4 Common Writing Myths That Keep You From Making Money...And Making Progress

Make no mistake about it. Writing in today’s economic climate has become as competitive as professional sports!

And if you’d like to “score” more opportunities to have your work published, reach readers, and get paid, don't drop the ball.
You must recognize that success is as much about having a good game plan and the proper mindset, as it is about having proficiency with words.
I've said this before, but repetition reinforces...

With this in mind, here are four principles and practices to consider:

1. You are a writer when you “think” and declare you’re a writer.
Uh, no you’re not.
Sorry, thinking doesn’t always make it so. Here’s a case in point: My “inner Diva” thinks she’s a size 6. But no matter how often I try to align this mental perception with the physical reality, it just doesn’t work. There‘s no nexus.
When I try on a size 6 in the dressing room, the proof is right before me. The clothes stubbornly refuse to cooperate. My point? You’re a writer when you take this craft seriously. When you put pen to paper consistently. When you study and read and apply accordingly. When you submit to editors and risk rejection. Until then, you’re like my inner Diva--just a dreamer. :-)
Consider this. Lawyers don’t become lawyers by “thinking” it, nor do doctors, nor do teachers. IMHO neither should writers. :-)

2. Bloggers that Blog on free platforms (Wordpress, Blogger, etc.) aren’t taken seriously.
Don’t believe the hype!
Well -noted authors and public figures have been able to achieve the same goals and notoriety as their self-hosted peers. People like Kelly James Enger and Hope Clark to name a few. Not to mention, my Blog, (gratefully), has allowed me to garner clients, get decent paying writing gigs, win awards, and guest post at many of the top-dog Blog sites for writers. And yours can too! The key? Excellent content, easy navigation, take-away value, and a serious attitude about success.

3. The more you post, the better.
It all depends. Sometimes less is more, folks.
For most bloggers, posting everyday is a struggle. But they’ve bought into the belief that the more they update their blogs, the more they’ll be remembered, and the higher they’ll rank in Google.
Proceed with caution; sometimes this can do more harm than good. Blogging in excess can cause you and your readers to feel bored and overwhelmed. Particularly if it’s not quality content. Choose wisely. Remember that if you're bored, more than likely your readers will be too.

4. For real writing success, you must write something everyday.
I’ll let you in on a little secret here…
As a professional writer and blogger, for over a decade, (who has earned thousands of dollars in the process), I can attest that I have never written everyday. And likely never will.
Sometimes I spend creative time reading, watching movies, hanging out with other creative cool cats and doing things to actually have a “life” to write about!
Hello? Don’t feel guilty if you miss a day or two from your writing routine.
Relax when warranted. And most of all, find out what really “works” for you and then work it!

How about you? Any of these myths you're guilty of buying into? Any you'd like to add to the mix? Let me hear from you. :-)


Image: SPFF

Announcements--Thursday's This and That...

Happy Thursday,
Pen and Prosper Peeps,
I hope you guys are having a great week, (writing and otherwise), and finding ways to beat this heat!

I'd like to start out by welcoming all my new "followers" for June and July.
I'm pleased as punch to have you here. :-)
I believe that you'll find useful information and a welcoming community.
Of course you're not obligated to do so, but I'd love to hear from you through a comment or two!

I'm happy to report that it's been a good writing week. Proud to announce that I just sold two pieces on writing to Writers Weekly and Writing World, and I'm pretty geeked about it! Trust me, it was no easy task. :-)
However, the editors are really cool to work with.
No publication date as of yet, but I'll keep you posted.

Congrats go out to Pen and Prosper followers and friends---Janette Dolores and Yasmin Morais for placing among the 50 finalists in the Good Earth Tea Tag Quote Contest.
Much luck to you ladies. I'm hoping you'll land in the top 25 winners.

Coffeehouse For Writers starts early registration for its up and coming exciting season of online writer's classes. Work at your own pace in your own space! Popular classes include: BootCamp for Writers, Blogging For Fun or Profit, Writing for Magazines, Writing Historical Fiction, and more. Register today for a better writing future. To learn more about these affordable classes, visit www.Coffeehouseforwriters.com

Writing buddy, Karen Lange at Write Now, has some pretty interesting contests and give-aways at her site.
You might wanna' give her a visit in your weekly blog hop.

