Write About Everything

More On Quitting Your Job!

2008-10-14T13:33:00.000-05:00

Having your own freelance writing business is a great way to earn a living. Who wouldn't want to quit their job and become their own boss, especially when there are so many rewards? Last time, we talked about the freedom of choosing where you work and choosing your own hours. This time, lets look at the benefits of being able to choose your clients, choose what kind of writing you want to do and even choose how much money you can make.

Choose your clients. When you first start your freelance writing business, you are most likely going to take nearly every client you find. In fact, that's a great way to learn what type of writing you like to do best. As you develop your skills and your business, though, you will probably find you prefer certain types of work and certain types of clients. Some freelancers love working with large corporations doing highly technical articles, others are happiest knocking out articles on the Internet for small businesses, while still others love working face to face with local clients. When you're a freelancer, you meet so many different people that you are sure to find some clients that you absolutely love to work with- and a few that you just might decide to "fire" rather than ever talk to them again. Some clients are one-shot wonders and others become regular, ongoing clients. A select few even become friends. TIP: Try to garner a few regular clients, along with a variety of newcomers and one-shot wonders. That way you always have a steady stream of income coming in and you always have variety.

Choose what kind of writing you do. When you freelance, there are so many different types of writing you can do. In a single day, I might write a couple of press releases, an article or two for an online marketing campaign, a product description for a website and do some work on a sales letter. The next day might find me writing website content, setting up an email autoresponder campaign and doing some work on an e-book. One thing is certain, when you are freelancing; you never need to get bored. You can do something different every day. There is also huge variety in the things you write about. I've written articles on everything from acne to estate planning. I've even had to write some "lighthearted" articles espousing the finer points of Rwanda and Somalia! Talk about a challenge- and an adventure. Before that project, I never knew there were finer points to either of those locations, but believe me, there are! TIP: You can choose a specialty- either by topic or by project type- and as your reputation as an expert grows, so will your paycheck!

You Choose What You Charge. When was the last time you had a job where you got to pick your own salary? When you're a freelancer, you're in charge of how much money you make in two ways. First, you decide how much you work. If you want more work (read money), you take on an extra client or two? If you need some time off, you schedule your projects to be completed in two weeks instead of one. You're the boss, so you can set your schedule to meet the income you want to make. The other way you're in charge of your own salary is by setting your own prices. Obviously, you will need to get some experience under your belt, but once you do, the sky really is the limit. While a 500-word article might pay $20 and take an hour to write when you are beginning, once you get the hang of it, you can knock out a 500-word article in about 15 minutes or so. That's $80 an hour. Not bad wages, huh? If you were asked to set your salary at your last job, would you have even dreamed of asking for 80 bucks an hour? With a freelance writing business, you can earn that- and a great deal more. There are plenty of freelance writers that really are making six and even seven figures a year. I'm not there yet, but I'll sure let you know when I am.

Freelance writing is a fabulous career and starting your own freelance writing business is easier than you think. With a computer, an Internet connection and a system for finding clients, you can be up and running- full time- sooner than you think.

Quit your job- I did!

2008-10-12T15:14:00.003-05:00

I don't go to work any more. Yep, that's right- I quit my job and I didn't even think about looking for a new one. No, I didn't win the lottery and I didn't have a rich relative who recently went to the great beyond. So, how did I manage to quit my job? Easy- I started my own freelance writing business. And here's the best part- it cost me next to nothing. So, now, I don't go to work anymore. Instead, I head to my kitchen and fire up my computer and build my business while I earn the best money I've ever made.

Freelance writing is a great way to earn a living. It's also an incredible way to start your own business. There are many reasons to love being a freelance writer with your own writing business. Having your own freelance writing business is filled with choices. You can choose where you work, choose your own hours, choose your clients, choose what type of writing you do, and choose what you charge.

Choose where you work. The beauty of having your own freelance writing business is you can do it anywhere. All you need is a laptop and a wi-fi Internet connection. Of course, you can run a perfectly fine freelance business with your desktop and DSL or cable Internet connection too. Many a freelancer, including this one, does just fine in my little corner of the kitchen. TIP: It is ideal if you can have a space where you can close the doors to limit distractions, but you can make do if you have to.

