Resolutions Rescue! How to Accomplish More of Your Goals in 2014

Welcome to a new year, and a new edition of Pen and Prosper.
It’s such a pleasure to have you join me. A special “shout-out” to my new followers…and a heart-felt “thank you” for those who continue to read and support this Blog.

It’s that intimidating time of year again, folks …

You know: when you carry over last year’s left over dreams and factor in the new year’s infinite possibilities, to diligently devise your resolutions for the next 12 months.

It sounds like a long division math problem from back in school, doesn’t it?
Well, don’t let it stump you. It doesn’t have to boggle the brain. And you’re not being graded here.

For some folks, ushering in a new year is an exciting time to explore new horizons, experiment, and reach new heights. Unfortunately for others, it’s a frustrating endeavor that makes them feel as if they’ve missed the mark. Yet again.

Which category would you likely fall in?

According to statistics, about 45% of the population create New Year’s resolutions. Forbes.com reports that only 8% of people actually achieve them.

Before we address how to have greater success in achieving your resolutions in 2014, it’s crucial to examine previous efforts and heed the “lessons” that even failure imparts.

Here’s why.
To loosely quote Dr. Phil, “You can’t fix what you don’t acknowledge first.”
So let’s look at a few of the most common reasons I believe people don’t achieve their resolutions. See if any would apply to you and your circumstances.
　
THE 8 MOST COMMON REASONS FOR NOT MEETING NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

1. They’re unrealistically based. How can you win the lottery if you don’t even play? J
2. They’re not approached with a specific game plan and practical strategies.
3. They feel more like work than fun.
4. A lack of proper resources to help carry them out. For example, you want to go back to college, but you don’t have the funds.
5. Losing momentum. In other words, you start out with the best of intentions, then you “lose that lovin’ feelin'." For bloggers, it can sometimes be the result of working hard week after week, and not getting a lot of comments or followers to feel a sense of validation or a sense of community.
6.  Our priorities change. Someone loses a job, or a tragedy strikes, or we suffer a financial set-back.
7. We lack time, discipline, or confidence.
8. Procrastination. Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow? Sound familiar?

Now that we’ve tackled the “whys,” let’s apply some principles and practices to help you discover “how” to score more than in the year before.

• Don’t agonize, strategize. It makes no sense to complain about the “battle of the budge” if you refuse to modify your eating habits, or to complain about not getting published, if you’re not researching markets and submitting work regularly. Come up with a viable plan and work it.
• Recognize that Rome wasn’t built over night. Give yourself adequate time to see results.
•  Make a list of those goals that are the most important in the next 12 months. 6-12 things would be ideal. Too many and you’ll feel overwhelmed.
• If you notice a goal that keeps repeating itself each year, it should be re-examined and perhaps revised. Possibly even replaced. Hello?
• Establish both short and long term goals to keep you motivated. In other words, a short-term goal might be to subscribe to Writers Digest Magazine, to update your site, to pen a guest post at a popular Blog, or to join Pen and Prosper as a follower. A long-term goal might include writing a poetry book, or winning a contest, or finding an agent.
• Keep a positive momentum going by rewarding yourself for periodic successes. This can be something as simple as treating yourself to a manicure for an article you just sold, or a box of chocolates for a guest post you just landed, or a day of fun for reaching your desired income goal for the month.
• Write down your goals and game plan in a journal or post it in a prominent place in your office. The more visible it is, the more likely you are to review it, remember it, and follow through each week.
•   Consider partnering with a goal buddy. This “joint venture” will help to keep you both accountable and supported.
• Have fun. And keep proper perspective. "The only failures are those who fail to try."
• Lather. Rinse. Repeat. :-)

Wishing you a New Year filled with abundant blessings and good health.

Are you making any resolutions this year? Which has been the most difficult for you to master?
Do tell.

 

What's On Your Christmas Wish List?

It's that time of year again, folks. "He's making his list, he's checking it twice, he's gonna find out who's naughty or nice."

First off, I'm pretty grateful for the many "gifts" I've received throughout the year: home, health, family, friends, good food and good times. And your readership too!

So this year's list is pretty simple:

• A Deep Fryer       
• Some sexy go-go boots
• More music CDS
• Pretty journals
• Lovely pens (I collect them)
• Waterford Crystal (I collect crystal as well)
• A date with Keanu Reeves
• An interview with President Obama
• To win Write to Done's Top 10 Blogs
• Peace and Goodwill for all man kind
• More clients like those had in 2013

I also polled a few "pen" pals to see what was on their lists, here's what they said:

"If time and money were not an issue, I would build my writing and creativity center. I don't know where it is going to be located just yet."
---Marcie Hill

 

"As a busy working mom, I would love a two-week, all expenses paid writers' retreat at a location of my choice. I would also welcome several collections of Robert Frost's poems."

---Yasmin M.

 

"My answer is boring: if money were unlimited, I'd get myself a new car for Christmas. Wouldn't many of us, though? :-)

As for a writer's gift, I'd appreciate a more comfortable chair to write in over the just-so-so one I have now in my home office. I'm thinking a cushy leather chair that I can sink into, and it would have to swivel."

---Janette D.

"The one gift I would like (besides a new Jeep Cherokee, lol) would be an extended vacation out west with my husband. This time away would include writing time (hubby would enjoy quiet time to study while I write)."
---Karen L.
 

Okay, so assuming you've been nice not naughty this year, what would you ask Old St. Nick for? Do tell. :-)

 

 

Personal note:
Pen and Prosper will be on holiday break from December 18th-January 1, 2014.

I look forward to helping you learn more and earn more in the year ahead.

Season's blessings to you and yours...

 

Warmly,

Jen

 

 

 

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

 

 

 

 



Does a Blog With Multiple Contributing Authors Dilute Your "Brand?"

