JEN IS OUT OF THE BUILDING...!

For a much needed vacation break. I'll miss you! Let's reconnect July 8th. Look for more reviews, guest posts, how-tos, "ah-ha" moments and stimulating conversation!

Image Salvatore Vuono

Feng Shui For Your Blog!

Feng Shui---"The ancient Chinese practice of placement to achieve harmony."

Okay. So, you know how when you're expecting "visitors" you tidy up, wash down, rearrange furniture, and accessorize to accentuate the positive aspects of your home?

Well, a similar effort has been underway here at Pen and Prosper. This brought about by a few guest posts on influential sites and "online love" provided by links from fellow bloggers.

Though I had the best of intentions, I ended up exhausted from all the "mental" and creative lifting, rearranging, re-organizing, and re-assessing.
Over the last few months, in fact, you may have noticed that this spot has been blue, beige, white, and many of the colors of the rainbow.
Like a mad scientist, I experimented with different formulas, shapes, sizes, and styles.

Here are a few "decorating" lessons I've learned along the way.

1). Be true to your own sense of style, personality and expression. At the end of the day, just like your home, your blog is a reflection of who you are, and your personal preferences. Of course your readers should be taken into consideration, but in moderation.

2). Don't overcrowd your space. Too much "stuff" is more of a distraction than an enhancement. Sometimes less is more.

3). Recognize that there is a psychology to colors. For example, red and orange are invigorating colors, while beige and earth tone colors typically have a soothing effect. Make sure to choose complementary colors that provide for visual appeal and flow.

4). Don't overlook comfort. Regardless to trends, analytics, or what's going on in the Blogosphere.

5). Align your Blog elements in a way that is easy to navigate and user-friendly.


Keep these five tips in mind in any future make-over efforts. You'll be sure to achieve a state of Nirvana. :-)


Thoughts? Agree or disagree? How do you like the new look?

Image Salvatore Vuono

Q& A With Georgina Laidlaw

They say that behind every successful man is a good woman.
Meet Georgina Laidlaw.
She’s the Content Manager for Darren Rowse’s hugely popular ProBlogger.net site, as well as FeelGooder.com.

Having been published at both sites before, I’ve had the opportunity to work with her, and definitely have become a fan. She and Darren continue to provide quality content to the masses to help us to become better bloggers!

Today, I welcome Georgina to Pen and Prosper, in an effort to provide a behind-the-scenes look at her role and what she requires from guest bloggers.

1. How did you become acquainted with Darren Rowse and ProBlogger?

I met Darren through a friend and colleague who’d also done some work with him, and heard he was looking for someone to help him with content. I’d heard of ProBlogger, but I wasn’t really a reader or a follower—it was all new to me.

2. How does a “content manager” differ from an editor…or does it?

You know, I think the two are pretty much synonymous. It’s just that one is applied exclusively to electronic media, where the other tends to be used more in offline publishing.

I work on both sides of the fence—as well as being CM for ProBlogger and FeelGooder, I write for publications and work with CMs and editors—and the roles look very similar from that side of the line, too.

3. How many submissions do you receive in an average week for ProBlogger and FeelGooder?

I’d estimate somewhere between 25 and 30. Darren has a great community, so a lot of people want to make a contribution to the sites. About half of them are good or better, which I think is a good strike rate.

By “good or better”, I mean that they don’t need language editing—once we get them, we just need to format them and apply the house styles and they’re good to go.

4. How can readers increase their chances of publication on these popular sites?

Actually, we just published an article on that very topic at ProBlogger:
http://www.problogger.net/archives/2011/05/31/how-to-get-your-guest-posts-accepted-every-time/

The main reason we turn articles down is because they rehash information that’s already been covered on the site, or they’re not practically focused—they don’t deliver enough value in and of themselves. These are really important elements of the content on both sites.

Occasionally I’ll get an article “pitch” that’s a title only—that’s no good, either, because what you’d write, and what I’d write, to that headline will be completely different.

Finally, since we publish so much content on these sites, the more finished and polished the article is, the better. We’ve recently taken ProBlogger to a twice-daily publication schedule, so we’re publishing 12 articles there a week, and five at FeelGooder (though we’re looking to ramp that up, too).

