5 Tips to Make the Most of Working From Home

October marks National Home Based Business Week. A yearly celebration to honor, educate and advance entrepreneurs who have traded cubicle lifestyles for “castle“comforts, and greater flexibility. Some freelancers have strategically chosen this entrepreneurial path, while others have been immersed in the waters because of corporate downsizing, tough times, and the relative ease of conducting business online.

Whether by choice or chance, knowing how to deal with day-to-day challenges and learning to work smarter, not harder can be the key to longevity and success.
With this in mind, here are some tips to make the most of your experience, based upon my own.

FIVE WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME AND EFFORTS

1. Establish a daily routine.
Though it may be tempting to play video games, tune into soaps, or sleep in late, know that idlely sitting on your bottom will have an adverse affect on your bottom line. Just because you have no one to watch over you doesn’t mean you’re not accountable. Consider your clients, editors, advertisers and family. Establishing a routine helps to provide structure and greater efficiency.

2. Devise goals.
Goals serve like a road map to help to navigate your direction. Where would you like to be published? How much money do you want to earn this week? This month? This quarter? How will you target new clients and find new projects? Go even further and write your goals down. Studies show that writing goals down increases the likelihood of achieving them.

3. Make your space an accommodating place.
Did you know that where you work is just as important as how you work? Whether you toil from a corner in your basement, or a bedroom converted into a beautiful office, make sure that it suits your personality, work style and line of work. Ideally, it should be adorned in colors that inspire you, be free from clutter, and equipped with the latest technology and tools you need to succeed. Add a few posters of expensive places you’d like to travel, to help keep your eye on the prize and to keep your mojo working.

4. Be savvy about social media.
There’s no doubt about it: social media is crucial to connecting with others to build your platform, stay “in the know,” and stay in the black. But too much time spent enjoying this popular past-time can prove counterproductive. Whether you indulge daily or weekly, impose a time limit and stick to it.

5. Choose your clients carefully.
Doing so can help to avoid potential headaches, wasted hours, burned bridges, and lost income. Money aside--take the time to ask the right questions. To discern whether there is a similar work ethic, compatible agendas, and meeting of the minds. Increase the odds for a winning, long term relationship by getting all work conditions in writing.

Follow these five tips to enjoy greater success and less stress on the home front.


Any tips to add to the list?

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Survival or Selling Out? Does working cheaply devalue you as a writer?

"I'm taking what they givin' cause I'm working for a livin'."
--Huey Lewis

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."
This line from a literary classic, in my opinion, aptly describes today's writing environment.

On one hand, the Internet, Blogging, social media, and historic milestones, has allowed writers of all genres and levels abundant opportunities for pay and exposure. But, conversely, a struggling economy, where clients are perhaps assigning fewer projects, or paying less, has many writers in a pickle of sorts.

For some, this may translate to taking Blogging gigs that pay 10 bucks, or signing on with a less than "desirable" client, or Ghost Writing for bargain-basement rates.

Is it wrong? Or is it smart?

The issue arose for me, when I was doing my typical Blog hopping, and happened upon a post by a prominent author who was on a crusade. She pledged to not take on projects for $15.00 or less, because, in her opinion, it only "begets more low paying work."

And, from her perspective, it devalues the writing profession as a whole.

My position? It all depends on the scope of the project, the time investment, the cause, and one's financial status.

Not to mention, during tough times, some money is better than none. Sometimes.

What's your position? Do you have guidelines that govern how little you'll work for?

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Don't Shoot the Messenger-5 Take-away Tips From Dancing With the Stars!

Okay, so call me shallow.
The only reason I'm tuned in to T.V. this season on Dancing With the Stars is Maks.
He's a fine work of art. :-)
That and the fact that there isn't much else engaging on Monday nights in my viewing area.

Of course, this is not to say anything disparaging about the other dancers.
I'm sure they're perfectly lovely people.
But, to tell the truth, most I hadn't even heard of until their appearance on this popular show. With the exception of Ricki Lake and Chaz Bono.

Anyhow, I digress a bit here...

Lately, I must admit, I'm a bit perplexed as to comments and controversy surrounding recent episodes. Specifically, the "stars'" reactions to the judges' comments regarding their routines.