Choose your hours. One of the best parts of freelancing is you can work when you work best. While it's good business sense to be available during some "normal" business hours so you can be in touch with clients when they are at work, don't be afraid to set your writing hours to your own clock. If you have little ones at home, you may choose to write after they've gone to bed at first. Once you're earning some money, don't hesitate to get daycare now and then to help save your sanity- and your sleep! If you have school aged kids, grown kids or no kids at all, you've got quiet time during the day. If you're a night owl, go ahead and make the most of it. I do some of my best writing after midnight. The point is, work when you work best. TIP: From the very beginning, set up regular shop hours. Choose whatever hours work best for you, but set your hours and stick to them. Not only will this help save your sanity, it will also help your friends and family adjust to the idea that you are working, not just staying home all day.

Next time, we'll talk about some other great advantages to building your own freelance writing business.

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2008-09-25T11:19:00.001-05:00

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Do you write for print or strictly online?

2008-09-24T23:23:00.003-05:00

Many freelancers make a serious living writing for the Internet. In fact, that is the main source that I write for. There is never a shortage of people who need work done on the Internet. With over a gazillion sites online- and growing- there will always be work online. I love the variety of working online. I can write articles one day, a sales page the next and then move on to press releases. It never gets boring- I always say I write about everything from acne to aerobics and that is certainly true.

I must admit, however, that I do have an itch to see my name in real live print. I've recently written an article to be submitted to a trade magazine. Now, granted, that baby was ghostwritten, so my name is nowhere to be found, but if it gets published, then I will have a bit more encouragement to shoot for another.

So, how about you? Do you write for the Internet or do you write for print? Both, maybe? Tell me about it- we all love encouragement!

Speak soon,
Teresa

Mind Movies snafu

2008-09-16T15:20:00.002-05:00

Hey, I just wanted to post a quick note here in case you tried to order your Mind Movies yesterday. Apparently they were having some major shopping cart issues and orders just weren't coming through properly. I've talked with these guys, and I really don't think this is just some "scarcity hype" or marketing technique. I heard from a few folks who were plenty ticked that they couldn't get though.
Things are up and running- and if you haven't ordered yet, you're in for a treat. They've added the chance to win a trip for two to Maui. Nice bonus, right? So here's the link to the bonus page:

http://www.mindmovies.com/bonuses/?10972

PLUS, they have extended their special launch discount of
50% off and all $3K of their bonuses until 11pm CST or
MIDNIGHT EST on Friday, September 19th.

So here's the bottom line...

You should definitely get yours while the getting is good!

Here's you go...

http://www.mindmovies.com/?10972

All this for $97, and now you could win a $5K trip to Maui too?

You really should be doing this immediately.

Cheers,

Teresa

P.S. Almost forgot to mention, you'll also get an instant
download of a very cool meditation CD when you enter the
Maui contest. I hope you'll soon be stocking up on sun
tan lotion! Get ALL of the goodies, right here...

http://www.mindmovies.com/?10972 Go right now!!

Do you need to build your list?

2008-09-13T18:07:00.000-05:00

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My New Writing Space

2008-09-07T21:23:00.002-05:00

This morning as I drank my coffee and ran through some of my favorite blogs, I stopped in at Writer Mama ( http://thewritermama.wordpress.com/2008/09/07/wmbtsg-day-seven-make-comments-to-this-post-to-participate/) to enter into Christina Katz's contest and I read this post about your ideal office spot.

My office is in my kitchen, like many of us, but I had built myself into a little office prison. My desk faced the window- sort of- but mostly it faced the wall, with my back to the room. I thought this set up would cause me to block out the rest of the world. Today I figured out that sometimes when we try to hard to block others out, what we wind up doing is blocking ourselves in. This isn't a wise idea- trust me.

I started freelancing because I loved the freedom it gave me. Lately though as my self- imposed walls got higher and higher with books I want to read and research I needed to file, invoices, bills to pay, receipts for stuff, a magazine or two, CDs, DVDs, stuff and other stuff, I started losing all of my freedom.

