7 Ways to Overcome Writer's Overwhelm!

It's a Monday. And like most hectic days, it starts out with chocolate.
This time a slice of cake.
Love me, don't judge me. :-)

Already in place this week on my "to-do- list" is setting up a new blog with business cards for a former client; planning for a book signing in the next few weeks; invoicing; yard work; and an appointment for routine screenings.

And did I mention NANOWRIMO is right around the corner, followed closely by the holiday creep?
Truth is, no matter how we try to plan our lives, schedule, control, or plead with it, it often has its own agenda and unfolding. True?
It can make you want to crawl under the covers and bury your head...until further notice.

Which is why today's post offers tips to help you get a better grasp on your creative life and your sanity. And breathe a little easier, my friend.
So grab a cup of your favorite brew and let's get started.

7 WAYS TO MANAGE THE MADNESS OF

 

 

WRITER'S OVERWHELM

1. Plan when possible, but be flexible.

I find that even though my days can be sidetracked by unexpected things, starting out with a general "game plan" at least provides a sense of structure and direction. And you will too. The night before, try to list at least 5 important things to do the next day. It doesn't have to be complicated or major. You can even plug these items in on your cell phone for ease and efficiency. The key is to better manage your time, so that your tasks align with your goals, commitments and values.

2. Prioritize properly.

One thing that I often struggle with is feeling that I have to tend to everything immediately. Not true.
Though it feels great to get things off my to-do list, assigning them equal importance and urgency only creates unnecessary pressure.

3. Pray.

Releasing to a higher source, the things that I can't control helps me to feel a little less burdened and divinely supported. I recommend it. When you are stretched to the limits remember: "And this too shall pass."

4. Meditate.

Meditation is said to have many benefits. Among them are mental clarity, peacefulness, and greater focus. Read about more benefits of meditation through this interesting article at Huffington post.

5. Strive to be proactive, instead of reactive.

For example, if you know that your busy period at your 9 to 5 gig might prevent you from meeting a client's deadline, don't wait til it's too late; communicate. This can save your reputation and your worry.

6. Seek balance.

To recharge, sometimes it's important to disconnect. Hello?
Step away from the computer. Listen to some soft jazz or classical music. Read a book. Take time out to spend with family and loved ones.  Take a nature walk.
On a related note: a great self-help book that you should definitely add to your library is "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" by Richard Carlson. See it here:
http://dontsweat.com/books/
"You can't give from an empty cup."

7. Avoid high maintenance relationships.

If a client, friend, or romantic partner causes you to visit your liquor cabinet more than you'd like, it's time to reassess here. Toxic and/or demanding relationships can rob you of your peace, health, time and quality of life. Choose wisely.

Here's a bonus tip in closing: strive for excellence, not perfection.

Remember, it's important to find healthy, constructive, coping mechanisms during  turbulent times, so that you can continue to create and prosper.

You owe it to yourself, your readers and those you love.
Thanks for dropping by.


Your turn.
Thoughts? Comments? Any of these suggestions resonate with you?

Image credits: Pixabay.com

How I used Contests to Build my Writer's Platform

 

...AND YOU CAN TOO!

Though typically very diligent by nature, (some even say a "workaholic"), when it comes to social media I must admit, I’m a bit of a “slacker.”  By some folks' definition a “recluse.”

Judge for yourself.

My last post on Facebook, (If I recall correctly) was about four months ago. And at last count, I had less than 200 Twitter followers.

Still, I have earned thousands of dollars through my blog; have partnered and done projects with major brands such as Good Earth Tea, Fan Story and Five Star Publications; and I maintain a relatively high level of visibility and a decent degree of popularity, despite my M.I.A. status.

Over the years, in fact, I have been blessed to have my blog recognized and honored as a Top Writing Blog for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, amid some very excellent sites.

How, you ask? In one word: Contests.

That’s right. And you can too.

According to Writermarketdesign.com: “Whether you win, place, or receive an Honorable Mention in a writing contest, that award gives you recognition — both as an author/writer in your genre and/or an expert in your specific field or industry. People will begin to recognize you as a writer in your field, which can lead to exciting new writing, speaking, and other opportunities.”

But before I provide the 4-1-1 on how to make it happen, here are a few reasons contests are a great strategy to promote your writing, amplify your writer’s voice, make money and get noticed on the Net.  

