Baby Blogger

PNN, BrightHub and eHow

2008-10-02T11:15:00.000-07:00

I'm off to a late start this morning, so I'm going to keep this really brief.

PNN (People's News Network)

I've signed up for a PNN page and so should you. Check my page out at LauraSands.pnn.com (no www on the url) and take a look around PNN, in general, and you'll see why.

Writer's Needed!

I've just started as a Contributing Editor with www.BrightHub.com on the Blackberry Channel. Great site and I love writing for them, but we need more articles (and I need more content to edit). Please, if you have any knowledge of Blackberry (at any level), we'd love to have you write for the BB Channel. You can apply directly on the Blackberry Channel and please be sure to let them know that Laura sent you. Check out one of my articles to see just how easy it is:

http://www.brighthub.com/mobile/blackberry-platform/articles/9516.aspx

eHow

Lastly, I blogged yesterday about eHow and WriterGig (a fellow writer who has published an eBook teaching us how to earn a very decent passive income with eHow). Well, WriterGig's earnings on eHow have jumped, yet again. With very little work in August, she earned nearly $1,000.00! Check out her blog post for more information on how she did it as well as to purchase her eBook and learn about an affiliate program associated with the book.

That's it for me today, gotta get busy!

Toodles!

Are You Writing For eHow?

2008-10-01T12:18:00.000-07:00

Well, you should be.

In case you're not familiar, eHow.com is a site featuring "how to" articles on just about every subject imaginable.

I signed up for their Writer's Compensation Program not long ago and even contributed a little to the site, but haven't really thought much of it since. Actually, I wanted to get hired with Demand Studios (aka DS) which pays upfront for eHow articles (as opposed to the revenue sharing offered in the eHow Writer's Compensation Program), but after applying with DS, I received a polite brush off...something to the effect of "don't call us, we'll call you". So, I wrote a couple of articles solely to familiarize myself with the process and prove that I could do it.

Recently, however, I've learned that there are people who are making a very nice passive income with eHow. A particular writer, known in online writing circles as WriterGig, has produced an eBook detailing how such is done. Here's an example of one of her eHow articles that offers a little more detail.

While you won't get rich with eHow, articles take a matter of minutes to write and, I imagine, if you wrote a few each day, in a few months WriterGig's formula for success could create a few extra dollars in your PayPal account. With the state of the economy being what it is today, who's willing to turn that down?

~BabyBlogger

Write faster!

2008-09-30T20:55:00.000-07:00

Learning how to write faster is one of the crucial skills needed for a freelance writer. Writing faster is particularly important for a freelancer who wants to make a profit writing web content. However, I'm one of those that stares at the computer screen while scratching her head in confusion each time I read about a writer churning out articles in 20 minutes or less. I've tried and tried and tried to write faster, but it seems the best writing time I could ever produce an article in was maybe an hour and a half. Did you hear me, people? An hour and a stinkin' half per article...and THAT was my top speed! Good grief, talk about feeling like I belonged on a short bus.

I realize now that my issue with writing faster has been that I edit while I write and I agonize over trying to write my best copy on a first draft (only to rewrite it a bazillion times when I'm done). I also mentally tell myself that article writing is a large task which makes me go into instant procrastination mode. I'm going to insert an extra whine here and say that I also think that the Internet has given me a very severe case of ADD. At any given moment, I easily have 5 to 10 tabs open on my browser and each connects me to forums, websites and other eplaygrounds where I can waste hours of time or, at the very least, which can drag me away from an article at the slightest feeling of frustration. Ok, maybe I can't really claim that the Internet gave me ADD, but if you've spent any amount of time on the web at all, you can certainly identify with the fact that if you want to be distracted, the web is happy to supply you with everything you need to be good and so.

(And, already, I'm all off topic. See!)

Anyway, so I had to cop to having writing issues. Even though I wanted to write faster, I was slow and didn't really believe that I could write any faster. Or at least that was the case before I read Jim Estill's article on CopyBlogger on How To Write An Article In 20 Minutes.

I tell you, this article did it for me. In my search to learn how to write faster, I'd read other articles which seemed to say the same thing, but something about Jim Estill's article just clicked with me. Maybe I was finally ready to accept that I, too, could learn to write faster or maybe it was my wit's end determination that gave me the boost that I needed. Can't tell you what made the CopyBlogger article stand out with me, but stand out it did!

The very next day I was determined to write faster while letting the words roll off of my fingers without editing, without thinking too hard and without listening to the voice in my head telling me to skip on over to another site whenever I hit a snag. I was a woman with a writing faster plan, with focus and with inspiration and, guess what? I was actually able to turn out 2 articles in 45 minutes! Overnight, I was able to write faster! So what that I was 5 minutes over my goal. The fact is that I was able to write twice as much in half the time it normally took me to write just one 500 word article!

Since then, I've been tapping into my speed zone pretty regularly. I've learned that writing faster doesn't necessarily mean writing perfect. I've learned that it's ok to be stuck, but it's better to jump to another of my own unfinished articles (or start another one) than to abandon my writing and head out to the world wide web and read someone else's copy. In fact, when I finished my first draft for the first 2 articles, I actually realized I had a total of 5 that I was working on. In the span of 45 minutes, my creativity was kicking in and new ideas for new articles were flowing. As the ideas came, I opened up new documents and began jotting them down. Then, when I finished the two articles, I had 3 more that were already partially written and just needed a little extra focus. I've been writing for a long time, but never have I been able to write as fast and as freely as I did after reading the CopyBlogger article.

Ah, what relief a little inspiration can bring...thanks, Jim!

Free Online Writing Classes!

2008-01-29T16:12:00.001-08:00

This, you can't afford to miss: 10 Universities Offering Free Writing Courses Online

Enjoy the rest of your week!

~BabyBlogger

THIS JUST IN

2008-01-08T00:17:00.001-08:00

Received this in my inbox today and thought some of you may be interested:tain Arts®

Happy New Year, and welcome to the winter edition of the Blue Mountain Arts Editorial Department newsletter! You’re receiving this because you’re part of the select group of writers who have participated in our market review process in the past 24 months. We receive thousands of poems every year, and less than ten percent are chosen for inclusion in our market review, so just making it to that stage really is an accomplishment. It shows you can write the kind of material we’re looking for -- words that connect with people on deeply emotional and intellectual levels and enable them to convey to their friends, family, and loved ones the feelings they themselves can’t always express.

This issue includes a special announcement about one of our new projects and reminders about our upcoming deadlines. Enjoy!

Be Part of Our New Inspirations Series

Blue Mountain Arts is working on a new book series, and the editorial staff needs your writing talent! Each book in the series will include inspirational stories and wisdom relating to different regions of the U.S. , countries, and cultural groups. We are interested in your non-fiction essays that capture each heritage or region -- stories that only could have happened in the South, for example, or stories that reflect an important value of the French lifestyle. Maybe you have fascinating stories your grandma told you about her childhood in Ireland , or a funny anecdote about your hometown in Indiana that made you say, “Only in the Midwest !” If so, please submit them!

Entries should be between 225 and 375 words long and should end with a pithy saying that sums up the inspirational message. Examples of these sayings might include: “A good attitude is like kudzu -- it spreads” (Southern Inspirations) or “When a problem arises, it’s wise to take the bull by the horns” (Midwestern Inspirations) or “There’s no luck like the luck of the Irish” (Irish Inspirations) or “Everything has an end; only sausages have two” (German Inspirations).

Planned Titles:

Heartland Inspirations (the Midwestern United States )
Southern Inspirations (the Southern United States )
Irish Inspirations
French Inspirations
German Inspirations
Native American Inspirations

If your story is selected for inclusion in this book series, you will receive a one-time payment of $50 for anthology rights upon publication.

Please submit your writings by e-mail to write4us@sps.com by February 15, 2008. Be sure to put the title of the book for which you are submitting in the subject line. There is no limit to the number of essays you can submit!

Calendar

January 28, 2008 Mother’s Day poetry submissions deadline
February 15, 2008 Inspirations series essay submission deadline
March 10, 2008 Father’s Day poetry submissions deadline
June 30, 2008 Next poetry contest deadline (see

http://www.sps.com/poetry/index.html for

details)

Words of Inspiration for Writers

There are two worlds: the world that we can measure

with line and rule, and the world that we feel with

our hearts and imagination.

-- Leigh Hunt

A poem is a thought so passionate and alive, that,

like the spirit of a plant or an animal, it has an architecture

of its own, and adorns nature with a new thing.

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

To write well is to think well, to feel well, and to render well;

it is to possess at once intellect, soul, and taste.

-- Comte de Buffon

*********************************************************

The editorial staff of Blue Mountain Arts would like to thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter. We’d love to hear your questions, comments, suggestions, or ideas for future issues, so please feel free to write to us at write4us@sps.com. You can also e-mail us to request previous issues of our newsletter or if you’d like us to remove your name from this mailing list.

Happy New Year and Happy Writing, Everyone!

~BabyBlogger

Rejected!

2007-10-24T16:07:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update on my Blue Mountain submissions. As you'll recall back in October of last year, I had several poems accepted for their 2 year market review process. Sadly, each and every one was rejected less than a year later. :(

I was hopeful, of course, that they'd all make it, but I was confident that at least one would. Not so, but such is life, right? When I first got the news, I was pretty bummed. I really, really, REALLY want to be published with Blue Mountain. So, what's my next move? Why, I'll just submit more, of course! :)

I've been working on finishing 2 books and a website for women in business. I also have plans to publish my own greeting card line after these projects are completed. In between all of this, however, I'm determined to be published with Blue Mountain, so I'll write more prose, submit them all and keep you posted on the results.

In other news, I know I've been away for a while, but I'm still writing and, hopefully, you all are too. Here are a few links that you may find useful:

There's still time to register for the 6th annual Funds For Writers Essay Contest. More information HERE.

Also, be sure to register for the Life In The USA $1,000.00 Essay Contest. More information on registration can be found HERE (NOTE: Registration is absolutely free!).

And don't forget to check out the Funds For Writers website for many more money making opportunities for freelance writers. If you're not already receiving their newsletter, be sure to sign up for it pronto! Editor C. Hope Clark does an excellent job of keeping us up to date on what's available to help fund our efforts to keep writing.

This blog entry is being sponsored by Nice Hotels (pronounced "Neice Hotels" for those of us not fluent in French, lol). Whether you're looking for a holiday flat, a charming bed and breakfast accommodation or even a regular hotel stay while in Nice, France, be sure to check out Nice Hotels before you make your final arrangements.

Of course, there's much to see and do in France and, just today, an announcement was made that several museums are participating in an experiment to offer free admission in an attempt to attract more diverse audiences to their exhibits. For more information on which museums are participating in this experiment, read the ABC News story HERE.

One of the oldest Mediterranean cities in the world rich in both history and culture, Nice is a great vacation destination any time of the year. And don't forget that every vacation experience offers a new publishing opportunity as a Travel Writer. So, whether you're planning on visiting France for business, pleasure or a little bit of both, be certain to visit Nice Hotels and select the accommodations that will work best for your needs and your pocketbook.

Thanks for tuning in and Bon Voyage!

~BabyBlogger

(Photo of the Splendid Hotel in Nice, France courtesy of the Cheaper Than Hotels website)

Have Pen, Will Travel

2007-06-11T13:14:00.000-07:00

As vacation season gets underway, I wonder how many of you have considered being a travel writer? Imagine being able to merge your passion for travel with your writing career. Well, that's exactly what freelancers like Flo Connor have done (you can also check out Flo's website on travel writing HERE).

Here are a few markets which publish travel articles:

www.fly2dc.com
www.coastresorts.com
www.estateswest.com
www.porthole.com
www.travelandleisure.com
www.islands.com

And, speaking of island travel, this entry's sponsor is none other than:

Hawaiian Beach Rentals where you can check out great deals on renting a Kauai Vacation Condo

(or try http://www.hawaiianbeachrentals.com/hawaiitravelblog/
kauai-condos/kauai-vacation-condo.html without the return space, of course!)

If you're planning a trip to Hawaii this summer (or any time, really...cuz Hawaii's great all the time!), consider renting a Kauai Vacation Condo instead of a hotel. There's nothing like feeling at home when you're away from home, which can be a little difficult when staying at a hotel. Many who go this route find it to be a far more comfortable experience as they have their own kitchen amenities and a lot more room to move about and relax as opposed to the confines of a hotel room or suite. Many have their own backyards and/or patios which are also great for writing those travel articles while watching the sunset, barbecuing or even relaxing without the interruptions of other guests.

However, if a Kauai Vacation Condo isn't for you and you'd still like to book a hotel room, Hawaiian Beach Rentals can help as well. Other vacation packages are also available, so if you haven't done so already, head on over to Hawaiian Beach Rentals and do a little comparison shopping before you book a costly hotel on the island.

