards something and are able to recognize that some projects may not pan out right away. The proper mindset will keep you motivated to go the distance.

2. Refuse to be beat.
Use your waiting experience to pen a creative poem, column, or personal essay. And get paid by default. What did you learn about yourself? How would you improve or streamline the process? Discuss whether or not you believe that “patience is a virtue.” Don’t forget to include relevant anecdotes and “ah-ha” moments.

3. Quit checking your Emails a hundred times a day.
Use that time to do research, read a good book to inspire you, or to declutter your work space.

4. Follow-up.
That’s right; put the ball in your court. Sometimes you can be waiting for an answer on a submission that was never received! I’ve actually had it happen a few times where I was waiting for weeks to hear from editors, who due to “cyberspace mishaps”, or crowded “spam folders,” I discovered the work was never viewed or received. Always be sure to be pleasant, professional, and “non-stalkish” in your follow-up interaction. Be prepared to resend.

5. Work on your blog.
Time spent on improving your blog, or connecting with your blog “community”, or honing your craft is never wasted. Not to mention, it can be relaxing and rewarding.

6. Be strategic.
To get more out of your efforts, consider doing simultaneous submissions. By doing so, you increase your publication odds, and decrease the time spent waiting to get the green light to move forward and to get paid.

In the famous words of Elvis Prseley, “Only fools rush in.” Give your creative efforts and your career the needed time it takes to grow and flourish. For each artist the timeframe differs.

As long as you are continuously making progress, and making sound decisions, rest assured that you’re on the “write” track and the money will follow.

How do you deal with down time? Does it get you down?

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3 Signs That Signal You May Need to Put the Blogging Breaks On!

Bad blogging is like a bad relationship. It pains us to throw in the towel, given our sweat equity. But, it's a reality that some will eventually have to face and come to terms with. Especially if we want readers to find true happiness; even if it's with someone else. :-)
Nobody likes to admit it, but it happens to the best of us.

With this in mind, here are three types of blogging scenarios that may signal a need for a break, detour, or ended journey.

1. Blogging has become a chore and not a joy.
If the thought of posting your next piece has as much appeal as a visit to the dentist, or a tax audit, chances are that "you've lost that lovin' feelin'." There could be a myriad of reasons you find yourself here, whether you're a month in to blogging, a year, or even ten. It could even be a bout of Blogger's Burnout. If this happens, you may need to take some time off the "information highway" for awhile and schedule a little vacation time.

2. You're not clear why you're blogging.
Truth be told, many people joined the blogging bandwagon simply because it was popular. Very little forethought, planning, or even goal setting went into launching their sites. It looked easy, so they jumped in. Which is not against the law, right? There's just one problem: their confusion confuses their readers. Hello? Regardless as to the niche or theme, blogs should have an identifiable focus or target audience. The clearer you are, the fewer detours you'll have on the path to success.

3. There's no blog growth.
Would you stay on a job where there was no promotion? Or a relationship that didn't deepen as years progressed? Probably not. Though it's not exactly the same, blogs are "living things," and as such, should reflect growth through increased readership and ongoing, interactive discussion.
Growth won't happen over night. Still, if you've been blogging consistently for more than a year or two without desired results, or measurable progression, assessment is needed.
Are you passionate about your subject matter? Do you periodically conduct polls and surveys to get readers' feedback? Are you studying other successful blogs in your niche? These are a few things to consider.

Contrary to popular opinion, blogging is not for everyone. Ultimately, it's your decision.
I hope these tips will help to navigate your direction, and put you on the "write" path to go from zero to hero!


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Is Freelance Writing Recession-Proof?

In today's tumultuous economic climate, it's hard not to be impacted by the things that are going on around us, no matter where we hang our hats and call home.
Though comparatively some areas have it better than others, and some industries are hurting less in terms of unemployment and a decline in business, I think that we can all attest to the fact that we are headed for some "challenging" times.

For those of us that are freelancers, our dynamics may be a little bit different.
But that doesn't mean that we are immune to the devastation of the day.

Which brings me to these relevant questions...

How are your freelancing finances? Are you taking on projects you wouldn't have in the past?
Are you finding less work?
Are clients paying later? Less money?