I have about nine or ten hours each week to review and prep the content for both sites. That means that, more and more, I’m opting for content that’s well written, as well as containing a great idea, since I don’t have much time to edit for language these days. A great idea on its own doesn’t make the cut on these sites—we need excellent writing as well.

5. Do you have your own personal Blog?

I do: http://backstoryesque.blogspot.com/
It’s intended to focus mainly on the laughable realities of working in communications, and with language, but I also publish snippets of fiction I’m writing, excerpts from books I’m reading and loving, and so on. It’s eclectic, and I basically write it for my own pleasure.

6. What would it surprise people to know about you?

How much loose language I use on my personal blog!

7. Any guilty pleasures?

Too many to name! But among them are: gin and tonic and a good book in an hours-long bath, and chocolate for “lunch”. Or any meal, really…

8. Anything else you’d like Pen and Prosper readers to know?

Only that I’d agree with those who say the secret to good writing is good reading.
Recently I had a short but solid lull in my nonfiction reading, and although I was still reading fiction, I found it much harder to write. Since I’ve started reading nonfiction again (The Return of the Crazy Bird, by Clara Pinto-Correia) [http://www.amazon.com/Return-Crazy-Bird-Strange-Tale/dp/0387988769], it’s as if new synapses have started firing in my brain. The broader my reading is, the more ideas I get—the more fluid my thinking is.

So I’d encourage those who want to pen and prosper to read as much as possible, and as broadly as possible.

Stats, Stage Fright and Stuff...

It's been an interesting week, folks. And if I must admit, today I'm experiencing a little "stage fright" of sorts.

Let me explain...
As typical, I spent the week working on clients' blogs, preparing articles, doing research...you know, the whole kit and kaboodle that goes with this way of life.

Then, as I concluded another episode of Jeopardy yesterday, (which I never miss), I received an unexpected Email. Much to my surprise, I was featured as one of "60 of the Best Minds in the Blogosphere" over at Possibilityoftoday.com!

I had to read it several times for it to register. :-)

I can't tell you how much it made my day, my week, my month, my year!
And get this--I'm included with some serious heavy-hitters like Seth Godin, Leo at Zen Habits, and Ali Hale of Aliventures.

A special thanks to Sibyl, (who, by the way, is a Harvard graduate) for bestowing this honor. Additional thanks to all those who extended kind words and comments by Email or blog "shout-outs".

Which brings us to today's "stage fright"...
With the anticipated traffic and new eyes potentially coming my way from her readers, and others that made the list, I agonized over how to approach today's post.

Should I be sassy? Cerebral? Funny? Reflective? Philosophical?
Well, you get my drift here.
Ferklempt, I decided to just write the darn post.:-) Hope you enjoy.

With that being said, here are a few stats and announcements for Pen and Prosper for this anniversary month:

1. To date, there have been 236 posts written.
2. There are 132 followers and (?) subscribers.
3. 1904 comments have been registered.
4. Pen and Prosper has received 31,417 Page Views.
5. Page Views by country--United States, Iran, Russia, Germany, Ukraine.
6. The average reader is female with a postgraduate education.
7. Google Page Rank is "4".

Announcements

Coffeehouse for Writers will begin its new session of popular, online classes on June 27th. With an array of "menu items" to choose, surely there's something for you too!

To properly prepare for upcoming projects, birthday celebration continuation, and the holiday, Jen will be "out of the building" from June 29th to July 8th for summer break.

As always, thanks for spending your time with me. Have a wonderful week.

Image Sayan Samana

The Pros and Cons of Creative Collaborations

“Two heads are better than one.”

Creative collaborations can be a great way to expand your portfolio, increase your bottom line, and partner with someone whose artistic strengths complement your weaknesses. Whether it’s a graphic designer teaming up with a writer for the creation of a website, several authors coming together to pen an anthology, or a lyricist providing just the right words to complement a musician’s score--it can definitely be a win-win situation for everyone involved.

But much like a marriage, these alliances should be approached sensibly and with great caution. The wrong partnership can be as harmful to the creative process as Kryptonite to Superman!

This epiphany came to me after working with folks with whom there was the best of intentions initially, but very little compatibility in key areas.
I learned the hard way that what makes for a good personal union does not necessarily make for a good business relationship.

The price for these mismatches? Strained relations, frustration, and lost productivity.

