What Every Writer Can Learn from the "Chicken Soup" Success Story

It was a simple concept that "ignited" like a grease fire in a kitchen.
Chicken soup.
A feel-good antidote for a world of hungry readers seeking uplifting stories that offered hope through heartfelt tales, during today's tough times.
And it worked. In a big way!
This project catapulted authors Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen to mega success--to the tune of millions! It paved the way for a future empire of speaking events, cook books, music Cds and more.
It topped the New York Times' lofty best-sellers list.
And after more than a decade, it's still going strong.

The lessons they imparted to audiences worldwide through this popular anthology can impart important lessons for today's writer as well.

As a fan of the series, (and one who is dying to be published in one), here's what I've learned, and you can too.

•  They believed in the philosophy that "everybody's got a story to tell."

What's your story? How can your unique perspective help others to find a common bond? Or live better? Or inspire others to reach their dreams? When will you share it?

• They didn't try to "reinvent the wheel."

These savvy guys simply took a basic recipe, (anthologies) and added their own ingredients and flavor. And they just did it better. So often writers and bloggers believe that their work has to be out of the ordinary and freakishly unusual to have massive appeal. Not so. Not always. Of course originality is important, but excellence is even moreso. :-) Remember the K.I.S.S. principle.

• They recognized the importance of effective branding and marketing.

No matter how well you write, if you don't promote effectively and find various avenues to connect with audiences, your project's growth will be stunted. Use the power of social media to optimize success. And don't be shy about tooting your own horn when the situation dictates.

• They persevered through multiple rejections.

I don't remember the exact account, but if I recall correctly, the authors were denied dozens of times before they actually garnered a book deal. How many of us can relate? As a noted politican one stated: "Don't retreat, reload."

• They created good "karma".

Often in their books and speeches, they will thank and honor all the contributors, editors, friends, family members, and book buyers that made it all possible. They partner and collaborate with other organizations for worthy causes. They make others feel vested in their success and create important alliances in so doing. Writers should too.

So the next time you'd like to add success to your creative menu, look to the men at "Chicken Soup" for a recipe worth emulating.

Your turn.
Thoughts? Agree or disagree?

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

The 4-1-1 Announcements & News You Can Use

Happy Memorial Day to all of you.
I hope this Monday finds you not only honoring and remembering those who have fought and died for freedoms we enjoy today, but also cultivating great future memories amid time with family and friends. By the way, if anybody out there has a good Black Beans and Corn Salad recipe I can serve for gatherings, please shoot it to me. :-)

Here are a few things I'd like to share as we approach another week here at Pen and Prosper.

• Pen and Prosper to Celebrate Anniversary---June will officially mark Pen and Prosper's four-year anniversary in the blogosphere! (I'll also have a birthday on the horizon.) Yay! I'm doing the happy dance here. Look forward to new things and old favorites! One new concept I'd like to introduce in June is a Q & A type of  post. "Just Ask Jen" will run in June, and will address your burning questions about the writing business, time management tips, creative strategies, and more. Heres' where you'll come in, dear readers.

Post any question you have by way of comments, or email me at Gemsjen@yahoo.com. I'll try to feature at least one question per week, with your photo and a link to your site, (optional). Though I pride myself in presenting a very diverse and extensive number of topics and conversations here, perhaps there's something I've missed, or simply something that could be better clarified. Do tell!

• Popular Anthology Seeks Submissions---This "just in" from my blogging buddy, Linda O'Connell:
  Publishing Syndicate is seeking stories until July 31st. We're looking for the fun, funny, frisky, sassy, not sweet and sappy stories. Submit the kind of stories you reminisce about at family gatherings..."Hey remember when...?"
  Consisting of real-life stories written by individuals 18 years and older, NYMB is tailored for a mature-audience readership; stories may contain language and situations akin to a PG-13 or TV-14 rating. While not all stories will fall into this rating system, the series will not focus on death/dying, cry-your-eyes out sad selections, but only hip, fun, modern and very-much-today type stories that will entertain our readers. Here's that link:

http://publishingsyndicate.com/publishing_syndicate/submissions/nymb_submit_guidelines.html

• Speaking of anthologies...I just had two stories accepted and published in a sassy, fun title called, "More of Life's Spices: Sistahs Keepin' it Real." To learn more, visit Vickiward.net.
• Coffeehouseforwriters.com is currently offering affordable, enriching, online writing classes for those of you seeking to hone your craft and increase your cash. Classes range from two-day sessions to four weeks. Learn at your place and at your own pace! For more info, please visit www.coffeehouseforwriters.com, the site is in the process of being updated, but all listings are valid.