Aloha and happy writing from the road!

~BabyBlogger

It's Never Too Late!

2007-03-31T19:58:00.000-07:00

Need a little inspiration? At 96 years old, Harry Bernstein has published his first book, "The Invisible Wall".

Read all about Harry's story in this AP article.

Enjoy!

~BabyBlogger

More Markets

2007-03-06T12:56:00.000-08:00

A few more to share:

Marriage Partnership

Reader's Digest (Canada)

Common Ground

AdBusters

~BabyBlogger

A Few Markets to Share

2007-02-22T18:34:00.000-08:00

I just offered these to another freelancer looking for markets possibly paying for stories from an African perspective and markets accepting religious topics. Thought I'd post them here in case anyone else is interested:

http://www.africanvoices.com/c-submn.htm

http://www.charismamag.com/guidelines.php

www.christianitytoday.com

http://www.essence.com/essence/writers_guidelines

http://aar.slu.edu/submsinf.html

http://writersmarket.com/Search/consumermagazine_display.aspx?marketid=1947&ManuscriptId=0

http://commonties.com/blog/submit-a-story/

Enjoy!

~BabyBlogger

Keyboards Aside...It's Party Time!!!

2007-02-19T22:19:00.000-08:00

So what, it's the middle of the day and you still have 10 pages to write. Every now and then, ya gotta live a little. Sooooooooooo...

Party at Caveman's House!!!!!!

And, yes, the rumors are true. I was asked to leave (well, not exactly asked...more like TOLD), but not before I did a little snooping through his diary, his blog, his email, listened to his answering machine, eavesdropped on his roommate, short-circuited his electricity, listened to his iPod, fiddled around in his bathroom (couldn't resist flushing!) and pretty much busied myself with all of his business. Hope he's ready when you get there, but if not, you know what to do...

And tell him BabyBlogger says, "No hard feelings, but I still believe the bearskin rug was one heckuva fashion statement (and he didn't have to put me out, it was ONLY a suggestion! lol)"

Have A Story To Tell?

2007-02-18T22:38:00.000-08:00

Found a great site, thanks to Lavinia's post at AbsoluteWrite. An interactive blog, Common Ties wants to publish your personal stories (and the pay looks pretty good if accepted). Enjoy reading the stories there and then submit, submit, submit!

~BabyBlogger

New Friends

2007-02-17T18:18:00.000-08:00

If you use MySpace, you may want to add the following to your list of friends:

Writer's Digest Books http://www.myspace.com/wdbooks
Writer's Market http://www.myspace.com/writersmarket
Writer's Digest http://www.myspace.com/writersdigest
CWIM's Alice Pope http://www.myspace.com/alice_cwim

Or I suppose you could just drop by from time to time and take a look around even if you don't MySpace. ;)

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

~BabyBlogger

P.S. if you have a MySpace devoted to writing, please comment and list your page. We'd love to add you too.

News From Blue Mountain Arts

2007-02-15T12:23:00.000-08:00

I received their first newsletter for writers today and would like to share a little info with you all.

First of all, BMA has (or is in the process of?) introducing a new line of cards. The Thoughts of Life (TM) line features shorter verse on the front of the card...like 10-12 lines and then just a few lines inside of the card. So if you're interested in submitting to them, keep this in mind.

Also, the deadline for Father's Day submissions is 3/19/07. My impression was that everyone goes through a 2 year market review process, so I'm not sure how the deadline thing works. I mean, if it takes up to 2 years for full acceptance, why is there a seasonal deadline? If anyone knows the answer to this we are, of course, interested. If you're interested in submitting for Father's Day, also bear in mind that they're looking beyond cards for dad, but are also interested in cards for stepdads, in-laws, sons, husbands, etc. As well as cards that can be sent to any man (i.e. cards for your next door neighbor who is a dad, but not your dad nor fills that role for you in any way...just a generic Happy Father's Day wish for any other male/dad). I would think dad's to be, godfathers, uncles and foster fathers would be good to write for too.

Lastly, the newsletter also announces their semi-annual poetry contest is now open for submissions. The deadline is June 3oth and all information for the contest and more is featured on their website.

Happy writing to all of you!

~BabyBlogger

ON A DEEPLY PERSONAL NOTE

2007-02-12T10:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning, I received a phone call that my son was in an accident. He'd played a show in Hollywood the night before and he and the band spent the night at my mom's house so as not to have to drive home late at night. Well, Sunday morning it was pouring down rain and the car he was riding in lost control, went into another lane, was hit by another car there and knocked into another lane where it was struck by a second and a third car before flipping over one and a half times. His car went from the diamond lane all the way over to the right shoulder of the freeway where it landed on its right side (his side) halfway through the second flip.

Praise God with me please, because my son was the one to call me! Yes, he is perfectly fine. He, his friend who was driving and the other cars that they hit (and were hit by) are perfectly fine (the rest of the band was following them in another car and were, thankfully, not involved in the accident). The car he was in is totaled, but they all walked away without injury!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God honors prayers and I just wanted you all to know this and praise Him for He is awesome, incredible, merciful and full of grace!

A couple of years ago, some of you may recall, my son also walked in on our house being burgularized. He came face to face with two strangers in our home (and he was alone) and was able to escape from them (they headed towards him when he walked in presumably to do harm), again, by the grace of God! So, remember to pray for your children, nieces, nephews, their friends and everyone you love, because God really does listen.

The effectual fervent prayers of the righteous availeth much. James 5:6

What's Up? No, I mean really...what is "up"?

2007-02-11T01:38:00.000-08:00

Found this little bit of cleverness online and thought I'd share it with all of you. Enjoy!:

English is a Crazy Language!

1) The bandage was wound around the wound.

2) The farm was used to produce produce.

3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.

4) We must polish the Polish furniture.

5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.

6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.

7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present .

8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.

9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.

10) I did not object to the object.

11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.

12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row

13) They were too close to the door to close it.

14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.

15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.

16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.

17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail.

18) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.

19) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.

20) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?

Let's face it - English is a crazy language. There is no egg in eggplant, nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England or French fries in France. Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat. We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither fromGuinea nor is it a pig.

And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth, beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese? One index, 2 indices? Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?

If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? Sometimes I think all the English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell?

How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which, an alarm goes off by going on.

English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race, which, of course, is not a race at all That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible.

PS. - Why doesn't "Buick" rhyme with "quick"

You lovers of the English language might enjoy this .

There is a two-letter word that perhaps has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that is "UP."

It's easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP? At a meeting, why does a topic come UP? Why do we speak UP and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report ?

We call UP our friends. And we use it to brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver, we warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and some guys fix UP the old car . At other times the little word has real special meaning. People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses. To be dressed is one thing, but to be dressed UP is special.

And this UP is confusing: A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night.

We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP ! To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP, look the word UP in the dictionary. In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4th of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions. I f you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used. It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don't give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more. When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP. When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP

When it rains, it wets the earth and often messes things UP

When it doesn't rain for awhile, things dry UP

One could go on and on, but I'll wrap it UP , for now my time is UP, so............ it is time to shut UP ..!

The Process of Progress

2007-02-04T23:48:00.000-08:00

I've been hard at work on my book for new women entrepreneurs. In doing so, I've also sought a little advice on conducting email interviews for some of the special women I plan to feature. One site, Poynter Online, I've found to be quite helpful in providing tips for such interviews. Of course, the face to face or even telephone interviews are still the preferred method, but many writers are finding that the email interview is just as effective. Has anyone any experience in this arena? If so, we'd all love to hear your thoughts, comments and tips if you'll be so kind as to share.

To coincide with the book, I've also started a website (which I'll unveil to all of you once it's fully functional) where I'll also be able to feature my greeting cards. You may recall that I'm preparing to launch my own line in the near future. Since my joy at having my work accepted by Blue Mountain, I do admit I've had to fight the urge not to submit every card I've written since to them and other companies. Every time I write a new card, I think to myself, "Money now? Or continue working on my long term business goal?" For now, the latter is winning. ;) Hopefully, I'll have the line ready to present to the public in June. Thus far, I've been learning a lot about the business and am looking forward to what lies ahead. I think I've shared a few articles on the subject before, but here's one that I reviewed lately offering advice to new greeting card owner wannabes that you may find interesting too.

And speaking of cards, my proud sponsor for this journal entry http://www.wedding-needs.com/baby_shower_invitations.asp is offering some of the sweetest baby shower invitations that I've seen in a long while. If you or someone you know is expecting a new baby, be sure to check them out before making a decision on shower invitations or birth announcements. If you've found that special someone you want to spend the rest of your life with, but you're not quite at the baby stage just yet, http://www.wedding-needs.com/baby_shower_invitations.asp also offers advice on wedding planning and budgeting, including hosting an inexpensive wedding reception! This site has it all, including engagement party and wedding invitations, place cards, thank you cards, anniversary invitations, announcements for all of these occasions and a variety of gifts too. In fact, I'm heading over to http://www.wedding-needs.com/baby_shower_invitations.asp as I've yet to find a gift for a 75th wedding anniversary celebration I'm attending next month. That's right, I said 75 years! Woo hoo!!! Every married couple should be so blessed to live AND love for 75 years. Takes work, patience, strength and a whole lotta effort, but I hope all of you enjoy at least that long with the one you love.

Gotta go, but great writing success to all of you this week and thanks for tuning in.

~BabyBlogger

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All!

2006-12-22T18:57:00.000-08:00

I'm still alive and kickin'! LOL

I've been keeping busy working on a new website and writing a book on women in business (I'll post more on both once their done). I've also been working on creating new greeting cards and learning as much as I can about self-publishing my own line.

The holidays are upon us, however, and though I haven't posted much lately, I just wanted to log on and wish everyone a very happy holiday.

Thanks for tuning in and hope everyone has a prosperous new year!

~BabyBlogger

Get The Book!

2006-11-10T10:30:00.000-08:00

By now, most of you know that AbsoluteWrite is one of my all-time favorite sites for writing. Their forums should be renamed the Freelance Writer University, for the high degree of information, education and wisdom offered by seasoned writers there. If any of you have spent any time at AW, however, you may have noticed a private member's only room for greeting card writers. To gain access to that particular forum, you'll have to purchase the owner's (Jenna) ebook on greeting cards, which you may do here. For a mere $9.95, not only do you get a very helpful book, but you get further insight from actual writers making a living in the greeting card industry once you access the boards. I recently did so and have already received an impressive ebook and have been given a warm reception by all of my new friends on the forum. I highly recommend the book and the forum to all of you seeking to penetrate the industry too.

For those of you who are into writing contests, I got an interesting email from a company called FanStory.com. It appears to be a membership site which runs several contests a month for various prizes. As well, they offer feedback on all of your submissions, which you may find useful. For more information on their contests, fees, etc. you can access their site here.

Hopefully, you've all been keeping up with Michael Stelzner's Blog (Did you know that Michael's website offeres a forum too?) on Writing White Papers. I found some helpful advice on writer's block there a couple of weeks ago. My favorite was the one on setting low standards for yourself and just writing whatever crappy stuff comes to mind...okay, that's not exactly what blogger, Susan Weiner, said, but you get my drift, lol. I've been using this advice lately and have managed to hammer out quite a few pages of really bad writing that I'm proud to say now exist for the rewrite. I actually set my timer for like an hour and just write non-stop before taking a break and it works!

Gotta get back to work now. I've been building a website and writing a book (both regarding women entrepreneurs), which keeps me pretty busy these days. Thanks to everyone for stopping by and have a great weekend!

~BabyBlogger

Accepted!!!

2006-10-11T13:12:00.000-07:00

Blue Mountain Arts has just sent me a contract to run 6 of my poems on a test market and I couldn't be more excited!

As expected, the test takes 24 months, but once ultimately accepted, I'm at $300 per work (the scale goes up from there to $700 per work). They don't specify where the test market is, but for those of you reading this, if you see my name (Laura M. Sands) on any Blue Mountain Art products...you know what to do!

I originally submitted 20 works, so the 14 that were rejected will be published in my own greeting card and gift line that I'm currently working on establishing.

Anyone else interested in submitting to Blue Mountain can request their guidelines HERE.

Hope you all have your own good news to share today and thanks for stopping by!

~BabyBlogger

Whew, Firefox!

2006-10-07T00:08:00.000-07:00

Okay, so after a million people recommended it, I finally downloaded Firefox and, yes, my sidebar is now where it should be. I admit I still use Explorer for everything else (old dog, new tricks...you know how it goes, lol), but when I don my BabyBlogger identity, I'm Firefoxin' my way down Blogger Lane. If anyone is having similar sidebar issues, I highly recommend switching to Firefox for your viewing pleasure.