So if you’re considering joining forces with someone for future business growth and better opportunities, take heed.

Here are ten ways to make your vision a reality and create a winning combination!


1. Get your project off to a good start by providing for the “right fit.” Don’t be fooled. Not everyone we like, or with whom we enjoy a friendship, makes a good business partner. Is he or she like-minded? Do you have a similar work ethic? Are your temperaments compatible? Choose wisely.

2. Not sure where to start? Get recommendations from people whose opinion you value—people in your creative circle or writers’ group.

3. Put in writing who will be responsible for what and when. The more parameters you have regarding roles, the better.

4. Make sure that your strengths and weaknesses are complementary and not conflicting.

5. Learn the art of compromise. Even in the best scenarios people disagree on how things should be handled. Be willing to see your partner’s perspective, and to find a happy medium.

6. Carry your weight. There’s nothing worse than working with a slacker. It can also be a detriment to future referrals.

7. Brainstorm individually and collectively. (Some of my best creative ideas actually come to me when I’m all alone in the solitude of a bubble bath, when my muse is not being pressured.) Your “genius” may come to you while working in your garden. Whatever works, work it!

8. Make sure that you and your partner not only have the same agenda, but also the same sense of urgency. In other words, if you are very deadline oriented and the other person has to wait for the “right mood” to move forward on things, it will cause tremendous stress, and potentially sabotage your collective success.

9. Remember to treat him/her with respect and as a valued professional. In too many scenarios, one person wants to act like a parent or supervisor. Let go your ego! “You are not the boss of me.”

10. Be each other’s cheerleader. It’ll keep you both motivated and bonded, and give you a sense of fun until you reach that finish line!

Keep in mind that not only can creative collaborations enhance your professional horizons, but many have actually resulted in romantic relationships, or long term friendships.
And certainly there's no better profit than that!

Thoughts? Have you ever collaborated on a creative project?

Note: This piece was originally published in Hope Clark's Funds for Writers. It also was included as a chapter in the book, "The Write Direction"-by Author Donna Goodrich.
Image Salvatore Vuono

Five Ways to Seize the Summer and Earn Hot Cash!

Summer season is upon us.
Not only does it usher in hot weather, but it also offers endless opportunities for writers to earn extra dough through events of the season.
All that’s required is a little creativity and some cool lemonade.
And the great thing is that these ideas work regardless as to where you live, or what genre you write.

Here’s how to explore various topics to potentially pen poems, essays, how-tos, features or fictional pieces and to earn hot cash in the process.

Make a list and check it twice.

Here’s what it might look like:

Themes:

Graduations and Proms---A look at college career choices, a nostalgic look at your first love, or an essay on defining success for today’s graduate.

Summer reunions---this could include genealogy references, family recipes, or colorful characters.

Summer vacations---Great for travel writing pieces, rating of hotels and restaurants.

Summer gardening---Tips on successful planting, pictures of your back yard and stories of trial and error, or how to cultivate a green thumb.

Summer barbeques and recipes---How to use beer for tender barbeque, or the art of romantic picnics, or how to make the best baked beans.

Summer weddings---Wedding traditions and how not to become a “bride-zilla.” Unusual stories on how couples met.

At-home activities for kids—Arts and craft activities, how to host a book club for teens, summer safety tips. Time management for busy moms.

Summer fashions---Popular trends, hot sales, styles that flatter different figures, foot care for sandal wear.

Holidays
Fourth of July
Labor Day

National “Awareness” Days
National Safety Month—June—Why and how it came into existence.
Parents’ Day---July---Gift-giving tips
Friendship Day---August
Grandparents’ Day---September
Special Olympics


Choose the most interesting and relevant topics based upon your interests and experiences, and narrow the list down. For example, for me, since I’m an incurable romantic, summer weddings would definitely be at the top of my list. Summer barbeques would also be a definite possibility since I enjoy food and backyard barbeques. The weddings might inspire my romantic poetry or a personal essay, or even a how-to on planning an economical but beautiful wedding for penny-pinchers!

Address the 5 Ws of journalism: who, what, when, where, why. Don’t forget to provide colorful anecdotes and quotes to provide richness.

Start sketching and fleshing out viable ideas. Ideally the more passionate you are about the subject, the easier and more enjoyable it is to write, and the less research required.