I live in a duplex with my oldest daughter and her family downstairs and my teenager and I upstairs. I love living here because we all have our own space, yet we can hang together whenever we want. The problem was, as my work space turned into a prison of paper I always felt like I had so much work to do I couldn't take any time off. Except, I would sit at my desk and get lost in the chaos and not get things done anyway.

Bottom line- I told my daughter Kaity that I needed to organize my office and she jumped at the opportunity to come up and help me. We rearranged my desk so I see out into the room, got rid of a bunch of excess stuff in the room, put some things away in other places and turned my office into a real office that is open, and pretty and functional and so freakin' loaded with peace and serenity that I can't stop smiling.

WOW! Is your workspace a beautiful place to be in? Can you breathe? Get rid of your self imposed walls and open up your space. After all, isn't that why you became a freelancer in the first place?

Thanks Christina, you Writer Mama, for the inspiration. Thanks to my daughter Kaity for being so very amazing. Thanks to Kelsey and Trevor and Hailey for letting me be the luckiest Grandma in the whole wide world because I am YOUR Grandma.

Happy Grandparents Day to everyone! If you aren't a grandparent yet, you have one. If you don't, well, find someone to tell thank you and go enjoy your freelancing life.

Do you read Men With Pens?

2008-08-31T12:35:00.003-05:00

So, do you get lost in the blog game? You know, you read one and like it so now you have to go read everyone else's blog too? I swear up and down that I won't succumb to the blog world, but then I catch myself doing it anyway. I think it's a matter of finding the good ones that really teach something. Finding the ones where you learn as much from the comments as you do from the series. Men With Pens is that sort of blog. Whenever I head over there, I lose time. There is just so much really good stuff there- and read the comments, WOW!

I struggle with deciding what my niche is. I know I like to write on a comfortable, casual level- like this. I can research well, but it's a bit time consuming, as I tend to over research. I write a lot of articles and my clients are always happy with me. I want to write something where I make better money. Web copy? Is it different? Check out this series that Men in Pens did last May. It really helps to clarify some questions.

This is so cool!

2008-08-30T22:00:00.007-05:00

Hi-

I was sent an email the other day from Frank Kern. He's that good lookin' Australian guy who moved to California- big time Internet marketer. I like watching him, so I hope I'm absorbing some good info while I'm there.

Anyway- the link is for MindMovies. Have you gotten an email from anyone yet? I've gotten a ton. The MindMovies are extremely cool. I've been working on opening up my mind to dream bigger dreams and taking my business to a whole new level. I know, it's not the most original personal quest, but it's terribly interesting.

Just check it out for yourself and then come back and tell me what you think. Have fun!

http://www.mindmovies.com/vid1/?10972

MasterMind Group

2008-08-29T09:16:00.002-05:00

Have you joined a mentoring group or a MasterMind group yet? It seems everyone has one and some of them are really pricey. I was fortunate enough to join one that is very reasonable and filled with awesome surprises! Just the other day, we were fortunate enough to speak with Peter Bowerman, of Well-Fed Writer fame. He had some wisdom and encouragement to share and it was a great time. If you get an opportunity to join a MasterMind group, just do it. Having other writers to share with and learn from is a great experience. You also can gain some awesome support! Check out www.workingwriterhappywriter.com to find out about the writer I learn from- Sue LaPointe. Sue is exceedingly generous with her time and her insight. The current group is filled, but see if you can get on a list for next time!
Have a great day!

Teresa

It's BIg News- I am officially published online!

2008-07-30T17:10:00.001-05:00

Well, it's official. I am a published author with a byline! As freelance commercial writers, most of the work we do is work for hire. That means, we do the writing and someone else does the owning. Someone else's name goes on the words we sell and that's just fine. It's the nature of the work we do and we get paid to do just that. But I am here to tell you, there's really nothing quite like seeing your words on a site with your name as the credited author.

So, to shamelessly continue my fifteen minutes, here's the site: www.life123.com and go to the beauty and style articles. You'll find me all over the place.

Hey, read the articles and rate them fabulously. When I get rich and famous- you know, well-fed and all- I'll tell 'em I know you and get you a gig! (Actually, they're hiring writers right now, but make sure you read lots of my stuff anyway!

