Mid-Week Writing Links, Goodies & Announcements...

Jen's Goodies*Homemade Brownies

 

Happy Fall, Y'all!

I hope this season finds you enjoying abundant blessings and in good health.
Today I've got a "smorgasbord" of opportunities and announcements to share.
Please feel free to provide your own in the comments section accordingly.

CONGRATULATIONS TO...
Karen E. Lange, who was the chosen winner of Pen & Prosper's "Having the Last Say" Comment contest.

Susan Reinhardt for the release of her new book "Out of the Mist!"

Noelle Sterne, (who has been a frequent contributor here), who tackles the challenges currently faced in writing a dissertation, in her new title, "Challenges in Writing Your Dissertation."

ANNOUNCEMENTS...

If you are a fan of Pen & Prosper, and enjoy my work, I invite you to join me as I embark upon my new journey as a contributing writer for a leading website in the motivation and self-growth space.
I received a personal invitation from PERSONALGROWTH.COM to write for them, which becomes effective this week. Yay!

Starting December 1, 2015, Pen & Prosper will become a paying market! 
Initially, it will start at a modest fee, but I hope to increase it, (if possible in 2016). Here's the 4-1-1...
Guest posts and articles of 250-850 words (on marketing, blogging, or any writing related topic) will be accepted for publication by P& P followers only. The rate will be $10.00 upon publication. I reserve the right to reject posts that are poorly written, or those that do not adhere to the specified guidelines. Submissions may be sent embedded in an email, or as a Microsoft Word attachment to: Gemsjen@yahoo.com.

The reason I decided to move in this direction is because I am truly disheartened by the lack of paying opportunities for writers, as evidenced by a recent markets search I conducted in trying to land future work. I hope my efforts will help a little in providing the appreciation writers desire and deserve.

Would you like to improve your marketing by aligning your efforts to your blog personality style? Here's an interesting quiz and video that addresses how you can make that happen and work "smarter, not harder."

  https://mattaboutbusiness.leadpages.net/the-content-personality-type-quiz/

OPPORTUNITIES...

Allindiewriters.com provides a directory listing for writers seeking to promote their business and increase their bottom line. For a one-time fee of $14.95, get listed and get noticed.
For more details, check out the directory here:

http://allindiewriters.com/marketplace/freelance-writer-directory/

Pen and Prosper accepts ads from authors and businesses seeking to connect with writers, educators, influencers, and those in the creative community. Get your product or service featured here. For informational purposes, this award-winning blog is read in over seven countries, and boasts more than 250,000 page views! To learn more, connect with me at Gemsjen@yahoo.com.

Writers Weekly seeks your success stories of 400 words on writing and marketing. They pay $40.00 per article, upon acceptance.

South85Journal.com is accepting submissions of essays and poetry for its formal reading period of September through April.

Moira Allen (of the hugely popular, Writing-World) offers beautiful mugs for writers and book lovers.  Why not purchase one for yourself, or for your writing buddy for the holiday season?
Here's the link to the current selection of cups:

http://www.writing-world.com/store/mugs.shtml

Would you like to learn how you can earn $50.00 an hour and up for your writing services?
Peter Bowerman offers a blueprint in his award-winning book series, "The Well-Fed Writer." To purchase your copy now and get his insider's tips, click on the icon in the right-hand sidebar.
I highly recommend it. Have I ever steered you wrong? :-)

That's it for Wednesday's happenings.

By the way, I just got the proof for my new poetry book "7 Wide" today, slated for release this fall!
I'm so excited to share this here.

Your turn.
If you enjoyed these links, send me a "wink."  Leave a comment. :-)

Art With a Message...?

 

 

The other day, while listening to music from my "oldies, but goodies" collection, I was transcended to a different space and time. An age when music provided more than a good beat to groove to.

When lyrics celebrated love found and lost, raised the consciousness level of its listeners, and much like the fortune cookies purchased from my favorite Chinese restaurant, always contained a message for reflection.

Artists back then used their words as a medium for change, to build a better world, and to make us feel less alone in our journey.