I've seen an increasing trend these days in my weekly online Blog travels.
It appears that in order to expand areas of expertise covered and lessen the blogging load, many bloggers are bringing on board contributing authors and posting as a collective team.

Some popular examples would be Inkwell Editorial, Writers in Charge, and Biz Chick Blog.
I suppose it's an option that many of us have at least briefly considered, in terms of our strategic direction and blogging approach.
Perhaps you're one of them.

If so, today's post will address some of the pros and cons of blogging individually vs. blogging as a member of a group.

If you're on board, let's get started...

What exactly is your "Brand?"

Simply put, your brand is the identity or reputation associated with you and your product. 
In this particular instance, we're dealing with your "brand" being who you are as a freelance writer and blogger.
There are many different aspects involved here. Your logo is part of your brand. Your slogan is part of your brand. Your style is part of your brand. It distinguishes you from others.

Here's another way to look at it. Neiman Marcus would be associated with high-end merchandise, while the Dollar Store's brand would be inexpensive items that offer great savings by being economically priced.

Now, let's look at the difference between accepting Guest Posters and having Contributing Authors as it relates to branding...

Few would argue that having multiple authors periodically share their views and "voices" is beneficial to a blog and its readers. Essentially, it provides diversity and a more well-rounded reading experience. In fact, it's one of the reasons that Guest Blogging remains so popular. Hello?

But there is indeed a difference between having a guest blogger to pen a post every now and then, and having different bloggers write pieces on a weekly basis.
The most obvious being that one situation is temporary, whereas the other is more long term.
Also to be considered is that contributing authors not only contribute to your blog's offerings, but to your blog's overall online image. As such, there's more to be factored into the equation of whether or not you should participate in this type of blogging model.

Some might contend that when it comes to blogging, "the more the merrier."
Well, it depends.
Here are some pros and cons to consider to team blogging:

PROS:

• The opportunity to collaborate on blog ideas and strategies. There is some truth to the adage, "two heads are better than one."
• The potential for the lead blogger to take time off from blogging to pursue other creative projects without a lapse in coverage for readers.
• Variety for blog followers and the general reading audience.
• Being able to capitalize on other team members' areas of expertise.
• Increased traffic due to the other members' collective fan base and media circle following.

CONS:

• Though less time is spent by the main blogger in writing posts, more time has to be devoted to reviewing and editing posts--which then becomes more like "project management."
• Others bloggers may not necessarily share your vision or your sense of urgency.
• Readers may not "engage" with or like the other personalities featured. Or, they may like them more.
• Your blog becomes less about you and more about the "flavor of the week" so to speak.

From my perspective, here are a few types of blogging set ups where multiple authors work well:

• Crafting blogs
• Poetry blogs
• Photography blogs
• Cooking blogs
• Parenting blogs
• Commentary blogs
• Reviews blogs
• Shopping blogs
• Relationship blogs

Though there is validity to the expression, "There is strength in numbers," when it comes to blogging, more isn't always better. Choose wisely.

Your turn. Thoughts? Agree or disagree?
Do you read any group blogs?

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

Too Much "Backstory" to Your Story?

Tips on Successful Story Development...Courtesy of Alfred Hitchcock

“Sometimes less is more.”---Anonymous

 

History is an important element to the evolution of just about every good story.
Not convinced here?
Consider one of the most widely read and revered stories of our times: The Bible.
And as you may recall, it opens with, “In the beginning…”

Still, many writers and even professional speakers have difficulty in determining how much background info to include to draw audiences in, engage them, and help them to understand key characters, story plots, and the all-important “5Ws” behind their creative “presentations.”

As an example, here’s a little “backstory” to today’s article..

Last week, I got a call from a relative, who phoned to just catch up, since we hadn’t spoken in awhile. I have somewhat of a love/hate relationship with our phone sessions. On one hand, she’s a good conversationalist and a natural story teller. Many folks find her witty, colorful, well informed, and well-rounded. She often tells us, “Good times don’t owe me nothing.” With her knack for embellishing and spinning a story, it’s not unusual to find her personal “adventures” as entertaining as your favorite soaps!

The "hate" part? Getting her to stay focused and get to the point can be as painful as a visit to the dentist. She bogs you down in unnecessary details and detours. And nostalgic trips that go no where…

Though I love her dearly, I’ve been known to say in the course of our conversations, “Please just give me the "Cliff Notes" version.”

And many busy readers today will want a similar regard and consideration for their time.
There is great truth to the adage, “Sometimes less is more.”

Which is why your story needs to unfold in the “write” amount of time.

In other words, give readers too much history and they will likely get overwhelmed and overburdened in trying to remember too many facts, places and faces. Give too little history, and they’re left with a bunch of unanswered questions and missing puzzle pieces; which can compromise their overall experience and cause "roving eyes" elsewhere.

A BETTER WAY…
I like to call it the Alfred Hitchcock method.
For decades, this mystery writer dazzled and dangled audiences because he was a master storyteller. He knew just how to create mystery, by leaving some things out, and yet instinctively knowing what to pitch in. He gave viewers everything they wanted in a “who-dun-it.” Of course I’m much too young to have watched the original version; I’m talking about the recent reruns here. LOL

Any Hitchcock fans out there?

　

 Here’s a better approach.

Give snippets of information to intrigue audiences. Don’t over elaborate. Give clues like… A missing glove. An anonymous phone call. Don’t insult readers’ intelligence by feeling it's necessary to explain everything in advance.

Of course this doesn’t apply to all genres of writing, but in essence, keep info on a “need to know basis.”

The key is to captivate readers without holding them captive.

　
Now…that’s my story. And I’m sticking with it!

Thoughts?
Agree or disagree? How do you decide how much background info to include in your work, when relevant?

 

Image:

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/