Teresa

Finishing a long-term gig

2008-07-18T16:19:00.002-05:00

Hi there! I just finished up a long-term project. I've been working with this client for several months, helping with content for a soon to launch website called Life333. While it will be very exciting to see all of my work online, I am a bit sad at seeing this gig come to an end. Money aside, (OK, I will really miss the money!) but I will also miss working with this editor. She has been generous and more than fair and always a delight to hear from. So how do you feel about seeing a long term gig come to an end? I know that at times it can be a huge relief, but do you have times where you hated to see it end? Do you have any good suggestions for persuading a client to find a new project for you? I was able to stretch this one a bit by pitching some ideas. How about you? I would love to hear some input on this one! In the meantime, keep plugging away! Have a great weekend- take some time off and go have some fun! (And then get back to your keyboard!)

Learning a Lesson From the Economy

2008-07-08T20:14:00.002-05:00

Other than the war, it's all everyone is talking about: gas prices, grocery costs, layoffs and unemployment. With gas over four bucks a gallon, everything is taking a real bite. Prices are rising constantly, but not a lot of folks are getting pay raises, are they?

I believe that we create our own reality, to a large extent. Whatever we spend out time and energy on, will dominate our thoughts and therefore our behavior. If we are stuck in the rut of worrying about everything that is really out of our control anyway, we are going to live out that negativity in every part of our lives.

I decided I wasn't going to worry about it. I'm a freelancer and I've been a single mom for 27 years. I've been dead broke more times than I care to remember. I have a car in the driveway with gas in the tank, I have enough groceries that I'm still 30 pounds heavier than I would like, and my teenager just got home from 10 days at Bible Camp. Hmmm, there doesn't seem to be too much lack around here.

Before I made the decision to let go of what I can't control, I worried because I saw a bit of a slowdown in work. Once I let go and decided to spend my extra time working at things like bidding more jobs than I used to and playing around with my creative writing skills, I suddenly realized that the work started coming back in the door.

I heard from a client that I hadn't heard from in a while, I got some extremely nice comments from a couple other clients, as well as offers to pitch them some ideas and I picked up some extra work from my very first client, who has also been an amazing mentor for me in this crazy world of freelancing. (By the way, her name is Sue LaPointe and you should check out her blog- after mine of course. It's on my blog list!

The point is, I learned a lesson from the economy problems. When things are getting a bit tough, the more you focus on them, the worse it's going to get. When you let go, things start looking up sooner than you think. I think they call it "Let Go and Let God"- and I actually learned that lesson a long time ago from some friends of mine. I think they also call it K.I.S.S. (Keep it simple, stupid!) Yep, same friends.

So give up already! You've been broke before and you probably could stand to lose a couple pounds too. The freelance writing business is thriving. Now, get to work!

Teresa

Independence Day

2008-07-02T18:21:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone,
I haven't been around lately- took a little sabbatical up in Northern Minnesota and soaked up the beauty for a few days. Now, it's back to work- with a holiday coming. Friday is the 4th of July and what a perfect opportunity to celebrate the independence of working for yourself. We are so fortunate to live in a world that allows us to freely communicate and express ourselves, no matter what the subject matter. Not everyone is so lucky, so I try to remember to be grateful for what I have.

What are you celebrating this 4th of July? Here in the U.S. we acknowledge and celebrate our freedom and what our forefathers did to secure that freedom. I like to slow down and get a bit more personal with my thanks. I have a brother and some nieces and nephews who have spent time in the armed services, including Iraq. We have learned to be extremely grateful for their lives and their service. Many of us have family and friends who are or have been overseas fighting and whether we agree with the war or we don't, we need to be thankful to these brave men and women who risk their lives on a daily basis. Salute to all of you!

I am grateful for each one of my readers as well. Starting a blog can feel overwhelming and scary, and I appreciate all of you and your comments. Have a great fourth of July- no matter where you live! Every day is a good day to be thankful for all of the blessings in our lives.

Stay safe and have a wonderful holiday!
Teresa

Check out this link!

2008-06-20T16:23:00.002-05:00

Hi- I know I was just here, but I just looked at today's blog post at Freelance Switch and if you are a freelancer - or thinking about becoming one- here are some fab resources! Here's the link: http://freelanceswitch.com/general/linkswitch-for-bootstrapping-writers-and-all-their-friends/

Aren't you glad to be a freelance writer?