4 SMART REASONS CONTESTS ROCK…

• Contests help you to stand out and stay relevant amid vast competition. A recent Google search revealed that there are over 152,000,000 blogs online. With so much activity, it becomes crucial to find ways to get recognized and read. Winning contests is one viable way. Contests help writers to “work smarter, not harder” in terms of marketing and promotions.
• Contests conducted online often enjoy shared links, social media postings, and allow winners to get their name and their work in front of new audiences and readerships. Used correctly, it’s a great networking and advancement tool. Did I mention that my first blog advertiser was actually the direct result of a writing contest I advanced in back in 2011? And get this. I never even pitched the company; they sought me out.
•  Entering and winning contests helps to establish authority, credibility and social proof.
• Contests not only provide a certain level of prestige, many are profitable in other ways: like publishing contracts, money, and guest posting opportunities on prominent sites.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONTESTS TO CONSIDER:

PERSONAL ENTRY OR APPLICATION--These types of contests usually require a formal process by which participants submit a personal essay, create a slogan, write a story based upon a theme, post a video or perhaps answer trivia questions. Writers Digest often sponsors these.

BY NOMINATION--Contests in this category are based upon personal recommendations and votes from readers and followers. A good example here would be THE WRITE LIFE'S Top 100 Writing Blogs Contest. Bloggers seek out nominations from their readers by directly making an announcement on their site or within their social media circles.

DO'S 

• Commit. As the lottery commercial states: "You can't win if you don't play!" Hello?
• Get real about your skills. What do you do better than the average Joe? Are you good at spinning a story? Is your blogging boast-worthy? Are you a great photographer? Assess and apply. There are an array of contests that showcase different creative abilities and leanings  Choose one or several. 
• Assess your odds (realistically). If you've never written poetry before, chances are your "opus" will not make the final cut in a contest on writing verse.
• Research your options. Conduct a Google keyword search on "Contests for writers." You can also tap into many different fun competitions at FanStory.com or The Writers Market. 
• Always put your best foot forward. Remember "you never get a second chance to make a 1st impression."

DON'TS

• Never send large sums of money as reading or entry fees. Make sure to investigate the legitimacy of any contest or online solicitation before responding. A few minutes of Internet research can save you a great deal of money and disappointment here. Trust me on this one.
• Don't underestimate the importance of following the contest guidelines to the letter. No matter how talented or clever you are, if you exceed established word counts, neglect to submit in the proper format, or make other errors, you'll lose the opportunity to be even seriously considered.
• Don't let your fears keep you from moving forward. The potential rewards make it well worth the effort! 

There's a winner in you!
 Follow these timely tips to use contests to increase your visibility and your bottom line in 2017.


Thoughts? Questions? Agree or disagree?
Any contest winners out there? Do tell.

Mid-week Motivational Quotes to Move You Forward!

Greetings Readers,
Whether today finds you juggling, struggling, rebuilding or simply in need of encouraging words to enhance your creative efforts, I've got you covered.

Below is a selection of motivational quotes from an array of sources that will "speak" to you wherever you are.
Reflect. Embrace. Apply.

On a related note here...
My heartfelt prayers go out to victims (and their families) who have been impacted by any of the recent horrific natural disasters and senseless shootings that have headlined the evening news.

"When you feel like quitting, remember why you started."

 

 

"Nothing is impossible to a willing heart."

--JOHN HEYWOOD

 

"Once you have learned to love, you will have learned to live."

 

"All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them."

--WALT DISNEY

 

"Give the American people a good cause, and there is nothing they can't lick."

 --JOHN WAYNE

 

"Your legacy should be that you made it better than it was when you got it."

--LEE IACOCCA

 

"A professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit."

--RICHARD BACH

"Be still and know that I am God."

--PSALMS

 

"You can fix anything but a blank page."

--NORA ROBERTS

 

"If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need."

--MARCUS T. CICERO

Here's hoping that the rest of your week is the best of your week!

JEN

Thoughts? Favorites?

 

Image Credits: Pixabay.com

5 Reasons Freelance Workers Should Own P.O. Boxes

A few years ago, I was reading a client's Facebook profile page and discovered something that made my jaw drop.

Here, in this very public forum of millions of people, this single woman had plastered very personal info that included her home address, relationship status and phone number.

I immediately contacted her and politely alerted her to "the error of her ways."
And this oversight is not uncommon.
Sometimes in an effort to be "transparent" or friendly, people overshare.

