Do You Write from Your Bed? See This Awesome Bedding!

Do you love lounging in your pajamas all day? Is snuggling up beneath your cozy bedding with your laptop like a dream come true? Isn't it amazing to pour out your heart and soul and share all those creative ideas with the world--without having to dress up and brave the winter weather?


If your bed is your office you must check out Vision Bedding! Not only do they offer comfort and quality, they even personalize the items at your request. You'll be able to customize your blanket, comforter, or pillow(s).

Okay, maybe you're not a materialistic person. Maybe it doesn't matter to you what design your comforter boasts. Well, I'm sure you must have a relative, or even a child who is crazy about fashionable bedding. And, I'm almost certain with the holidays coming up you still have some Christmas shopping to do...

Do you love polka dots, or know someone who does? This is the perfect time to speed the cyber highway and order your Polka dot Bedding so it will arrive in time to go under the tree (or on your own bed).

Be sure to browse the different styles. You may just find one you can't live without!

A little news...

For any of you tracking my writing, you can read Passion for Patchouli over at Her Natural Beauty. I hope you and yours had a wonderful holiday! Perhaps some of you took a break from writing the cyber highway...

Mini Series, Part Two

I previously shared where freelance writing began for me. Today, I'm going to share a few tips that have helped me develop relationships with editors and get published (a writer's dream!) numerous times.

I've really adhered to this list.

1. Get organized. There are many writers lost in stacks and piles of papers and chaos. I just personally feel that organization is the way to go. When I first started writing, I went to the store and purchased a 3-ring binder and plastic sleeves. I created log sheets and since my first submission/query, I've been keeping up with each and every detail. I know when I received rejections and and what date my work was published. I love going back through my log sheets and seeing what I've accomplished! Seeing my writing accomplishments grow, change, and increase has really helped keep me motivated.

2. Learn to wait. Dig deep and find all the strength you have. You might get lucky (or blessed) and have an article/poem/feature story published the first time you submit, but chances are that you won't. You must have persistence, dedication, and get ready to wait. Editors are busy people and it's not a personal issue when they don't return your email/phone call within 5 minutes or even 5 months. Be confident, be patient. I'm only human. Sometimes I want to cry when my work is rejected. Sometimes I almost can't resist the urge to email an editor and ask, "Have you received my submission? Do you liked it? Are you going to publish it?" But we can't do that. So, I wait. I'm getting use to it, actually. An easy way to wait is forget you're actually waiting by working on new projects and submitting them. You'll get so busy doing this, you'll be pleasantly surprised when an acceptance email comes!

3. Learn how not to make editors your enemies. If you're rude, an editor won't want to work with you--who would? But there are other tips, too. Read the link to find out more. I try very hard to be kind and accept any criticism with a good attitude. I know everyone of us are different. Some aren't as patient. I'm sure others are more patient than me. But each of us has the potential to be nice and professional and civil. If we search our hearts, we'll find it's there.

4. Keep writing (obviously) and don't lose sight of your dream. Don't submit one article that you just whipped up and didn't even rewrite/polish and think because it came from your heart that editors and publishers and the whole world are going to think it's the greatest piece of writing on the planet. Write. Rewrite. Polish. Edit. Wait. Proofread. Do your best, keep writing, keep submitting like a mad man/woman. Query, submit, query, submit, query, submit... Don't give up! I'm sure some of you are thinking, "Yeah, right!" How are we suppose to do that. It's not as easy as it sounds (thanks for reminding me, Rebecca.) You're right. It's not as easy as it sounds. Sit down, make a list of the pros and cons of writing. How important is it to you? How badly do you want to be published? Could you be searching for markets and submitting instead of watching reruns of your favorite television show? Could you sneak in an hour of writing after the house goes to sleep? The reason I have been able to keep writing, submitting, and querying is because I've made it a top priority. Nothing worth having is easy, is it?

5. Learn how to uncover hidden writer's guidelines. One thing that was really frustrating to me when I first started looking for places to submit my work to was the inability to find the writer's guidelines. I'd notice other folks were published at a certain website or magazine, but when I tried to find out how to submit it seemed impossible. So, I started digging. As you'll read at the above link (which is an article I had published at write-from-home.com), I became a cyber detective. If you can't find a particular market's guidelines, be a snoop and dig them up!

6. Blog! I've found new inspiration, met loads of blogger/writer buds that are an encouragement, inspiration, and have wisdom I can glean from. I love receiving feedback. Just like Rebecca's comment on the original version of this post which urged me to add a more personal touch to my tips (which I should have done to begin with to keep with the theme of this mini series, but as we all know most times there are a million and one other things going on in our offices/homes and I failed to recognize that.)

7. Take criticism. Of course, sometimes some people have negative opinions. This hurts as a writer that a reader wouldn't feel the same was we do about something we've just poured our heart into. We need to stop and listen to what they're saying. After all, if our readers feel something is missing or an element is left unanswered, we can hone our craft by embellishing or clarifying. I've had all sorts of criticism and judgment from various people since I've really been writing and getting published more often. There's even been the occasional jealous one, but things like this happen and we'll grow stronger with each learning process. It just takes time.

