Quick Announcements....

Congratulations to Rebecca Kiel and Barb Hodges. Both were selected for April's Poetry Month Comments Contest!

Please Email me @ Gemsjen@yahoo.com with your mailing address to receive your free copies of Yasmin's newly-released poetry book.


Coffeehouseforwriters.com will begin its new session of exciting, interactive online classes on May 23rd. Popular offerings include: Boot camp for writers, How to write a column for pay, Blogging for pleasure or profit, and many more! Credit cards and Paypal accepted. Register today and you could be learning and earning in time to finance that summer vacation!

I'm seeking guest bloggers for the upcoming months, (May and June). Particularly Mothers' Day Tributes. Please see guidelines listed in the right margin, under "pages".

Have a wonderful and productive writing week!

Stuff That "Made My Day" This Week!

Okay, come clean. No matter where you are on the freelance writing spectrum, chances are that some days you simply question your “success” and your sanity. True?

You contemplate, meditate, cogitate, on Shakespeare’s infamous question---”to be or not to be?” That is the question.

Either you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, or you start off great, but you get a biting rejection from an editor, who obviously didn’t get the memo that you are indeed a human being with feelings behind those words. Hello? :-)
Or maybe it’s a client that doesn’t pay on time. Or perhaps a sinking feeling that everybody else has more on the ball than you do when it comes to the freelancing game.

Anybody with me here? :-) “Don’t it make your brown eyes blue?”

Well, my week started off in that direction. Don’t know why exactly. But I felt I wasn’t “achieving” enough. That I didn’t have enough income based on my output. That I was overwhelmed and underappreciated. Yada, yada, yada. You get the script.

And though I admit that it doesn’t happen often, I too have days where I host my own pity party. Yep. I do, y’all. But that’ll be our little secret.

Anyhow, to make a long story short, without much effort on my part, things started shaping up like Kirstie Alley!

Here’s the stuff that made my day this week, turned my direction around, and merited mention!

1. I got a new Pen and Prosper follower. No matter how many I get, I’m always pleased and tickled pink to add to the mix. A special welcome and shout-out to all of you that joined recently. I appreciate your time, interest and support. Please feel free to jump in and comment. I dig the exchange and the energy!

2. Pen and Prosper was referenced in one of my favorite, popular sites for freelancers! And I quote: “When veterans like Jennifer Brown Banks speaks, I think we should listen.” See it all at : diaryofamadfreelancer.com/

3. I had some really good shopping days, where I scored some household and gift items dirt cheap! And what woman doesn’t love that? I also made some more lovely gift baskets that I'm thinking of donating to local charities.

4. I was able to bounce back and realize the benefits of a new virus protection computer membership program that I recently signed up for. I was surfing the Net, (actually Googling for some of my listings), when I accidentally clicked on a site that rendered the following warning: “this site contains files that may be harmful to your computer.” All of a sudden, all kinds of weird stuff started to pop up! But, luckily I didn’t have to sweat it, as the situation was rectified almost immediately through tech support. Yay!


Okay, that’s it for me for now. How about you? Anything you can relate to here? Anything that made your day this week? Do tell…

IMAGE Photographer domdeen

What You Need to Know About Anchor Text...

Guest Post by Scott Spjut

Scott Spjut is a writer and editor who has been featured in various magazines, newspapers and websites - including Newsweek, the Washington Post, CBS News and the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Scott currently works with Professional Marketing International helping people change their lives.


Without hyperlinks, the power and effect of the Internet would be greatly diminished. Often referred to just as “links,” hyperlinks are the text, image, or other feature which – when clicked on or otherwise accessed – directs the user to another place on the website, another website, or some other location.

In the instances where text is used as a hyperlink, the specific text utilized to display that link is called anchor text. The author is able to decide which text they would like highlighted or otherwise set apart in order to distinguish it is a link. Most often, a link will be underlined and will be a different color (usually blue) but most content management systems will allow you to customize those features.

There are several purposes to anchor text. Firstly, the anchor text should give the reader a good idea of what they’ll be seeing if they click the link. That highlighted text will give them a brief insight as to what they author wants them to see.
Secondly, from an SEO perspective, anchor text is one of the many factors which contribute to search engine results pages. If search engines see that various websites are each linking to the same website using the same anchor text, the search engine will likely rank that website higher when people search for that phrase.

Because of these factors, there is some strategy when selecting anchor text. The most important factor should always be the user’s experience. If they’re going to be confused or surprised when clicking on that specific link, it’s probably best to either place the link elsewhere or present it differently. Keep the SEO benefits in mind, but pay more attention to how it will affect your readers.

IMAGE idea go

Six Sure-fire Ways to Stay Motivated in 2011!

Some months ago, while browsing the Writing For Dollars database for creative inspiration, I was pleasantly surprised. I discovered that out of the top ten “most popular articles,” four of my pieces ranked in the top 10! Imagine that.