But, be forewarned. It could cost you.
An act, seemingly innocent, can cause future detriment.
Even if you have lived at the same address for decades, are proud of the "posh" neighborhood in which you reside, or have no problems disclosing your where-abouts, publishing personal information in public forums is generally not a good way to go.

Why?
It could potentially expose you to criminal activity such as burglary, bodily harm, stalking or identity theft. Particularly for females.
(And on a side note here: ladies, do you really want that "crazy ex" to have access to your new life with his old issues?) "Houston, we have a problem!" LOL

But, don't just take my word for it.
P.O. Boxes typically provide greater safety and sanity for various reasons.

According to Quickbooks.com:
"If you use your home address as your business address, that means you need to provide your personal address whenever a customer or a vendor needs contact information. Using your home address may compromise your family’s privacy. The last thing you want is for a disgruntled customer or vendor to be able to show up at your doorstep."

And Entrepreneurshiplife. com further states, "If you get checks and contracts in the mail, it is much safer for them to go into a locked box inside of a post office than a mailbox in front of your house.
One of the most common sources of identity theft is mail stolen from a mailbox. Keep your business safe by sending your mail to a locked box."

If you are doing business as a freelance professional, here are five compelling reasons to consider a P.O. Box as a point of contact.

1. Not everyone likes to communicate via email. Snail mail provides an alternative.
Hello?  This includes some senior citizens who are not very computer savvy, direct mail marketers, or even charitable organizations seeking donations. Having a P.O. Box simply increases your contact options.
Here's another related reason: as a popular blogger, I often get requests from authors and businesses to do book reviews, try out new products, or take surveys.  A physical address makes it easier for others to mail tangible products. And who doesn't like free goodies?

2. Embedded forms on websites don't always work.
Website forms are often perceived as a quick way for readers to pose questions or perhaps to request  professional services. But here's a newsflash: site forms don't always function properly. Tech glitches happen to the best of us.

3. P.O. Boxes are very affordable.
Depending upon your geographic location and the size of your box, rental could cost less than your
weekly Starbucks' tab. To check out prices and offerings where you are, here's a link to the U.S. post office: https://www.usps.com/manage/po-boxes.htm
You can even apply for one online.

4. P.O. Boxes offer privacy.
You can operate your business from your basement and no one needs to know.
A P.O. Box also prevents what I like to call location stereotype. Believe it or not, sometimes people will make assumptions about you, your income level, your education and your standard of living based upon your neighborhood or surrounding areas. Why deal with the hassle if you don't have to?

5. P.O. Boxes add a layer of professionalism and credibility.
This is particularly true if you are selling things online and want customers and clients to feel more comfortable and confident--for refunds, follow-up, problems, etc.
Or if your street name sounds a little silly for professional purposes.

That wraps things up here, folks.

Keep in mind that with the holidays just around the corner, a P.O. Box address posted on your site positions you to perhaps receive a lovely Xmas card or gift from your faithful readers and fans...or even me. :-)

For optimal success, think "inside the box."


Thoughts? Agree or disagree?
Do you have a Box?

Image credits: Pixabay.com

The 3R's Series Provides More Writers' Resources!

 

RECOMMENDED READS AROUND THE WEB

HOW TO FIND PAYING CLIENTS

 

https://writetodone.com/paying-clients/

 

HOW BLOGGERS BENEFIT FROM CREATIVE COLLABORATIONS

 

http://howtoblogabook.com/bloggers-benefit-creative-collaborations/

 

GET MORE BANG FROM YOUR MARKETING BUCK!

 

http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/51-FE6-BookMarketingStrategies.html

 

SINATRA IN HIS KITCHEN

 

https://www.ruminatemagazine.com/blogs/ruminate-blog/sinatra-in-his-kitchen

 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR BLOGGERS

 

https://problogger.com/professional-development-for-bloggers/

 

KEY QUESTIONS FOR CREATING A SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY

 

http://www.addthis.com/academy/questions-about-social-media-strategy/?utm_source=addthis&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=6questions627

 

MESSY IS THE NEW PERFECT

http://blog.sivanaspirit.com/mf-gn-messy-new-perfect/

RESOURCES



 



Chicago Writers Association hosts "An Uncommon Writers' Conference"

 

http://www.chicagowrites.org/310-112018-an-uncommon-writers-conference/

 

31 Free Writing Contests

 

https://thewritelife.com/writing-contests/

 

 

SMART BRANDING FOR BUSY BLOGGERS

 

Insider's tips, resources and strategies to earn more with less effort.