And speaking of recommendations, please check out my links now appearing in my properly placed sidebar. I've only got a few up right now, but they're great ones and more are to follow.

~BabyBlogger

Check your traps!

2006-09-28T23:47:00.000-07:00

When you have several irons in the fire or, in freelance speak, submissions pending, be certain to check for your own publishings. Around the same time I started this blog, I submitted a newbie article to LifeToolsForWomen.com on making money with words. I never heard back from the Editor and hadn't checked out their site in a while, so I had no idea my piece had been published. While checking my visitor statistics here, I found that people were actually accessing this blog from a link published with the article. I have no idea how long it's been up. It wasn't a paid piece, but I got the warm fuzzies upon discovering my baby there all the same. Check it out when you get a chance, but more important (to you at least) is a reminder to regularly check out the markets you submit to because you never know. ;)

Speaking of making money with words, I came across another paid blogging site called Blogsvertise. I requested feedback from the ladies at WAHM.com, but didn't get much of a response initially. However, I checked back today and discovered another topic devoted to them with a greater response. For those of you interested in paid blogging, do read the thread and check them out.

My word of caution for the day, however, is to please beware of getting stuck with paid blogging, content writing, etc. I understand that the fast money helps, but my greatest desire is for all of us to go so much further with our writing careers. I'm not knocking such work (not completely, that is), but please don't get stuck in the rut of depending on them, and ONLY them, for income from your writing. Your work is worth far more than what they pay! So, start with them...or even use them to pay off a few bills from time to time if you must, but please continue to write and submit to greater markets. Promise?

Hope everyone enjoys a great weekend!

~BabyBlogger

Is It Worth It?

2006-09-11T11:33:00.000-07:00

Now and then when I tell others that I'm a freelance writer, I get that, "Oh you poor thing" look. For some, freelance writer translates into starving writer. Some of you may be able to relate (not to the starving part, but to the misconceptions some hold about the profitability of this business). Well, Lynn Wasnak wrote an excellent article in Writer's Market detailing the rates for various freelance markets. Whether you're looking to prove disbelieving folks wrong or if you're just trying to figure out what to charge for your next project, Lynn's research is sure to assist.

She writes:

The following report cites current fees paid to professional writers for their work. This report is based on input from sales finalized in 2003 and 2004 only. The data is generated from voluntary surveys completed by freelance members of numerous professional writers' and editors' organizations and specialty groups. We thank these responding groups and their members for generously sharing information. Also, we welcome any writers who would like to contribute their rate experience to request a survey anytime. Your figures will be included in the next edition of Writer's Market. Request a survey from lwasnak@fuse.net.

ADVERTISING, COPYWRITING & PUBLIC RELATIONS

Advertising copywriting: $150 high/hour, $43 low/hour, $83 average/hour; $4,500 high/project, $215 low/project, $1,273 average/project; $2 high/word, $1 low/word, $1.50 average/word.

Book jacket copywriting: $100 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $67 average/hour.

Campaign development or product launch: $125 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $76 average/hour; $7,500 high/project, $1,500 low/project, $3,740 average/project.

Catalog copywriting: $150 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $70 average/hour.

Copyediting for advertising: $55 high/hour, $33 low/hour, $40 average/hour.

Direct-mail copywriting: $125 high/hour, $50 low/hour, $78 average/hour; $15,000 high/project, $500 low/project, $5,000 average/project; $2 high/word, $1 low/word, $1.50 average/word.

Event promotions/publicity: $100 high/hour, $40 low/hour, $80 average/hour.

Fundraising campaign brochure: $100 high/hour, $45 low/hour, $85 average/hour; $2,000 high/project, $1,000 low/project, $1,500 average/project.

E-mail ad copywriting: $95 high/hour, $25 low/hour, $62 average/hour.

Political campaigns, public relations: $150 high/hour, $50 low/hour, $85 average/hour.

Press kits: $100 high/hour, $45 low/hour, $86 average/hour; $5,000 high/project, $1,000 low/project, $2,334 average/project.

Press/news release: $125 high/hour, $40 low/hour, $74 average/hour; $500 high/project, $125 low/project, $280 average/project.

Public relations for businesses: $100 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $73 average/hour.

Public relations for government: $60 high/hour, $40 low/hour, $50 average/hour.

Public relations for organizations or nonprofits: $100 high/hour, $35 low/hour, $60 average/hour.

Public relations for schools or libraries: $100 high/hour, $50 low/hour, $85 average/hour.

Speechwriting/editing (general—based on 30-minute speech): $167 high/hour, $85 low/hour, $110 average/hour; $6,000 high/project, $2,700 low/project, $4,064 average/project.

Speechwriting for government officials: $125 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $76 average/hour.

Speechwriting for political candidates: $150 high/hour, $60 low/hour, $92 average/hour.

AUDIOVISUALS & ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

Book summaries (narrative synopsis) for film producers: $800 low/project; $1,161/15-minute speech, $1,934/30-minute speech, $3,666/60-minute speech.

Copyediting audiovisuals: $85 high/hour, $35 low/hour, $53 average/hour.

Business film scripts (training and info): $100 high/hour, $65 low/hour, $84 average/hour; $500 high/run minute, $100 low/run minute, $300 average/run minute.

Educational/training film scripts: $100 high/hour, $35 low/hour, $60 average/hour; $500 high/run minute, $100 low/run minute, $300 average/run minute.

Corporate product film: $100 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $70 average/hour; $500 high/run minute, $100 low/run minute, $300 average/run minute.

Movie novelization: $10,000 high/project, $5,000 low/project, $7,500 average/project.

Radio editorials & essays (no production): $70 high/hour, $50 low/hour, $60 average/hour.

Radio commercials/PSAs: $85 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $56 average/hour.

Screenwriting (original screenplay): $97,068 high/project, $52,705 low/project, $74,887 average/project.

Scripts for nontheatrical films for education, business, industry: $100 high/hour, $55 low/hour, $75 average/hour; $5,000 high/project, $3,000 low/project, $4,083 average/project; $500 high/run minute, $100 low/run minute, $300 average/run minute.

TV news story/feature ($1,201 Writers Guild of America minimum/story): $100 high/hour, $70 low/hour, $90 average/hour.

TV scripts (nontheatrical): $150 high/hour, $70 low/hour, $100 average/hour; $1,000 high/day, $550 low/day, $800 average/day.

TV scripts (teleplay/MOW)—TV scripts 30 minutes or less average $6,535/story, $19,603 with teleplay; TV scripts 60 minutes or less average $11,504/story, $28,833 with teleplay: $500 high/run minute, $100 low/run minute, $300 average/run minute.

TV commercials/PSAs: $85 high/hour, $60 low/hour, $73 average/hour.

BOOK PUBLISHING

Abstracting and abridging: $35 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $33 average/hour.

Anthology editing: $3,000 high/project, $1,200 low/project, $2,050 average/project.

Book proposal consultation: $150 high/hour, $25 low/hour, $69 average/hour; $500 high/project, $350 low/project, $425 average/project.

Book proposal writing: $100 high/hour, $40 low/hour, $73 average/hour; $12,500 high/project, $2,500 low/project, $5,857 average/project.

Book query critique: $50 high/hour, $25 low/hour, $38 average/hour.

Book query writing: $500 high/project, $120 low/project, $200 average/project.

Children's book writing (advance against royalties): $4,000 high, $800 low, $2,760 average.

Children's book writing (work for hire): $75 high/hour, $50 low/hour, $63 average/hour; $5 high/word, $1 low/word, $3 average/word.

Content editing (scholarly): $63 high/hour, $23 low/hour, $43 average/hour; $10 high/page, $4 low/page, $6 average/page.

Content editing (textbook): $63 high/hour, $19 low/hour, $42 average/hour; $5 high/page, $3 low/page, $4 average/page.

Content editing (trade): $100 high/hour, $15 low/hour, $49 average/hour; $6 high/page, $3.75 low/page, $4.75 average/page.

Copyediting: $60 high/hour, $17 low/hour, $34 average/hour; $7 high/page, $2 low/page, $4.20 average/page.

Ghostwriting, as told to—Per project figures do not include royalty arrangements, which vary from publisher to publisher: $100 high/hour, $25 low/hour, $55 average/hour; $100,000 high/project, $10,000 low/project, $40,555 average/project.

Ghostwriting, no credit: $113 high/hour, $25 low/hour, $67 average/hour; $100,000 high/project, $7,500 low/project, $37,091 average/project.

Indexing: $40 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $35 average/hour; $8 high/page, $2.35 low/page, $4 average/page.

Manuscript evaluation and critique: $150 high/hour, $20 low/hour, $56 average/hour; $2,000 high/project, $200 low/project, $840 average/project.

Nonfiction book writing (own—advance against royalties): $100,000 high, $1,000 low, $25,475 average.

Nonfiction book writing (collaborative—advance against royalties): $160,000 high, $2,000 low, $33,750 average.

Novel synopsis (general): $60 high/hour, $45 low/hour, $51 average/hour.

Proofreading: $45 high/hour, $15 low/hour, $25 average/hour; $3 high/page, $1 low/page, $2.25 average/page.

Research for writers or book publishers: $100 high/hour, $17 low/hour, $44 average/hour.

Rewriting: $200 high/hour, $20 low/hour, $62 average/hour; $15,000 high/project, $3,000 low/project, $8,500 average/project.

Translation (fiction): $10,000 high/project, $7,000 low/project, $8,500 average/project; 12¢ high/word, 6¢ low/word, 9¢ average/word.

Translation (nonfiction): 15¢ high/word, 8¢ low/word, 10¢ average/word.

Translation (poetry): $15 high/page, $0 low/page, $7.50 average/page.

BUSINESS

Annual reports: $125 high/hour, $40 low/hour, $81 average/hour.

Associations and organizations (writing for): $150 high/hour, $40 low/hour, $67 average/hour; $17,600 high/project, $250 low/project, $5,130 average/project.

Brochures, fliers, booklets for business: $100 high/hour, $35 low/hour, $72 average/hour; $6,000 high/project, $330 low/project, $2,276 average/project; $375 high/page, $125 low/page, $271 average/page.

Business editing (general): $100 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $59 average/hour.

Business letters: $100 high/hour, $45 low/hour, $74 average/hour.

Business plan: $100 high/hour, $88 low/hour, $94 average/hour.

Business-writing seminars: $200 high/hour, $65 low/hour, $83 average/hour; $3,500 high/project, $1,000 low/project, $2,250 average/project.

Catalogs for businesses: $90 high/hour, $60 low/hour, $78 average/hour; $10,000 high/project, $2,000 low/project, $5,000 average/project.

Consultation on communications: $150 high/hour, $60 low/hour, $98 average/hour; $1,200 high/day, $500 low/day, $850 average/day.

Copyediting for businesses: $100 high/hour, $24 low/hour, $52 average/hour; $4 high/page, $2 low/page, $3 average/page.

Corporate histories: $100 high/hour, $75 low/hour, $92 average/hour; $160,000 high/project, $30,000 low/project, $84,375 average/project; $2 high/word, $1 low/word, $1.50 average/word.

Corporate periodicals, editing: $75 high/hour, $50 low/hour, $63 average/hour.

Corporate periodicals, writing: $100 high/hour, $40 low/hour, $79 average/hour; $2 high/word, $1 low/word, $1.50 average/word.

Corporate profile: $100 high/hour, $75 low/hour, $85 average/hour.

Ghostwriting for business (usually trade magazine articles for business columns): $150 high/hour, $50 low/hour, $95 average/hour.

Government research: $75 high/hour, $50 low/hour, $60 average/hour.

Government writing: $75 high/hour, $50 low/hour, $55 average/hour.

Grant proposal writing for nonprofits: $80 high/hour, $19 low/hour, $57 average/hour; $3,000 high/project, $1,800 low/project, $2,400 average/project.

Newsletters, desktop publishing/production—Per project figures based on four-page newsletters: $100 high/hour, $35 low/hour, $73 average/hour; $3,800 high/project, $1,000 low/project, $2,520 average/project.

Newsletters, editing: $100 high/hour, $35 low/hour, $59 average/hour.

Newsletters, writing: $125 high/hour, $35 low/hour, $73 average/hour; $5 high/word, $1 low/word, $2 average/word.

COMPUTER, SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL

Computer-related manual writing: $100 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $67 average/hour.

E-mail copywriting: $100 high/hour, $40 low/hour, $76 average/hour.

Medical and science editing: $100 high/hour, $21 low/hour, $54 average/hour; $4 high/page, $3 low/page, $3.50 average/page.

Medical and science proofreading: $100 high/hour, $20 low/hour, $44 average/hour.