Remember when Marvin Gaye sang songs like, "Mercy, Mercy Me" and "What's Going On?"
When the Beatles asked us to "Imagine" a world with "no need for greed or hunger, and a brotherhood of man?"

The concept of art with a message through music, also puts me in the mind of film director, Spike Lee: how he produces movies that are hugely entertaining, but also have a great deal of sybolism.
Though I may not agree entirely with his perspectives or creative approach, I do admire him for having the courage and conviction to use his movies and resources to illuminate important social issues surrounding racism, classism and sexism in America.

So, what's the message behind today's message...?

As writers, bloggers, and "performers" we have an awesome opportunity to use our "spotlight" to champion important causes, dispel stereotypes, start a movement, speak for those who have no platform, give hope, heal, serve as historians for future generations.

It's never too late to use your talents to speak, teach, reach.

The world awaits.

What will you "paint"?

Thoughts?

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

5 Non-Writing Skills Every Successful Writer Must Possess

There's more to writing than meets the eye. Contrary to the hype you'll often encounter in online job ads and how-to books, skillful mastery requires much more than "good grammar and an Internet connection."

If only it were that simple. 
As someone who has been behind the keyboard carving out a career in the creative field for many years, I've come to the realization that most successful writers are not just effective communicators; they also possess these five skills and abilities for optimal success.
See how many you can check off here.

THE SKILL:
Discipline

THE DEAL:
If I had a dollar for every person that says, "I could write a book," I'd be rich. Though it's true that many of us have a story within us, being a "real" writer requires real discipline. Day after day, week after week, month after month, amidst rejections, work woes, family dramas, self-doubt and fears.
If you don't have the discipline to commit to setting goals, writing regularly, sending out your work, researching markets, and improving your craft, you'll never cut it.

THE SKILL:
Coping skills

THE DEAL:   
Can you handle stress? Would you be able to accept a career that has more ups and downs than an amusement park ride? Stress management is crucial to today's successful writer. The underlying reason? If not handled properly stress can cause writer's block. No output means no income. No income means no chocolate. Which leads to more stress...
You get where I'm going here?

THE SKILL:
Negotiation skills

THE DEAL:
Have you ever seen those hostage negotiators on many of the popular cop and weekly TV crime shows?
Take note; you'll become one. The main difference here, is not the release of a victim or kidnapped person, it's the timely and careful release of your writing fee. Hello? Sometimes you have to bargain, beg, strategize, reason and negotiate to earn what you feel you deserve with clients, publishers and editors. Your "survival", in fact, depends on it.

THE SKILL:
Time management skills

THE DEAL:
There's great validity to the expression, "Time is money."
If you don't manage time well, you're likely losing out on money, sleep, and the potential opportunity to make even more money. Additionally, poor time management and poor prioritization skills often lead to missed deadlines and costly errors.  According to Lucy V. Parker, author of "'How to Start a Home-Based Business," these are the main characteristics of time management:
doing regular planning, listing tasks, prioritizing, following through, and rewarding yourself for achievement.   

THE SKILL:
Strategic skills

THE DEAL:
Strategic skills involve good decision making, business savvy, and the ability to remain profitable as a freelancer. It means knowing that every creative situation requires the "write" approach.
It involves having a game plan for successful execution of your projects.
If you use discernment before you take a gig, weigh the pros and cons of opportunities, research, and exercise "due diligence," you're a strategic writer.

 
Okay, confession time...
How many of these skills do you possess? What do you lack?
What would you add to the list?
Do tell.

Don't Hate the Wait! 6 Timely Tips for Today's Writer

 

“Your call is very important to us. Please continue to hold. The next representative will be with you shortly.”
“Your call is very important to us. Please continue to hold. The next representative will be with you shortly.”
“Your call is very important to us. Please continue to hold. The next representative will be with you shortly.”

I listened to this repeated message for over an hour the other day, as I waited to be connected with a “live” person regarding my account. I didn’t dare dash to the washroom or go to the kitchen to retrieve a glass of water, for fear that if I made the wrong move, I would be disconnected and have to start the whole grueling process all over again.

