10 Resolutions Every Writer Should Make and Keep for 2015!

We're hours away to a new year. You can feel the energy in the air. I don't know about you, but I rather dig what this special time symbolizes.
The New Year is like a blank canvas awaiting our individual "masterpiece." A time to create with greater passion and purpose.
It's a fresh start. There's so much to explore. So much to discover. So much potential to be realized.

And as is customary of this time of year, it's a season to reflect on what actions we need to take to reach new heights in our careers.
That's right. It's resolutions time.
But before we embark upon those that are most beneficial for today's writers, let's examine why resolutions often fail from year to year in general, to increase our odds for success in 2015. Shall we?

• They're unrealistic. Remember when you vowed to write 1000 words everyday? Most of us can't even successfully master the requirements of NANOWRIMO, for one month. Especially when you factor in the rigors of a full-time job, family obligations, and personal commitments. Better to be realistic than overly ambitious. Start with small, manageable goals then work your way up from there.
• They're not clearly defined with logical steps. To vow that you will "one day write a book" won't cut it. Instead devise a specific game plan with concrete deadlines.  
• They're not written down and revisited on a regular basis. Studies show that people that write down their goals are 3X more likely to achieve them than those that don't. 

With this in mind, here are 10 Resolutions to "swear by" for 2015:

1. TO READ MORE
For most of my life, I've always been an avid reader. But, with the closing of several brick and mortar bookstores in my area, and time constraints, I find myself doing less. It's impossible to develop your creative muscles, fire the imagination, or understand the needs of an audience without reading books. It's really that simple.

2. TO SPEND MONEY ON BUSINESS ENHANCEMENT AND PERSONAL ADVANCEMENT
I'm amazed at how little most writers spend on services, classes and products that will help them to reap a greater return on their sweat equity. Don't let that be you. There's great truth to the adage, "You've got to spend money to make money." 2015 is a great time to update those business cards, take a class in photography, brand your blog with a  logo, or expand your writer's library. The possibilities are endless.

3. TO ESCAPE THE FEAST AND FAMINE CYCLE
One of the biggest challenges of being a creative artist is having consistent, reliable income that allows us to meet our obligations and maintain a decent quality of life. Clients come and go. Publications cut budgets. And sometimes writers unfortunately encounter "dead beats" that refuse to pay for services rendered. Because of this you'll need to diversify your projects, screen clients better, manage your time more efficiently, and save money when and where you can. Say bye-bye to a life of Ramen Noodles.

4. TO KEEP YOUR BLOG UPDATED CONSISTENTLY
I've said this before, but repetition reinforces. An updated blog with quality content will help you to better achieve your traffic and income goals.

5. TO ENTER CREATIVE CONTESTS
Everybody loves a winner! And participating in and winning creative contests will increase your online visibility, your credibility and regard as a writer, and your bottom line. For contest opportunities, check out FanStory.com.

6. TO JOIN A WRITERS' ORGANIZATION
Writers' groups are great for connecting with other artists for moral support and shared interests. Additionally, many of them offer insurance, job listings and critique groups.
Depending upon your needs, level, niche and lifestyle, you can join an online group or one in your local area.

7. TO PARTICIPATE IN MORE COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS
One thing that I highly recommend is contributing to one or more of the popular anthologies on various themes. "Chicken Soup" series is one example. They are loads of fun, allow you to meet other authors around the world, and even to travel for book signings in some cases. Anybody out there have any experience in this area?

8. TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE
It's no secret that  for many writers chocolate and caffeine are an integral part of our weekly menu. Not to mention, the sedentary lifestyle comprised of countless hours sitting behind a computer. If we're not careful, we can pack on the pounds; which can compromise our health and contribute to certain diseases and ailments. Indulge a little less. Work out a little more. Minimize stress. 'Nuff said.

9. TO IDENTIFY NEW MARKETS
Doing so will help you to expand your portfolio, increase your areas of expertise, and potentially create more income sources.

 10. TO STOP DOING WHAT ISN'T WORKING
This may seem like a no-brainer, but for some it really isn't. Don't be too stubborn to seek new strategies,  to study the success of others as a navigational guide, or to re-assess your direction, if you're not making measurable progress.
In the words of Sarah Palin, "Don't retreat. Reload!"

Well, there you have it. Ten practices and principles to put you on the path to success in the year ahead.

Happy New Year
readers, followers and fans!
May 2015 be a year of fulfilled dreams and wonderful things!


Thoughts? Which resolution here will you likely be working on?

5 Ways to Get in Gear For the New Year!

It's that time of year again, folks.
A time when the hectic pace of the holidays, pending plans, and countless commitments can have us divided like a fraction. With Xmas only a week away, I have yet to finish my shopping and finalize my dinner menu. And I'm betting here that I'm not the only one. :-)
Not to mention, my attempts at recreating my mom's version of turkey and dressing for Thanksgiving, gave a whole new definition to a "hot mess." So, I've got to redeem myself.
But that's another story for another time...

Amid all the madness, it can be difficult to maintain focus and maintain writing momentum. But we can. And we should.