Medical and science writing: $150 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $75 average/hour; $5,000 high/project, $2,500 low/project, $3,750 average/project; $3 high/word, 50¢ low/word, $1.71 average/word.

Online editing: $75 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $50 average/hour; $4 high/page, $3 low/page, $3.50 average/page.

Technical editing: $75 high/hour, $21 low/hour, $42 average/hour.

Technical writing: $160 high/hour, $68 low/hour, $84 average/hour.

Web page design: $75 high/hour, $35 low/hour, $56 average/hour; $4,000 high/project, $500 low/project, $2,000 average/project.

Web page editing: $100 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $62 average/hour.

Web page writing: $120 high/hour, $40 low/hour, $73 average/hour; $1 high/word, 50¢ low/word, 80¢ average/word; $150 high/page, $50 low/page, $100 average/page.

White Papers: $125 high/hour, $50 low/hour, $89 average/hour.

EDITORIAL/DESIGN PACKAGES

Desktop publishing: $150 high/hour, $25 low/hour, $65 average/hour.

Greeting card ideas: $300 high/card, $25 low/card, $125 average/card.

Photo brochures: $75 high/hour, $65 low/hour, $70 average/hour.

Picture editing: $100 high/hour, $40 low/hour, $70 average/hour.

Photo research: $70 high/hour, $35 low/hour, $48 average/hour.

EDUCATIONAL & LITERARY SERVICES

Educational consulting and designing business/adult education courses: $200 high/hour, $30 low/hour, $87 average/hour; $20,000 high/project, $600 low/project, $7,700 average/project.

Educational grant and proposal writing: $100 high/hour, $19 low/hour, $51 average/hour; $2,500 high/project, $600 low/project, $1,550 average/project.

Manuscript evaluation for theses/dissertations: $95 high/hour, $20 low/hour, $50 average/hour; $1,550 high/project, $250 low/project, $700 average/project.

Poetry manuscript critique: $200 high/hour, $75 low/hour, $100 average/hour.

Presentations at regional writers' conferences: $10,000 high/event, $50 low/event, $200 average/event.

Presentations to local groups, librarians or teachers: $250 high/event, $35 low/event, $112 average/event.

Readings by poets, fiction writers (highest fees for celebrity writers): $3,000 high/event, $50 low/event, $200 average/event.

Short story manuscript critique: $150 high/hour, $50 low/hour, $75 average/hour.

Teaching college course/seminar (includes adult education): $335 high/hour, $35 low/hour, $70 average/hour; $25,000 high/project, $500 low/project, $2,000 average/project; $550 high/day, $150 low/day, $367 average/day.

Writers' workshops: $284 high/event, $60 low/event, $123 average/event.

Writing for scholarly journals: $450 high/article, $155 low/article, $300 average article.

MAGAZINE & TRADE JOURNALS

Article manuscript critique: $100 high/hour, $25 low/hour, $55 average/hour.

Arts reviewing: $300 high/hour, $25 low/hour, $142 average/hour; $1.25 high/word, 25¢ low/word, 75¢ average/word.

Book reviews: $500 high/project, $25 low/project, $133 average/project; $1 high/word, 5¢ low/word, 44¢ average/word.

Consultation on magazine editorial: $200 high/hour, $35 low/hour, $103 average/hour.

Content editing: $60 high/hour, $25 low/hour, $43 average/hour; $6,500 high/issue, $2,000 low/issue, $4,250 average/issue.

Copyediting magazines: $95 high/hour, $25 low/hour, $43 average/hour.

Fact checking: $80 high/hour, $15 low/hour, $45 average/hour.

Ghostwriting articles (general): $175 high/hour, $40 low/hour, $100 average/hour; $3,500 high/project, $1,000 low/project, $2,167 average/project; $1.50 high/word, 80¢ low/word, $1.08 average/word.

City magazine, calendar of events column: $150 high/column, $25 low/column, $75 average/column.

Consumer magazine column: $3.50 high/word, 30¢ low/word, $1.35 average/word; $500 high/column, $100 low/column, $317 average/column.

Consumer magazine feature articles: $3,000 high/project, $300 low/project, $1,325 average/project; $5 high/word, 25¢ low/word, $1.61 average/word.

Magazine research: $100 high/hour, $50 low/hour, $67 average/hour; $150 high/item, $100 low/item, $125 average/item.

Reprint fees: $1,500 high/project, $100 low/project, $568 average/project.

Proofreading: $50 high/hour, $20 low/hour, $41 average/hour.

Rewriting: $95 high/hour, $25 low/hour, $50 average/hour.

Trade journal column: $70 high/hour, $35 low/hour, $56 average/hour; $1.50 high/word, 60¢ low/word, 90¢ average/word; $550 high/column, $100 low/column, $340 average/column.

Trade journal feature article: $200 high/hour, $40 low/hour, $122 average/hour; $3.34 high/word, 26¢ low/word, $1.03 average/word.

NEWSPAPERS

Arts reviewing: 60¢ high/word, 10¢ low/word, 37¢ average/word.

Book reviews: 60¢ high/word, 25¢ low/word, 40¢ average/word.

Column, local: $300 high/column, $25 low/column, $150 average/column.

Copyediting: $35 high/hour, $17.50 low/hour, $25 average/hour.

Feature: $1,000 high/project, $85 low/project, $410 average/project; 75¢ high/word, 25¢ low/word, 57¢ average/word.

Obituary copy: $225 high/story, $35 low/story, $112 average/story.

Proofreading: $22 high/hour, $18 low/hour, $20 average/hour.

Stringing: $400 high/story, $78 low/story, $288 average/story.

Syndicated column, self-promoted (rate depends on circulation): $35 high/insertion, $4 low/insertion, $8 average/insertion.

MISCELLANEOUS

Comedy writing for nightclub entertainers: $50 high/joke, $5 low/joke, $38 average/joke.

Cartoons (gag, plus illustration): $575 high, $15 low, $100 average.

Craft projects with instructions: $350 high/project, $50 low/project, $200 average/project.

Encyclopedia articles: 50¢ high/word, 30¢ low/word, 65¢ average/word; $200 high/article, $50 low/article, $125 average/article.

Family histories: $40,000 high/project, $1,000 low/project, $5,000 average/project; $80 high/word, $30 low/word, $65 average/word.

Manuscript typing: $2.50 high/page, 95¢ low/page, $1.27 average/page.

Published plays: $100/10-minutes; $300/1-act; $400/3-act.

Résumés: $500 high/project, $200 low/project, $300 average/project.

Writing contest judging: $250 high/project, $0 low/project, $55 average/project.

So, as you can see, freelancing is worth it! Hopefully, Lynn has also helped some of you think of other niches you can explore. So, no excuses...write, write, WRITE...and may you be paid handsomely!

Take Care,

BabyBlogger

2006-08-31T00:36:00.000-07:00

I've been completely fascinated with some personal research, so I haven't posted in a few days. Been submitting articles too, but no word back on any yet. In the future, I plan to query first and then write, as opposed to writing first and then querying. Right now, I feel like I'm collecting articles. LOL On some topics, however, I just can't help it. I get an idea, start writing, researching and, before I know it, I've completed yet another essay or article that I need to shop. I'm sure some of you can relate. Then there are all of the articles that I wrote for the magazine thing that I almost jumped into earlier this month. Right now, I'm up to my nose hairs in articles...but that could be a good thing, right?

I recently read about a company, Daily Candy, who grossed 8.9 million dollars in revenues last year by producing advertiser supported e-newsletters on what's hot in food, fashion, travel, etc. Can you believe it, 8.9 million!!! Yep, these articles I've collected will end up somewhere...trust me!

I'm also cleaning out my mailbox and came across an interesting call for writing mentors for youth mentees in my FundsForWriters.com newsletter. If you're interested in corresponding with a young person interested in a writing career, check THIS LINK out.

Okay, it's back to work for me right now, but I hope all of you are enjoying your writing and that the rest of your week is prosperous...and fun!

~BabyBlogger

Hearing Voices

2006-08-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

Has anyone else struggled with their voice when writing? When I write, I'm really put off by the stiffness of my words (not necessarily here, but in my professional writing). I always feel like I'm writing a term paper or something. But when I edit and try to loosen things up a bit, I don't feel as though I'm being as effective. Does this make any sense? Ugh, I can't tell you how this irks me. Am I alone?

I guess I could always create my own language like Holly Lisle suggests, but then I'd have the burden of teaching it to the world or, perhaps, just to my readers (let's see, that would be mom, my best friend and about 5 others. Hmmm, this could work!). By the way, I just learned of Holly's site, but it seems like there is a lot of useful information for up and comings like us. Check it out and see for yourself.

I'm off for now, but here are a few random links before I go. Hope you enjoy and come back soon!

~BabyBlogger

Indispensable Writing Resources

Writing World

Writer Services

Brenda Bradshaw's Blog

Shoot For The Moon...

2006-08-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

And, even if you miss, you'll be among the stars. (~Brian Littrell)

Well, that's what I've been doing lately...shooting for the moon. I'm working on selling several completed articles and coming up with new ideas daily. Admittedly, I feel a little overwhelmed at times, but even that feels good. I'm certain that, if I maintain my momentum and my focus, God will bring it all together into something I can be proud of.

Hopefully, all of you are keeping up with your passion as well. I know it can be difficult at times, but I encourage all of you to keep the faith that your gifts and talents aren't without reward. When you express yourself in a way that is natural to you and helpful or entertaining to the world, you make the world, in general, a better place to live.

The Princeton Review has presented a very informative career profile for writers. If you're struggling to find your way and define where you fit in, this article may help you to better understand the opportunities available through a writing career and give you a general idea of different salaries within the field as well. Remember, however, that your level of success depends almost entirely on your effort, so your results can be drastically different (hopefully, this means greater). For all of the details, read the article first and then click on the sidebar areas which will offer more detail. Bear in mind that this is a college oriented site, therefore there is also a lot of information pertaining to college majors, etc. It's not necessary that you have a college degree for all fields of writing, so don't feel discouraged if you don't.

A few other tidbits for you this morning:

First, FundsForWriters.com is sponsoring their 5th annual essay contest. Full information can be found HERE, but here's a brief description of the topics and prizes taken directly from their website:

Theme Topics (Choose One):

1. Someone has a a $5,000 grant open to writers. Only one writer can be selected. Write a narrative explaining why your writing is worth funding.

2. Most grants for writers are small. If you won a $1,000 grant designed to further a writer's career, how would you use it and why?

3. Where will you be as a writer five years from now? How will you get there?

4. If you were a mentor to a new writer, describe the who, what, when, where, why and how lessons of becoming successful. 'Successful' is your own definition.

Prizes:

ENTRY FEE Category
First Place - $150
Second Place - Complete Set of FundsforWriters ebooks and TOTAL Subscription
Third Place - TOTAL FundsforWriters Subscription

NO ENTRY FEE Category
First Place - $50
Second Place - Choice of Five FundsforWriters ebooks
Third Place - TOTAL FundsforWriters Subscription

There are several other income and funding opportunities available at FundsForWriters, so be sure to spend time checking the rest of their site out too.

If you're interested in learning more about essay writing and markets that will pay for your essays, visit WritingToHeal.com and take a look around.

And, hopefully, you're still regularly checking the job sites I listed in my July 22nd post Gigs, Clips and Tips. I don't know how I forgot it on that previous post, but Deborah Ng's, WritersRow site really is one of the best job sites available. You may also want to bookmark About Freelance Writing and keep your eye on Absolute Write's Paying Markets forum for frequent updates.

As always, I hope that you find this information useful.

May you reach the moon...or at least the stars, very, very soon!

Blessing to all,

BabyBlogger

Don't Do It?

2006-08-17T22:40:00.000-07:00

I was always taught to put the copyright symbol on all of my submissions. My college writing professor said to do it and the first version of Writer's Market that I ever owned further reinforced this. So, after years of submitting works with the symbol, only now have I learned that this is definitely NOT the thing to do!

Since our work is copywritten from the moment we put it in a tangible format and since editors are well-aware of this, it screams 'newbie' when we insist on including the symbol. Some have even reported that certain editors have been downright offended by the gesture (I guess they feel like we're suggesting they might steal our work, otherwise).

For more on copyrights, in general, here are a few informative articles I'd like to share. Brad Templeton debunks 10 myths about copyright HERE. And here's an article, by Moira Allen, written to help us all better understand rights and copyrights. For a quick review on determining the life of a copyright (and what's in public domain and what isn't), check THIS quick reference out.

Also, as mentioned in an earlier post, I'm in the process of querying and submitting 9 different articles. Not to mention that I had that little back and forth thing with the magazine that hired me a few weeks ago (btw, there's still no word from them after my last contract edits...I've pretty much written them off at this point [for a few reasons], but I'll keep you posted if I hear any further). I needed to brush up on the various rights that need to be negotiated and was directed to a really good reference HERE.