As such, I decided to pen this post to share what I've learned from all the hoopla.
Because I firmly believe that writers, (at least good ones) are "performers" too.
Though the method and the venue may be different, there are indeed parallels.
Wouldn't you agree?

With this being said, here are a few take-away tips we can apply to our careers.

1. Criticism comes with the territory.
Whether you're being "judged" by an editor, a Blog reader, or a publisher, you have to be able to deal with scrutiny and feedback. Bottom line.

2. You must be receptive to feedback in order to grow.
In all fairness to Maks, there is a right and a wrong way to provide criticism in order for folks to be able to embrace it and apply it. But trust me when I tell you, it's an "art" that not every one has mastered. Try to find the positive, learn the lesson, then continue to "dance"!

3. There is something to be said for those who have been in the business longer than you have.
Sure, "experts" are people too, and occasionally make mistakes. But many times, they have the objectivity, experience, and credentials to help us mold our careers for maximum results. Listen.

4. Sometimes you're gonna have to be the "bigger person" Charlie Brown. :-)
There's a proper place and time for everything. And sometimes criticism can be unfair and untrue. Just the same, suck it up! "Excellence has its own reward." Are you feelin' me here?

5. Talent is only part of the equation.
I've said this before, but I'll say it again. Popularity matters. People skills matter. Politics matter. Poise matters. Always make sure your ego doesn't overshadow your excellence.

In closing, I should mention that Maks later elaborated on his position, in terms of some of the things he said, and attempted to soften things up a bit.
I certainly hope he's not kicked off soon.
Especially with my sweet tooth for "eye candy". :-)

Your turn. What's your take? Talk to me.

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Blog Etiquette-Should There be Standards or Proper Protocol?

One of the things that many folks like about Blogging is the attention and the freedom it affords.
Let's face it: there isn't a lot to go on as far as "standard operating procedures" or style guidelines. Sure, you have suggestions and how-tos. But it's not as formal and fancy as other genres of writing. Right? You can vent or vibe, or just let your hair down. The choice is yours.

Which brings me to today's focus.

Lately, I've been making my rounds to new and old sites to broaden my horizons and build my knowledge base, and in so doing, I'm seeing some interesting dynamics developing.

But, you be the judge. Is there a right or wrong way to operate a Blog?
Here are a few topics to take into consideration.

1. Requesting money---From time to time, I've seen where Blog owners seek donations or contributions to A). Finance a trip B). Support the site or C). Miscellaneous.
Would you ask your Blog readers to do so? Have you ever given a donation? Why/why not?

2. Use of profanity---As a creative artist, I'm a firm believer of First Amendment rights, particularly freedom of speech. But, does that mean that we should always exercise it? Should there be limits, or does it depend on the nature of the Blog and the intended audience?

3. Blogging teams---In order to provide variety, constant content, and an array of interesting issues, some owners have assembled Blog teams, whereby 2-4 people are presented on a weekly basis. Do you read any of them? Or do you prefer the individuality of expression provided by one primary host?

4. Pay to have your guest post appear---I kid you not. I was browsing, not too long ago, where one Blog owner accepted guest posts for a fee. Imagine that.
Would you pay to play? Or would it depend on other variables?


What are your thoughts? Curious...

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6 Things Every Professional Writer Can Learn From Dr. Phil...

Millions of Americans know him as the go-to guru for advice on love and relationships.
Others see him as the sage psychologist that pens best-selling self- help books on personal development, and Oprah‘s legal advisor.

Add one more title to his impressive resume: writing mentor.
That’s right. Though this may not be a role he professionally intended to assume, it’s one that I have identified and embraced in my creative career. And you should too.

As a faithful viewer of his show for many years, I’ve not only been entertained and enlightened by his no-nonsense approach to his guests‘ plaguing problems, I’ve also gleaned many lessons on how to be a more strategic, introspective, profitable writer as well.

Here are a few that will remedy your writing ills and provide for a more successful, (saner) career.

1. Dr. Phil is a unique communicator that dares to speak his own truths in his own language.
One reason that I’m a fan of Phil’s is that he can go from “geek speak” to “street speak” in a matter of minutes. In one sentence, he uses some deep medical terminology, and in the next, conveys his message like a common homeboy with southern charm.
He breaks all the rules: from frequently using informal words like y’all and ain’t, to clever, colorful expressions to make his point. Some of my favorites are “That dog just ain’t gon’ hunt” and “So how’s that workin’ out for ya’ pal?”

