Year End Recap, Reflections and Requests

It's countdown time.
We're only 48 hours away from Santa's visit,(and that's only if you've been good).:-)
And a mere week away from the start of a new year with awesome opportunities and new horizons to explore!
Wow, can you believe how quickly it went?
Anyhow...
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your support, comments, suggestions, vents, and good vibes across the miles.
I truly, truly appreciate it.
I couldn't do this without you.

Now for the important announcements--please read carefully.

*Pen and Prosper will take a holiday break from 12-24-10 to 1-3-2011.
If you'd like to perhaps get a little more of me and my "words of wisdom" while I'm away, feel free to check out my posts tomorrow at two terrific sites Daily Blog Tips and WorkAwesome.com.
Upon my return, there will be a new posting schedule. Look to see more hot topics, cool how-tos, guest posts and interviews here each Wednesday and Saturday!

* Coffeehouse for Writers will launch its new, exciting, online classes for writers of all levels and genres on January 3, 2011. If you've been vowing to hone your craft, or make more cash, here's an opportunity to do so. See what's brewing at coffeehouseforwriters.com
There's no time like the present!

* Please continue your support for Pen and Prosper by casting your vote. As many of you are aware, one of my goals for 2011 is to win an award for my blog. If you've been a fan, and feel it's worthy, take a minute or two and send an email to Writer's Digest for their annual competition. To do so, email writersdig@fwpubs.com . Make sure to place
"101 Websites" in the subject line. The deadline is January 1st and I'd be so geeked to get it!

Well, that's it fine folks.
Feel free to share any year end thoughts my way.
Have a happy, healthy, holiday season!

Hugs,
Jen
Image Credit graur razvan ionut

Creative Disconnects!

What to do when readers don't "get you"...

Let's face it: as writers we make our living putting into words what other folks perhaps feel, but don't have the facility or forum to say.

And any writer worth his salt, in so doing, chooses his words with the precision and care of a surgeon. For it is indeed an honor.
Still, no matter how deliberate and diligent we are, sometimes folks fail to get the gist of what we're saying. Or we inadvertently say something that “steps on someone's toes”. It's as if we're speaking a different language.

Whether it's an article, a blog post, a poem, or a commentary piece, sometimes there's a short circuit or disconnect. Because words can carry different meanings for different people, or it could be simply the result of the reader reading more into the “conversation” than originally intended.

Or to put it in the eloquent words of today's teen, “they be straight trippin'!”

So, we must reconcile ourselves to the fact that it can be a work-related hazard. Still it can sting. No matter how long you've been operating.

Take for instance, a humorous piece I wrote for a relationship column, entitled “Why I don't do Dutch!”Most readers responded with words of agreement and verbal “high fives”.

Eureka! They got it!
I was on cloud nine for days. Then I landed with a bit of turbulence, after reading an angry letter from a guy whose words were not only mean and vicious, but possibly could have been grounds for legal action if he had the chutzpah to reveal his real identity!

Then, a few years later, there was the time that a reader became a little miffed when I jokingly referred to husbands as women's “property.” Ouch.

It happens to the best of us. If it happens to you, here are a few things to take into consideration:

1. Realize that it's impossible to please all of the people all the time. Try and you'll disappoint yourself.
2. When appropriate and merited, publicly apologize. Take the high road.
3. Learn the lesson. Are there taboos you should avoid tackling for your particular target audience?
4. Don't let it discourage you. Be true to who you are, and speak your own truths. Those who matter won't mind. And those who mind won't matter.
5. Don't personalize it. Rarely is rejection about you as an individual.

Don't let fear or missed-communications keep you from connecting with others and sharing your joy!

Thoughts? Has this ever happened in your creative career?

Image: Salvatore Vuono

Alternatives to Social Networking For the Reluctant Writer

If you’re not big on “small talk”, or lack a lot of time to devote to “friending” on Facebook, mingling on MYSPACE, or touching base on Twitter, don’t despair. You’re not alone.

You can still get (paid) gigs, gain name recognition, and “win friends and influence people”. Though social networking certainly has its place in promoting today’s successful writer, it’s not the only way to achieve marketing and “bottom line” goals.

I should know. I only recently overcame my “Twitter Jitters” to sign up.
And I’m embarrassed to add that I almost never use the social networking sites in the average writer’s arsenal of tools.

Whenever I attempt to, I seem to get distracted by viewing all the interesting people’s profiles, visiting wonderful websites I’ve never heard of, and doing everything other than promoting my business and making important connections.
I'm like a kid in a candy store, excited to sample everything!
Not to mention, I don’t always know what to say to strangers to come across as witty and wise. Nor do I understand all the lingo, or the abbreviations. “lol”

Still, my client roster boasts of doctors, entrepreneurs, teachers and other professionals. And just this week I was booked for a speaking gig, to the tune of $200.00.

