4 Fears Every Writer Must Face in Their Career

  



Let's face it: life is full of fears real and imagined...

• In a tough economy, the fear exists of losing our jobs.
• Then there's the fear of keeping our jobs and being stuck and suffocated indefinitely.
• Add to this the fear of not having a bikini-ready body by summer (ok, this is mostly me). 

For writers, the plot thickens. We are often faced with a myriad of fears, that if not handled properly can sabotage our success. Today we'll look at a few of them.

Because as Dr. Phil states: "You can't fix what you don't acknowledge first."

With this in mind, here are four of the most common phobias writers face:



The Fear of Rejection

Writing makes us vulnerable. Sharing our thoughts, feelings and experiences in public forums can be a bit scary. What if people don't like us? Or disagree with us? Or criticize us? Or make fun of us? What if editors say "no" to our submissions? The fear of rejection keeps a lot of writers grounded and "undiscovered." Don't let it be you. Develop a thick skin. And keep moving forward. Rejection as a writer is as common as cold weather in the winter. 

The Fear of Stolen Ideas & Projects

Though creative theft does exist, it's more of an exception than a general rule. Most writers and publishing professionals think that their ideas are way better than other people's anyway. Besides, few would want to take on the risk of being sued. If you are seeking more security of your written materials, you can get copyrights for added protection. Learn more here:

https://www.copyright.gov/

The Fear of Poverty

How many of us chose alternative college majors because we were told that writing was more of a hobby than a "real" career? I know I did. But here's the truth of it. There are writers that are rich, successful, famous and living the good life. Think J.K. Rowling. Think John Grisham. And how about Danielle Steel? Granted, the odds are against you reaching their level; still, with diligence, confidence, and consistency you could earn more than your 9 to 5 gig. "Think and grow rich."

The Fear of Failure

Also known as Atichyphobia, is labeled by Fear.net as one of the biggest barriers to success.

Remember that failure does not have to be permanent. Consider how many times famous inventors "failed" before ultimately finding solutions and products that greatly enhance our everyday existence today.

"If at first you don't succeed, try try again."

What phobias do you battle to fend off? Here's an interesting compilation for inquiring minds:

http://www.fearof.net/

Thoughts? Don't be "afraid" to leave a comment. :-)







Pen & Prosper Celebrates National Soup Month!

Did you know that January is National Soup Month?
I happened to be doing some online research and uncovered this fun fact.
And since I am devoted to "nurturing" the mind, body, spirit and creativity of my readers,
I was inspired to write and share this post today.

So, let's dig in, shall we...?

January and National Soup Month are a perfect pairing.
Much like wine and cheese. Or peanut butter and jelly. Or Starsky and Hutch.
Why? You ask.
Because, there’s really no better time to consume soup than January--given the brutal winter temperatures and the need for “comfort” foods.

I love soups. They're hearty, healthy, and easy to prepare. You'll find my cupboards stocked with an array of different brands and versions, year-round. Though I have not mastered making them from scratch yet.
(Does beef stew count?)

If you'd like to try your hand at a few home-made versions, check out these great recipes, provided by Campbell Soups:

https://www.campbells.com/kitchen/recipe-collections/its-national-soup-month/

Now, to "feed" your curiosity, here are a few interesting soup facts from around the web:

•  Soups can be consumed cold or hot, depending upon the climate and region served.

• Americans consume more than 10 billion bowls of soup yearly.

• Chicken Noodle is reported to be the most popular soup in the U.S.

• Soups are basically classified into two groups: thick soups and clear soups.

• The earliest archaeological evidence for soup consumption dates back to 6000 BC, and was hippopotamus soup.

A FEW WAYS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL SOUP MONTH

 

SHARE YOUR FAVORITE SOUP RECIPE AS A BLOG POST

HOST A "SOUP SWAP" AT YOUR PLACE FOR FRIENDS

DONATE SOUP TO A SHELTER

READ STORIES FROM "CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL"

TO YOUR STUDENTS OR CHILDREN

ASK YOUR MOM TO SHARE SOME OF HER RECIPES

 

As you can see, the possibilities here are endless! So what are you waiting for?

 

Here's wishing you a "Souper" week!

Thoughts? What's your favorite soup?