2. He shares effective anecdotes with universal appeal to connect with audiences. Two that stick out with me are his long-term marriage to his wife, Robin, and the struggles they’ve survived, and his dad being an alcoholic. In your writing, it’s important to apply anecdotes to illustrate important points, provide variety in techniques, and draw readers into your story.

3. He stresses the importance of introspection and personal accountability in diagnosing problems and devising a game plan for action.
In order to get where you’d like to be in your creative career, it’s crucial to take some inventory on where you’ve been, mistakes made in the past, and lessons learned. What clients or projects have been the most profitable? How can you manage your time better? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Where do you need to tweak your marketing plan to make more money? There’s great truth to the expression, “Those who fail to learn from the past are destined to repeat it.”

4. He aligns himself with the right people to open more doors.
There’s no disputing that his affiliation with Oprah made all the difference in his career. Sometimes it’s not what you know, but who you know. For the savvy scribe, this may mean tapping into social media outlets, networking through writers’ associations, and chatting others up via popular bulletin boards.

5. Dr. Phil is funny.
Even though his subject matter is often serious, he’s able to disarm people and make them feel more at ease by using humor and allowing them to sometimes look at the hilarity of the situation.
Savvy writers do as well. Humor is to writing what seasoning is to food. It adds flavor and appeal.

6. He walks the talk.
Though I don't agree with all his theories, assessments and recommendations in his "TV counseling sessions," his words do have merit. Here's a man who has been happily married to the same woman for decades. And I rarely if ever see any bad publicity about his personal or professional life. Wouldn't you agree? In writing, credibility is important to your image. If you give advice, why should readers value it? What qualifies you to speak on your subject matter? These are things to consider.


If you’re striving for “expert” status in your writing career, and the pay and perks that go with it, follow these six savvy tips. It’s just what the “doctor” ordered.

Views? Holla! :-)
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5 Ways to Keep Your Blog Audience From "Channel Surfing"...

Let’s face it. We have become a nation intent on instant gratification. From speed dating, to quick fix microwaveable meals, to excessive credit card debt that allows us to buy now and pay later.

And our attention spans mirror this mindset. We “Tweet” because it’s fast and in the moment. It feeds our fix to be in the know, now.
We‘re overextended, overcommitted, and many of us have become serial skimmers that gloss over web content and written materials for highlights, bullet points, and “what’s in it for me?” value. True?

Armed with this info, it only stands to reason that we implement strategies to have visitors to stay at our “virtual doorstep” long enough to accept what we have to offer, link to us, or become loyal fans. After all, nobody likes a high “bounce rate” other than Beyonce or Shakira!

To this end, here are a few tips to have them at “hello”. And keep them stuck like Velcro.

1). Write for your audience.
Identify your target group and your goals. That’s half the battle. I cringe whenever I read folks who say they write primarily for themselves. Especially “real writers”. Real writers write for real readers. They keep their needs in mind. They proofread their work before it goes public. They communicate with readers in an effort to create “connections”. They care about the readers’ experience. Sure, your writing should reflect your own personal beliefs and agendas, but it should always be about your readers. Personal writing should be relegated to personal diaries.

2). Remember that titles are vital!
Think about it. When you’re deciding what to watch on the boob tube, (other than your favorite programs), basically you decide what to view based upon the title or the actors starring in the movie. It’s a sad reality, but no matter how eloquent your writing, or how well versed you are in your subject matter, if your title isn’t enticing, some folks won’t bother to explore the content.

3). Inject a little humor when applicable.
Unless it’s a serious subject matter, most folks appreciate a laugh to get through the day, or a funny writing anecdote, or a humorous look on a universal issue. As long as it’s not mean spirited or in poor taste, have at it!

4). Don’t underestimate the importance of an “active” Blog.
When readers drop by to your spot, what will they see? Are there any comments? Followers? Feedback? Believe it or not, if your site appears like a “ghost town” it may give the impression that it’s not worth their time and effort.