After all, there's great truth to the expression, "It's not how you start, but how you finish."
With this as our navigational tool, let's look at a few ways we can end 2014 on a positive note, and usher in a new year with even greater potential.

1. Look Back.
Though it can sometimes be a bit discouraging to revisit our failures or the resolutions never realized, there's no better way to identify time wasters, creative weaknesses, or business strategies that need to be revised. For example, when you look at your income received, did it meet your expectations for the year? Were your goals clearly defined? Did you spend too much time on social media and  not enough on marketing? Assess and address.

2. Move Forward.
Armed with the knowledge of how you missed the mark in 2014, what can you adjust now to prepare for optimal success in 2015? Next year, I intend to diversify my client base and join more writers' organizations. For you, it might mean signing up for a class to hone your skills, or making efforts to become more disciplined in your writing routine. Don't just talk about it, be about it.

3. Seek Help.
In a "blog fog?" Need assistance in SEO writing? Have ideas for a book, but don't know how to pitch an agent? Take the time to align yourself with the right resources and the right people to make it happen. Even professional athletes sometimes hire coaches to reach peak performance levels. Don't let pride hinder progress.

4. Establish Balance.
Many times writers feel guilty about "working" during the holidays and lose out on endless opportunities. Don't be one of them. As I've said before, work hard, but play hard too. Carve out a little personal time to finish that book, or redesign your blog, or develop a marketing plan for the year ahead. Give yourself a jump start to go the distance.

5. Keep Going.
Don't let disappointments, editors' rejections, financial setbacks, or even self-doubt sabotage future success. Writing is much harder than most people realize. But, it is so worth it!
And your attitude can make all the difference.

...Now, so I can have time to put all these practices into play, this will be my last post for two weeks for Pen and Prosper.  Join me here around January 2, 2015 for more to explore, and fun activities to help you enhance your writing career and grow.
Feel free to leave comments in the interim to stay in touch.

In closing, I'd like to take this time to thank all of you for your readership, comments and support.
Whether you've been "naughty or nice," I hope Santa grants your heart's desires, and that your Christmas is filled with warm memories.

XOXO,

Jen

How to Get More Comments on Your Blog (and Why it Matters)

One of the most common challenges for bloggers today, other than coming up with a constant stream of quality content, is getting readers to connect through comments.

And frankly, for many, it's a tough nut to crack.
By all indications, readers are stopping by to check out your goods.
The analytics provided by your site confirm this.
In fact, your blog's stats reveal more "peepers" visiting you than the local Lens Crafters.
Still, week after week, month after month, you get the "silent treatment" from the majority of your reading audience.
Sound familiar? Don't despair.

Here are a few things you should know to preserve your sanity, govern your expectations, and increase the likelihood of more feedback in the future.
But first things first. Let's examine...

Why Readers don't often comment

1. Many times, they don't recognize the value of their feedback.
They don't see that leaving a comment is like the equivalent of providing a tip for a waitress or service provider. Though there is no obligation, it's a small courtesy that "compensates" them for sharing their time, talent, and resources. And it makes the blogger feel appreciated.

2.  They  have a "voters'" mentality. They don't feel that their say matters.
Many are unaware that their comments inspire future topics and helps to navigate the direction of the blogs they read; including issues like blog frequency, subject matter, and even interviews.
Other than surveys, polls, or a psychic, there's no better way to assess their needs and their interest level.
Word to the wise: much like the political process, your "vote" matters. 

3. Readers sometimes forget that blogs by their very nature are intended to be "interactive".
Why else would writers spend hours creating content and going public with their personal feelings and failures, if not for the potential of feedback and creating a sense of community and support?
Hello? :-)

4. Readers are busy and have to ration their time and comments.
You're not the only one "courting them." And if given a choice, many of them will choose to leave comments for the celebrity bloggers (i.e. Darren Rowse, Carol Tice, Brian Clark); it makes them feel like part of the "in crowd".

5. They're "just not that into you."
Sometimes silence speaks volumes. Though everyone has off days where they fail to capture input from their audience, I have visited sites where there were no comments for six or more posts consecutively. Ouch. If this happens to you, perhaps you should reassess what you're posting. Don't be bitter, be better. Make sure that your content is engaging, addresses the needs of a specific target audience, and has solid take-away value.

6. Readers don't comment because you haven't asked!
Though this may appear simplistic, it's often overlooked. Readers typically need a "call to action." Pose a question at the end of each post. It can be something simple like..."Thoughts?" "Agree or disagree?"
Like the Good Book says: "You have not because you ask not."

7. You have too many comments or too few.
Remember the story of the Three little bears? The consumption has to be "just so". Too few comments and your readers may feel that it's not worth their time to provide feedback. Too many comments and they feel as if their "two cents" will get lost in a sea of many.

8. There's a barrier to entry. It's too tough to leave a comment.
Nothing is more frustrating than to have to type in a code, register, dodge pop-ups, jump through hoops, or practically sacrifice your first born, just to be heard. Run a test. Try to leave a message at your site and see what the experience is like. Are there any glitches? Does it take too long for the process? Is it easy to identify where to leave comments? These are things you'll want to assess.