Well, that's it for now. Thanks for checking in today. It's always a pleasure to have you here. Anything you'd like to share or celebrate?

Do tell.

 

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

 

The Ultimate Guide to How Much You Should Charge for Your Writing!

 
One of the biggest conundrums for creative writers is how much to charge for their services.
It’s a hot topic that remains popular after many years of debate and deliberation.
In fact, to test this “hypothesis” I conducted a Google search.
The query, “how much to charge for writing services” rendered 5,990 entries in 0.47 seconds.

Reading through the plethora of information out there could take you months, maybe even years to assess and apply.
So, I’ve decided to simplify the madness for you, my lovely readers. J

For certain, there’s no disputing that this issue can make or break your writing career.
Charge too much and you’re likely to lose a few potential clients and future possibilities.
Charge too little, and you could be on a “Ramen Noodles” diet for the rest of your days.
In the “Well-fed Writer,” author Peter Bowerman tells us that in order to make more, we must value ourselves and ask for what we’re worth. That’s simple enough. Right?
Wrong.
Here’s the reality, folks: what you “feel” you’re worth, versus your actual “Blue Book value” may differ.
And therein lies the problem.

With this in mind, today’s post will help you to approach this matter in a more strategic and realistic manner, with greater clarity.
Be forewarned: in the spirit of “tough love,” you may not like or agree with everything you read.
But, as someone who has worn many creative hats for over a decade, which includes: serving as a columnist, a writing coach, an award-winning poet, a regional editor, a ghost writer, a self-published author, and professional blogger, let’s just say I have a lot from which to draw upon here.
I can “talk the talk” cause I’ve walked the walk. J And it is my hope that in sharing this, I will perhaps save you a little “shoe leather” in your journey.

So, if you’re on board, grab your favorite cup of brew, and a pen and paper, and let’s get down to business. I’m glad you’re here.

WHAT I’VE DISCOVERED AND YOU WILL TOO….

Writing is not a “one-size-fits-all” type of career, my friend. Though there are some general rules, guidelines and practices that if followed correctly can lead to the road to success, each path is somewhat uniquely different.
For example, the “experts” say that in order to become a prolific, published writer, you must first master the art of an effective query letter. Not so. Not really.
Can I share a little secret?
I’ve written over 700 articles, commentary pieces, poems, blog posts and features for local, regional, national and online publications, and 99% of these published pieces were placed without a query.
Queries have just never been my thing. (But more on that in a future post).

Now, getting back to the subject at hand…
If you’re puzzled about compensation, you may simply be in need of a paradigm shift.
Think of it this way.
Let’s compare a freelance career with one in the corporate arena.

　
Here are a few factors that dictate level of pay in “most industries".

• The nature of the industry (profit, non-profit, technical, clerical, medical) and the related pay rate for the designated field
• Your salary history (minimum wage level or big bucks)
• Your “on the job” experience (novice, mid-level, or expert)
• Your performance record (awards, employee of the month, top ranking yearly reviews)
• Your educational level or skill set (degrees and or training as it relates to the position)

In many ways this parallels with a writing career.
In other words, I don’t care how much you may “perceive” your value to be, editors and clients will judge your “worth” based on these five factors:

1. Your writing ability/expertise
2. Your experience- (how many years you have up under your belt, the quality of your publishing credits)
3. The budget for the project- (no matter how great you are, if they have a set amount they can afford, most times it’s what they’ll pay). Particularly with magazines.
4. Your performance record- (evidenced by testimonials, blog awards, Google search results, consistency)
5. Your positioning -or how you stack up against other freelancers for the project or related niche

　
Given these factors, here’s how YOU can decide what you should charge for your time and talent.