Speaking of those 9 articles, I really thought I could get everything finished this week, but it looks like I'll be submitting them next week as well. I'm finding out that writing is only half of a freelancers job. Seems like the bulk of our work begins only AFTER the last word is written (and rewritten, lol). There's researching markets, writing queries, submitting queries, keeping records and, when appropriate, finally submitting manuscripts. No complaints here, though. I find it all immensely challenging and am optimistic that my efforts will be well-rewarded soon.

I'm turning in early again tonight (well, at least by 1 am...lol), so that's it for now. I do wish everyone well and hope that you're closing out an awesome week in preparation for an even greater one next week!

Take care and God bless,

BabyBlogger

Thanks!

2006-08-16T23:11:00.000-07:00

I appreciate the wealth of quality responses on my sidebar issue. Seems on some browsers it's okay, but on others (like mine) it's all the way at the bottom. I'll try everyone's suggestions in the next day or two.

I also just tried to check my stats and realized that no visitor activity has recorded since the 15th even though I've had several comments today (the 16th). I probably interfered with that code too.

Will get it all together soon though.

In the meantime, I'm curious about writing quizzes for magazines. I haven't come upon too many writers who do that sort of thing, but the few who do claim that they've brought in some good business. Does anyone here have any experience they'd like to share with quiz writing? I'd love to hear your stories.

I'm being pushed off the computer now, so I guess it's goodnight! lol :)

Peace and blessings to you all

~BabyBlogger

I'm Officially Clueless

2006-08-16T02:33:00.000-07:00

I have fiddled with this stubborn sidebar for several hours now and the silly thing still resides at the bottom of this page where it's been since like day 2 or 3 of my grand opening.

I've searched the web, visited multiple blogs and support forums and have tried every solution posted that I could understand (I don't speak html very well, I'm afraid). I've changed my template about a dozen times and I've run my code through an html validator (that would have been pretty cool had I been able to interpret the results, lol). I've changed the width in my html on my header and my sidebar, but it still won't bring my sidebar up.

It's approaching the 3a hour and I'm officially clueless. So, BabyBlogger is off to bed now...if anyone has any suggestions, please, please, PLEASE post.

Thanks!

2006-08-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

My new schedule is working really well, I'm getting a lot of writing accomplished, but I'm thinking about bumping my internet free time up even further. I'm a night owl by nature, but I'm finding that getting online to read boards and research topics at night is also keeping me up until the wee hours of the morning. Last night I was up until sometime after 4a and the night before, I went to bed at around 4:45a! Both nights I was reading up on traditional vs. self-publishing (incl. POD and Vanity Presses), the greeting card industry and creating a greeting card line. Fascinating stuff, but it keeps me up waaaay too late. This evening, I'm going to adjust the time again and see if I can get to bed by 2a (my usual time is btwn. 2a and 3a...I told you I'm a night owl).

Since I've been reading up on the topic, let's talk a little about publishing. I've owned my own publishing company since 2000 (Lamasa Publishing, LLC) with the intention of self-publishing my books, songs and my play. I just love Tom and Marilyn Ross' book "The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing" and Peter Rubie's "The Everything Get Published Book" (though I always want to move the 'Everything' to it's proper place in the title...lol). I think it's always been in me. I'm an entrepreneur at heart, so the idea of paying for professional editing, printing, binding, creating cover art, buying ISBN's, creating marketing strategies, self-promotion, etc. has never discouraged me, but has always excited me. I also am a bit of a control freak and have found myself, many times, cringing at stories I hear of publishers changing book titles and cover art into something that a writer finds difficult to stomach. Or the urging of writers to write what sells as opposed to what's naturally in them. Besides, I'm quite impatient and the thought of waiting for an editor to find my books worthy of publish could take forever, if it ever happens at all. Freelancing articles and such is one thing, but when it comes to my books and my play...the independent route is definitely my thing. Plus, it's all just so exciting. To each her own, right?

What I read about one so-called "traditional" publisher was particularly disturbing. Publish America (PA) has duped many an author into believing that they are signing with a bona fide, old-fashioned publishing house and that their books will be sold from major bookstores all over the country. Relieved authors, believing they have reached the elusive goal of being published, happily sign away their rights for 7 years only to find out that PA is nothing more than a POD (Print on Demand) company. You can read more about PA in this Washington Post Article from 2005: http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A25187-2005Jan20 or explore this thread on Absolute Write's forums.

And, speaking of Absolute Write, I found both of these threads on self-publishing to be quite helpful (not just in helping me stay up past 4a either...lol):

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21485

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9185

In true Absolute Write fashion, both threads are packed with information and give plenty of FFT on the whole notion of self-publishing.

(No eloquent seque here, just a quick change of subject...lol)

No word yet on my Blue Mountain Submissions, but I've been considering the idea of publishing my own line of cards in the near future. I have 9 articles that I'm querying for this week, but I plan on spending next week just working on prose (If I can get all of my queries done this week). I may end up submitting a few more, but most I plan on publishing myself.

I'm wondering about the whole Blue Mountain test market too. If you'll recall, I told you that BM often takes up to 2 years to accept a submission as they send it through a test market first. What I don't get is are they testing it with review panels or focus groups or are they actually running public test markets (i.e. selling cards)? If it's the latter, shouldn't the writer still be credited and compensated on those sales? I'm assuming that they are sending it through review panels and focus groups for now (but why the 2 year process?). I'd hate to think of them literally testing the sales market while offering no accounting to authors. Does this make sense to anyone? I'll have to remember to ask the few people I've met who have actually been picked up by them. Or, if you're reading, please comment.

Which reminds me, I read my stats and want to give a warm welcome to all of our readers all over the U.S. and, a special "hello" to those of you stopping by from Germany (hi Rachel!), the U.K., Uganda, South Africa, Australia, Canada, Israel and Singapore! A few of you have posted comments and I hope all of you will post your blogs (even if they're not about writing) so that we can connect to one another. I haven't taken the time to revisit my sidebar issue in a while, but soon and very soon, I'll get it fixed and I'd like to add all of your links to it. I sincerely hope that my blog is helping you. I don't know it all, but I'm sharing what I do know as I fumble along.

Hope everyone has a blessed week and I'll see you all again soon!

~BabyBlogger

I Don't Have A Lot Of Time, But...

2006-08-11T14:16:00.000-07:00

Several days ago, I mentioned creating a schedule for myself. I quickly discovered that, while I can easily create one, I wouldn't stick to one. LOL

Since then, however, I've found a method that works for me. I've begun working in 60 minute increments followed by a 60 minute break. I even have a timer that sits next to my computer to keep me on track. I still don't have a particular start time, but at whatever time I do start, I make sure that my timer is set. Occasionally, I've really been into a project and have not wanted to stop at the designated time. In those cases, I reset my timer for another 60 minutes and keep writing for the whole extra 60. Then, when I do break, I do my best to set my timer for another 60 minutes so that I'm prompted to get started again after a brief rest. In all honesty, I don't always come back from my breaks, but most of the time I do. Overall, though, it's helped me add some structure and discipline to my day. So, while I'm not quite there yet, I have been able to get a lot more accomplished and remain a lot more focused throughout the day.

Another thing that is helping me tremendously is to stay off of my favorite message boards during the daytime hours. When I started the timer thing, I was allowing myself to visit AbsoluteWrite.com and WAHM.com during my hour-long breaks (as well as other non-writing boards and blogs that I enjoy hanging out on). And, even though, most times I'd get back to work after an hour, what I found myself doing was ONLY working one more hour as I was longing to get back to various topics on the boards. :) I was justifying doing so by the fact that I learn so much from other writers on these boards, but after a few days, I had to be honest with myself...I was procrastinating. So, as of yesterday, I'm trying a new discipline which only allows me to get on my favorite boards at night. Last night, I scheduled myself for after 10:30p, but starting tonight, I think I'm going to bump that time up to 9p instead.

The discipline is paying off too. I had a lot of unfinished articles that I needed to wrap up and edit and a list of new article topics that I've been able to tackle now that I'm better focused. I'll be doing a lot of querying and submitting next week as a result. Yay!

Oh, and I keep forgetting to update everyone on the freelance position I landed a couple of weeks back. I shared with you how I was offered a contract that I wasn't even close to being satisfied with and that I immediately voiced my concerns to the magazine. I also told you how I was told to disregard that particular contract as it was sent by mistake. Well, they sent me another one that was a little better, but not quite what I could agree to just yet. I revised it a great deal and returned the revisions to them while making it clear that I'm ready to sign and submit (I have several articles ready) if we can agree on the revisions. At that point, I was asked to be on their Executive Committee and told that they will review the new terms and get back to me. I told them that we can discuss the possibilities of me joining the EC after we shore up the contract details. It's been 2 days and I haven't heard anything back yet, but I'll keep you posted on the details as they develop.

I just want everyone reading this to understand the importance of, not only reading your contracts, but making adjustments in areas where you can't agree. I don't know how all of this will turn out, but I do know that it will work in everyone's best interest, either way. We're self-employed professionals, not employees...if we don't like the agreements as they're presented to us, we don't have to agree! If we take this approach, from the beginning, I'm optimistic that we'll have a much better time in this business in the long run.

There's more to blog about, but I'm really hungry right now and you know I'm on this hour break thing, so my tummy is winning the battle between writing and eating right now. ;)

Here are a few quick links to paying eZines open to freelancers before I go (you didn't think I'd leave you without a little further exploration, did ya?):

http://www.cyberguidelive.com/writers.html

http://www.dfire.org/

http://www.entrepreneur.com/Home/HM_Static/1,4472,writers_guidelines,00.html

http://www.guidepostsmag.com/writers_guidelines.asp

http://www.cog7.org/BA/NowWhat/

http://www.passageway.org/

http://www.transcendmag.com/get_published.htm

http://www.womensenews.org/ (request guidelines on site)

http://jflmedia.com/

http://www.jvibe.com/ (request guidelines on site)

http://myhero.com/myhero/go/create/index.asp

http://www.teensforjc.com/teens/authors/register (needs teen writers)

http://simplejoy.org/guidelines.htm

I can't personally vouch for any of these (yet), but they're all on my list of markets I've looked into and I understand them to all be paying markets. On some, the guidelines are available online, but for others, you'll have to shoot the editor a request. You may also want to find out if a query is necessary or if manuscripts can be sent directly. Remember NOT to submit emailed queries or manuscripts as attachments, but to copy and paste them in the text of your email.

Hope everyone has a great weekend and that next week will be our best ever.

Take care and God bless!

~BabyBlogger

So Much Work, So Few Writers

2006-08-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

Recently, I had a brief exchange with a very talented writer who expressed a fear of rejection so strong that it was keeping her from publishing. Her feelings have been on my mind for a while and I just want to share a few thoughts in case there are others out there feeling the same way.

The Princeton Review reports that there are only 357, 000 writers (I'm assuming they meant in the U.S. although there wasn't a specification noted). Now, while that number may seem like a whopping estimate, when you think about all of the markets that are available, that number is really low. Everyone's not a fiction writer, a non-fiction writer, a lyricist, a novelist, a journalist, a copywriter, a grant writer, a technical writer, a freelancer, a screenplay writer, a playwrite, etc. So, with that 357,000 spread out amongst so many markets, I figure it's a wide open field for the creative go-getter who's not afraid to take chances and who doesn't let a little word like "no" defer their dreams.

I love and encourage constructive criticism of my work. Sometimes it brings about a change in my writing and sometimes it doesn't. Either way, I don't fear it. Having my writing flat-out rejected has never bothered me much either. Since I write, primarily, for myself, if I'm happy with something, I don't give much thought to the fact that someone else rejects it. I also bear in mind that the rejection could be for a variety of reasons besides disliking my work. Perhaps the editor didn't feel it was right for her audience, perhaps the publication recently ran a story on the same subject and it was too soon to repeat, perhaps someone else wrote something from a different, more preferred angle...doesn't mean mine was bad, just that a business decision had to be made and mine didn't make the cut. My point is that I don't stress over rejection and I hope that none of you do either. It's par for the course in this business and something that we all have to get used to. Besides, what one editor refuses, the next one just might embrace, so just keep submitting until you find that right one, okay?