9. You have too many social media options.
It's often easier for folks to "Tweet you" or "Like you" on Facebook than to leave a comment.

10. Though they enjoy your content, they feel shy about leaving a comment.
Don't take it personally. Sometimes readers see it as "public speaking." It makes them nervous or paranoid.

11. They feel that they need to say something "profound" or clever to add to the conversation.
Not so. Not always. I think I speak for most bloggers who sometimes appreciate the proverbial pat on the back with simple comments like "good job." Or "Thanks for sharing this." Ironically, I get direct emails from people like this, but they hesitate to leave it on the blog.
Though I'm not complaining; it just confuses me. :-)

12. Readers don't always consider that leaving a comment has mutual benefits.
Many times if a person leaves a comment at a site they've visited the blogger will reciprocate. Additionally, it's a quick an effective way to get "discovered" at other sites. Really. It's true. I have actually had "followers" say that they discovered my site through a comment I made somewhere else, and they simply followed the link. Michael Corley, realtor and entrepreneur is an example.

Okay, now that we've "discussed" why readers don't always leave comments and potential ways to address the problem, here's why comments count...

• It validates the blogger and makes him feel "heard." Not to mention, it's one of the few things now and days that's free and fat-free.
• It serves as a success metric for professional situations. Did you know that the number of comments at your blog is used by potential advertisers, clients, publishers, and even blogging contests to assess your ability to engage an audience, build community, and sell your "brand?" For example, at Write to Done's popular "Top 10 Blogs" contest, 15% of the total scoring for each site is based solely on the number of comments received on their posts. 
• It encourages today's busy blogger to go the distance. It's a huge investment of time and energy, and comments allow us to reap a return for our sweat equity. 
• Leaving comments helps us all to teach, learn, and grow.

*Also, to optimize your chances of receiving comments in times ahead, make sure to respond to the ones that readers leave behind.

Well, there you have it folks: the good, bad, and the ugly behind the act of commenting. 

A special thanks to Linda O' and Michael Corley. Their comments inspired today's post.

Now, I'd love to get yours! Thoughts?
Which of the "Dirty Dozen" are you guilty of? Do tell. :-)

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

Word to the Wise! 5 Ways You're Working "Harder, not Smarter"

Do you ever find yourself exhausted at the end of your day with little to show for your efforts?
Is your to-do-list expanding like your waistline around the holidays?
Are the blogging dreams you started out with still unfulfilled?

If so, you'll want to continue reading today's post to give you a little perspective...

Most bloggers start out with the best intentions. They launch their sites to share a passion for writing, or to raise awareness of a cause, or to connect and create community, or to provide expertise that allows others to live better.
No one can dispute that this creative endeavor requires dedication, time, and a great deal of sweat equity in order to reap returns.

Which is all the more reason why today's blogger must learn to be more strategic-- to deal with the weekly rigors, avoid burnout, and successfully build a strong platform that allows them to make a difference and make a living.

With this in mind, here are five practices and principles that may be sabotaging your efforts, stunting your growth, and stealing countless hours. There's great truth to the adage, "Time is money."

So, let's get started.

The Hard Way:
Blogging without goals or a game plan.

The Smart Way:
Reflect. Assess. Consider. Why are you blogging? What's your goal? To make money? To build a platform for your writing career? To entertain? To vent about your 9 to 5 job? Who is your target audience? What common problems do they encounter? What about their lifestyle? These are things to evaluate so that you can create a marketing plan that addresses these issues. Not having blogging goals or a game plan is like traveling to an unknown city without a road map or compass.

The Hard Way:
Spending countless hours getting caught up in social media: FaceBook, Google+, InstaGram, Twitter, etc. to get noticed. In the words of Dr. Phil, "How's that workin' out for ya'?"

The Smart Way:
Align your blogging goals with just two forms of social media and devote a day or two to promoting your content and establishing important contacts. The rest of the time you should probably devote to writing, researching, or marketing. Hello?

The Hard Way:
Not having consistency in updating your blog. Sometimes it's once a week; other times it's once a month, or whenever your muse inspires you.

The Smart Way:
Commit to a schedule that's comfortable then keep it. Ironically, when you post sporadically you work harder. You lose momentum, and you lose readership. I know that I have personally unsubscribed to bloggers who insist on playing games of "now you see me, now you don't!"
You're better than that.

The Hard Way:
Trying to do it all alone. Coming up with all your own topics, content, contests, etc.

The Smart Way:
Reach out to other writers and bloggers. Have them contribute to your site through accepting guest posts, or sponsoring blog tours;even book reviews work well. Doing so adds to your blog's appeal, and provides variety for your readers. Not to mention, it allows you to take a "mental break," so that you can go the distance.

The Hard Way:
Blogging without branding.

The Smart Way:
Making strategic efforts to make your online "brand" stick to your readers like Velcro.
This includes consistency in your message. Having a logo and a slogan. Creating content that is associated with excellence. And last but not least, honing your writer's "voice" so that it resonates with readers, and is easily distinguished. With all the blogs currently out in the blogosphere, it behooves you to do as much as possible to make your blog "bookmark worthy."
Wouldn't you agree?

Thoughts? Do you struggle in any of these areas?