5). Keep it brief but substantive.
In Blogging, sometimes less is more. 'Nuff said. :-)

Follow these timely tips for rave reviews and strong ratings!

Thoughts?
Which principle do you find yourself practicing the most?

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How to Use Search Terms for Blogging Success, by Yasmin Morais

My poetry blog has just passed the one-year mark, and I am pleased with the response from readers so far. Though they have been a bit shy on commenting, Blogger’s tracking feature does a comprehensive analysis of their geographic location as well as the keywords which led them to my blog. And the librarian in me has been paying close attention to those search terms. In fact, I am particularly excited about monitoring the search terms, because not only do they help me to respond to the readers’ information needs, search terms also provide me with numerous ideas for interesting blog posts that I would not have thought of.

One such post, which has turned out to be my most viewed, and commented on, was written after I noted that several visitors to my blog were searching for a list of Caribbean poets. I decided to create a draft list which readers would help me build, and I threw out the challenge for visitors to give feedback on poets not included on the list, or any errors noted. The response was very positive, and I received comments on the works of poets I had not been aware of, allowing me to refine the list in the process.

So, if you have not been doing so, and you have this feature, take a closer look at the search terms of your visitors. Are there specific, recurring themes that they are looking for? For example, I noted that Dutch Caribbean poetry has been popping up lately, so I have made a mental note to focus soon on that topic. Are the search terms in sync with your blog’s focus? If they are, then you have the perfect opportunity to use them to generate future posts.

And while you are at it, aim to make it as interactive and fun-filled as you can. It is an interesting way to involve your readers and allow for symbiosis. After all, there is always so much that we can learn from our readers.


Bio: Yasmin Morais is a librarian and poet. She blogs at Poets of the Caribbean (http://www.poetsofthecaribbean.blogspot.com), and is the author of From Cane Field to the Sea, and Mommy and Daddy are Soldiers.

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The Perils of Blogging While Bored!

It’s a Monday. You’ve made the rounds of all your favorite “Blog Roll” sites and discovered that everybody who’s anybody has posted something new to their site.

Or, it’s a Wednesday, or Friday---in fact, the day of the week is irrelevant. What is relevant is that when you scan your blog you realize you’ve not posted any new content in weeks. Where did the time go? You panic. You feel pressured.

All because one of the cardinal rules of blogging success is consistency. Right?
So, you sit at your keyboard and start typing. La, la, la, la… You really have nothing new or noteworthy to share. You figure you’ll wing it.
After all, a Blog is simply an online journal with informal writing, and you reason that you should be able to share your myriad of moods--even the “blah” ones. Right? Wrong.

Here’s a typical scenario…a (bored) blogger shares what he or she ate for breakfast. And then rants about some random client or rambles on about something of which most of his reading audience has no real connection or interest--like throwing a surprise birthday party for his pet cat. Surprise! At the end of the day there are few to no comments . Really?

Houston, we have a problem!

Now you’ve made your audience a hostage in this “crime”. ’Cause we’re bored too.:-)
Adding insult to injury is that many have wasted valuable time reading on their 9 to 5 jobs when they should have been working (just kidding). Time, much like our youth, can never be recaptured. So we feel cheated. The penalty? If done too often---lost readership and lost credibility.

Don’t get me wrong: a dull day can be made funny. A rant can have redeeming value. A bad day can be rebounded. If you approach this blogging thing the right way.

HERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER:

7 Ways to take your Blog from zero to hero!

1. QUALITY always trumps quantity.
True, consistency is crucial, but content is still King! Better to leave readers waiting than to leave us wanting. There is great truth to the adage “less is more.”

2. Even posts of a personal nature should have some take-away value for your readers.
Will they learn something useful about the writing life? Relate to a universal lesson on relatives? Laugh? Cry? Be inspired? Be called to action? Persuaded to support a cause? Always look at the “big picture” for optimal results.

3. Challenge yourself.
See the blank screen as a blank canvas in which you create a potential masterpiece. Or at least something of which you can be proud. Tap into your senses. Use colorful language. Engage us in a conversation. Remember that boredom is temporary, but something posted in the Blogosphere is forever.