In need of a ghostwriter for a book, blog project, or article?
In addition to my wide array of creative offerings, ghostwriting is a service I currently provide to busy professionals.

To learn more, contact me at Gemsjen@yahoo.com.

And, last but not least, due to technical glitches, I have not been able to access my Emails at my former address. If you've tried to submit a guest post, or connect with me, with no response, this is the reason why. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Until further notice, please submit guest posts and correspondence to the updated contact info provided via the "Contact" page of this blog.

Have a wonderful week!

Any good news or comments on your end?

IMAGE: SPFF

Interview With Author, Life Coach and Editor, Sandra Kischuk

Today, it's my pleasure to present to you, author Sandra Kischuk.
In today's interview she shares her creative struggles as well as her secrets to success.
Please join me in welcoming her.

Can you tell us a little about who you are and your background?
I first started getting a reputation as a “writer” in fifth grade. By that time, I had read virtually every juvenile book in the public library. Mom caught me reading Gone with the Wind—and made me take it back because it was inappropriate. The next book I checked out was Albert Camus’ The Plague. She let me read that one, but I don’t think she knew what it was.

My interests were broad—from nature and science, to literature and the arts. Early college was Pre-Med. I wanted to go to Africa as a medical missionary . . . but my own medical problems short-circuited that goal. I finished a degree in interior design, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Economics), three years toward a Fine Arts degree (a divorce ended that pursuit), a Master of Science in Management Information Systems (computers), and a Master Certificate in Project Management. Multiple Sclerosis derailed my career in corporate America . . . and put me where I should have been all along . . . writing.

Describe your creative process. Owl or lark? Do you write everyday?
I turn the computer on when I wake up, and get the coffee going while it wakes up. Early morning (from about six to eleven) is my optimal creative time, although I sometimes get a second wind. By afternoon, I’m usually editing . . . and evening, I work as long as I can until the brain turns to fudge. I rarely take a day off from writing. When I do, it is to see friends or family, or because the garden really needs more attention than I have been giving it—I grow a lot of my own food.

When I hit “the wall” during the day, I take walks, clean house, cook, or work in the garden.

How would you define success as a writer?
Success as a writer is learning that something you have written has made a difference in someone else’s life.

What has been your most rewarding accomplishment thus far?
All of them. Every time I get a piece of work published, every time someone tells me they like a piece, every time someone gets a job with a résumé I wrote, every time someone gets into law school because I took their information and crafted a “personal statement,” I’m thrilled and grateful.

What would it surprise others to know about you?
Today, people first meeting me would be surprised that I have had multiple sclerosis for over thirty years . . . and that I have been blind, paralyzed, numb from the ribcage down, unable to walk, unable to talk, and had no balance. In July, I am planning to publish my book detailing how I narrowly escaped a future in assisted living facility. Fighting the Dragon: How I Beat Multiple Sclerosis actually has an endorsement by Dr. Julian Whitaker of Whitaker Wellness Center!

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received about a writing career?
Butt in chair.

Do you think that the economy has had an adverse effect on the bottom line of today‘s writer? Or do you feel that writing is recession proof?
There is still work out there, but you have to be creative in finding it. I have found my greatest asset is my willingness to study and learn different writing and editing skills. Good writing is good writing. When people realize what an asset you can be in preventing them from looking like idiots, they appreciate you.

That being said, if you’re doing specific work for someone, get at least half of the money up front. It may be all the money you see. Or . . . require a retainer up front, do the work, verify their satisfaction, and STOP working when the money runs out. If they need more work, request another retainer.

Who are some of your favorite authors and/or bloggers?
I enjoy Carl Hiaasen for his quirky humor . . . and was intrigued when I finally figured out HOW he gets into all his characters’ heads without irritating the h… out of me. Normally, POV violations drive me nuts . . . but what he does is observe the characters’ thoughts and feelings instead of jumping right into their heads. Masterful. I make it a point to read a wide variety of fiction and nonfiction . . . to learn the genre differences, observe writing styles and trends, and evaluate story construction.