And speaking of submitting, take a peek at these sites and see if there's anything you can use:

http://www.iluvcats.com/writguidfori.html (notice that they also accept fillers which we talked about recently)

http://www.chickensoup.com/ (note that the last email address that I posted for them hasn't been confirmed yet. This is the official site, so it's best to start here with submissions)

http://www.hopekeepersmagazine.com/ (a Christian magazine for sufferers of chronic pain)

http://www.guidepostssweet16mag.com/guidelines.html (an inspirational teen mag)

http://www.hopeforwomenmag.org/contact.html (a Christain women's mag)

http://www.lifetoolsforwomen.com/wrtr-subs.htm (inspirational women's mag)

http://www.fabjob.com/writers.html#guide (have a fabulous job and want to write about it? Pay starts at $2,250!)

As always, I hope you all have a fabulous writing day!

Until next time,

BabyBlogger

Problem Solved (I hope...lol)

2006-08-05T13:21:00.000-07:00

I received word that one of my links wasn't working properly in my 7/31 post encouraging you all to check out the freebies at Volition. The correct address is http://forum.volition.com/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=11. I've corrected it in the 7/31 post as well. Thanks to the anonymous poster who gave me a heads up. ;)

Note that, with this link, you'll have to wade through the freebies to search for the magazine ones (or you can use Volition's search function), but they're definitely there.

Heads Up!

2006-08-03T11:54:00.000-07:00

CraigsList has posted some good jobs this week. I love the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, so I want to make sure everyone is aware of this writing opportunity for an upcoming project with them: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/wri/188667931.html.

Don't forget to check regularly for updates at other job sites either. Previously, I've posted quite a few links, but here are a couple that deserve a second mention:

http://www.newsjobs.net/Jobs/njframe.asp?tp=http://www.freelancewriting.com/forumdir/fjb/index.html

http://writersrow.com/deborahng/freelancewritingjobs.html

Happy Writing!

~BabyBlogger

P.S. I'm still looking for assistance in putting my sidebar back where it belongs. Help?!

Sidebars and Fillers

2006-08-01T15:34:00.000-07:00

Another discovery!

Fillers are usually between 50 - 100 words and are what magazines used to use to fill empty spaces left over on pages. Thanks to technology, filling space is no longer the issue it used to be, but magazines still regularly use so-called fillers. Each magazine is different, but from what I hear it's not uncommon for a mag to pay $50 just for a short quip, quiz, poem, etc. Filler writers have reported that a query letter is most often not necessary when submitting and that most fillers are welcomed by email. From what I can gather, ditto for sidebars (which sound the same as fillers, to me). You can read more on this topic by logging into THIS THREAD on AbsoluteWrite.com. I swear, that site is one of the most educational sites on all the web for freelance writers. I don't think I've logged on there a day when I haven't learned something new.

And, speaking of sidebars, does anyone know how I can get mine from the bottom of this page back up to the top? I screwed something up when I inserted my ads a couple of weeks ago. I've read up on the topic, but my HTML skills seriously lack, so it's difficult for me to see what I need to fix and where. I'd really like to add some links to my sidebar too, so bonus love points to anyone who can advise.

Any pointers?

Thanks!

~BabyBlogger

I'm So Thankful For The Internet

2006-07-31T15:14:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, a writer had to shell out lots of cash for access to the information and the contacts that are now available online. I'm thankful for those days are just about behind us. Workshops and classes are still a great way to go, but I spend a lot of time reading blogs, message boards and emailing individuals with my questions and comments. In just 2 weeks, I've learned more about the business of writing, from online sources, than I'd ever expected.

I've tried to share a lot of what I've come across in my previous posts. The links and the info that I've held back have either been because a particular writer has asked me not to post certain information for the general public or because I have so many links, but haven't taken the time to organize them all. Eventually (i.e. when I can straighten out this whole sidebar issue), I plan to list them all in an organized fashion and include a handy sidebar link for easy access.

I've probably learned the most from the WAHM.com forum under the WAHM Who Write section and from AbsoluteWrite.com's Freelance Forum. On the latter, I've encountered a wonderful woman, Linda Formichelli, who seems to be very helpful. I stumbled upon a post of hers where she offers to send samples of 12 successful query letters to you via email by sending a blank email to queries@renegadewriter.com. I got my packet of 12 in less than a minute and am geeked! Taking a peek at actual letters helps tremendously as creating them often proves to be a very intimidating task for some writers. I've done a couple before and I know, firsthand, the agony that goes into writing them. Reading Linda's letters and the original thread where she, and other very helpful individuals, posted has helped put me to ease quite a bit.

This morning I logged on AbsoluteWrite again and found Linda advising someone else on breaking into print magazines. Because she's so knowledgable and helpful, I decided to check out some more of her posts and, eventually, visited her website and her blog. She offers eMentoring, an 8 week course on breaking into magazines and has a lot of good information to share. Her website, http://www.lindaformichelli.com/course/ and her blog, http://renegadewriterblog.blogspot.com/, are both must adds!

From reading Linda's blog, I remembered that I also have a few links to share for those of you who freelance for magazines and are searching for free subscriptions. I've used most of these and currently receive approximately 10 regular subscriptions, which is a lot less than I got even a year ago! I got most of these from people on Volition's Forums (which I previously used for mystery shopping, but there is a lot of other good info shared there...like free magazines...lol):

http://www.freebizmag.com/welcome.asp?FBMVisitId=3805627946 (I've received the bulk of my business mags from here. Only drawback is that you have to complete a lengthy questionnaire about your business, but you'll usually get 2 or 3 magazines out of the deal each time you visit. Hint: I keep a junk mail email address for sites like these. You may want to do the same.)

http://www.freetrademagazinesource.com/ (offers trade magazines)

https://www.anadynesystems3.com/servlets/frhclientformdisplay?xr4=&formts=2006-06-01%2006:41:55.109001 (I get Redbook magazine (free) and I think it may have come from this site)

http://www.worldpress.org/magazines.cfm

http://www.all-freemagazines.com/ (Right now, they're offering FHM, but the site changes often, so check back frequently)

http://mktg.roadrunner.com/mk/get/golf_july2006 (currently offering a free golf magazine)

There are lots more and new offers are listed regularly if you bookmark this thread on Volition (their whole forum is cool and there is a whole section just for freebies, so check it all out).

Hope this information helps someone!

Have a great one,

BabyBlogger

Time Flies

2006-07-30T15:31:00.000-07:00

It's been nearly 5 days since my last post. It's also been exactly 2 weeks since I decided to regularly freelance. Doesn't seem like that long for either and, thankfully, there's been good news to report along the way. My story continues...

I sent the Blue Mountain submissions in this past week as planned. Now the waiting game begins. I'm hearing that it can take up to four months to be notified of an acceptance. I sent in 20 different poems on a variety of subjects and, hopefully, I'll have good news in this batch. Either way, I plan to keep submitting and to form a relationship with BMA no matter how long it takes.

In my last post, I mentioned drawing out a schedule for myself. Done. However, I haven't stuck to it a single day. LOL My plan is to work from 9a to 12p and then again from 3p until 6p Monday through Friday. Sounds great, huh? Problem is, mentally, I just can't do it...yet. I prefer staying up past 3a each morning writing. I'll continue to aim for a healthier schedule though and will continue to report on my progress.

I recently mentioned where one of my works was rejected by AC as they felt it was more of a personal experience piece. Well, the word is now in on the last two that were pending and both were systematically rejected as well. Both were restaurant reviews and, because they were local establishments, AC has no use for them, therefore will not offer payment. Totally understandable. Of course, I can publish them for non-payment, but I have better plans as each will be submitted to other markets for which I feel they're better suited. So, no gain, but no loss either.

On now to the latest with my new freelancing position. On Friday I received a very questionable Writer's Agreement. Upon reading it, red flags immediately started waving. There was no mention of compensation and no mention of the magazine (only of the ministry it is affiliated with and not even any strong identifying info on it, outside of the ministry's name). There was also mention of my work being reproduced in other mediums, including study guides, and other materials and there was mention of some sort of internal ministry policy agreement that could further dictate how my work could be used. It was asked that I agree to such without even knowing what that particular policy agreement consisted of. Of course, I couldn't conceive of agreeing to any of this, so instead of signing it, I replied with an email detailing each of my concerns. I really would like to work with the magazine, but I have no intention, or interest, in engaging in such a one-sided and unfair relationship. The next day I received another email from them apologizing and requesting that the agreement be disregarded. According to the email, it was sent by accident and not meant for this project. This could be the truth or perhaps it isn't. A few people that I've shared the story with have believed the latter. For me, it doesn't matter much and I choose to move ahead on their word for it as they've offered to send something better on Monday. I'll keep you posted.

I'm working on a new submission for a teen magazine. I'm expirementing with a new format...new for me, at least. I'm designing the article in list format. I read in a newsletter from Funds For Writers that articles which identify the "top 10 ways" to do a thing or the "top 5 myths" on a topic or the top (insert whatever number works) type articles are often an easy sell. They make it easy for readers to pinpoint and digest a lot of information in a smaller article and, naturally, editors are appreciative and quite receptive of this. I've glanced at a few magazine covers over the weekend and have noticed that the majority have published these types of articles over and over again. So my new article is on the top 10 ways to identify if you're ready for a serious relationship (not the official title yet). I'm offering, what I believe is, sound advice to teen girls on properly assessing several areas of their lives before deciding to get serious about something they may or may not be ready for.

My plan is to use the article to apply for a particular freelancing job, but to also submit it to other markets should I not get the gig. I really like the idea of writing this way.

And finally, today, on AbsoluteWriters' forum, I learned that I shouldn't put the copyright symbol on submissions. I took what I learned over to my favorite WAHM.com forum where the consensus was the same. Doing so is, apparently, insulting to editors and labels ones self as a 'rookie'. Who knew? I was taught to do so in college and read in Writer's Market that this was the appropriate protocol as well. However, in real life, it doesn't fly as easily. If you think about it, it makes sense. Your work is already copyrighted once you write it and editors know this. Making a special effort to then point this out may suggest that you don't trust an editor or that you're so new, that you haven't put it together yet that this is an unnecessary precaution. Like Maya Angelou says thoug, 'When you know better, you do better', so I'm happy to have learned this lesson and the many others that I've been able to draw upon from forums such as these.

Welp, that about does it for me today. Looking forward to a great week and wishing everyone else the same.

~BabyBlogger

Hired Today

2006-07-26T00:20:00.000-07:00

Well, since it's after midnight, I guess, technically, it was yesterday...but I landed a paying job!

Over the weekend, I spent some time applying for writing jobs and have just been hired as a freelancer for a new Christian magazine that's premiering in September. Originally, I'd assumed it was an online magazine, but it turns out that it's a print magazine. I'm waiting for my contract and a letter outlining the topics for the first issue. From the sound of the welcome letter and the looks of their website (still under construction, but I'll post later), there is a lot to cover and they're looking for columnists too. So, I'm happy and it looks as though I'll have plenty of work.

The company also has plans to launch a satellite/FM/Internet station airing 24/7/365. The welcome letter included an invitation to consider hosting a show in the future. This fits perfectly into my plan, so I'll definitely apply for that as well.

Aside from that, I've been working on my Blue Mountain submissions. I'd originally planned to submit 10, but have now kicked it up to 20. The first ten are all written, edited and ready to go, but now I'm working on the other 10. The ideas just keep flowing. I'll send in the first 20 though and if more show up, I'll have to do a second submission. I really love that style of writing though. Prose and poetry have always been my favorite genre.

Oh, and I heard from AC on one of three of my submissions. They'll publish it for free, but won't pay me for it as it's more of a personal experience piece. The other two are restaurant reviews, so we'll see what they do with those. So, for those of you who are interested in AC, bear in mind that they don't pay for poems, short stories or personal experience articles. They STRICTLY want articles which makes sense as they are, after all, a content site.

So, overall, it's been super hot, but things are well here. I hope that those of you reading this are staying cool while you pound away at those keyboards.

Take care everybody!

~BabyBlogger

A Writing Schedule?

2006-07-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

I'm blessed to be able to do what I want to do, when I want to do it and not to have to worry about earning an income. Still, I've been thinking about putting myself on a daily writing schedule and setting some realistic financial goals for my writing.

I have to admit that I dread doing this. But I really am curious as to how it will work out. Will it help me accomplish more or less? I tend to write best when the mood hits me, so I'm not sure how much of a battle I'll face with forcing myself to write at a predetermined time. I think structure will keep me focused though, so I'm going to give it a shot. Besides, I can easily see myself going overboard and burning myself out if I don't begin to pace myself. As it's been this past week, I've been up half the night, every night, writing, reading, applying for freelance jobs, etc. and a schedule would monitor the time I spend doing each.

*Sigh*

Can I do it? We'll see.