8. Unlock your heart. This is carrying me far. It's always easier to write about a product or someone else, but when we open our heart and share our emotions, fears, joys, uncertainties, and raw, gut-wrenching feelings, our readers will laugh, cry, and/or shake their head in amazement--and they'll come back to read more. Don't be afraid to reveal the depths of your soul. Dust the cobwebs and bring them to the surface and stir the memories. Allow them to cascade from the place you've been keeping them hidden away all this time. The power of writing is in unleashing the very things you're petrified to share....


9. Pray. I've saved the best for last. This, I feel, is the most important and significant of all the reasons I'm being successful in accomplishing my writing goals. Although I am a Christian gal, I know many of my readers may not be or may be of another faith or religion so I personally choose to represent my faith without forcing everyone to read about it in every post. I am touching on it in this post because I was asked to share what I've done so far as I strive to become a successful freelance writer--and prayer is a major part of that process. I do have a strong faith and a most treasured walk with God. Throughout each day (and night), I talk to God. I pray as I hit the send button or pray over the manila envelope before I mail it via snail mail. Try it sometime ;-) God is the ultimate inspiration for all of my writing and He's the reason my heart has been healed enough so that I can share all of my pain, blessings, and victories with you!

And... it's the times I really just let go and get it all out, that my readers are the most satisfied.

Thanks, Rebecca, for urging me to dig a little deeper. You certainly were right!

I am finding continuous success with these tips. Be determined, don't give up and you, too, will succeed writing the cyber highway!


*Last part of this mini series coming soon!

Writing and Selling: Constantly

Ever thought, What are all these articles doing sitting in my folder/flash drive/floppy disc? It's like dead words, words that are "hushed", so to speak. We wait for the Editors to send us a "good news email", and we wait to hear a reply from our queries. We wait... and wait... and wait. Us writers are very patient creatures, I believe. The poor Editors are overwhelmed with submissions and all their daily tasks, but sometimes I wonder how I keep from pulling my hair out. Still,I wait respectfully. Don't you?

Here's the thing. While we're waiting why not have a few of those articles "parked" someplace where someone just might happen across a description of our article and think Aha! I have to buy this! And that can happen--at Constant-Content.

I've thought about this for awhile now and received confirmation about it yesterday, so I've taken the plunge and signed up. What will it hurt to try it out? It's a user-friendly service and people are having success with it, right? RIGHT!

You can choose to write about topics that interest you and submit those, or you can write for a request. Simple enough. You can take an author tutorial, read their submission guidelines, study their FAQs, and much more. If you still have questions, zip an email to them with any of your concerns.

Once you sign up, you'll begin to submit your articles. Just follow their submission guidelines as you would for any market you're submitting to. Use the font, spacing format they ask you to use--very easy.

You'll also choose how you're going to sell your article, known as various licenses. There are three ways to do this.

Here's the basics on rights/licenses:

• You can sell your article as a Usage, meaning reprint. It can stay on Constant-Content to be sold over and over. This means more money! (I'm leaning towards this one.)
  
• You can sell your article as a Unique, which is basically "all rights." This kind of sale means you're agreeing NOT to sell this particular piece anywhere else, print or online. It cannot be changed in any way, and you can ask more for this type of license.
• The third option is Full Rights. This license allows the buyer of your article to alter the content, take credit for the writing, and sell/use it multiple times. In essence, this is "ghost writing." You can hike your asking price up even more on this one, if you choose to go this route.
  

There are other opportunities as well:

• Photography
• Illustrations
• Videos

Just go to the website and check out the specific guidelines for these categories.

So, there you have it. It's pretty simple and easy to understand. Currently, Constant-Content (as an aid in selling your writing) gets a percentage of your sale. You come out with 65% of that sale, though, and considering the articles you'll be selling would have probably been gathering dust (not earning you anything at all), that's not too shabby! Just take the percentages into consideration when pricing your articles.

It gets even better! As a bonus, you'll receive additional income by earning a generous 5% on sales made by the folks that sign up through your affiliate link. Nice, huh?

With Thanksgiving, Christmas, AND the New Year coming (maybe there's even some birthdays in the mix), I do hope you'll consider this awesome opportunity for generating steadily growing cash for your pocket and increased sales for your freelance writing ego. What? Who doesn't love another sale?

Don't forget to click the pull down menu when you're filling out your author form and select yes to receive emails notifying you of your sales and upcoming article requests. There are three there. Just choose yes for each of them.

I've already submitted my first article. It's a very simple, straightforward process. I'm awaiting approval and then it can be sold (again and again because I chose the Usage license.)

Also, there is a price list to consider when using the submission form. That will help you choose a sale price, but it's just estimates. You can ask less or more. You'll be asked to write a short description for the buyer to see and also include approximately one third of your content so the buyer gets a good idea of what he/she is paying for. Lastly, you'll upload your file attachment and that's it. Wait for approval and you're in business.