2008-06-20T15:56:00.002-05:00

Hi there-

I just wanted to take a minute and ask you this one question, "Aren't you glad to be a freelance writer?" I know I sure am. It's funny, but I've had several jobs I have enjoyed over the years, but never one that I enjoyed more than what I am doing right now. I started freelancing at age 45 and I've been at it for about a year or so now. In April, I left my full-time job and started working full-time at my freelancing business. I write mostly articles- on practically every topic imaginable. No, they aren't rocket science (although, who knows- even rocket scientists need content!) but I do research everything I write about so that I'm providing a reasonably intelligent viewpoint. I know where to put the commas, most of the time, and I can spell most words, so hey, what's not to love?

I have to admit, though, just between us, that I really do like the ego boost part of things, too! I've had clients use words like "terrific" "fantastic" and "talented" and every time someone does, it sure makes me smile. To think I can make a living doing the thing I love the most- and develop a reputation for being good at it is surely a dream come true. I love the way people consider you an expert when they hear that you write content for the Internet. Heck, I even named my business "Write About Everything" because I love the pun of it all! (Oh, man, that was lame!)

So, here's the thought for the day: think about all the reasons you love being a freelance writer and then come back here and tell me about it. If you aren't writing, then give me three good reasons why not!

Have a great weekend!
Teresa

Oh yeah, I like the money part, too!

Can SEO be trademarked?

2008-06-19T17:36:00.002-05:00

Hi there,

I just finished reading an interesting article about a guy who is attempting to trademark the term "SEO" in the U.S. Mind you, this isn't a new story. In fact it's been going on since April, 2008. He's got some people fighting the idea, so we'll have to wait and see what happens, but it got me to thinking.

SEO, as you likely already know stands for Search Engine Optimization. Basically, it's the techniques used to get the search engine "spiders" to find your site and rank it high. It seems everyone is using SEO to boost their rankings and, of course, lots of folks are making some money selling information on how to do it.

I try to use SEO techniques in my writing because usually that's what my clients want. Often, individual clients will have different ideas on what works and what doesn't, so it gets a little tricky. The one thing you don't want to do is write content that is so filled up with keywords (the words and phrases people search for your product with) that it doesn't read easily. You can usually spot a rookie SEO writer a mile away because the content just doesn't sound the way people talk.

A lot of writers I know tend to believe that quality content is the most important thing on your website, not just the placement of certain keywords. I tend to agree with that view point. Still, I just don't know what I think about someone getting a trademark on the acronym SEO. It seems kind of like trademarking the word "blog" or "article" or "content" doesn't it? What do you think? Is SEO part of the common freelancing language or should someone be able to trademark it and prevent other people from using it? Do you use SEO techniques? What ranks higher on your list: keywords or content?

Let me know what you think! Is SEO here to stay? Or does it fit into that category of "as soon as I figured out all the answers, someone changed all the questions?"

Til next time,
Teresa

It's Monday again

2008-06-16T10:42:00.002-05:00

Hi there, how was your weekend?

Lately I have been actually taking my weekends off. Like so many of us, when you freelance, it's easy to keep plugging away with no regard to the day of the week or the hour of the day. For the last few months, I was doing that and I never seemed to be caught up. Then I wound up in the hospital with some pretty strange symptoms: I couldn't remember my name of the names of my family. Talk about checking out! The good news is the doctors ran every test possible to see if it was stroke or heart related and found no evidence that it was either. The bad news is, if I don't know what caused it, how do I prevent it from happening again? One thing I decided was I could start taking the weekends off.

If I don't set a clear schedule for myself, I can get into big trouble. I need to have start and stop times and days of the week when I do no work at all. I still write on those days though, I just don't get paid for it.

When you are a freelance commercial writer, you can easily get so busy writing for work that you forget to write for fun. When I do this, my creativity dries right up! I need to use that free spirit part of my mind to write for fun so that I can keep the business writer from burning out. On the weekends I write creatively. It's lighthearted, semi-autobiographical and fun. It stimulates my thinking and actually helps me write for business for effectively.