 

 



 

 

Image credits: Pixabay.com

 

 

 

 

 



8 Lessons Death Taught me About Living More Fully

“The unexamined life is not worth living.”---Socrates

 

Many times, without realizing it, we operate on “auto-pilot.”We maintain jobs that deplete us of our joy, peace of mind, and sense of purpose, to pay the bills.
Or we endure love-less relationships because they are safe and familiar.
Or we hold silly grudges that weigh us down like boulders.
Or we allow others to impose their agendas and personal opinions on our life’s unfolding, to our detriment. We go along to get along.

Until something tragic or magic happens to cause a reality check.
For me, it was the untimely death of my brother, Peter. He wasn’t even retirement age, yet. His passing seemed so random, so unreal.

To make matters worse, about a month later, one of my closest friends lost her sister to Cancer. Ironically, her sister had never been a smoker or drinker, and had been in reasonably decent health all her life.

In the aftermath death seemed unkind, unfair, unreasonable.
Mired in unspeakable pain and loss, I was forced to examine my own life.
Let’s face it: We all have a “death sentence” attached.

If it could happen to them prematurely, it could happen to me. It could happen to you. Which is why it’s so important to make whatever time we have left here on this earth count.

Life is often compared to a classroom; here are some of the lessons it revealed to me in 2017. I share them with you to shorten your learning curve; in that we are all students of life.

Class in session…

1. MAKE SELF-CARE A PRIORITY
I spend more time than I should responding to the dictates of others, as opposed to carving out my days in my own way. Honoring requests, meeting deadlines, making a dent in my “to-do” list. As opposed to getting that much needed pedicure or massage, or championing my own personal causes. Sometimes leaving this "Super Woman" super tired. Sound familiar? It’s great to have a giving spirit, but self-love requires that we remember to put ourselves first, so that we can be fulfilled. When we are personally fulfilled, we can give to others our “best” self.
If you've already mastered this one, move to the head of the class.

2. GIVE PEOPLE THEIR “ROSES” WHILE THEY ARE LIVING
We often take for granted that people know how we feel. Or that we will find time to tell them… one day. Don’t wait til it’s too late. Spend less time on social media and more time interacting and communicating with your kids; visit an elderly relative who might feel isolated; tell an overworked spouse how much they are appreciated and valued. It’s never too soon. Love is a verb.

3. DON’T PUT OFF THOSE PASSION PROJECTS
Make this your “year of yes!” Start that blog. Finish that novel. Start that business.
Get in gear. Though some writers have become famous after their deaths, I’m guessing that you don’t wanna’ be one of them. J

Read more about these writers here:
 https://booksonthewall.com/blog/10-authors-became-famous-after-death/

4. STRIVE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
As a wise man once said: “No one can do everything, but everybody can do something.”
Volunteer. Mentor. Model. Donate.

5. GET YOUR “HOUSE” IN ORDER
Don’t just be prepared for life; prepare for death. Like taxes, it’s inevitable.
Get insurance; make out a will; forgive others; consider your soul’s salvation.

6. PREPARE A BUCKET LIST
What exciting thing would you like to do in your lifetime? What foreign places are you longing to visit? What fear would you like to overcome? Write it down. Prioritize it.
It will give you something to look forward to. It’s a great way to live with fewer regrets and more joy.

7. CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS WISELY
Friends are like “shock absorbers” in the bumpy roads of life. They are angels here on earth. Good ones enrich and feed us like a hearty meal. When my brother died, the love, support, kindness, phone calls, donations, shared laughter and tears of friends that span the globe, reminded me of how richly I was blessed, even in my time of loss.

8. TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED
Things can change in an instant. Save money for that rainy day. Preserve your health. Count your blessings. Live life to the fullest. Tomorrow is not promised.


May these lessons help you to live with greater life mastery and fewer detours on the path to happiness. Namaste.

　

Which lessons here have you mastered? Which do you struggle with?
What would you add?


Image credit:
Chalkboard, Pixabay.com

It's Back! The 3R's Series Returns for 2018

 

On information overload?
Don't know where to start to move you forward in your writing goals?
Want to work "smarter, not harder"?
Pen & PROsper has got you covered.

From what's hot in online reads, to resources, to reviews on products and services beneficial to today's writers.
So, if you're on board, let's get busy.
 