Instead, I found myself being held “captive” for more than 3600 seconds. Time I could never recover; which really grinded on my nerves.
If I had a dollar for every hour I have waited to be helped, heard, responded to, or updated, I’d be rich as dark chocolate.

Waiting can be so frustrating. It takes time away from our productivity, makes us anxious, and keeps us in a “pending stage” where we can’t move forward or make important decisions for day-to-day tasks.

A similar situation exists in writing and the creative process. You know the script.
You meticulously craft a query letter. You send it off to an editor. You wait for her to get back to you. You wait for the green light to submit your completed piece. Then you wait for an acceptance. Then you wait to be published. Then you wait to be paid.
Yeesh!

Though I love the creative life, I hate the wait! Always have.
In fact, at the time of this writing, I have nearly a dozen pitches, guest post requests, and completed articles I am waiting to hear something, anything on.

Don’t get me wrong: I have worked with some really cool editors that in the past have been very responsive and “rendered a verdict” in a few days. But they seem to be more the exception than the rule.
I must admit, as I continue to embark upon this journey though, I have gotten a bit better. And you can too.

Here are some practices and principles to consider as you play the “Waiting Game” as a freelancer:

1. Step away from the computer!

That’s right. Instead of checking your emails frantically, fix your mind on something else. Exercise. Garden. Take a bubble bath. Sew. As for me? I relax through baking and cooking. And the positive thing here, is that it often “feeds” my mind with other creative ideas and potential projects. Remember, “A watched pot never boils.”

2. Decorate your work space.

Creativity can manifest itself in different forms. Decorating is one of them. Why not spice up your space with some bright, new wall art? Or improve the aesthetics and air quality through potted plants? Or perhaps update your look with some attractive toss pillows? The possibilities are endless. Here’s a great book that I found helpful:
http://www.amazon.com/Use-What-You-Have-Decorating/dp/039952536X

3. Blog hop!

Visit other popular blogs to find out what’s going on…with your friends, with your competition, with blogs in your hometown area. The more you know, the more you’ll grow.

4. Follow-up.

Sometimes we have to be pro-active here. Meaning, that if a “reasonable” amount of time has transpired without hearing anything on the status of a submission, we can lessen our pain by simply writing to the editor of the targeted publication to ensure they’ve received the work. Strange stuff can sometimes happen, folks. Emails get lost or embedded in “spam folders” that never get opened. Files get accidentally erased. And well… shift happens!
For example, I sent something out to an editor who had not replied to my submission in five months, after accepting my original query. The problem? She never received the final version I submitted. So I had to resend it. It’s important to remember that in following up, one needs to be respectful and professional in the approach. Never stalk.

5. Consider that “Patience is a virtue.”
　
Waiting can help develop us in many ways. It can help us to appreciate delayed gratification. It can help us to tap into prayer and meditation. It can help us to learn to shift gears and redirect our priorities, as needed.

6. Get more bang for your buck by sending out simultaneous submissions.

This increases your odds of acceptance and can decrease the time it takes for a piece to ultimately be published. Unless a market specifically forbids it, it is totally ethical. Just make sure to keep publications posted if the piece is purchased, so that it can be removed from their submissions files.
　
In the meantime and in between time, you never need to wait to be awesome!
"Carpe diem!"
　
Your turn.
Agree or disagree?
How about you? How do you deal with the "wait" of freelancing?

Marketing Wisdom for Authors Who Hate Marketing

Jon Bard

For most authors, book marketing ranks somewhere between root canal and sitting next to a screaming baby on an airplane.I get it. It's a daunting task for anyone – and especially for someone who may be on the introverted side – to get out there and promote. We writers typically aren't the brashest folks on the planet, and we lean toward humility as a default position (mailboxes full of rejection letters will have that effect.).
And so, we're left with three choices – none of them especially appealing:
· Pay someone else a bunch of money we don't have to promote on our behalf
· Force ourselves to promote and hate every minute of it
· Don't promote at all
　In this article, I'd like to offer a different perspective. One that has the potential to turn marketing from a chore to a meaningful, enjoyable and yes, profitable experience.
　
Why I View Author Marketing Differently

As the co-owner of Children's Book Insider, the Children's Writing Monthly, I've helped writers become published authors for 25 years. So I know you guys. I know you really well.