Are you more inclined to seek the security of a "9 to 5" from fear?
Are you living "leaner and meaner"?
Or are you pretty much the same as you have been?
I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Talk to me and let me know what's on your mind.


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News You Can Use...

I hope you guys have been enjoying a wonderful week, wherever you reside away from the Blogosphere.

It's been a week with many ups and downs and turns for me. But, as my mom often says, "It is what it is." :-)

Okay, so let's get started with the good stuff. Here's the 4-1-1 for this weekend.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Coffeehouse for Writers starts its early registration today for September classes. If you'd like to learn how to quit your day job, or blog for bucks, or make your characters come to life, or perhaps become more social media savvy, you should definitely sign up for one of the current offerings. "There's no time like the present." Online classes range from two days to about four weeks. What makes them popular is that they're affordable and convenient. Take them from your place at your pace! The first six people to register will receive a popular "how to" writing book filled with tips on querying, marketing and social media, and tried and true methods of making more money. You'll love what's brewing at the Coffeehouse!
To register today, go to Coffeehouseforwriters.com

2. Congrats to my blogging buddy, Karen Lange over at Write Now for reaching 300 followers. This post just misses her recent give-away in celebration of this noteworthy achievement, but rest assured, she'll be having another one relatively soon. :-) Stop by and say hi!

3. Jen is in! Let me use my know-how to increase your net worth. Just in case you haven't spotted it yet, I now offer a new service as reflected in the right-hand margin of this Blog. Here's a little background. Over the years, I've gotten numerous emails from friends, fans, aspiring writers, and followers seeking ways to earn money for their creative efforts. Sometimes assistance is sought to find new markets. Other times it may be questions regarding self-publishing, or time management tips, or copyrights. So, for those serious about their freelancing journey, I now offer one-on-one sessions by phone or Email.

Whatever it is that may have caused a temporary career "detour", I can put you on the path to success! My consultations and creative coaching sessions were designed with you in mind. With more than a decade of experience, and a wide range of publishing successes, I've been where you are. Choose a 1/2 hour session, an hour, or whatever fits your needs and your budget. Let's connect and come up with ways to take your career to the next level today.


Which leaves me with this parting question. Where are you with the "resolutions" you established for your writing this year? Are you where you should be?

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Overcome Your Fear-Put it Out There!

GUEST POST BY GERALYN MAGRADY

When the president of the Chicago Writers Association, Randy Richardson, asked if he could use my “Thanks CWA” email on the testimonial page of the organization’s website, I was delighted. But what was more exciting, was the title he gave me: Writer, Blogger, CWA member.

Really? It was exhilarating to see my name followed by such titles, to know that anyone who visited the website would see them, too, and suddenly the fear of sharing my words and works was replaced with a desire to write well, write more often, and write with a newfound purpose.

Okay, so I’m not a professional scribe. I’m an English teacher by profession, and honestly, I never thought of myself as anything more than a person who loved writing, that is, until I joined the Chicago Writers Association and learned a crucial lesson: YOU HAVE TO PUT IT OUT THERE!

For years I’d been researching my ancestry as well as reading everything associated with Chicago history. It didn’t take long before these two past-times merged with a passion for storytelling, and the result turned into a 50,000+ word manuscript of historical fiction, but I knew it wasn’t polished.

If this piece was ever going to feel complete, I needed to do something I had never done... share it. Surprising myself, I did, in fact, share it; I sent off the manuscript to a publisher who specialized in Chicago history, and I waited for the critique.

While waiting, I came across two interesting contests. I scanned the submission guidelines and immediately generated ideas for both, but I was nervous because I never entered contests before. I liked the essay I created for the “My Kind of Town” competition sponsored by the CWA. It was a welcomed change to write about childhood memories, rather than the characters to whom I’d been dedicated for so long. The result: third place!

Then there was the Trazzler.com contest where my usual long-winded prose needed to be honed to a 150-word travel blurb. I was a semi-finalist! I entered a dialogue-only (no place) and poetry contest (still waiting to hear). I realized right away that contests were a good way to practice and improve specific writing skills.

Once I got past the initial anxiety of holding my breath while clicking “send,” I understood that, no matter the outcome, I was putting my work out there while becoming a better, stronger writer. However, in order to discipline myself to write more often, I applied what I’d learned through an online group discussion, the big “put it out there” concept... I created a blog.