CONSIDER YOUR GOALS.
For example, many experts say that you should “never write for free.” I beg to differ. If you’re just starting out and need the experience and the byline, or it’s a start up publication that you deem holds a lot of promise for the future, or a charitable cause, or it’s just a fun project that you’d like to be affiliated with, “ have a go at it!”
One time I wrote a short story (for free) for an anthology project for women of color. It was very successful. And it offered great networking opportunities. Well, to make a long story short, I kept in touch with the coordinator of the project, and a year later landed a paying gig when she needed someone to help her do press releases and promotional activities for a new title, in what turned out to be a series. You just never know where your efforts may take you. Word to the wise: set a time limit and goals as to how much you would like to make monthly, yearly, etc. and what percentage of your projects will be for free.
Are you with me here? Lawyers do “pro bono” work. Why shouldn’t writers?

CONSIDER YOUR PERSONAL FINANCES.
Expert opinion aside, sometimes how much I charge depends upon how much I need to make for a given time period. And your asking price should too.
Here’s some friendly advice that you should heed: If yo’ electric service is due to be disconnected, and taking a low paying, temporary project will help you to meet that obligation, I would advise that you take it. Don’t stand on principle and be sitting in the dark. Hello? J
　
CONSIDER THE CLIENT’S ABILITY TO PAY.
Is it a struggling, new publication? A student in college needing help with writing an essay? A fortune 500 company looking for web content? This should factor in to your equation. Remember, “You can’t squeeze blood from a turnip."

CONSIDER YOUR EXPERIENCE AND SKILL SET.
Though situations may vary, most times a person who is widely published can command more than a novice. A person with certain degrees and publishing credits as an author, would have a greater likelihood of higher pay that one who doesn’t. Be realistic and objective. If you want to make more, put in the time, pay your dues, and work to hone your skills. And don't discount the importance of being strategic in your efforts. Additionally, it doesn’t hurt to try to be easy to work with as well. J


　
Last, but not least-- you should consider how your family members will be affected by your choices, and how it translates into your quality of life and theirs.
　

Thoughts. Agree or disagree?
How do you determine your rates? Do tell.

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

Use Hobby Writing to Increase Your Portfolio and Your Bottom Line

Baskets by Jen

 "Never mix business with pleasure," states a popular adage.
And most times this admonition is right on the money!
But, for writers seeking to have a more lucrative career, and more avenues for their creativity, hobby writing is a great way to earn pay for play.

Here's why.
We live in the "information age" and people's need to know, has fueled endless opportunities to pen "how-tos" in various niches and genres.
Here's another bonus: you don't have to necessarily be a designated "expert" to craft these pieces and get paid for your time and talent.

And I should know. As a monthly lessons writer for a hugely popular productivity site, I earn cash on an ongoing basis, for helping others to learn how to have fun, save money, and improve their quality of life.
And you can too.

Based upon my talent, experience and interests, these are a few topics for which I've been paid to provide instruction to others:

• How to decorate on a dime
• How to become an educated thrift store shopper
• How to hire a service provider for your home
• How to make creative gift baskets for fun or profit
• How to have a Happy Valentine's Day when Cupid is M.I.A.
• How to teach online classes

Get the idea?
My current WIP are lessons on planning a successful wedding, how to buy a home, and how to make your own wine.
If I must say folks, it doesn't get much better than being able to write on things you love and getting paid good money in the process. Hello?

The other benefit to hobby writing is that today's savvy writer can tap into their own knowledge base, and avoid a lot of time consuming, grueling research, and still produce quality results.

If you're on board, let's get started with a few key practices and principles:

1. Just like Santa, you'll need to make a list and check it twice. Identify your strengths. I'll start. Mine would be: time management, penny pinching, decorating with baskets, project management tips, creative strategies for writers, dating dos and don'ts, and career advice.
2. From your list, extract a few viable options. For example, though you may know how to stand on your head for 10 minutes, or get your cat to dance to disco songs, how likely is it that many others would find your "talent" useful to them? Assess and apply.
3. Try to write out a lesson with steps for readers to follow, much like a recipe.
4. Revisit and revise accordingly.
5. Look at sites like Ehow.com and http://www.soyouwanna.com/ for ideas and guidelines.
6. Remember that practice makes perfect. "Lather, rinse, repeat."
7. Keep a journal or spreadsheet to capture future ideas and potential markets.
8. Enjoy!

Your turn. What's your hobby or unusual talent?

Have you ever written about it? Do tell.

How You Can Keep More "Virtual Doors" Open in Blogging...

Not too long ago, in my efforts to spruce up my home for spring, I contacted my favorite, local hardware store. I was geeked about getting a pretty new shade of paint for my basement room, and wanted to get an idea of what was available on sale and in my budget.