Identify potential markets. This is almost a no-brainer. Wedding pieces would go to places like Today’s Bride or Bride’s Noir. Recipes would find a home at Taste of Home or Woman’s Day. You’ll also find a great database of magazine guidelines at Writing for Dollars. Once this is done, check the publication’s archives and their editorial calendars to identify the best time to approach the publication with a query or completed piece.

Follow these five tips and you’ll find creative projects and pay to last the whole year!

Image Salvatore Vuono

Honeymoon Over? 4 Ways to MaintainYour Blogging Mojo!

Ah, young love! Whether it’s relational or creative, the beginning is always magical.
You know the script:

You’re geeked about spending time with the object of your affection--be it a soul mate, or fans of your work. You cherish the time you spend together. They make you feel special. They seem to "get you". The interaction is engaging.

But, weeks, months, maybe years into it, they don’t seem to show the same level of appreciation. You know they’re digging you, but the effort is not as great on either party’s part. The cute compliments are far and in between. Some days it may feel like an obligation, instead of a passion. “You’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’.

Could it be that the honeymoon stage is over?

Don’t despair. And don’t call your mom. You can still salvage the relationship and have a happy ending, if you follow these tips to go the distance.


1. Keep a positive perspective. Truth is, every relationship goes through stages and tests. And your blogging experience will be no different. Sometimes you’ll receive rave reviews, and other times, well…let’s just say there will be a hush over the land. Don’t personalize it. Instead, remember what appealed to you in the beginning. And stick to it like Velcro.

2. Try something different. That’s right; what relationship isn’t enhanced by a little variety? For instance, if your posts are always short, make them long. If your tone is always serious, try a playful approach. If you typically do book reviews, try how-tos. If you post on Fridays, sneak in a Monday post. Never become boringly predictable. Change your “look” every once in a while.

3. Take a break. There’s great truth to the expression, “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Spend time away regrouping and renewing your spirit. Time apart can lead to a greater level of interest and esteem. Try it, you might like it! Just make sure to give notice and give it a time limit.

4. Recognize that there's something to be said for a job well done. Even if nobody's saying it. Take satisfaction in your commitment to your craft, and your contributions to the blogosphere. And before you know it, and maybe when you least expect it,(if it was meant to be), one day you'll feel that magic again! :-)

What say you? How do you maintain your "mojo"?
Image Arvind Balaraman

Weekend Recommended Reading!

In my typical "blog bonus" of exposing you to new and noteworthy blogs and websites, I've combed the Web to come up with some hot spots I believe you'll enjoy.

Some are related to the craft of writing, while others are entertaining and enlightening in areas of personal development, blogging, and lifestyle.

As time permits, I hope you'll check them out and let me know your thoughts.

If you dig what you discover, say hello to the host as well, by leaving a
comment. :-)

Here's hoping you have a wonderful week with many new discoveries and old comforts.

1. The Art of Manliness---I was intrigued by the title and captivated by the content. Though its main readership is for "Mars" inhabitants, I think that it's really interesting, and covers a wide array of topics from grooming, to health, to sports. Okay fellows, here's something that speaks to your heart. Speak to me and let me know if it was useful. I hope it inspires and uplifts.

2. Richgrad.com---This award-winning site deals with personal development in a unique and clever way. It markets itself as "personal development for the book smart." Read it and move to the head of the class! Be sure to check out "Girls are like apples on trees."

3. Coffee on the Patio---Serves up hot conversation and stimulating thoughts for women over 40. Here you'll find a wonderful assortment of topics of interest, regardless of your age. It's eye-appealing and easy to navigate.

4. The Adventures of Sugar Belle---I'm not sure. Perhaps it's because I'm a foodie. But everytime I visit this site, I get a warm, fuzzy feelin' inside. And with over 3000 followers, it appears I might not be the only one! Sugar Belle makes baking cookies an art form! I love the bright colors, the photos of her "work" and the recipes and tips. You will too!

5. Blogger Buzz--- Many of you, from what I can tell, blog using the popular Blogger platform. With this being the case, you may want to check out this site for the latest features and forums that deal with tech issues, widgets and new developments to your sites. Knowledge is power, right?

Until next time, have the best time!

Imageningmilo

No Heavy Lifting Required- 8 almost effortless ways to support writers!