Setting up a blog was a piece of cake. Within an hour’s time I was already authoring my first posts at www.therolesofwriting.blogspot.com, but it took me a couple of weeks before I felt confident enough to make the blog public. Sure, I was getting used to sharing by entering contests, but I still hadn’t gotten any feedback about the manuscript (my REAL writing, I told myself), and I was still anxious about what others might think.

My Facebook friends were the only people to which I publicized, and three months / 800+ views later, I’m finally accepting my role as a writer/blogger. I now have an outlet for my writing, so it’s easier to develop the discipline of writing on a regular basis. Readers tell me they connect with my topics; they’ve been touched, humored, educated.

When the publisher returned my manuscript with critical feedback, I quickly posted my personal response to the rejection, without fear! Most recently, I even opened up to public critiquing of my first revisions for the novel-in-progress. I posted a rough opening and encouraged comments. After receiving some constructive criticism, I edited accordingly, reposted the revision, and went through this process a second time.

The permanent post is “Sneak Peek: Revision #2.” An interactive introduction is what I’m calling it, and I’m thrilled with the outcome.
It astounds me, really, to think back to less than a year ago, when I found it impossible to share my work.

The bottom line is that you have to share, put it out there. I may not be getting paid to write (yet), but the rewards have been immense as I journey along this written path.

Shared by: Geralyn Magrady (Writer, Blogger, CWA Member)


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Guest Post

CHECK THOSE GUIDELINES!
by
Noelle Sterne

BIO: Noelle Sterne holds a doctorate degree from Columbia University. She is an accomplished book author who has also published more than 250 pieces in print and online publications.

When, in a market listing, I read the invitation for contributions to an upcoming anthology, I knew my story was perfect. I labored with repeated drafts to get it down to the 2,000 words specified in the guidelines. Finally, two days before the deadline, my auto-word count proudly proclaimed “1,993.”

Ready to send out the story, I went to the anthology website to check the spelling of the editor’s name. To my horror, an updated announcement proclaimed 1,400 words! I’d performed microsurgery to get down to 1,993. How would I ever cut more?
At first. I thought of calling the editor to bark a dozen reasons why my brilliant but now way too long entry should be accepted anyway. But I knew that (a) this would do no good (he probably wouldn’t answer the phone), and (b) the publisher must have dictated the reduction for cost considerations.

So instead, although I had a date to meet a friend for lunch, I phoned her and screamed out my editing emergency. A writer, she understood. Then I turned off the phone, breathed a prayer, scrubbed up, and started excising.

I sweated and groaned, revised and retyped, and almost sobbed to discard what I’d been sure were essentials. But my desire not to be disqualified for length was stronger than love of my lucid prose. After much brutal hacking, repositioning, regrafting, and binding up my psychic wounds, the word count shaped up, miraculously with essence preserved. The night before the deadline, I sent the piece out.

I’d like to report that my story was accepted. It wasn’t. But even though I didn’t make this anthology, I nevertheless learned two important writing lessons that have stuck with me through many other submissions, accepted and not.

First, although I’d been sure the story had been trimmed originally to perfection, when exclusion threatened I found even more places to prune. As I painfully extracted my beautiful adjectives, Walt Whitman’s observation consoled: “The best writing has no lace on its sleeves.” Later, reviewing this piece for another market, I had to admit that the excess wasn’t missed.

Second, publication guidelines can change quickly. Last year’s, last month’s, or even last week’s specifications may not hold today. If you don’t revisit the specifications frequently—and revise accordingly—you’ll risk instant rejection. So, as you get close to submitting to your carefully chosen markets, check, double check, and recheck those guidelines!


Visit Noelle's site and learn about her book at Trustyourlifenow.com

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Should You Have Multiple Blogs?

There's no doubt about it: blogging is indeed hard work.
(Can I get an Amen?!)
In fact, ask anybody who's been at this blogging thing for more than a few months, (and posting consistently), and they'll attest that it's harder than it looks, and definitely more time consuming than imagined.

Which is why some opt to stop at one!
Am I right here?

Still, if you're like most of us creative creatures, you probably have a myriad of interests, tastes, and talents that you've considered sharing with other audiences.