So, what do you do on the weekends that helps you get through the work week? Do you have special rituals or entertainments that you think help keep you inspired Monday through Friday?

Let me know!
Teresa

Would You Expect A Plumber To Work For $2/Hour?

2008-06-12T15:45:00.003-05:00

Have you ever had to call a plumber to fix a leaky pipe or unclog a stopped up drain? If you have, you know they make upwards of $75 an hour for their time and expertise. A good hair salon will charge $25 or $30 for a 20 minute hair cut. Every professional that provides a service which they have trained for and gained experience in charges a decent rate for their time and talents. And yet, you regularly find "job offers" looking for an article writer to produce several 500 words articles for $2 a piece. What's just as sad, is there are writers out there willing to accept this type of "job offer."

In order to produce a quality 500 word article on an unfamiliar topic, I can usually expect to spend at least 15-20 minutes researching- and that's just for a basic article about an easy to understand topic. If it's something more complicated, I can spend an hour or two just researching. Then it's at least 20 minutes to write the article and proofread it for errors. At $2 a pop, I think I would probably be making somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 cents an hour up to maybe $2 bucks an hour.

I really hate to date myself, but when I was in junior high school I made 50 cents an hour babysitting and even then I knew I was getting a raw deal. Back then my biggest expense was getting into the football game on Friday night or maybe buying a record album (they're like a really big CD, only they sound scratchy) once a month or so. Now, my expenses are considerably more than that, especially if I want to sleep on a bed in a shelter of some type and eat every now and then!

I find it appalling that these employers can continue to expect someone to write 500 words for $2. The only way it will ever stop, though, is if writers refuse to take these insulting jobs. I know it can be tough landing gigs and sometimes it feels scary when the jobs aren't lining up very fast, but please, find another way to survive if business is slow. Try Internet Marketing, write an ebook, search out local clients or get a job at the local Dairy Queen, but don't write 500 word articles for little or no money. Respect yourself as a writer first and only then will you have clients who will respect you as a professional.

I would love to know what you think about this topic, so leave your comments and lets talk about it! In the meantime, I'm late for my shift at the DQ, so I gotta go!

Teresa

How's Business?

2008-06-11T00:01:00.002-05:00

Yep, they all told me this would happen-that, like everything else, the gigs in copywriting get scarce now and then. But they all said that it doesn't last long and things will get better again.

So, I'm not too worried about it.

I have more time to do things like post to this blog and read a few others' blogs now and then. I am playing around with some creative writing things.

I have a lot of books and e-books to read.

I might write an e-book. I really could do it, you no. Yep, I sure could write me an e-book.

How hard can it be? Lots of folks do it and some of them are even good and they make lots of money for writing those! Then you always have that one kind of income with the name we can't say or the s.p.a.m. people will bet angry and then we probably would never get coupons for lunch meat.

So I can't say the word, but maybe I can sneak it past 'em with my creative writing skills: that "pass the potatoes please" "sivv even kinda warm here in Minneesota today" ( if you say like you are saying It is even kinda warm , but ya gotta get the siv part with the first hint) income, so I'll just call it a darn fine way to make some money. The old they will click the money button while I am pushing the snooze button way to earn a buck! (I really should say here that for every one who doesn't have as much talent for creative writing as I do, that the word is passive income, don't feel bad at all if you didn't get it. I am pretty darn good at creative writin. When I have the time, that is.)

Yep, that's it. I think I might just have to write an e-book so I can keep on keepin on during the slow time.

Of course, I don't want to write any old e-book, just one of the real good ones!

Hey, P.B. I'll be eatin plenty here one of these days too! (He's my idol, but don't tell him. He doesn't know me from Eve, as they say, but I think he's pretty cool (You never know, maybe he's a secret lurker on this blog, wouldn't that be cool?) Him and that four hour work week guy, he sounds like a pretty smart dude too. I really like smart guys. Especially if they make all that money they talk about in their books. I bet they do, too. Thar four hour guy talked a lot about vacations and it didn't sound like those made up ones do, so I think he's legit. Wonder if he has a blog? Hmmm, P.B. has a blog, you know.