What‘s your take on social media?
A necessary evil. I need to get more active and knowledgeable. At the same time, I see an energy trap. You could land in social media world and end up eating up all your creative juices with very little to show for it. It’s quicksand . . . which we, as writers, probably need to master if we want to optimize our visibility.

If you had not chosen writing, what other career might you have pursued?
Artist. Doctor. Engineer. As it is, I combine my writing with my art . . . as in my recently released children’s picture book, The Whose-its and Whats-its. (Available on Amazon)

If you could be a literary “super-hero” what would your power be? If I could be a literary super-hero, I would have the ability to stretch time and maintain optimum performance. I don’t seem to have enough hours in the day.

Tell us a little about your Coffeehouse classes and your teaching philosophy.
My teaching philosophy is much the same as my coaching philosophy (I also work as a Life and Writing Coach)—I want to help people become the best they can be. I’m not sure today’s formal education process is doing people any favors, so my goal is to help writers discover their strengths and weaknesses . . . and to develop their writing “voices.”

“The First Edit: Finding and Fixing Your Own Writing Errors” is designed to help the writers identify errors in their writing and learn how to improve their work. It is not intended to be the final edit, but more, to reduce the cost of editing because the writers have done a lot of the work themselves.

“Your Personal Editor” is a course which gives writers the experience of working with an editor at a reduced rate so they are less intimidated by the idea. Also, if the writer applies what is learned during the course, a hired editor should cost less because there is less work.

My “Grantwriting” course is a comprehensive course designed for people who need to learn to write grants for the organizations they work for, or for which they are volunteers . . . or for someone considering pursuing grantwriting as a career.

To learn more, or to sign up for one of Sandra's classes, visit www.Coffeehouseforwriters.com

Why You Must Fix Your Finances...Finally. Or What Every Freelancer Must Know...

Every year, thousands of stressed, tired of living paycheck-to-paycheck Americans vow to get their "financial houses" in order.

It's the one resolution that seems to carry over from year to year.
Perhaps you're one of them.

But now, perhaps more than ever before, there has to be a greater sense of urgency.
Why?
Because we're living in uncertain times---and it really doesn't matter what corner of the world you live in. The impact is far reaching.
Countless Americans are seeing their "American dream" become a nightmare, through forced foreclosures.

Adding insult to injury, is the high unemployment rates, and the skyrocketing cost of living.
Remember that "rainy day" we were all told to save for?
Guess what? It's here.

And for entrepreneurs, the dynamics are even more challenging.

With this is mind, here are a few tips for freelancing during tough times:

1. Have multiple streams of income, whenever possible.
Believe me, there's great truth to the adage, "Never put all your eggs in one basket."
If you write articles, don't turn your nose up at penning a few blog posts.
Perhaps you can use your own blog to earn income from ads, or sell your books. Edit the work of others. Try your hand at greeting card verse. If you're a shutter bug, adding photos to your articles can sometimes command greater pay.

The possibilities are endless. Stay open to them.
The more you have going on, the less likely you'll be devastated if your favorite editor changes publications, or a client gives you the "pink slip" due to budget cuts.

2. Invest in yourself.
When you earn money from your creative gigs, try to put at least some of it back into the business. Upgrade your site. Or take an online class. Buy a book or two on the art of successful freelancing. The more you know, the more you grow.

3. Don't lose money by not knowing the art of negotiation.
Get agreements in writing. Even with friends. Even in the absence of a "formal contract" make sure to cover your "assets" by documenting the details of work arrangements through emails.
This should include your rate, the method of payment, the number of revisions expected, the frequency of payments, and the range and responsibilities of the project, for all parties involved. Additionally, to avoid feeling cheated, make sure to charge a fair rate for your services rendered.

4. Become familiar with "delayed gratification".
Freelancing requires a lot of discipline. Not just in terms of work habits; it's a mentality as well. While your 9 to 5 friends may be able to go on that group trip to Canada this summer, you may have to enjoy a "stay-cation" at home.
There's always a trade-off.
Learn to distinguish between luxuries and necessities. And most of all, stop trying to keep up with the Joneses. :-)

5. Embrace the frugal lifestyle.
This doesn't mean that you have to subject yourself to conditions comparable to living in a third world country. It simply means that you should be more conscious of saving money where you can. This can include cutting coupons, comparison shopping, and eating out less.
The Good Book advises, "moderation in all things."