There is great truth to the adage, "There is strength in numbers."
Collective efforts can make a positive difference, whether it's a boycott, a bake sale, or getting behind a worthy cause.

Which is why I'm sometimes baffled by the lack of participation and support in literary circles.

For example, in my area, local bookstores will often sponsor book signing events, poetry readings, and exhibits for folks that are not well known, but have work that merits recognition and exposure. I try to attend as many as my time and resources will allow, even if I've never heard of the poor soul. Why?

Because it opens doors for the rest of us. I also recognize the effort involved.
Contrary to popular opinion, support need not always be about money, nor a great investment of time.

With this in mind, here are 8 ways to support writers and create win-win situations for us all!

1. If you can't attend an event, please pass the word on to friends, associates and family members. I can tell you from personal experience that it really helps to see a few smiling faces in the audience to help make it through the day.

2. When you visit a Blog that you enjoy, post a comment. Think about it. There must be something of value that you get from going to that person's site, or you wouldn't be there. It's a really cool gesture to show appreciation for others' efforts, insights and time. Perhaps in a rush? (I can relate.) Simply add your name to the Blog as a follower. Or promote it through your social media network.

3. Provide a link for other writers you admire on your site. Or highlight other bodacious blogs by doing a listing of your weekly favorites! You benefit by having their fans and followers click in on your site. This helps build new audiences and creates good blog karma.

4. Offer to do a guest post on someone's site. It enables other blog owners to have a day off, and also provides variety at their site.

5. Write a review of other writers' books, classes, or products.

6. Send a motivational Email to someone who's struggling with completing a novel, or dealing with doubt and/or editors' rejections.

7. Barter services to help each other to save money and expand resources.

8. Participate in polls and surveys as they apply to your lifestyle and circumstances.

...BONUS! Send a word of appreciation to someone whose work you admire. Make someone's day.

Sometimes it takes so little to mean so much...

How do you do your part?
Do you agree or disagree? Weigh in.:-)

Imagephanlop88

A Guest Post by Rebecca Kiel

Host's note:
Today we have joining us Rebecca Kiel.
Rebecca is a writer, blogger, former psychotherapist, and member of Chicago Writers Association.
Here she discusses how being "driven" has allowed her to achieve her creative and personal goals. Please welcome her. Enjoy!


Whenever we returned from a family roadtrip, as soon as the car was off, my dad would yell, "Run around the house!” My brother and I would clamber out of the car and set off running as hard and as fast as we could. We would fly around the house, chasing, racing, releasing any energy pent up from being trapped in the car.

There was only one problem: the bush.

At the front corner of the house grew an enormous dogwood bush as tall as the garage. To run around the house we'd have to run all the way around the bush. And running around the bush always slowed us down. One fateful day, while my parents worked in some other part of the yard, I decided to do something about that bush. I got the longest tool from the garage my nine year-old frame could manage, and began cutting. When I was done, I had made a spectacular tunnel.

Problem solved.

This is how I've always been. Oh, there's a bush in your way? Trim it, make a tunnel! That century-old dresser full of clothes needs moving? Then take your 5 feet 3 inches and move that sucker! My husband teases me for my “driver” quality. My response in always the same: "I get things done."

It's true, this “driver” quality of mine has allowed me to write 85,000 words in a year and a half despite raising two young children, and relocating ten days before Christmas. I get things done.

While the wise saying goes, the only way out is through, I don't think this is always meant to be taken literally. Sometimes this driver part of me ends up in the maiming of fine greenery, or in me missing that it really is important for my son to show me the dirt he dug, or in me hurting myself (because I really have no business trying to move that antique dresser).

Stepping back or slowing down is a challenge for a tree-trimming-make-things-happen kind of gal who really wants this novel ready to send. As a writer, being a “driver” doesn’t always work.

Good writing takes time. It needs time to rise like a warm ball of bread dough. We all know there are times that our writing, to be its best, needs fresh eyes. It is difficult to look at something with fresh eyes if you’ve been staring at it every night for three hours.

The point is, there are times we need to walk away from our writing. Consider a moment of writer’s block or a stuck point in the plot a sign that it is time to do something different, even if for a couple hours. Step back and give yourselves the perspective that might save your manuscript from looking like it belongs on the grounds of Disneyland with my crescent-shaped dogwood.