TO LEARN MORE OR TO ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY, CLICK LINK BELOW:
https://payhip.com/BankableWriting

REVIEW

5 Sizzling Secrets to Writing Hot Web Copy that Sells

By: Nina Lewis

 

 





During a typical blog-hopping session, I came across a link to Ninaonline.

If I recall correctly, it was a site that was linked to from an article I was reading on another writer's site. Immediately, I was impressed with Nina's set-up and the quality content on her blog.

As a result, I signed up for her free marketing report "5 Sizzling Secrets."

It did not disappoint!

This information product was packed with useful information to help writers, bloggers and authors to promote their work, increase their visibility and their bottom line.

Additionally, it addresses the psychology behind "selling" your words.

 

"5 Secrets" is a brief but substantive read, that I'm betting you'll often refer to for answers with future marketing issues. The only negative were the few typos I detected.

I give it **** 4 Stars out of  5. 

 

To learn more, visit
http://www.ninaonlinelv.com/home/

 

If you find this info useful, let me know by leaving a comment.

Have a great writing week!

 

 

 

Image credits: # 5 Freedigitalphotos.net

R Block: Pixabay.com

 

Food 4 Thought Friday-Hungry for Tradition?

  

A few months ago, I made a Saturday trip to a neighborhood store, in search of a recipe box to “pretty up” my kitchen and help organize some of my party menu ideas.

When I arrived, I was overwhelmed with the array of new products and gadgets for today’s domestic diva. Bold, bright colors, pretty patterns, and elaborate displays…yay!

I was like a kid in a candy store! Like most women, I could have spent hours exploring, shopping and planning. But my budget and my practical side reasoned that I should get what I came for and find the quickest exit.

My excitement was short lived though, when I became frustrated that with all the stuff stacked, I couldn’t seem to find a simple recipe box.

I flagged down the first clerk I spotted.
“Can you help me?” I asked a young, attractive lady in her early to mid twenties.

As our conversation went on, I was dumbfounded at what I came to discover.
After darting from aisle to aisle, this “modern girl” confessed that she really didn’t even know what a recipe box was!

When I enlightened her, she replied, “Oh, I don’t cook!” as if it were a badge of honor.
I thanked her for her help and left, when an inventory check ultimately revealed there were no more boxes available. But, later it got me to thinking…

Does “slaving” over a hot stove make some women feel less “liberated?”
Have the traditions that many of us grew up with become outdated like 8-track tapes?
Are we “starving” our relationships to feed our careers, egos and bank accounts?
This is food for thought that’s definitely worth examining.

Though cooking is not necessarily a “rite of passage” into womanhood, it’s a skill that I believe is nice to have, no matter how successful (a man or woman) is, or how much “bacon” they bring home.

As a self-professed foodie, I could cite numerous reasons, but here are the top reasons cooking is “hot,“ for single and married folks alike.
　
　
1. Cooking provides the perfect “recipe” for romance.

Like most women, I have always loved being wined and dined at fancy restaurants by male suitors as part of the courting process. But, as relationships evolve, there’s something very “intimate” about a home cooked meal shared in the privacy of one’s home--- with candlelight, a little music, dancing and the ability to let your hair down as the situation dictates.

2. Cooking at home is often healthier than restaurant eating.

When eating out, many times foods are processed, served with rich and fattening sauces, fried in excess fat, “super sized” and without proper preparation for those with dietary restrictions and food allergies. Dining out can be costly in more ways than one.

3. Culinary skills add to any woman or man’s romantic resume.

Think of it as increasing your “Blue Book” value.
Here’s what a male writer recently wrote: ”The number of women these days that openly admit they can’t cook is astonishing. When a woman says she can’t cook, the first thought that comes to a lot of good men’s minds is “How the hell do you take care of yourself and how would you be able to take care of me?”

4. Cooking allows you to be more independent and more realized.

No more waiting for your mom to fix your favorite meal, or hoping that your neighborhood restaurant will have Pot roast on Monday’s menu, or dialing for take-out; you can fix it yourself!