6. Save!
Nothing makes you quite as vulnerable as not having a stash in the bank for back-up.
Besides being stressful, it can make freelancing costly.
Things like not being able to afford a computer guy if you need virus protection or repair. Or perhaps, not being able to provide for unexpected emergencies, or basic insurance in the event of illness.

There's no denying, freelancing can be a beautiful way to earn a living, and to experience freedom unequaled. To maintain a good quality of life, make sure to make sound decisions and embrace these six timely tips.

Your turn. Thoughts?

Image: SPFF

Lessons on Writing Served up Straight From the "Kitchen"!

If you’ve followed this blog for more than a hot minute, you know two things for certain: I love writing and I’m a true “foodie“.

Yep. Though I’m a modern woman who has no problem with making my own way in the business world, and being fierce, I‘m unapologetically “old school” when it comes to being domestic.
I love trying new recipes, watching food shows, creating kitchen crafts, and impressing the male species through my culinary skills.

Name a cooking show, and it’s likely it’s on my weekly line-up.
From Simply Ming, to Katie Brown’s Workshop, to America’s Test Kitchen, to Rachael Ray, to old episodes of Julia Child.
Oddly, I also find them relaxing.

Which is why I’m a huge fan of the weekly Fox 32 hit show, “Hell’s Kitchen”.

Any other “customers” out there?
For those who are not on board, here’s a quick run-down.

Essentially, Hell’s Kitchen is a popular, reality show that engages cooks from all areas and backgrounds in a culinary competition of sorts; with the winner earning bragging rights, cash, and the opportunity to be a head chef at a designated upscale restaurant.

Think of it as the American Idol for “food performers” .

Though you typically won’t find recipes you can quickly whip up at home for the family, the show has great entertainment value, and an assortment of lessons it “serves up” for today’s writer.

Here are a few I culled from a recent episode. See if you agree.

1. If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen!
Master Chef, Gordon Ramsay, is insanely wicked when it comes to critiques of contestants.
He makes comedian Andrew Dice Clay sound like a Boy Scout comparatively. (Hence the name, “Hell’s Kitchen”.) So be forewarned!
The point here?
Sometimes rejection letters, commentary provided by editors, and even general blog comments by readers, can be brutal and unfair.
Don’t let it permanently burn you. It comes with the territory. Apply what you can. Pass on leftovers.

2. Don’t discount expert experience.
Generally speaking, experts in any field, are designated experts for a reason.
They’ve done their homework. They’ve traveled where you’re trying to go.
They know some things that you don’t. Hello?
Each show, I’m amazed at how resistant some folks are to the advice of their mentors.
Though confidence is an admirable trait, confidence should never come before competence.
It doesn’t even in the dictionary.

3. Be careful not to “stir the pot”.
Let’s face it: You won’t always like a client, collaborator or colleague--but it’s important to strive to get along and to be professional. Don’t wage silly word wars through social media and online bulletin boards. It can mean career suicide.

4. Organize your work space for greater efficiency.
We all love our corners of clutter, don’t we? Sometimes it seems easier to let the piles grow, rather than to sift, file, decide and discard--as the situation dictates. We simply put it off, and ultimately toss needed organizing to our mounting to-do list.

But, I’ve found that clean desks and orderly quarters often contribute to clearer thinking and a sense of balance and peace. Not to mention, the easier it is to put our hands on desk calendars, valuable interview notes, ink pens, stamps, etc. the better we function, and the more time we have to write!

5. Appearance is important.
In cooking, delectable dishes are made more appealing through a technique called “plating”.
Plating involves the balance of colors and textures, arrangement of food, and general cleanliness.
For writers and bloggers, we can compare this concept to the way our sites are designed, images used, sidebar content, and formatting of text. It should also include a presentation void of typos and grammatical errors.

6. Good cooking, like good writing, takes time.
Let it simmer. Recognize that there is a learning curve and a discovery process.
Experiment. Prepare with love.

These six tips are intended to provide food for thought for writers of all levels and genres.
Embrace and enjoy...
Bon appetit!

Thoughts? Any comments brewing?