I had been calling for a few days with no answer. Finally, on a Saturday I made a "connection" with someone who answered the phone from the management company that owns the building.

The lady said to me, "Sorry miss, the store has been closed for the last few months. You guys have been giving your business to stores like Menard's and Lowe's--so we couldn't compete."

To put it mildly, I felt like crap.
This lovely little store had been in our community for decades.
And it was the old fashioned, ma and pa operation, family owned.
You know...where you could find things that you couldn't get at the big stores-- like the real good, old fashioned cooking pans, and inexpensive trinkets for the kitchen, spice racks, cool gadgets, and things that gave a sense of nostalgia. More than a piece of real estate, it added value to our surroundings.
The owner would often indulge you in stories about his fishing trips, his wife's poetry, and his philosophy on events of the day. He was an elderly guy with quiet wisdom.

Bear with me readers, there's a point here, I promise...

A year before this incident, one of my favorite neighborhood book stores met with the same fate; it had to bid farewell, because of a lack of support in terms of patronage and dollars.

So what does this have to do with writing, or the price of tea in China?
Glad you asked.

Lately, I have witnessed many of the "virtual doors" of bloggers are closing too.
A few years ago it was Jean at Virgin Blogger Notes.
Any of you remember her site? Hugely popular.

Last month, one of my favorite motivational bloggers, (who has also won awards for her blog), announced that she is throwing in the towel to pursue a few creative projects as well.
And the list goes on.

Now some of you may mistakenly believe that just because there are thousands, maybe millions of blogs from which to choose, that a few bloggers bowing out of the game won't be of detriment to a community of online readers.

If so, that's where you'd be wrong, my friends. :-) Quantity is not the same as quality.
Are you with me here? :-)

Think of how you'd feel if your favorite local restaurant went out of business.
Or your favorite novelist stopped writing books.
Or your favorite sitcom went off the air.

Well, some things we have no control over.
Some we do.
And that's why "ACTIVE SUPPORT" is so important. So often we take the things we enjoy for granted. We shouldn't.

Good bloggers bring value! They help to expand our horizons, our knowledge base, and our bottom lines. They allow us to laugh, ponder, and keep us pushing forward. They foster a sense of community where we can connect and come together from different worlds and regions. They create bridges for better communication.

Not to mention, each blogger has a different voice and personality. They bring different skills to the game.

With this being said, here are a few ways to keep more virtual doors open and create a win/win situation for everyone.

•  Comment.

Blogging takes a lot of time and commitment. And blogging by its very nature is supposed to be an interactive medium. I can't speak for everyone, but on days when nothing else seems to be going well, (computer glitches, editor's rejection, etc.) a thoughtful comment can help to lift spirits and convey a sense of appreciation for your favorite blogger's efforts. Even something as simple as: "good job" can go a long way. Trust me on this one.

• Write a review of an author's book and post it to Amazon. 

This small act can pay off in big dividends.

• Tweet a post or "Like" a blog on Facebook.

It will only take a few minutes of time from your busy routine, while helping to share something of value to friends and followers in your circle.

• Purchase products offered on your favorite blogger's site.

Perhaps if you don't see anything of interest for yourself, you can offer it as a gift for graduation, or Father's Day, or a writer friend's birthday. What have you got to lose?

• Write and submit a quality guest post.

Doing so allows a blogger to take a much-needed break, and offers you the opportunity to share your expertise and gain exposure for your site.


Well, I'm off my soap box for today.  That's my story and I'm sticking with it! :-)
It's good to be back and I look forward to opening more "doors" for you, as we continue on our journey here at Pen and Prosper's upcoming 4th year.

As always, thanks for your support and your time.
In the words of Tupac: "You are appreciated."

Thoughts? Agree or disagree? Do tell.

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

Happy Mother's Day to You and Yours...

This morning, around 8'ish, I got a call from my mom.
She was tickled pink to report that she had gotten my card and small gift I sent her in the mail for Mother's Day.

Sometimes it takes so little to mean so much.
Of course, it was in no way equal to all her sacrifices and love throughout the years; I could never repay that. Could any of us?

Yet, my gesture gave us both joy.

So on this Mother's Day, I'd like to wish you all, a Mother's Day filled with gifts, warm gatherings, and memories you'll treasure for years ahead.