RECOMMENDED READS AROUND THE WEB

HERE’S WHAT JEN RECOMMENDS FOR THE NEW YEAR…

WRITING A BLOG DISCLAIMER

 https://www.blogherald.com/2007/10/02/writing-a-blog-disclaimer/

HOW TO AVOID BEING A BLOG SNOB

http://karenelange.blogspot.com/2017/12/how-to-avoid-being-blog-snob.html

6 WAYS TO PREPARE FOR TAX SEASON

https://thewritelife.com/prepare-for-tax-season-now/

TEACHING KIDS TO APPRECIATE EVERYDAY WONDERS

https://blog.sivanaspirit.com/mf-gn-inspire-kids-appreciate-wonders/

3 REASONS YOUR PRODUCTS ARE NOT SELLING

http://www.ninaonlinelv.com/3-reasons-products-selling/
　

4 REASONS TO START A BLOG IN 2018

https://problogger.com/start-a-blog-in-2018/

　

CREATE YOUR 1^ST HOT SELLING PRODUCT!

https://blogelina.com/the-newbie-bloggers-fast-track-guide-to-creating-your-first-hot-selling-product-how-to-get-set-up-to-sell-through-your-blog/

RESOURCES AND LEADS

CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS

$400.00 FOR ESSAYS ON HEALTH CHALLENGES

https://medium.com/@folksstories/come-write-for-us-we-pay-2c9915324287

RUMINATE BLOG SEEKS GUEST BLOGGERS
https://ruminatemagazine.submittable.com/submit/46968/ruminate-blog-submissions

WRITING GROUP STARTER KIT
https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/writing-groups/writing-group-starter-kit/

 

REVIEW

 

If one of your goals this year is to beautify your home or office, plants are a great way to accomplish this. Plants provide color, visual appeal and style.

Both artificial plants and live ones have their advantages; I have both in my home. 

 

The images you are viewing now reflect a lovely, artificial plant that adorns my basement. I received it from Thermaleaf.com Fire Retardant Artificial Foliage. What I dig about it is that it requires no maintenance, complements any decor, and can be placed in interior or exterior spaces. 

It looks much like my live ones.

I would rate it ****1/2 stars out of 5.

The only thing I would change is the base container. I would have liked something a little bigger with a warmer tone. But, overall I'm betting you would be pleased to have your very own.

 

For a vast array of styles, sizes and price ranges, visit Thermaleaf.com.

 

 

 

 

This ends this month's edition of the 3R's. Wishing you a wonderful, progressive writing week!

 

Comments? Questions?



 

 

 





 



 

Is There a Disconnect in Your Brand Messaging?

"...CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?"---VERIZON



 

Today's savvy scribe recognizes the importance of building a writer's platform through strategic branding. It's a great way to stand out and stay relevant in a sea of many.
And it's more crucial now than ever before.

Here’s a vital statistic to consider: according to Statista.com, the number of bloggers is expected to reach 31.7 million in 2020.
With this type of competition, bloggers will need to make sure that their brand messaging is clever, credible, creative and consistent.

In other words...It's not just what you say, but how you say it that matters.
Which brings us to the essence of today's post.

Before we address how to become more effective and successful in your brand messaging, let's explore what it is.

According to ErvinandSmith.com: "Your brand messaging strategy is a combination of several branding elements. It defines how you plan to position and differentiate your brand within the competitive landscape by communicating a unique value proposition through a unique brand personality. In short, your brand message strategy says what’s special about your brand and it’s personality."

Translated? Brand Messaging takes into account your blog design, your slogan, your social media profiles, your business cards, your products, your writing style, your mission statement and your overall public image.
It's how you communicate with clients, readers and potential investors.

Now let's look at how inconsistencies and irregularities in brand messaging can sabotage your efforts, compromise your image (and adversely impact your bottom line).

THE ACT:
Overpromising and under-delivering

THE ERROR:
It's a simple mistake that I witness far too often in my online reading. And one that is easily rectified.Your blog's "About Page" states that you update your site 3X a week. But, really it's more like once a month or whenever the mood hits you. Which is totally your option. But be honest about it.  If not, it  "communicates" that you're either not reliable, not fully committed, or you have problems with counting. Don't set up unrealistic expectations. Granted, sometimes things happen that are out of our control that may prevent us from posting: illness, death, holidays, etc.
Still, try to be reliable as much as possible in building your brand. Reliability breeds trust.
Trust breeds good business.

THE ACT:
Mixed messages

THE ERROR:
On your website you boast that you make a good buck in your practice. And that you can help other writers to do the same, if they sign up for your blog updates. Yet, you claim in your writers' submission guidelines that you "can't afford to pay for guest posts at this time."
Huh? If your business is flourishing and you advocate for writers being paid for their talent and time, why not be part of the solution, rather than the problem?
Those that talk the talk, need to walk the walk.