Best wishes on your successful sales at Constant-Content while writing the cyber highway!

Writers Weekly

What a nice surprise! I just checked my email and found that writersweekly.com has published my article, Writing, Obesity, and Me in this week's newsletter.

Every clip along the way of our writing journey is exciting, especially if you've battled illness and conquered obesity like I have.

Be encouraged, keep writing the cyber highway!

Get Writing!

Are you a writer at heart, but can't find the heart to write? Discouraged by the daily stresses of life or those friends/family that mock you for wanting to be a writer?

Clear your mind, let go of it all, and get writing! If writing and being published is your greatest desire, then forget what others think. Don't worry about it, just prioritize and go for it.

If I'm not writing, I'm not happy. Is that how you feel? Steal away and get those words flowing!

Subscribe to magazines such as The Writer and Writer's Digest and study them. Purchase Writer's Market or subscribe to the online version and you'll find an endless supply of markets to submit your work to or query.

Get busy writing the cyber highway!

Writing, obesity, and me...

I've lost over 100 pounds. It's been a long, sometimes exhausting journey, but I have made it. I still have about 20 or so more pounds to lose, but I will reach my goal (I'm stubborn!).

My inspirational article, "You Are Morbidly Obese", (published at medhunters.com-- magazine--July, 2007) shares some of my heartache, shame, and victory.

I'm currently in the process of writing a book about how I lost over 100 pounds and am keeping it off. Actually, I was planning a complete different book on a complete different subject but I keep getting requests to share my journey of weight loss and let others in on my successful secrets.

So, that's what I'm working on. Obesity is a touchy subject. It hurts my heart because I've been there. I know how it feels, I remember what it was like...I'll never forget it...

I feel that writing, obesity, and me go hand in hand because I'm a writer at heart and I've walked through obesity and it's ugly realness and I feel others' pain.

Often we hear the phrase, "If I can do it, anybody can!" I always hated hearing that phrase. But now I understand it.

Near 300 pounds, laying with multiple surgeries and sometimes life-threatening health issues, I never thought I would be where I am today--able to walk and move and write again--but I'm here seeing my writing and weight dreams come true. If I can do it, believe me, you can too!

Freelancing...Encouragment

Initially, when I started this blog, I think I had the intentions of including more information about actual freelancing. I've included some so far, but I feel like this blog is turning into encouragement for freelance writers.

A writer's world is full of vicious attacks against our writing, our thoughts, our feelings, our heart... that hurts sometimes.

So, if this blog encourages anyone, even just one, than I'm happy.... Because if we're not encouraged, we can't write.

Chin up!

You have to believe....

Criticism abounds in the writing world. Whether the editors slash your article to pieces or a family member or acquaintance throws in their opinion, you'll always have to wade through it. But keep your vision and your focus.

Remember why you're writing in the first place? Because you love to write! It's who you are; it's who I am...

No, we're not perfect. Yes, we may overlook something and we may even make a few mistakes. After all, we're human and that's what humans do--make mistakes.

Take the criticism and if it's needed, make the corrections or at least think about it. If you feel that you've poured all your best work into it, then be proud.

You can succeed, regardless of what others think. You can be the successful writer you've always dreamt of becoming. But you have to believe in yourself and your writing. You have to believe that it's possible....

Take a deep breath.... and keep writing the cyber highway!

Watch Out for Mistakes....

I recently queried an editor for an ad I saw seeking writers for articles on their site.

I thought I had created a pretty good query email and hit send. A few days later, I received an email from the editor herself, quite a lengthy email I might add, saying she couldn't feel the passion or direction from my email... that I had not been very clear in my email...but that she had read my clips and heard my voice and saw my talent... and she asked me some specific questions. She felt like the answers to those questions were statements I should have included in my initial query.

Basically, I feel like she asked me to step up to the plate. I'm so shy in a lot of ways--most writers are, aren't we?--and sometimes, well, a lot of the time, I don't speak up or step up to the plate when I should.

This editor told me one thing she clearly saw was my talent (hurray! Isn't that what we want as writers?) and I feel like she challenged me to prove myself and bring my talent to surface in a more relevant manner, relevant to her website, to the topics she requires--which I thought I had, but looking back realized I was far from it--and so I tried again (thankful for the second chance).

There is a point to my rambling... watch out for mistakes... what I thought was a great query was a flop. My only hope in this writing gig is that the editor read my clips, realized I do have talent, and she liked my style (I think) or she wouldn't have emailed in such depth and taken time away from her busy schedule (which I sincerely appreciate!)....

If you don't have clips (samples of your writing) that are on the subject of the magazine, e-zine, newspaper, etc., that you are trying to get a writing job with, write some... Just sit down and write one or two or three samples of articles on a topic relevant to that publication. That way, the editor can at least have something to compare to, to judge a decision on.

That's what I did. I stepped up to the plate and focused. I wrote an article that could easily fit on the particular website I am trying to write for and replied to her email, answering her questions, and when I felt at peace with it all, I hit send.

Watch out for mistakes as you write this cyber highway!

Until next time....