But I'm also a marketing pro. I used to own a PR agency in New York (we introduced Pictionary to the US market) and I've mentored scores of entrepreneurs on marketing over the years. It's a topic I find endlessly interesting.
So here I am, with a foot in both worlds and an ability to see the bigger picture. And now, I'd like you to share a bit of that vision.
　
The Essence of Author Marketing

The first thing you need to grasp is that so much of what's talked about when we talk about marketing is just nonsense. You've probably been subjected to an avalanche of buzzwords, “magical” techniques and marketing horror stories. It's left you puzzled, worried and thoroughly convinced that marketing just isn't for you.
Let's fix that. Here's some truth about author marketing:
　
Marketing isn't about you and your book. It's 100% about the hopes, desires and needs of your potential reader.

Considering most of what passes for author marketing is slapping book covers and Amazon links on Facebook and then shouting “BUY!”, it's no wonder “author marketing doesn't work”. You need to grasp this and hold on to it – all good marketing is based on what value you have to offer someone that will make their life experience better.
 
In other words, lead with the reader, not with you.
　
Marketing is just another word for Communication.

The word “marketing” is so loaded with meaning that it might be helpful to replace it with something else. Something that's actually much more to the point.
 
Marketing is communicating.   That's all it is. The medium may change, but that fundamental point doesn't. It's one person (you) talking to another person (your prospective reader). You've got something to say (“here's something of value that will make your life better”). And your prospective reader has something to say (“Really? Tell me more!”).
As a writer you are a born communicator. This is right in your wheelhouse. 
　
Marketing is just another word for Advocacy.

There are people out there who need to read your work. The education, inspiration or entertainment you're ready to provide them can greatly enhance their lives.
If you can make someone's life better, you owe it to them to share that important news. Doing anything less would be a major disservice.
You've put your heart and soul into your work. But if you don't stand up and advocate for it, who will? Your marketing efforts shouldn't be a business activity – it needs to be a mission.

Get going and start advocating for your work. There are people out there who need you.

Marketing should NOT be complicated. One simple technique that works is all you'll ever need.

One reason I like to give people alternatives to the word “marketing” is because it's such a giant, all-encompassing term. Heck, you can get a Masters degree in it, so you know that it can get really complex.
I'm willing to bet that you aren't interested in getting your Marketing Masters. You want to spend as little time as possible even thinking about marketing. You just want to write. And sell some books.

Good news: author marketing can be really, really simple if you allow it to be. In my course I teach just one technique. I've been using it for years and so have many other folks who have sold a lot of things.

Here it is: Build a community (or Tribe, if you prefer) around an interest or core concern of your ideal readers. Nurture the community, feed it, lead it. Have fun with these folks (who will rapidly evolve into your fans). And, when it comes time to sell your book, you've got a built-in audience.
Then, month after month, year after year, just keep building your Tribe.

In other words, lather, rinse, repeat.

My students do use social media, but sparingly and in a targeted fashion. In other words, they don't spend hours on Twitter or Facebook. They have writing to do.
You've just been handed the keys to book marketing: put your reader first ; make it a human connection; advocate for what's important; and use a simple technique, not a mismatched collection of time-wasting activities.

And above all, don't be intimidated or frightened. Let your humanity shine and start connecting!

--------------------
Jon Bard has been helping authors for 25 years as the co-owner of Children's Book Insider, the Newsletter for Children's Writers (http://writeforkids.org). He recently introduced his course Easy Author Marketing – The Simple Solution That Sells Books (http://easyauthormarketing.com).

Free gift for Pen & Prosper readers:
To learn more about Jon's unique take on book marketing, download Jon's free eBook: The 10 Minute Turnaround: Overcome Your Fear of Marketing & Start Connecting with Readers Now! It's yours with his compliments, and you can get it right now at http://easyauthormarketing.com/free-report

Ethics in Writing/Dealing with Moral Issues When Making Money

Some time ago, a former client sent out an "S.O.S." for my assistance.
He wanted to hire me to write a term paper for his wife who was in college, and for whom English was not her native language. He was desperate. The assignment was crucial to her graduating.
After careful consideration, I called him back and regretfully declined.