THE ACT:
Being more promotional than helpful in your interactions

THE ERROR:
Not recognizing the concept of W.I.I.F.M. (What's in it for me?) 
There's a lot of "noise" on the Net. And your goal is to be heard above the chatter. True?
One way to achieve this is to offer readers resources, needed answers to their pain points and entertainment value for their time. Don't just sell like hell.

THE ACT:
A "bland" brand

THE ERRER  ERROR :
Failing to inject humor where applicable; being fearful of addressing controversial topics; not being original in your writer's voice or blogging approach.
For example, when I first started out, I tried to please EVERYBODY. I sought to avoid anything that might alienate others, including: religion, relationships, opposing views, etc.
Then I realized that one of the best things about being a scribe is presenting one's own individual perspective and life's experiences. Some will dig me. Some won't.
But, in the lyrics of Sammy Davis Jr.: "I've gotta' be me."
You should be you, too.  :-) Just make sure that your humor is tasteful and that you respect differences when engaging with others in public forums.
Remember...Vanilla is great as a flavor of ice cream. A "vanilla" brand? Not so much.


FINAL WRAP
For bodacious branding that resonates and connects with today's busy readers, follow these four timely tips. "Say what you mean and mean what you say."
Thanks for reading, folks.

YOUR TURN
Thoughts? Agree or disagree?



Image: Pixabay.com



 



 

How to Effectively Search for Freelance Jobs in 2018

Welcome back, readers!
It's a pleasure to have you join me at Pen & Prosper in 2018.
It promises to be an informative and exciting year.

It's already off to a great start: this morning I received the news that Pen & Prosper has been recognized once again as a "Top 100 Blog for Writers."
Thanks so kindly for your readership, recommendations and support.
For those interested, you can read more here:

https://thewritelife.com/100-best-websites-for-writers-2018/

Today's guest post provides tips and techniques to enhance your search for work and achieve some of those writing resolutions.
So, if you're on board, let's get busy...

It can be a bit daunting initially setting out as a freelancer; often people don't know where
to start. Even those who have been at it for awhile can find looking for clients to be challenging. Where should you look for assignments? How do you identify reliable job leads? Well, first thing you’ll need to do before you embark upon your journey, is get your portfolio together, polish up your writer’s resume and begin searching online for jobs that best suit your talents and skill set.
With this in mind, here are a few insider's tips to effectively search for freelance jobs in 2018:

Use Keywords

Use a variety of keywords to search for jobs such as:
· Write for us
· Freelance writers wanted
· Writers needed
· Looking for writers
· Contributors wanted

You get the idea! You can mix these searches up as well to find different results. "Write for us" is a good one to use, because it will bring you to pages that hire contributing writers on an ongoing basis. These seekers will be more likely to have time to consider your offer seriously. Remember that pages use a variety of terms to call for freelance writers; so make sure to do several searches to get maximum results. You might have to comb through a few pages too to find what you’re looking for.

Use Job Boards

Job Boards can be a great place to find freelancing jobs! They are a very competitive forum, though. Check back every day for new jobs and create strong, tailored pitches. There are plenty of great job boards out there, but here are some popular ones you'll want to start out with:

-Problogger

-
Blogging Pro

-
Freelance Writing

-
The Write Life

-
Upwork

Narrow It Down To Your Niche

Whatever your niche, make sure to include it in your search. If you're a travel writer, for instance, be sure to include the word "travel" in your searches; it will help narrow down your search and you won’t have to spend hours looking through ads for technical writers.

Advance Your Search

Use the advanced settings in Google search to look for results in the past week and past month. This will ensure that you find the most up to date jobs. There’s no point in scrolling through ads from 4 weeks ago that have likely been filled by now.

Take Your Time

Know that it is going to take a good bit of searching to find a suitable job that is just right for you. Don’t take the first few jobs you find, allow yourself to be selective and don’t sell yourself short and take something that’s beneath you. Also avoid jobs that only offer "exposure" and a link back to your blog as compensation for your articles. Translated? This is code that you will not be paid anytime soon.
Know your worth.

Best of luck!

BIO

Sarah Talty is a freelance journalist from Ireland, with a demonstrated history of working in the publishing industry. Skilled in writing, editing, and proofreading. Strong media and communication professional, in the process of completing a Journalism and New Media with English degree from the University of Limerick. She can be contacted here.