When I asked the event coordinator how she obtained my information, she said she got it through my profile appearing on a writers’ group website. Not bad, huh?
I’ve said it before, but this bears repeating: success as a writer depends as much upon strategy and time management as it does writing skills.

With this in mind, here are four creative ways to expand your reach and your bottom line, for the “wall flower” writer.

1. Pen quality articles for quality sites. Popular ezines devoted to the writing life typically have thousands of subscribers. This puts your work in front of numerous potential fans, editors, and publishers. In fact, last year, I had my quotes included in two books published through commercial publishers, as a result of articles originally appearing in Funds for Writers and Writing for Dollars.

2. Guest blog on prominent sites. Because of the interactive and popular nature of blogging today, it provides an array of opportunities for linking to your site and landing your name at the top of search engine listings. To increase your odds for acceptance, be sure to read the guest post guidelines appearing on most blogs

3. Join writers' organizations and post your profile online. Be sure that it reflects your most important achievements, any awards or commendations, and works published. Add an attractive photo for additional appeal.

4. Create and maintain a Blog with killer content and valuable resources. My blog that was launched about a year ago, has helped to earn a Page 3 Google rank, a paid blogging gig, and new friends. Yours can too.

Don't be "shy" to follow these four tips. You're sure to find a pot of gold and popularity on your path to writing success.

And don't be too shy to leave a comment...
Thoughts? Favorite strategies?

Image: Idea go

20 Life Lessons Learned...

Everyone can teach us something if we are receptive to embracing it.
As we wrap up another year, move towards self-reflection and strive to move forward in our goals, I'd like to share some of my life lessons that have helped to define me as a writer and a woman. Perhaps you might add them to yours.
I'm a firm believer that the more you know, the more you grow.

Though you'll typically find this kind of post at the personal development blogs, I thought it would be neat to try it here. After all, Pen and Prosper is about "prospering", right?
I actually got the idea from Evelyn @Evelynparham.com, who did it from another blogger's request. They provided eleven, but I couldn't stop there.

So, without further adieu, here are my important life lessons.

1. Sometimes in life, you must jump, and the "net" will come later.
2. There is a difference between wisdom and knowledge.
3. Like wine, some things really do get better with age.
4. There is an art to friendship that not everyone knows. Choose wisely.
5. Love is almost always worth the risk.
6. When others question my actions, or fail to give benefit of the doubt, God knows my heart.
7. Kindness is never wasted.
8. Laughter is the best medicine. I start and end each day watching a funny sitcom or movie.
9. Forgiveness is liberating!
10. Love knows no color.
11. It is our "perceptions" not our "possessions" that make us rich.
12. You Can't operate out of faith and fear at the same time.
13. Sometimes blessings are "retroactive".
14. Mom was right. Take care of your feet and teeth and later in life you'll be glad you did.
15. It is possible to form "bonds" in the virtual world as meaningful as those in the real world.
16. "Those who gossip with you will gossip about you."
17. Friendship is more important than chemistry in a romantic relationship that stands the test of time.
18. Chivalry is not dead. It just needs to be resurrected.
19. Health is the greatest wealth.
20. Be careful what you wish for. You just might get it.

What are your thoughts on these? Or share your own guiding lessons...

Image Catherine Hadler

Six Things Bloggers Owe Readers!

You know how when you have company coming around the holidays, how you tidy up the house, take inventory to make sure you have enough tissue, break out the good china, and do general prep to insure that they have a pleasant visit and positive experience? How you threaten, (I mean “encourage”:) the family to be on their best behavior to prevent embarrassment and avoid the risk of scaring folks away?

Well, a similar ritual and regard should take place when it comes to “inviting” folks to our online “space” in the way of readership. We should put forth our best “virtual” efforts.
No matter what our niche, it's important to provide certain “niceties”.

I'm not talking about pretending, or putting on airs, or even being perfect here. Quite to the contrary.
In fact, some of my best “stays” online and in the real world have existed as a result of the host not going overboard, but simply being accommodating, savvy and intuitive of my needs.

With this in mind, here's what we owe blog readers for their support, time, interest, and “following” when they spend time with us:

1. Quality content—This goes beyond good informational material, it also applies to proofing your work for spelling, grammatical and context errors.
2. Originality---Though it has been said that “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”, it really cheats readers when you “borrow” styles and in-depth ideas from others. Not to mention, the great thing about blogging is that it's supposed to be TOTALLY a reflection of you. There are very few rules to dictate how you must approach things to be a success. So experiment. Then “show us what you're workin' with!”
3. Honesty---Don't fake it. Speak what is real and realistic. For example, some time ago while reading a few authors' blogs, they mentioned in their posts that comments were not important to them, as long as they were enjoying what they were doing. C'mon, now---I mean really? Who are we kidding here? I'm not saying that we should be caught up in comments, nor should they be the only barometer by which to judge our success, but if they weren't important, why would we have the feature as a component of our blogs? After all, the very nature of blogging is supposed to be interactive. Hello? I'm just gonna' keep it real. I love to hear from you folks, and there are times when I really look forward to it. So keep the love coming. :-)
4. Accuracy---Very few of us are reporting news or technical how-tos by way of our blogs. That's a given. Still, that doesn't mean we shouldn't do occasional research, present an “informed” position on current issues, or read beyond the surface of what's being circulated as “gospel.” Leave myths for fairy tales. Due diligence is important.
5. Courage---Have the chutzpah to stand for something. Be grown up in terms of what you believe and your right to express it. As long as it's not mean-spirited, unfounded and malicious in nature. Say what you mean and mean what you say.
6. Intimacy---A good photo placed strategically on your joint, a brief Bio, and a few getting-to-know-you details can build rapport and build connections.

Provide these six "amenities" to give readers the “red carpet treatment”, knowing that in today's tough economy, it'll be one debt you can happily mark “paid in full!”

What's your take on this topic?

Image:jscreationzs

Someone You Should Know!

A Q& A With Blogger and Internet Marketer, Rob Rammuny

Note: Check the archives here at Pen and Prosper, and you'll discover one thing that makes today's post unusual: I typically don't do many interviews.
So, let's rewind...to how this story came about...

Awhile back ago, I happened to be reading an excellent post at Daily Blog Tips, and did a little research to find out a little more about the man "behind the words".
Much to my surprise I learned that this sage soul was only 16!
Further research established that he has a Twitter following of over 4000 people, and is reported to make about $4000.00 a month working from home!

And, dig this----he was named by Income Diary as one of the 50 Most Influential Bloggers in 2010.

I hope you'll be as impressed and as inspired as I was to read his success story.

Please tell my readers a little about who you are and your background.
In short - My name is Rob Rammuny, I'm a 16 year old Internet marketer who enjoys a full time income online. My goal is to help others break free of the traditional 9-5 "work" lifestyle and escape into the "Internet" lifestyle where people can live the lifestyle they truly desire.

What do you think is the biggest mistake business people make in trying to earn money online?
They overcomplicate things and they act like babies.

1) Making money isn't complicated. One night I scheduled an email (took 3-5 minutes), went to bed and woke up to $100 in my Clickbank account and that was just my day starting. It's not complicated whatsoever, and people want to make it seem like that.

2) They can't stay still - they are trying to jump from system to system trying to find what works and they don't actually try to stick with the system. They expect INSTANT results which is possible, but unless you land on the golden nugget it's a 3/10 chance.

Complete the following sentence: Success is:
Achieving what you never thought about others.

What would it surprise others to know about you?
That I was a struggling drug addict roaming the streets before I was able to turn my life around and make it to where I'm at today.

Any plans for college? And, if so, what will be your major?
No.
Do you have any favorite bloggers?
No, I just admire people who hustle.

Has your age been an obstacle or an asset when it comes to doing business with others?
Yes, I have more to prove and I have less time to do it. If I can't prove to someone "I'm the sh%%" within 10-15 seconds, I've potentially lost a good contact.

What's your favorite motivational quote?
"Ain't no rules around here, we just trying to accomplish something" - Thomas Edison

What's the most money you've ever made online in one month?
Not sure honestly, I don't really track my months of income. Income doesn't really phase me, it's the people I've helped that I care the most about.

.... But, I'll be honest - the money is a nice touch ;)

Anything else you'd like to share with readers?
No matter how many times you fall, just get back up and try again!

Read more of Rob's wisdom at his site: Robswebtips.com

Your turn. Please share any thoughts, comments, or questions.

What Are Your Writing Goals for 2011?

Wow, where has the year gone, right?
Though it seems like a flash, this year will be over in a few weeks, folks.

And you know what that means...time for New Year's resolutions.

I don't know about you, but for me, 2010 has been one of my best writing years yet!

Here's why...
I've landed some major blogging and writing gigs
Met and made some great new writing buddies
Improved my technical savvy (though there's "miles to go before I rest")
I've had several people to request interviews with me
Garnered a few blogging "recognitions"
Current editors, publishers and clients have been a joy to work with
Coffeehouse project has been awesome
My words and works have actually appeared in some traditionally published books by other authors....

And I'm so geeked and optimistic about what the new days ahead could mean on many levels! I feel tremendously blessed.

How about you?

Since I've always been one to plan in advance, here are my creative goals for 2011.

1. To do more guest posting on prominent blogs
2. To contribute to or start my own anthology
3. Seek an agent for my relationship book
4. Land more paid columns
5. To hone my craft and increase my cash
6. To increase my Google "PR" ranking
7. Write and publish more of my poetry
8. Win a blogging award---preferably Writer's Digest

What are your creative goals for the upcoming year? C'mon and put them out into the universe! Do tell...you know you wanna'. :-)

Image: graur razvan ionut