4. Words won’t come? Most of us are not immune to writer’s block in some form or fashion. Regardless to our experience or area of expertise. If this happens, try posting quality images along with motivational quotes. Or keep a supply of guest posts in your arsenal. Or perhaps conduct an interview with a person of interest in your niche. These techniques and strategies can help you to blog smarter, not harder, and enhance your site by providing variety as well. It’s a win-win situation for all.

5. Take a break.
Sometimes burnout can be the culprit. Don’t operate on auto-pilot. Instead, take the time needed to renew your spirit and your psyche. Many bloggers do.

6. Share the spotlight.
I’ve surprisingly found that several of my most popular posts are actually those in which I share the posts and links of other talented bloggers. If you “get around” the Blog Town, why not highlight other worthy hosts and authors? It provides value for your readers and creates good karma to boot!

7. Google the words “ideas for blog posts” and voila!
you’ll find an array of options available to peruse and pursue (1,680,000 entries at the time of this writing).


Blogging is no longer just a vehicle for venting or sharing views. (That’s so ’90s!) Today it’s been elevated to an art form with major players, job opportunities, and platform building avenues for writers of all levels and genres.

So, the next time you find yourself at the keyboard with the “blahs” be mindful of these tips. Or minimally, “phone a friend”.

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Calling All Writers, Screen and Otherwise

Book Review of Christina Hamlett’s Screenwriting for Teens
by Noelle Sterne

I’m no screenwriter. My genres are prose and an occasional moody poem. But reading Christina Hamlett’s Screenwriting for Teens (Michael Wiese Productions), I responded exactly as I do to reading her regular column on screenwriting in Writers’ Journal: Hamlett is a master of writing and writing instruction and shares a tremendous amount of wisdom.

Her credentials, as well as her books, are impressive. For the last 30 years, she has contributed to PLAYS, the Magazine for Young People, and PLAYS has published several comedy anthologies of her scripts. In addition, she has written dozens of commercial comedy sketches for Contemporary Drama Service and is a regular contributor of lesson plans to School Video News, a website targeted to K-12 video arts educators.

Hamlett brings this expertise to Screenwriting for Teens. The book is subtitled “The 100 Principles of Scriptwriting Every Budding Writer Must Know.” In addition to much genre-specific information, these principles offer nuggets for every writer, budding, blossomed, and wilted.

The book’s structure, with each principle a chapter, make it easy to choose what you need at a given moment of bafflement or block in your writing. In a relaxed, conversational style, Hamlett covers many technical aspects of screenwriting, as one
would expect: “Speaking the Language of Screenwriters,” “’Reel’” Time Moves Differently Than ‘Real’ Time,” “Catchy Loglines,” “Treatments,” “Bulletproofing Your Script.” But also with wit and conciseness, Hamlett gives us timeless writing principles. A small sampling of the numerous excellent points: “A Theme Is the Glue

That Holds Your Story Together,” “Conflict Grows Out of Character,” “Character Grows Out of Conflict,” “Character and Conflict Comprise the Hero’s Journey,” “Every Story Needs a Point of View.” I for one need such brushups.
Adding to Screenwriting’s value, Hamlett includes at the end of each chapter a section of “Brainstormers.” These provocative exercises, often rooted in classic to contemporary films, prompt our application of the chapter’s content, our knowledge of filmography, our analytic powers, and especially our creativity. So the book is not only a learning tool for writers but also a tool for teachers of screenwriting and theater, directors, and producers.

My only cavil, if it can be called that, is the ambiguity of the title. Or is it purposeful? The book teaches aspiring screenwriting teens how to write, adult screenwriters how to write for teen audiences, and adult screenwriters how to write for any audience. And more, in Screenwriting for Teens, with her compendium of writing knowledge, clear descriptions, and illustrations of the solid principles of writing, Hamlett teaches any writer how to write anything.

--Noelle Sterne Author, Trust Your Life: Forgive Yourself and
Go After Your Dreams
Columnist, Inscribing Industry

Anne Wayman on the 5 Biggest Mistakes Freelancers Make...

You’ve sold a book, or several articles, or you’ve worked inside publishing someplace and you long to declare yourself a freelance writer and go home and write. Or maybe you’ve already made the leap. Either way, here are the five biggest mistakes writers make when they transition to freelancing – avoid these and you increase your chances of success immeasurably.