Though I could definitely use the money and the repeat business, the idea just didn't sit well with me.
I didn't feel comfortable "ghost writing" an essay whereby the student would get all the "credit" but would be "deficited" in what she failed to learn.
Ultimately, this client was able to find someone else to take the job.

Fast forward...it's two years later, and another unrelated writing issue poses a moral dilemma.
Initially, I was tickled pink to finally have an article submitted as a guest post accepted by a hugely popular blog, that boasts millions of followers and Twitter fans.

There was just one condition.
The editor requested that I take out my reference to "God" and a scriptural quote I provided. Reluctantly, I did.
It bothered me, but because this was the first time I had ever worked with this particular editor, I didn't want to come across as unprofessional or uncooperative.
Why should I be ashamed of my faith? I thought.
Still, I felt as if I had somehow been compromised as a result of her "editorial policy."

And just recently, I found myself having to say "no-go" to a site that paid reasonable compensation to its writers, but contained content that I surely would not want my mom to read. :-)

Though many people associate ethics with politics, or religion, or health care-- more and more, it exists in writing too.

Here are some examples of ethical issues for today's writer:

• Honoring a client's request that causes moral conflict or calls for dishonesty
• Plagiarism
• Making misleading statements or misrepresenting one's qualifications (remember James Frey and the Oprah incident?)
• Providing false testimonials or endorsements
• Selling links to your Blog
• Contributing content to projects that objectify women, or promote racism, sexism, or violence

Writing is a business that calls for daily decisions that will make our careers profitable, sound and solid, but at what cost?
"Let your conscience be your guide."

At the end of the day, we each much choose our individual "deal breakers".

What's yours?
Or should personal feelings be put aside for professional gain?

Thoughts here?

Give my Regards to Broadway...Why I'll Likely Never be Famous!

In this second chapter of my writing career, I have come to a sobering reality.
Though I've successfully published hundreds and hundreds of articles over the last two decades,
hob-nobbed with some important folks, have garnered numerous awards for my work, ghost written a few books, have a relatively broad knowledge base, and the discipline of a nun, I'll never be famous. At least not as a writer.

And I'm beginning to be okay with it. (Acceptance almost always makes things easier).
At this juncture, I've come to realize that everything that is "popular" or celebrated in our culture, is not necessarily of "excellence."

And quite frankly, in these changing times, the literary landscape is quite different than when I first embarked upon my journey.

We've condensed and distilled our communication down to 140 character "Tweets," text messages, and Instagrams. We've made powerful, engaging writing take a back seat to the size of one's platform and social media savvy. And sadly, a lot of good books and talented authors go unread and unnoticed.

More and more, it seems that those that get the "spotlight" today are:

1. Those who court controversy (i.e. Donald Trump)
2. Those who have outlandish gimmicks (i.e. Dennis Rodman marries himself)
3. People who give "dysfunctional" a whole new meaning --------(fill in the blank)
4. Those who garner attention through shock value (i.e. Miley Cyrus)
5. People who have become famous by bedding famous people
6. Those willing to sell their souls by exposing the dirty laundry of family and friends         

Of course, this is not to suggest that everyone fits in this category.
We have some immensely talented writers on the arts scene today, who truly deserve all the attention, accolades, and spoils they receive.

But, I think I'm running out of steam...and reality is replacing former pipe dreams.

For now, I'm abandoning my hopes of writing for fame and fortune, or the potential of being featured on a late night talk show. Heck, I can barely stay up late enough to watch them! :-)

For now, I'll write because I'm "famous" with the ladies at my mom's church and periodically at dinner parties.
I'll  write because I believe that I can make a difference.
I'll write because I believe it is my divine calling.
I'll write to keep myself sane and give inspiration to others.

I'll write because you continue to read.
And if fame comes along...well, that will just be icing on the cake.
And you know how I love cake!


Wishing you a great, safe holiday weekend!


.."A penny for your thoughts"