I'd like to also issue a friendly reminder to keep your mom in your prayers, your heart, and in your thoughts--whether she's still here or gone before you.

Because certainly their role no other can replace. True?


I'd also like to share that Jen will be taking a much-needed break from blogging from May 12th-May 19th.

I hope you'll join me when I return, as I will be doing a "count-down" to Pen and Prosper's 4 year anniversary in the blogosphere-- effective June! Yay!

Look for more exciting posts, guest appearances, and maybe a contest or two!

If you're reading this, and you haven't already...Please consider becoming a "Pen" Pal by joining through Google's "Friend Connect" in the right hand, bottom margin of this site.

Have a great week ahead. I'll miss ya'. :-)


Warmly,

Jen 

P.S. Feel free to leave comments in the interim; I check in from time to time, even on vacation...


Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

How to "Reboot" and Rebound From a Bad Computer Day-5 Tips to Success

When most of us think about productivity as writers, we associate it with waking up at the wee hours of the morning and pounding out pieces at our computers with impressive word counts.

But productivity isn’t always about the product, sometimes it’s about the process. And there are days when the writing life requires a different form of “creativity“ and a plan B to keep us profitable, sane, and geared to stay in the game.

Allow me to elaborate.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever started your day with the best of intentions-- then computer glitches, rejection emails from editors, or blunders with your blog made you want to go back to bed and crawl under the covers. Or worse, cope by consuming an adult beverage before noon. I certainly have.

Just last week, in fact, I had so many tech issues, formatting problems, and other mishaps, that by 10:00 a.m. I was reaching for the medicine cabinet for some Aleve to relieve the tension.

Here’s what I discovered through all the madness: as freelancers, not every day has to necessarily start off with working on the computer. Novel idea, huh? J
On days when being online is “off-putting” simply redirect your efforts and energies.
Disconnect.

When I need to periodically outsmart the forces that seem to work against me, these are a few strategies I use to “reboot” and turn a bad day into a manageable, progressive, profitable one. And you can too.

It’s time for a paradigm shift...

1. Take a nature walk.
Frustrated by writer’s block, computer glitches, or Murphy’s law? I find that sometimes communing with nature can be inspiring. The trees, the leaves, the birds, the breeze-- oh my! Before you know it, your spirit feels a little lighter, your focus changes, and your mind becomes like a sponge absorbing all sorts of ideas for poems or article ideas. Try it and see the difference it can make to an otherwise hum-drum writing routine.

2. Write in your journal.
No matter what stage or age, writers should always keep journals. Why? Because it helps to organize your thoughts, troubleshoot problems, and reflect upon your personal and professional growth. A few of my journal entries have even evolved into short stories that appeared in popular anthologies by Simon and Shuster and other publishers, (with pay).
　
3. Catch up on phone calls.
When was the last time you reached out to folks who weren’t in your freelance “circle” or critique group? Or perhaps you might want to consider conducting an interview with a successful entrepreneur in your area via landline, for a future feature piece. Don’t stop there; make a cold call to drum up some new business. The possibilities are endless.

4. Read to succeed.
Books broaden horizons. They help writers to expand their vocabularies, their knowledge base, and ultimately their bottom line. They also enable us to identify the needs of our audience. Study the works of your favorite authors. What can you learn from their techniques? Their style? Their success story? Assess and apply. Or consider penning a book review for sites that offer compensation. Either way, it’s time well spent. Visit Amazon.com for an array of titles in different formats.

5. Clean the clutter.
A disorganized work environment can cause you to lose time and focus. It can also contribute to feelings of being overwhelmed. But, it doesn’t have to. Spend some time tossing junk mail, donating books that you no longer read, and filing important paper work and contracts. Prolific author, Kathryn Lay, underscores the importance of being organized in her book, “The Organized writer is a selling writer.” With spring cleaning on the horizon, there’s no better time to devote to this worthy task.

For more useful tips and resources on how to manage your work area and your daily “to-do” list,

visit http://organizedwriter.com/
　
There’s no doubt about it: computers have allowed modern day writers to conduct business globally, and with greater efficiency than ever before. But in times when they’re a burdensome beast, (as well as a blessing), take comfort in the fact that just like “bad hair days” bad computer days can be successfully managed. Be prepared for it, by following these five tips.

Thoughts? Can you relate?

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net