Image Credit: SPFF

Going the Distance-5 Questions You Must Answer to Become a Better Blogger Today

It goes without saying that blogging affords today’s writer increased visibility, the opportunity to build a fan base, and a way to be “heard”.

Which is why blogging has become hugely popular, with millions of sites launched in to the blogosphere since its inception.

But, just because something is “popular” doesn’t mean that everybody ought to do it.
Hello?
Crazier still, is blogging without any real direction or goals.

Or let me put it this way…
Most of us wouldn’t dream of navigating new territory without a road map in hand to guide the way, save time, and have fewer detours. Right?
Well, a similar concept applies when it comes to venturing the path of blogging.
If you don’t know where you’re going, how will you get there?

To permeate your “blog fog“, here are five questions every blogger must answer to go the distance, avoid burnout, and yield maximum results...NOW.


1. What is your blog’s brand?
We’ve discussed this before, but it bears repeating.
Branding involves knowing your strengths and weaknesses, your target audience, and your U.S.P. (Unique selling position). Essentially, it’s how you want your blog to be perceived and distinguished throughout the blogosphere. You should be able to establish it clearly and consistently.

2. Why should readers hang out with you?
In other words, what’s in it for them? We know what’s in it for you. :-)
Will you court controversy? Educate? Increase awareness of an important cause? Entertain?
Think of why you give repeat business to your favorite restaurant or retailer. Assess then apply.

3. What are your goals?
When I first started out, it was to build a platform. Then I wanted to connect with quality, like-minded folks. Then I wanted to reach 100 followers. Then it became wanting to make a "real" difference. As time evolved, I wanted to make some money too. Next year, it’s to be named by Writer’s Digest as a top blog. My point? Goals will govern your actions, keep you motivated, and increase your productivity.

4. What’s your game plan?
How will you maintain the momentum?
Sure everybody can blog. But to blog SUCCESSFULLY, long term? That’s a horse of a different color. Will you accept guest posts? Conduct interviews? Share book reviews? Provide links to quality content around the Web? Take periodic breaks? Form a blogging team? Post weekly?

Maybe all of the above? It’s up to you. Again, it all depends on your goals, lifestyle, blogging personality, and reading audience. However, the more specific and clearer you are, the greater the odds of future success (and the less stress)!

5. Who will serve as blog role models?
Sure, you could go it alone. But why would you? Learn to “work smarter, not harder”.
Even the Good Book says that “the wise seek counsel”.
Shorten your learning curve by studying the big dogs in blogs!
Darren Rowse, James Chartrand, and Brian Clark are a few good examples.

As you continue to embark upon your blogging journey, keep these five questions in mind. 'Cause if you haven't got a clue, you haven't got a chance. :-)

Your turn. Feel free to share your questions or feedback.

Image Credit: Andrea Brill

A Sunday Sit-down With Mystery Writer and Freelancer, Susan Sundwall

Can you tell us a little about who you are and your background?

I was born in Minnestota, attended school in California and moved to New York when I married. I have three sons and six grandchildren and I didn’t start writing seriously until the nest was empty. I’m an avid reader and that fuels my desire to write.


Describe your creative process. Owl or lark? Do you write everyday?

Definitely a lark! Can’t write a word after seven o’clock at night. I usually write for my blog first then tackle any urgent projects next. I’m always on the lookout for new markets. I don’t write every day – I know, I know – I’m such a rebel! But my creative juices work best at rest. If I go a day or two without writing, when I do sit down I’m like a buzz saw – get outta my way!

How would you define success as a writer?

Success as a writer means getting your work out there. I’ve done that from the get-go. Write it up, clean it up and send it. And don’t worry about failing. Do your failing in the beginning and get it over with. Learn from it and surge forth.

What has been your most rewarding accomplishment thus far?

The biggest reward of my writing career was having a book publisher say, “We’ve read your book and would like to publish it.” Doesn’t get better than that.

What would it surprise others to know about you?

I’m a very heavy drinker. Ha! Just kidding. But I do like my coffee and wine.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received about a writing career?

Never send out the first draft!

Do you think that the economy has had an adverse effect on the bottom line of today‘s writer? Or do you feel that writing is recession proof?