Speaking of schedules. I visit a few forums for writers and I've read where several of them are working on schedules as they're churning out multiple articles per day and several blog posts each day in an attempt to make money on content and blog sites. I don't know if that's worth it, though. I imagine that if a person is really strapped for cash, they do what they have to do, but neither content sites nor blog sites seem to pay all that much for either to be a person's main focus. It would seem to me that the time spent on low paying content and blog writing would be better spent working on more profitable writing jobs. I wonder, too, if the quality of writing suffers when a writer is forced to write on topics they're not interested in. I'm not downing anyone for doing this and I'm not downing content and blog writing (obviously), I just really don't get it. Seems like they could get a lot more for the topics they're writing on if they were submitting them to magazines or other higher paying venues. But then, I guess, the pay isn't fast and, definitely, isn't steady enough for some if they were to take that route.

At any rate, I'm off now to sketch out a schedule for myself. Wish me well!

~BabyBlogger

Gigs, Clips and Tips

2006-07-22T22:40:00.000-07:00

Recently, I've attempted to to gather some of my past publishings so as to build a new portfolio for myself. Can you believe that I've never taken the time to save my clippings (clips) or to create a portfolio? Silly, I know, but if you've read this blog from the beginning, you know that I haven't always approached freelance writing with my A game. In fact, I'm only just now approaching it with any seriousness. I'm sure if I dig deeply enough, I have some old newspaper clips around here somewhere, but so far I haven't been able to put my hands on them. Luckily, thanks to the internet, I was able to pull up a few articles that were online, but even a few of those have been lost in cyberspace. Of course, I have the originals for most of what I've written, but that's not the same as having the actual clip reflecting my byline, the date, publication, etc.

My word of advice to anyone reading this, please keep all of your clips together and in a safe place no matter what. As I'm applying for freelance gigs now, even though I've published a lot, I don't have a very strong history to showcase what I've done. The only thing that I can do from here on out, is learn the lesson and save everything (and one of my missing clips is titled "Lessons Learned". I just noticed that...how funny, lol).

At any rate, here are just a few of the articles that I managed to find online:

The Gift or the Giver (originally published on GospelCity.com 3/3/2003)

The Undiscovered Wife (Originally published on GospelCity.com 4/8/2003)

The Power of Praise (Originally published on GospelCity.com 6/17/2003)

Hopefully, I can recover more and I promise to do better from here on out.

Last night, I spent a lot of time writing, submitting, researching and applying for freelance gigs. In fact, I didn't get in the bed until almost 6a this morning as I was so caught up in what I was doing. I found a few more sites which highlight writing opportunities that I'd like to share, so make sure you bookmark them. Here you go:

http://www.writerlance.com/

http://www.unforgottencards.com/index.php?main_page=manufacturers_accepting_freelance (highlighting jobs specifically in the greeting card industry)

http://www.journalismjobs.com/

http://www.mediabistro.com/joblistings/

http://www.newsjobs.net/usa/default.asp (There are many links there. Try them all, especially this one: http://www.newsjobs.net/Jobs/njframe.asp?tp=http://www.freelancewriting.com/forumdir/fjb/index.html)

http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/pubjob.htm

http://www.writesuccess.com/jobs_for_writers.htm

http://www.writejobs.com/

http://www.writingjobroll.com/

http://www.hotgigs.com/types/Creative_Design,_Media_and_Writers/Writing/

Hopefully, I haven't repeated any of the ones that I've already posted, but it's getting a little hard to keep track of them all. One of these days I'll get around to putting a daily checklist in my sidebar just to make it easier to reference.

I've also managed to get 10 rough drafts of poems for submission to Blue Mountain. I've got some fine tuning to do, but they'll definitely be ready for submission some time this week. I learned from another writer, who's been contracting with them for years, that the payment merely starts at $300, but goes up from there if they continue to accept submissions from a writer. The person who I learned this from is now up to $700 per poem accepted by them.

I've discovered, too, that some writers refuse to write for Blue Mountain as their contract buys all rights thus prohibiting poems they've paid for to ever be republished elsewhere. Personally, I don't have a problem with this (read my post yesterday about how I feel about Blue Mountain), but I can see where others may.

On the flip side, I also read some very good advice from another writer to beware of publishers who offer to publish for exposure rather than actual monetary payment to a writer. A lot of times new writers take these gigs as a way to build clips and gain experience. However, it makes sense that if a publication can afford to promote their magazine or website, they should at least be able to offer their writers a few bucks for their work. I'm not saying I'll never publish again without payment (some I just enjoy doing), but the argument does make sense.

Anyway, it's all a fascinating journey and I'm enjoying every moment of it.

Hope everyone has a great weekend and I'll post again soon!

~BabyBlogger

My New Best Friend

2006-07-21T16:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I told you about Writer's Market Online (WMO). Well it is now my official new best friend! I tell you, it's so much easier to search for markets in the online version. I especially enjoy being able to organize my submissions with their handy submission tracker. With just a few clicks, I can record who I've submitted to, what I submitted, the date, follow up tasks and information pertaining to my submission, etc. Perhaps the best thing about the online version, though, is that it's up to date and I'm kept abreast of changes in publishing opportunities without having to make phone calls or have queries and submissions returned unopened. Which brings me to my next bit of news.

All but two of the publications that I'd earmarked to mail articles to today are out of business. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT? And, of the two that are still in business, one has changed its format. So, it was back to the drawing board for me today. The good news is that I was able to email two manuscripts directly from a couple of pubs I found on WMO, so all is not lost. I'll continue to research and submit more over the weekend.

I also plan to spend this weekend finishing my Blue Mountain Art submissions so I can get those out next week as well. I communicated with another writer who is still waiting to hear from them after a couple of her pieces were accepted a year ago. They'd explained to her that it would take approximately two years for the particulars, so it's not surprising she hasn't heard how they're doing yet. I'm just excited about the prospect and I can't wait to submit to them. I was explaining to someone else that to get a Blue Mountain contract, for me, would be like an up and coming singer/composer getting to work with Stevie Wonder or someone else of legendary status. I've admired their cards for so long and it would be a dream come true for one of my pieces to appear on their brand.

Anyway, here are a few more links I'd like to share before signing off. Hope everyone has a great day. Happy writing and enjoy the links:

http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html Ten Copyright Myths

http://www.shaunasmithduty.com/for_writers.htm Shauna Smith Duty's very helpful website for writers (more resources are available there too)

http://www.lifetips.com/careers/gurus.asp Write what you know and get paid!

http://about.families.com/become-a-blogger Get paid to blog regularly on Families.com

http://www.hotgigs.com/types/Creative_Design,_Media_and_Writers/Writing/ Another helpful list of writing jobs

~BabyBlogger

P.S. As of today, I still have articles pending acceptance on AC, but if you haven't done so already, please visit my content page and read what I've already published. Also, if you'd like to publish there, please use my referral link to sign up. Thanks!

Progressing?

2006-07-20T16:50:00.000-07:00

I think I am.

I've submitted five works to AC this week. Three are still pending, but the two that are available can be viewed HERE.

I've written two new articles (each over 1000 words) and have selected five possible magazines to send each one to (making it a total of 10 magazines combined). I must confess that I'm a little behind on sending those out too. My original plan was to send them by today at the absolute latest. Sending them out tomorrow isn't a bad thing though. Actually, it's a good way to wrap up my week.

And, of course, I started this blog and have managed to square the proper business away in order to create a path to generate a stream of revenue from it. I still need someone to show me how to get my profile back up near the top of my sidebar here instead of all the way at the bottom like it is now. I have no idea what I did, but that's a minor detail that's been bugging me. I've put a call out to a friend who's a whiz at this sort of thing, so hopefully I'll have that fixed in a little bit. If nothing else, though, this blog helps me keep my focus and organize my thoughts. Also gets me back in the habit of daily writing.

I've also learned quite a bit from all of the blogs, message boards, websites and private emails I've collected from other writers.

Yep, I'd say it's been a pretty good week so far.

I'll still complete my novels and other works that I've been working on, but it's nice to delve into the other working markets available for writers. I honestly had never considered half of them. The half that I had considered, I'd just dabbled in before, but am now taking them a lot more seriously. I love grantwriting and fiction, but it's nice to know that I can do more if I so choose.

I have an old 2000 edition of Writer's Market, but am updating to the online version for $29.99 per year. If anyone else would like to do so, you can access their site from HERE. Because of the type of writing I was doing before, I didn't use my last copy much. However, now, I'm finding it an invaluable tool and recommend that (if you don't have a recent copy already) you either get the print or the online version immediately.

I got the writer's guidelines for Blue Mountain Arts late last night. I'm excited to learn that they pay up to $300 for prose or poetry and $50 for submissions to be included in their anthology. Funny thing is that, as I drifted off on Tuesday night, Blue Mountain came to my mind. I absolutely love their cards and write in a similar style anyway, so I thought they'd be a perfect market for me. I made a mental note to get their guidelines, but then forgot about it by the time I woke up. God is good though and I came across a listing requesting submissions to Blue Mountain yesterday. I had no idea that they paid so well, but I'm anxious to submit some things to them. I have dozens written already, but plan on writing several more to add to a my submission to them. If you'd like their guidelines too, you can request them HERE.

I think I'll check out other greeting card companies too. If anyone knows of any, please post them here or email them to me.

Eventually, I'd like to get back into songwriting too. I guess that's not entirely correct, since I've never stopped, but this time I need to get serious with it and take it to the next level. I'm not quite ready yet, but soon...very soon, I'll start posting on my experiences in that arena. For now, I'm just putting it out there. ;)

Anyway, everyone have a great one and thanks for tuning in.

~BabyBlogger

Good Stuff

2006-07-19T12:03:00.000-07:00

I'll post more links today, but bear in mind that I haven't used all of them yet, so I can't make any clear recommendations. Here ya go:

WritingUp (another content site)

WriteSucess.com (job listings for writers)

How to start a desktop publishing or graphic design business (a pretty good About.com article on desktop publishing)

AbsoluteWrite.com (a great site for up and coming writers)

WriterLance.com (a bidding site for freelancers)

Problogger.net (a neat blog exploring how bloggers make money blogging)

Ezine Article on getting your blog noticed (tips on attracting readers to your blog...obviously I haven't employed these techniques yet, LOL)

WAHM's Blogging Forum (the same forum I've referred to previously, but this particular area is devoted strictly to blogging)

Along with the sites I've posted over the past few days, these should keep you pretty busy if you're just starting out. And, if you're not just starting out, please post any other resources that you have as well as proffer your opinion on any of the ones I've posted that you may be familiar with.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yesterday, I did a little editing and managed to hammer out another article on mystery shopping which I completed at about 4 this morning. As stated yesterday, I'm really just working to get my legs back. Not that I ever stopped writing, but I did take a break and, for me, there's quite a difference between writing solely for pleasure and writing to publish. I'm very blessed to be in the position not to have to worry about making a living, especially from writing, but I definitely still want to earn an income from it. Wanting something as opposed to needing it, however, gives me the time and space to figure things out at my own pace for which I am very grateful.

And speaking of publishing, I went ahead and posted a short story and a poem over at Associated Content. Check my content page out over there whenever you have the time.

Today, I'm working on a few more ideas, putting the finishing touches on the two articles I've done this week and dusting off my Writer's Market to get ready to send them off. So please, keep me in your prayers. I'll probably add a few more pages over at AC, too. I still haven't heard if the article I sent them this weekend has been accepted, but I'll keep you posted either way.

Until next time, remain focused and remember that writer's write so make some time to do exactly that today!

~BabyBlogger

Moving Right Along

2006-07-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

So far, so good!

I'm really excited about all that I'm learning and accomplishing. Yesterday I wrote a decent article on internet freelancing. Pretty much the same that I've shared here, but I plan to send it to a few magazines instead. Today, I'll tweak it, tomorrow I'll prep a list of addressees and send it off either tomorrow or Thursday. If it gets published great and if it doesn't, that's cool too. This process is more about getting in the groove...settling on a routine, than it is about getting published (not that I don't want to be published, but you know...).

Late last night I came across an interesting message on a wahm message board about a freelancer who is averaging $350 per article on a regular basis. She was kind enough to post the name of the website where she gets a lot of high paying jobs and right away I tuned in at FundsForWriters.com. A great site that I plan to spend more time getting to know today. Oh, and I also subscribed to their newsletter which sends out weekly job tips and even grant sources for writers. There are a lot of resources there to help writers earn a decent living at their craft. I used to think that the only way to really make a career of writing was to publish some great novel or something on that level. Of course, I knew about opportunities publishing articles and short stories, but having gone that route before, I knew that it was hit or miss with magazines and newspapers and that it takes a lot to be able to do it regularly enough to earn a living wage. It's done, though, and it's done regularly by a lot of writers. Unfortunately, not many people can afford to focus solely on this type of freelancing, especially at the beginning stages of their career. This is why I'm so thankful for sites like FundsForWriters.com and all of the things that I'm learning about internet writing opportunities. Not to mention the various message boards where I'm getting some really great tips from working writers.