Well I was as proud as a peacock. I was as tall as the Empire State Building.
I was…let’s just say I was totally geeked!

So much so, that I quickly proceeded to print out a hardcopy of the webpage to include in my marketing materials to potential writing clients.

Three weeks later, in need of a little motivation and affirmation to get me going on new projects, I revisited the site to marvel at my magnificence.

Guess what? I had fallen off the list.
That’s right, in that brief period of time, not even one of my pieces remained in the top ranking. Nada. I had lost my lofty standing and bragging rights.

Jennifer who? I laughed at the valuable lesson I learned: success is fleeting.
So if you want to stay motivated, stay in the “black”, and enjoy the spoils of writing long-term, heed the following six pointers:


NEVER REST ON YOUR LAURELS---If you want to experience longevity in this business, and go beyond being a one-hit wonder, keep going! Always keep your eye on the prize—amidst rejection and the rigors of everyday life. Though I don’t believe that it’s necessary to pen thoughts to paper each day, you should devote consistent effort to honing your craft and marketing your talents. Remember, complacency can kill cash flow and dreams.

SET LONG AND SHORT TERM GOALS--- Where would you like to be in five months? How about 5 years from now? Plan then pursue. Goals help to measure growth and guide our path. Remember to reward yourself for periodic victories along the way.

COMPETE---Not in a dog-eat-dog kind of way, but in a way that allows you to use others’ success as a benchmark for your own. Do you have any writers whose work you admire? Be inspired to new heights.

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS---Job dissatisfaction is at an all time high. Additionally, studies show that the average worker changes careers an average of four times in an employment span. What a joy it is to be a writer and to get paid for something we love to do. Wouldn’t you agree?

JOIN A WRITERS’ GROUP---There’s nothing quite like the inspiration and support of other souls who enjoy and understand our life’s work.

My involvement in various arts organizations over the years has allowed me to form important alliances and avail myself to greater resources than I ever would have flying solo. And you can experience the same benefits too. Look online for listings in your area, or sign up for the many national organizations and bulletin boards available via the Internet.

KEEP A FILE OF FAN MAIL OR SUCCESS STORIES---Whether it’s in the form of YAHOO folders, file cabinet hard copies, or even letters that you pin to a bulletin board that you view each day in your office space. Remind yourself of all that you’ve achieved, and all that’s possible to those who dare to believe!


…Because when all is said and done, nothing succeeds like success!

How do you stay motivated amidst the madness? Do you agree or disagree with these pointers?

IMAGE: Photographer dan

A Paradox in Pink-The words and works of yours truly

National Poetry Month tribute continues...

Most likely, many of you know me from my articles on the how-tos of writing, my words of wisdom on affairs of the heart, or my never-boring blog posts. All of which I love immensely.

But truth be told, my first literary love is poetry. I've been penning verse since I was a teenager. It helped me to deal with awkward issues of growing up and finding my place in the world.

Later it evolved into the deep stuff that Elizabeth Barrett Browning embraced in her work. To date, I've written and published several collections.

Today, I'd like to share a few that I hope will entertain, inspire, or uplift you.
Thanks for spending your time with me and my thoughts.
Without further ado...


SOUL FOOD SUNDAYS

Baked ham
Candy yams
And collard greens
Big momma's biscuits
And buttered beans

Dishes fit for a king
Gospel music
And church chatter in between

As we bond
And share a history
Richer than all the calories

Laughing
Loving
And just being
Honoring
The Sabbath


GRATEFUL

For the gift of words
And the serenity in silence,

For continued health,
Periodic wealth
And love of self,

For soul food,
Karaoke clubs,
Tall men
And spandex

For close friends
Far and near
Family, dear
And loves of yesteryear

For cozy quarters
Cocoa on cold winter days
And bargain sales

For laughter
And lessons learned,
For joy in my life,
Peace in my soul---

Grateful


THE CANVAS

A recycled napkin
A matchbook cover
The backside of a receipt
And then another

Beautifully blank,
All become the backdrop
For a writer's creations

Raw words
Rapidly affixed
To capture
Key phrases
Ingenious ideas
Inner emotions
For tomorrow's
Work of art


GOSSIP

The elixir of fools
The devil's tool
So senseless and cruel
GOSSSSIPPP....


EMOTIONAL MAY DAY

Needing
Now
Wanting
Waiting
Weary
Restless
Wanting
Rescue
Will you?

Repeat.


LOVER MAN

For the hard to reach things
Around the house,
I be needing you

For your easy laughter
And the way you cause comfort
To my sleep,
I be needing you

For borrowed strength
And joy lent,

This woman needs you

(C) 2006 Jennifer Brown Banks

NOTE: My poetry has appeared in Poetic Voices, Being Single Magazine, Chicken Bones, Rolling Out, and a host of online and print publications.

In Honor of National Poetry Month...

The Poetry of Yasmin Morais
Selections from her book "From Cane Field to the Sea"


BELLE'S PROPERTY

She cleaned offices by night,
always holding on tight
to the dream of owning a piece of the rock.