Nothing is recesson proof. We have no idea how even the slightest shift in the economy can affect us. When companies have to worry about constant new legislation, mandates, and regulations they can’t branch out, expand and hire. They circle the wagons and draw our payments out to 90+ days, use staff writers more, shift focus or stop operating altogether. Not good.

Who are some of your favorite authors and/or bloggers?

I love Janet Evanovich, Elizabeth George, Martha Grimes, David Baldacci, John Grisham, James Harriot, and Francine Rivers. For bloggers I like Jennifer Brown Banks, Nathan Bransford, Linda O’Connell.

What‘s your take on social media?

Social media allows me to keep in touch with my West coast family and I love it. It’s also a superb way to get your name out there.

If you had not chosen writing, what other career might you have pursued?

Children love me and I once seriously considered opening a day care center. That was before all the rules and regulations. But I would have enjoyed it very much.

If you could be a literary “super-hero” what would your power be?

To be able to pluck just the right word out of the air every time I get stuck for one.

BIO:
Susan Sundwall is a mystery writer, freelancer and blogger.
Her work has appeared online in various publications for writers such as Writing for Dollars, WritingWorld.com and Writers Weekly.
Learn more at www.susansundwall.blogspot.com

How to Get More People to Drink Your "Kool-Aid"* A Lesson in Blog Branding

“I’d rather fight than switch.”---Cigarette commercial slogan from the ‘60s

Make no mistake about it. Blog readers are “consumers”.
They seek value for their time, “products” that solve problems and pretty packaging.
And they want a rewarding experience from spots that they frequent.

And why shouldn’t they? These days they have a myriad of choices. Hello? Google “writing blogs” and you’ll yield more than a million search results with some pretty awesome sites. All the more reason why “brand loyalty” is important to keep today’s busy reader captive and coming back for more.

You want loyal readers because they’re your best form of advertising. Loyal readers are the first ones to typically purchase products and services and to tell others, and they are your biggest cheerleaders and support network.

With this in mind, here are six savvy ways to foster brand loyalty through your blog.

1. Understand that there is a psychology to selling.
Whether you’re peddling words or widgets, success depends upon studying and identifying your target audience, their habits, their needs, and how to reach them. And then delivering!

2. Don’t just disseminate information, strive to solve problems.
Though many blog readers visit sites for their entertainment value and vent sessions, a vast number are also seeking ways to solve common problems. If you’re able to accomplish this in your blogging efforts, you’ll definitely “win friends and influence people.” Are you an expert in time management? A technical whiz? Versed in SEO lingo? Share. Helping others increases your value and builds relationships in the blogging community.

3. Appeal to their senses.
Though content is king, appearance is equally important. Think of your blog’s design as the equivalent to “curb appeal” in marketing a home.
If visitors can’t get beyond the initial appearance, there’s no sell.
Which is why you need to have them at hello. Make sure your site is easy to navigate, void of excessive “clutter” (unnecessary words), has attractive, complementary colors, and easy to read fonts. An attractive photo of yourself also enhances the layout and comes across as more personal.

4. Establish a reputation for excellence.
There’s great truth to the adage, “Excellence is its own reward.” Be known for going the extra mile. Achieve this by providing quality, generous posts with great take-away value, void of grammatical errors and typos. Take away value can be established through including additional resources, job leads, book reviews, contests and give-aways. Additionally, make sure that you deliver on what your post’s titles promise. Remember, excellence breeds confidence.

5. Be a virtuoso!
In a sea of many, unless your “voice” is different, you won’t be heard or distinguished as you-nique. Your online voice is a combination of your communication style, your perspective, your tone, and your choice of words.
It’s okay to follow the advice of experts you admire, but be original. Write your own stories and tell them as only you can. Authenticity rocks.

6. Provide good “customer service.”
You can have a design to-die-for and content that causes folks to stand up and take notice, still, if you neglect to respond to readers’ comments, or ignore questions posed, you’ll lose some of your fan base. Blogs are supposed to be interactive by their very nature.

If you want more readers to buy into your brand and invest their time and money, follow these timely tips.
Fostering brand loyalty is the key to longevity and prosperity in today’s blogging game.

And who wouldn’t want followers that would rather “fight than switch?”
Your turn. Thoughts? What's your blog's brand?

IMAGE CREDIT: SPFF