Like your love of the musical group "Maroon 5", (me too), your stamp collection fix, fitness tips, or your mouth-watering recipes.

Some address this reality by mixing a multitude of topics on their blog to cover more bases.
But here's where things get tricky, folks.
'Cause it doesn't work well for everybody.
I can't count the people on one hand that it does. Trust me.

Popular blogger Hektor Karl recently asked at his blog whether he should combine his love of dogs with his current writing blog, actually.

My vote? It would be a doggone shame for those of us who read his and other well written, singularly focused blogs to have it somewhat "diluted" with other stuff of which we have little to no interest. :-)

So, here are my top three reasons why some bloggers should have multiple blogs:

1. We're equally passionate about several topics or hobbies, and feel that we have enough to share on an ongoing basis to make a successful go of it.

2. It allows bloggers to expand readership.
Many times, if "followers" and fans enjoy your style of blogging and your personality, they will follow your other blogs, not to mention, you'll likely make new friends, that may not have formerly known you, but discovered you through your new niche area.

3. You don't bore or compromise your current readership.
Of course everybody's different here, but most folks like to know what to expect when they visit a blog on the regular. In other words, I don't want to go to a cooking blog and find stuff about President Obama. Or go to a blog about hair care and read posts on maintaining a car. Unless the topics are tied in somehow.
Are you feeling me here?

Here's a case in point. Super-star blogger, Darren Rowse, (creator of PROBLOGGER), for years has reigned supreme in terms of providing tools and tips for today's blogger. That's all you'll find on that blog.

Because he wanted to address different themes, he now runs FEELGOODER.COM, a site that discusses relationships, health, time management tips, etc.

And it's wonderful. And yours may be too. So make the decision and make a move!

Tell me what your thoughts are here. Multiple blogs or no? Have you ever tried?

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Rejection Etiquette For Guest Posts

Trust me. For today’s busy blogger juggling a multitude of tasks and creative to-dos, a guest post from a contributing blogger is a sight for sore eyes.

In fact, it could be considered as the equivalent of a gift from a friend, family member, or admirer. But much like a “gift”, sometimes it just doesn’t suit your taste.

Either it’s the wrong style, fit, or category. Or maybe you have one like it already, (like the five pair of mittens you got for Christmas).
(Problem is, you can’t “regift” it.)

Sometimes this is the case with guest posts submitted for consideration, particularly by eager beavers that don‘t do research beforehand.
Like “clueless in Seattle” who had the best of intentions when he emailed his article on fitness tips, although your blog is on entrepreneurship.

Or, that faithful follower to your Blog, who is a dear soul, but doesn’t know grammar basics, sentence structure, or the art of crafting a creative piece. But still wanted to send something because she’s a huge fan.

It goes without saying that you appreciate their efforts. There are literally hundreds of Blogs they could have potentially submitted to; still they chose yours.
So what do you do to handle this potentially awkward situation?

Here are a few things to consider:

DO’S

1. In the interest of saving time, (both yours and guest posters), establish and post guidelines on your site outlining the word count, topics accepted, and procedures to follow for acceptance. The clearer you are, the clearer potential posters will be.

2. Entertain the possibility of drafting a standard rejection letter that’s brief and courteous. Make sure to thank the writer for his time and his consideration.

3. Another alternative is to state something in your guidelines on your site like, “ We receive a lot of submissions. If you do not hear from us in two weeks, we unfortunately were not able to use your piece. Best of luck.”

4. Post an example of a successful “Guest Post” to serve as a guideline.

DON’TS

1. Never post a piece on your site that is of poor quality out of a sense of obligation. At the end of the day, no matter who wrote it, it’s a reflection on your Blog.

2. Don’t ignore the poster. In most cases, some response is better than none at all. That is unless you choose to follow the steps in # 3 as outlined above.

3. Don’t feel the need to go into great detail by explaining how the piece could have been made better, or editing errors discovered. Remember, you’re not their high school English instructor. Not to mention, it could be perceived as condescending or insensitive.

4. Don’t ever feel guilty about saying no. It comes with the territory, like it or not.

Used properly, these tips can take the sting out of rejecting pieces that are not appropriate for you and your Blog audience. This also insures that you are able to maintain high standards of quality and integrity as a Blog owner.