Every pound and shilling mattered.
Soon, she withdrew from the Bank of Mattress,
enough to pay down on a small property in Kingston.

She stared at the receipt with incredulity.
Semi-literate single mother
on her way to owning land?

One more baby and many hardships later,
Belle lost her property and her dreams.
My grandma went to her grave feeling
smart-talking lawyers deliberately cheated her.



BLESSINGS

"God bless you my child," my grandma would say
for simple acts of love I'd do each day.
Combing her hair.
A drink of water.
Reading chapters of her favorite book.

All these elicited outpoured blessings, not fully understood
by my young mind.
Now the flowing bounties I see
confirm the legacy of my grandma's blessings
resting on me.

(C) 2011 Yasmin Morais


AUTHOR BIO:
Yasmin Morais was born in Jamaica.
She lived in Toronto for nine years and now resides in the U.S.
She is a Librarian in a law library and blogs at Poets of the Caribbean.
Visit her site and enjoy more of her words and works at:
Poets of the Caribbean.


SPECIAL NOTE: Pen and Prosper is sponsoring a give-away for National Poetry Month! Comment on any blog post during the month of April, and you could win a free copy of Yasmin's poetry book! Two random winners will be selected.

Image Photography BJWOK

10 Things I wish I Would Have Known About Writing 10 Years Ago!

It’s a Monday.
And like most good days, it starts out with chocolate.
Weatherwise, we’re recovering from days of violent storms and unseasonal weather in the Midwest.
And I’m counting my blessings to be working from home.

There’s no doubt about it: the life of a freelancer is a sweet one.
What other gig allows flexible hours, bunny slippers, bad hair days, and comfy lounge wear on the regular? Hello!

But there are also obstacles, ugly stuff, and things I really wish I had been aware of on the path to success. Not that it would have caused me to bail at the nearest exit ramp, or join the nearest circus--- but rather, there would have been fewer bumps and detours along the way. And possibly bigger paydays (I'd like to believe) .

I say this as I reflect and attempt to recover from the loss of one of my favorite client sites, that changed ownership, and ultimately will have to be replaced as a revenue source, due to different work dynamics. Not to mention, I‘m just bouncing back from a bad computer bug that wiped out nearly all my files.

Like a super hero, I’m juggling, brainstorming, blogging, making miracles happen with limited resources, and a host of other things in an effort to keep my head above water and stay in the black. And if you’re living this lifestyle, it’s likely you are too.

Here are a few things I’ve learned amidst the madness, through trial and error.
“Insider’s tips” I’d like to share to save you time, money, and mania, and take your career to the next level.

Here they are in no particular order:

1. Writing for free can be profitable. Some seasoned scribes turn their noses up at the prospect of no pay projects. But “pay” doesn’t always have to be immediate or monetary. Some of my best connections, recommendations, and profitable collaborations started out without pay. But balance is required, so choose wisely.


2. Save for that rainy day. It’s more than a cliché, it’s a cardinal rule! Nothing can inhibit your muse like wondering where your next meal will come from, or stressing out over a missed mortgage payment. Even if it’s a little at a time, start saving stat!


3. Writing is both glamour and grit. The beauty of a byline never gets old, but going the distance takes a lot of hard work, perseverance and door knocking.

4. All writing gigs are not considered equal. Print typically pays better than online, articles typically yield a bigger pay day than blog posts, corporate clients often pay more than personal clients. Though there are exceptions. Know what the market dictates.

5. Even with a written contract, it’s possible to get shafted. Always read the fine print.

6. Few people will get rich by blogging. But it can be immensely rewarding.

7. Always have a plan “B”.

8. Not every one is qualified to offer sound advice about a writing career.

9. Diversify! Diversify! Diversify!

10. Family very likely won’t understand your career. Don’t sweat it or be swayed by it.


And in the words of a popular hit song, "back that thang up!"

Make sure to protect your intellectual property by backing up your files and having an effective anti-virus program in place. It's so worth the investment.



How about you? What lessons do you wish you'd learned earlier. Do tell...

Image Suat Eman

SPRING BREAK!

Greetings, Groovy People!

Jen needs to rejuvenate. So Pen and Prosper will be taking a spring break from 4/2 until 4/17 ish. ;-)

I'll be working on creative projects, more awesome content, my spring garden, kicking back with a few good movies and some herbal tea, and alas fitting into my skinny jeans by the time the warm weather is ushered in. :-)

Let's reconnect soon for National Poetry Month, where you'll get a rare glimpse of my first literary love, a contest or two, guest poets, and more ways to hone your craft and increase your cash.

I may check in (in the interim) to provide input on an occasional comment or two--so please leave them if you feel so inclined. :-)

And, here's your assignment: Let me know how I'm doing. What would you like to see more of? Less of? How can I make your Blog experience better.

I aim to please! :-)

Until we meet again...


IMAGE: Luigi Diamanti