5. Cooking seduces all the senses.

From the pleasant aromas, to the eye-appealing arrangements on the plate, in a variety of colors and textures, to the heavenly taste--- a good meal can satisfy those we care for on so many levels. And for those with kids, it adds to their childhood memories.

6. Cooking is a fun way to bond.

You can cook and he can make the salad. Feed each other, or perhaps share stories and traditions associated with family recipes. Cooking makes a man feel pampered and catered to. And if he’s special to you, isn’t that how you’d like for him to feel?

7. Many of the characteristics that make for an effective, skilled cook apply to writing as well.

Things like: time management, following directions, creativity and presentation.
Wouldn't you agree?

And there’s good news here: You don’t have to sign up for culinary school or subject yourself to endless trial and error; there are many online cooking sites and YouTube videos that provide step-by-step tutorials to increase your cooking I.Q.!

HERE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITES:

DIVAS CAN COOK
http://divascancook.com/

EAT THIS POEM

http://www.eatthispoem.com/

THE RECIPE CRITIC

https://therecipecritic.com/

　
Another useful strategy is to purchase cookbooks authored for children. They provide a great starting point for learning about kitchen safety, standard measurements, and easy to follow recipes.

Don't be intimidated by the process.
Even if you are only able to eventually create one "signature dish" it's something that will make you feel proud (IMHO).

Bon appetit!

Those are my thoughts on this "hot" topic, folks.
Would love to hear yours.
Agree or disagree?
What's your signature dish?

As always, thanks for reading.



 

How to Edit Fiction With Greater Finesse

Editing Fiction is more than Dotting I’s and Crossing T’s

by J. Stephen Howard

As the author of five books, I’ve come to appreciate multiple drafts of a story. I remember sprinting to the end of my first novel, just hoping I’d find a way to conclude what was, to me at the time, a cumbersome narrative. I was out of breath, so to speak, and distracted by the light at the end of the tunnel when I should’ve gone back to dive deeper.

I’ve come to see the first draft of a book now as capturing the basic shape of the story. Imagine Leonardo Davinci drawing the rough outlines of figures for a fresco and then going back to fill them in with color and shading.

Instead of a painter’s palette, writers have sensory details, and as such, we must realize that the job is not done after the ink dries on the first draft. When I go back and revisit my narratives, I put myself in the story as a reader, and if I can’t envision what it’s like to be there, that’s a problem.

Suspension of disbelief is the cornerstone of fiction. Especially in the case of genre stories—science-fiction, fantasy, and horror—writers have to give their readers something to hang their suspension on.

I recently reread the short story “The Fall of the House of Usher” by the master of sensory details, Edgar Allen Poe. Poe, in this classic haunted house story, makes the centerpiece of his setting stand out in ways that virtual reality these days could not.

“The discoloration of ages had been great. Minute fungi overspread the whole exterior, hanging in a fine tangled web-work from the eaves… and there appeared to be a wild inconsistency between its still perfect adaptation of parts, and the crumbling condition of individual stones.”

Usher’s house is described as if it’s infected by a virus. Indeed, later on the protagonist personifies it, claiming every stone is “sentient.”

A lot of us would vaguely depict the house as being ancient and scary-looking. In rushing to the next plot point, we forget to take a beat to soak up the scenery.

Of course, one can overdo it, but that’s where the artist’s eye is needed. Writers must develop an understanding of when the work is done and when it’s incomplete.

When editing my latest novel, Bountiful Harvest, after tackling mechanical issues, I went back and reread the whole book, a chapter at a time. In trying to mimic a painter who squints at his work, I closely examined each scene within each chapter.

As I did this, I made sure I included sensory details on every page. If I couldn’t picture myself there, I would add a visual cue, which is the most common sensory detail. But, also, I would consider adding auditory, tactile, or olfactory touches which are often neglected in stories.

The trick, though, is not to do too much. Doing so would be like the painter ruining his original vision. It goes back to putting yourself in the scene and making yourself believe.

Without your own suspension of disbelief, how could you expect as much from your readers?

Thoughts? Comments?

BIO:
J. Stephen Howard has written several paranormal, sci-fi, fantasy and horror books, including the short story collections Frankenstein’s Confessional and The Legend of a Blues Guitar. He has also written the novels Fear in Appleton, Fabled Circus and its sequel, Bountiful Harvest, which will launch exclusively on Amazon this November 27^th for 90 days before being available on all major digital platforms.
Author links:

www.jstephenhoward.com