So what to do about the desire to finish a book, build a writing career, or get on to the next project that is waiting in the gates like a thoroughbred? What do we do with the part of ourselves that doesn’t want to wait a week to review that query letter, but send it off and send it off now?

Thoughts?
Visit her site at:
http://rebeccakielpages.blogspot.com/


Image: dan

The Rhythm is Gonna Get You! How writers can use Poetry to hone their craft...

“The rhythm is gonna’ get you!”---Gloria Estefan

Would you like to be a better “performer” on page? To have your words “wow” today’s reader? Do you have difficulty with structure and flow? Or perhaps your goal is to be brief but substantive in your expression.

If so, you might be surprised to discover that there is much that poetry offers to writers of all genres seeking to enhance writing skills and
become more profitable. And I should know.

Long before I earned a living at doling out advice to the lovelorn, penning profile pieces, or blogging, I published poetry. Lots of it. Some good---some not so much.
Still, this “former life” and creative license has often caused editors to comment positively on my flow, smooth transitions and facility with words. Appealing like “music to their ears.”

Which ultimately translates into greater interest, a greater acceptance rate and greater pay.
If you too want your work to stand out, require less revision, and say more with fewer words, here are a few tips and poetic techniques to enhance your efforts and your bottom line.

1. Keep it short and sweet. Word economy is crucial in poetry. Crafting couplets, quatrains and Haikus requires a specific amount of lines, and sometimes even syllables. You’ll find that adhering to structured formats will help you to maintain editors’ word counts and submission guidelines for projects like anthologies and interviews.
Need a quick refresher on poetic techniques and definitions?
Check out: www.poemofquotes.com/ and experiment. You’ll also find that poetry proficiency lends itself to writing for greeting card markets as well.

2. Read your work aloud. To render a specific feel, sound and impact, poets often read their words aloud to perfectly polish their pieces. You should too. It’s the best way to detect typos, awkward phrasing, and poor structure.

3. Make use of metaphors. A Metaphor is a figure of speech that implies a connection between two unlike things. For example, life is often compared to a journey, or to a road, or to a lesson. Metaphors do to writing what spices add to cooking: they enhance the overall experience and add a little “flavor“.

4. Exercise your creative license. Poets are known for distinguishing themselves by daring to be different. e.e. cummings was noted for using lower-cased letters and breaking capitalization rules, for instance. Though you should observe most rules for formal writing, there are a few that can be broken to your benefit. I sometimes use fragments, or end sentences with prepositions, when doing so makes sense and suits my creative purpose. Word!

5. Establish symmetry by varying sentence length. Sentences that are too short throughout your piece come off as choppy. Long ones can cause the reader to over labor and become lost. Use a combination of both for greater success in your word choices.


Follow these five tips and you’ll give your work a more competitive edge and increase your earnings. Charles Baudelaire perhaps said it best, “Always be a poet, even in prose.”

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An Open Letter to My "Followers" & Readers...

It's June. And I'm filled with Joy! Not only will I be blessed to celebrate my birthday in the next few weeks, this officially marks Pen and Prosper's two year anniversary in the Blogosphere. Yay!

Although I was a professional writer long before I jumped on the Blogging bandwagon, I admit that I find myself now, somewhat at a loss for words.

I can not begin to tell you how humbled, honored, grateful, and sometimes (even surprised) I have been at your collective support, inspiration and friendship.

I have been inspired by your words, we have laughed together, learned together, Emailed between posts, prayed during tough times and losses, followed each other's career moves, and even shed a tear or two. :-)
I feel blessed by our association.

I am particularly grateful for my first 12 people, (and you know who you are)who clicked the "Google Friend Connect" when I was just starting out and trying to feel my way through things.

For quite a while, I wrote without any validation or comments. I didn't know whether I was on the "write track" or the road to ruin. :-)
Seeing your faces on my Blog is what kept me going. Truthfully.

Although I may not have received any Blogging awards by noted organizations, I still feel very "accomplished" and successful for the community we have created here. Different faces. Different places. From across the globe.

You guys rock! I couldn't do this without you.
Of course, I don't know if I'll be up to the challenge of doing this for 2 more years; only time will tell.

But it's been a blast so far! And I look forward to our future journey.

XOXO

Jen

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