Yesterday I also spent some time learning about promoting this blog. I subscribed to a blogging network called Technorati. They basically track millions of blogs making it easy for people to seek out blogs that interest them. Sort of like a blog search engine, if you will. I've got a lot of reading still to do on both of the sites that I've mentioned, but if you're desiring a career in writing (or are already engaged in one), I strongly recommend that you familiarize yourself with both of these.

I also installed a counter on my blog and read a little on html coding and a lot of technical stuff like that. Usually that type of thing bores me to tears (I'd rather pay somebody to do it, ya know), but I'm finding that authoring a blog means more than just writing, there's a technical side to it if you plan to do it well. So...

Before I go, let me leave you a few more of the links I've gathered for freelance writers:

WritersRow (be sure to check out the jobs link)

Blogger.com(create your own blog)

Blogitive(get paid for blogging)

WAHM.com(this is the link for writers, but it's actually an entire community of people who work from home in various fields)

I have a lot more to post, but you'll have to tune in later for more.

In the meantime, realize that today is a great day and live it to the fullest!

~BabyBlogger

Baby Steps

2006-07-17T15:12:00.000-07:00

Since I'm writing again, I've decided to see if I can make a living freelancing. I don't mean to just make a few bucks here and there, but to actually earn a regular, dependable income each and every month. In my quest, I've discovered that there is money to be made in blogging and in submitting articles to various websites who pay for content.

My first stop in this journey was Associated Content (If you're interested, please click the link provided so I'll get credit ($$$) for referring you. If the link doesn't work, please let me know). My due diligence has discovered several claims from fellow writers as to this company's legitimacy and integrity, so I jumped in with both feet and decided to submit some previously published pieces for them. After registering myself there, I spent well over an hour (probably closer to two) in editing and uploading a short story I'd written ages ago. After all of the time spent there, however, I found out that they don't pay for short stories. Took me a while to figure it out, but I'm told that because AC relies on traffic generated from people searching for info on a variety of topics, a short story isn't likely to draw a lot of traffic from those Google-type searches. Makes sense, but I wish I'd known that before all of that editing. You live and you learn and then you move on.

So, instead of submitting my story, I dusted off an article I'd published a few years back and I'm still waiting to hear if it's going to be accepted or not. I should know by this Friday and I'll be sure to post the results. I submitted a previously published piece because they only pay a very limited amount per article. A bit of a rip off if I submit something new that can garner more, but the one that I offered was published for free on an entertainment type eZine and, since it was several years old (and I hadn't thought about it since), I decided that I could afford to let it go for a few bucks (which in this case is more than it made the first time around). AC says they prefer first time works, but that they do accept previously published material, so we'll see.

If and when I do publish with AC or any other content sites (There are a lot more and I'll list them later), it will most definitely be articles with topics they're requesting (they regularly give you a list of subjects that they want). In other words, I'll go outside my genre to write for them for a little extra cash and exposure, but I don't see myself giving my more passionate article subjects to them unless, of course, I can't get them published elsewhere. Even then, an article would have to be pretty old for me to submit it. Does this make sense? I also think these kinds of sites are great for showcasing writing samples to potential clients. Not to mention, AC has a great forum for networking with other writers.

Also, as mentioned in yesterday's post, I've discovered that money is to be made blogging. Basically, there are a lot of sites that will pay you to list their buttons, banners and links on your blog. Each time one of your visitors clicks on one of them, you're given a share of the revenue generated from the click. Cool concept. We've all seen the links on websites and blogs, but I don't know how many of us actually click on them. With these sites, you're also responsible for getting people to come to your site which can be tough and time-consuming. And once they arrive, there's still no guarantee that they'll be interested in clicking ads. Still, I signed up with a couple of sites offering this. One site accepted my application and another turned it down. I won't say the name of the one who accepted me due to my agreement with them. Basically, they have a lot of rules and I'm scared to break them. Not that they're paying a ton of money, but I don't want to get kicked out of the club before learning how to maximize the system. The other site, Blogitive, turned me down though, so I can mention them. I'll actually reapply to them after I build my blog up a little more (which, I strongly suspect, is the reason they denied my application...there's not enough here yet). My research indicates that they are also a good company with a good reputation.

Overall, there are mixed reviews about the whole making money publishing online thing. A lot of WAHM types are really into it as are other writers I've met online in the last few days of my new old career. One very helpful blogger swears she's making $1200 per month just by ads on her blog. Yet other writers are adamant that blogging for dollars and submitting articles for content sites aren't professional writing gigs, but simply marketing tools and ways for housewives to make petty cash. Okay, the housewives bit is all me, but it seems to ring true. The blogger making $1200 per month doesn't appear to be the norm. Most are making $50 per mo. or less. Still, I'll blog on and see if I can make a buck in the process. If I can/would do it for free, I should be able to turn a profit-even a teensy one-right? Besides, the blogging is a good exercise to get me back in the habit of toying with my talent.

Oh, and I was asked to write an article on a very juicy entertainment topic. If all goes as planned, I'll be combining the research and opinions of two experts in the field on a topic that's sure to garner the attention of those interested in the business side of the industry. The subject has the potential to be a Vibe, Rolling Stone or even a Wall Street piece. More on that as it develops though.

So that was my weekend start up project and I feel like I learned a lot and have quite a few possibilities left to explore. I'm finding myself brainstorming different ideas and topics during my quiet moments and I'm really looking forward to seeing where it all leads.

A Single Step

2006-07-16T16:45:00.000-07:00

Writers write!

At least that's the statement I've recently taped to my television set.

I've been dodging this truth for most of my adult life. It's a gift from God in which I've become obsessed with avoiding. Sad, I know, but if I'm going to tell it, I'm going to have to tell it like it is.

Ever since I can recall, I've been told that I am a talented writer and, ever since I can recall, I've believed that. Yet, I've searched for ways to avoid doing so for a living. If you only knew how many unfinished manuscripts have poured out of my fingertips...if you only knew how I dread even thinking about them...if you only knew how easily this thing pours through me at times, you'd probably want to slap me silly. I feel the same way, so I won't try to justify my behavior, but I won't hang my head in shame either. It is what it is. My gift, my talent to either waste or enjoy.

Lest you think I'm a total loser, you should know that I've been published and I've been rejected, which, in my case, is a good thing, because it means I've taken the necessary steps to even submit a work to be rejected. I'm not totally oblivious to the possibilities this gift provides. At times, I dream of sitting on Oprah's couch discussing my latest novel currently flying off of bookstore shelves since she's announced it as her new favorite book of the month. Of course I bring copies for the whole audience and they feign surprise when O announces that every member of the audience is going home with an autographed copy which, of course, is under their seats as we speak. (NOTE TO FUTURE OPRAH AUDIENCE MEMBERS: The first thing you need to do upon arrival at Harpo's soundstage is to -- Oh, you already know, huh? That's right, check under your seat! GOING EVEN FURTHER OFF THE TOPIC: Do you know how hot I'd be if I were an audience member and, after dialing for months, maybe even years, for tickets to the show, I crapped out and attended on a rare day when there was no gift under my seat??? Okay, I'm done digressing...for now.) I also have fantasies of accepting a Grammy Award for Best Songwriter of the Year, which, of course, is my second Grammy because I received the award for Best New Songwriter last year when I wore that stunning red gown and took my mom with me, because she deserves to walk the red carpet for being my first and forever fan. In my dreams I've also won a Tony, a Pulitzer, an Emmy, hob-nobbed with some of the greatest artists and newsmakers of our time. And, naturally, I attend all of the hottest events while people clamor for my attention in order to express great interest in starring in, singing or bringing to life my next project. Oh, yeah, I'm aware of this gift's potential and it has been the foundation which supports so many of my dreams.

Most of what I've published, however, brings me even greater reward than anything I can describe above. Previous renderings fall heavily on the side of inspirational and encouraging outreach. The letters I've received from people describing how my words have touched their lives bring me great joy and great frustration. Joy, for obvious reasons. There's no feeling in the world like opening up a part of yourself and pouring it onto someone else who greets your effort with an, "Ahhh, I needed that". I'd miss a million Oprah tapings, forfeit the Grammy, tell the Academy I'd pass on the Emmy and sell my Tony and Pulitzer on eBay all at the same time if I can bring that feeling to even one person. That one person, by the way, is the real reason why I stick with it. Yeah, there are other reasons, but that person lives inside of me and is me in a lot of ways and, because of them, I know this is not only a gift, but a calling.

*Sigh*

By now you're probably wondering, "Okay, so why does she avoid doing this full-time?" or, at least you should be wondering such. The simple truth is that this is often a painstaking, grueling, mind-bending, earth-shattering (okay, I'm being dramatic), deeply frustrating process. I mean, the inspirational stuff comes fairly easily. Poetry (did I tell you I write poetry too?), flows almost effortlessly onto the page at times and when I'm in an emotional state, I will literally fall into a trance-like state and write until my hands cramp and my eyes blur as a release (without writing, I'd probably be institutionalized by now...either in prison or the nuthouse). But, see that's just the thing...I'm an emotional writer. I need to first be in the mood and I need to be inspired. Only in times like these do I LOVE to write. Any other time, it's like pulling teeth!

NEWSFLASH: I didn't intend for this to be this long. In fact, I didn't even intend to talk about this. Please bare with me, I'm almost done with my rant and if you can relate, in any way, with what I'm sharing here, you'll want to discover where this is all leading. Anyway...

How can a moody person like myself possibly write full time? Here I have a Divine gift, but I only want to use it when I'm in the mood. Geesh, some people!

Enough of all that, though (see my mood is changing already).

Fast forward to the true purpose of this Blog. I'm in a rut. A very comfortable rut, but a rut nonetheless. With a degree in Psychology and 3/4 of a degree in Sociology, I'm no longer interested in figuring other people's issues out...I've got enough of my own, but thanks! I've done my stint in the working world and loved it, but I'm not feeling the 9-5 job thing anymore. Grantwriting is easy, but doing it for other folk bores me to tears. I've encountered minor success in the world of MLM, but I don't feel compelled to build another downline which is bad news for anyone in my upline, so I think I'll pass. Number One Son is in college and unless the Lord blesses me again, there aren't anymore babies to raise. My mate puts no pressure on me to work and has officially dubbed me retired royalty as my days, my time, my routines (or lack of) are completely of my choosing and I'm not even 40 yet. Another blessing.

So, in counting my blessings, I've decided it's high time that I step into my rightful place. The place God has provided and paved the way for me to arrive. In chasing myself, I've assessed three questions to discover who I am:

1. What skill or talent can I perform without even really thinking about performing it?

2. What would I do if I didn't have to worry about making a living at it?

3. What's my passion?

I've talked enough about #1...I think you get it. No, I'm not the greatest writer in the world (even in my own mind). Despite the fact that it's a natural talent, I still have a ways to go in developing it, I know, but I do have skills!

#2 actually addresses a few things outside of this medium, but all of them are accessible through writing. My gift will make room for me and, at the same time, be the greatest gift I can give back to God and others.

And, while the answer to #3 eluded me for many years (or I eluded it), it's true that writing is my passion. It's a love/hate relationship at times, but it's a passion always. When I'm overcome with joy or sadness, I write. When I'm wondering what's missing in my life, I write. When I'm planning my future, I write. When I'm thinning out in too many different directions, I write. Writing brings everything into focus for me. It's like that best friend that you sometimes want to slap for telling you the truth, but you end up hugging with gratitude, because your friend always knows exactly what you need to hear. Writing does that for me. It never leaves me. It doesn't let me off the hook easily and it doesn't apologize even for sometimes being a burden in my life. It checks me at every point in my journey and doesn't let me squirm out of who I am.

Okay, so here I am.

I'm a writer and writers write.

This blog's purpose is to chronicle my journey from this point on. My friends, I'm going to figure this way out once and for all and declare this my "new old" career. Picking up where I left off, I'll be honest with you about my journey and share what I'm learning. Perhaps I'll post some of what I've already written for you to critique (and I love constructive criticism! So leave me lots of comments) or perhaps I'll just start fresh and get used to this blogging thing on a brand new slate. I may even start a separate blog for showcasing my work, I'm still undecided. But I'll try to post as many topics as possible on my writing journey and a LARGE part of this blog will be my sharing whatever resources I find with others of you also in possession of this gift. For example, just in the past few days, I'm disovering lots of ways of making money writing that I never knew existed before (like blogging, lol). So, if you're interested, stay tuned and we just may figure out the real secret to financial wealth and freedom...getting paid to do what you'd otherwise do for free!

Thanks for tuning in and now it's time for me to make it do what it do!

Until you log back in, stay true and be blessed.

~BabyBlogger