1. Not treating your writing as a business.
The idea of freelancing may seem romantic, but the truth is you must treat your freelance writing like a business if you are to succeed. This means setting goals, tracking income and expenses, paying self-employment taxes and all the other things that go into making a business work. This isn’t glamorous but it’s necessary. And once you get the business side organized it’s not too onerous.

2. Not determining how much to charge.
Determining how much money you need to charge is imperative. If you don’t you won’t know how to answer the question, “how much do you charge?” The place to start is with your monthly expenses. Then add about a third and work that out to an hourly rate based on how many hours you can realistically expect to write five days a week. I can manage about four hours of real writing every day. The rest of my time is prep, marketing and the business stuff. It will take awhile to really know how much time writing jobs will actually take you, but knowing your hourly rate will help you not under charge. And yes, you’ll make mistakes – which is okay. Just learn from them.

3. Not insisting on a written agreement.
I can’t count the number of writers who have contacted me with what they call problem clients and it turns out there’s no contract or written agreement. It’s not the client that’s the problem; it’s the lack of a clear, written understanding between you and your client that causes most of the grief. Contracts (which can be simple but clear emails) need to describe the work, describe the deadlines, explain the method of payment and say what to do when there’s a problem. You don’t need a lawyer, just a clear agreement.

4. Not implementing a marketing plan.
Yes, you need to market your writing. The plan can be simple – like three queries a week, or five cold calls a day, or two blog posts on the blog that markets you, or developing your own website or ordering and using business cards. There are at least a gazillion things you can do to market yourself and your writing. Get one small one done a day and you’re sure to be a success.

5. Not respecting your time.
Folks, all of us have the same 24 hours in every day – if you don’t respect, even cherish, your time no one else will. Train yourself and your family and friends to honor your writing time. Don’t answer the door, turn off the phone – do what you have to so you can write and conduct your freelance writing business. One of my most successful writing friends hired a nanny just so she can write every day. Do what it takes and you’ll see positive results.
On the other hand, if you work out how to avoid each of these problem areas you’re likely to wake up one morning and realize you truly are a successful freelance writer.
What else would you add to this list?

BIO:
Anne Wayman is a writing coach, ghostwriter and blogger who has been writing longer than she now cares to admit. AboutFreelanceWriting is where she blogs about writing. She blogs about 12 Step recovery at PowerfullyRecovered.com, about money at DollarsandDebt.com and life at WhenGrandmotherSpeaks.com

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Week End Wrap Up!

Ah...October. Can't you feel the cool breeze, the beauty of the changing leaves, the less frantic pace?

Where did the year go, right? lol

Before we "officially" transition into the next and final quarter of the year, I just wanted to chat with you to share things of potential interest and importance.

First and foremost, here's a "shout-out" to all my new followers! So happy to have you here. Welcome to the Pen and Prosper community. I've got a great, diverse group assembled, and I hope you feel inspired to join the conversation, or pose a question, as the situation dictates.

September actually saw the greatest month of followers at one time: I had eight new people. (This is really WAY cool, in that I took a 2 week vacation break, and did not post as often). Bravo and many thanks!

If anyone would like to introduce him/herself, tell us a little about who you are, and how you heard about Pen and Prosper, that would be awesome! We'd love to hear from you.


September was also a great month for guest posting. I had loads of fun and connected with quality readers at the following sites:

ABOUT FREELANCE WRITING---7 Ways to Blog Like a God

DAILY BLOG TIPS---6 Things Writers Can Learn from Rappers!

If you have an opportunity, please stop by and leave a comment.
As always, I appreciate your thoughts and your time.

Additionally, I sold a piece to a market that I have been trying to break in for about 5 years! Perseverance pays. Details and link later.

I even had an interview posted at Marcie Writes. (Thanks, Marcie).


Would you too like to have more writing successes? Earn pay for your say?
Put your money where your mouth is. :-)

Hop on over to Coffeehouseforwriters.com and register for one of the many exciting online classes for writers of all levels and genres.

Join before Monday, and get a free how-to book valued at $15.00 as a thank you to October students.

Well, that's a wrap, folks!

Here's wishing you an awesome week--writing and otherwise!

Jen