STOP IT!! she says to herself. Sorry, I digress, back to the lull in busness stuff.

So, I am not going to worry about this lull in business. It's probably some holiday for those corporate types and all the business owners and my friends at Google, the guy from that one place whose name I can't remember. That's the trouble with freelancing, never can get a paid holiday.

How is it in your neck of the woods?

See you soon

Teresa
that one freelance writer from MN

P.S. Aren't you just so glad that when you're a freelancer, you don't need a whole lotta gas? I am not afraid to say that I am feeling a little giddy here. (sorry, that mighta been mean. Didn't mean it that way. Really.:)

Interesting Weekend

2008-06-08T22:58:00.002-05:00

It was a different sort of weekend. My entire family walked on Friday in the Race For the Cure cancer walk-a-thon. 12 hours- we didn't walk the entire time, though I have to admit. We had a nice campfire outside (it was an overnight event 6 pm to 6am) and really enjoyed ourselves. We did walk a lot. My brother-in- law, who has cancer, walked almost all of the time. It was amazing.

Today, I spent some time writing some magazine articles- pretty light stuff, hopefully funny. We'll see, but it felt good to get started on that.

So, how about you? What did you do this weekend that really fed your soul and/or your creativity?

Until later,

Teresa

Great New Blog to Check Out

2008-06-05T10:02:00.002-05:00

Hi there!
I recently found a wonderful new blog right here on Blogger by Sue LaPointe. Sue is a commercial freelance writer who shares her tips and ideas for building a successful freelance writing business right from scratch. I encourage you to check out her blog at

http://buildathrivingwritingbusiness.blogspot.com

You are certain to find excellent ideas and resources to help you build your writing business.

I've known Sue for some time now and I must say, her generosity as a writer shines through every word she writes. This is a writer with a heart for writers. Don't miss her blog!

Have a great day!
Teresa

2008-06-05T01:58:00.001-05:00

I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.

It covers:

The best blogging techniques.
How to get traffic to your blog.
How to turn your blog into money.

I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.

Lonely, Lonely Blog

2008-06-05T01:43:00.002-05:00

It's quite sad when a writer has not made time for her blog. A blog is such a gentle simply way to express your thoughts to whoever may care to read them. It really is a powerful little toy, isn't it?

Some use their blog to chronicle their lives to a level of detail that, frankly, throws me for a bit of a loop.

There are a treasured group of bloggers that expands and changes who share their wisdom, whether real or imagined, on whatever topic they hold dear to their hearts.

Then there are the bloggers who have allowed this amazing nearly living piece of technology that is known as the blog to sit here devoid of entries for too long of time.

Today is the day to begin that change!

I'll see you tomorrow.

Teresa

What causes you to procrastinate? Is it your blog?

Or maybe you've moved into the love affair with a blog? Drop a line and share!

Christmastime already

2007-12-20T19:04:00.000-06:00

Hi, can you beleive it is Christmas already? Amidst the shopping and the baking, the decorations and the tree, are you finding time to take care of yourself? I have long had a back problem and I have learned to use it as a barometer of when I need to take better care of myself. It generally doesn't give me trouble, but when it starts to act up, I know that is a sign I need to slow down. If not, it will slow me down by putting me flat on my back. Trust me, that isn't much fun for me or the rest of my family!
Yes, I have been very busy. I have had some new clients and I must say, my writing business is keeping me hopping. I love it though, things are always different and always changing so it never gets boring or dull that is for sure.
I am working on an exciting new project that I will tell you about soon. For now, let me say that this is my ideal job project and I am loving every minute of it.

Found a new course for bloggers and right now its free. Its put out by the guys from Simplelology and if you haven't checked them out yet, you really should. They have some great time management stuff, among other things.
Right now they have a new blogging course that is free. You can check it out here at the link on the left.
Merry Christmas to everyone! Hang with your loved ones and love the ones your hanging with. Talk soon,
Teresa

Hitting the BIg Time!!

2007-11-02T14:23:00.001-05:00

Well, this is it! I have hit the big time, sorta anyway. Sue LaPointe- who is definitely square into the big time- knows me by name and even let me review her new book, Working Writer Happy Writer, and today, I got a personal email from Peter Bowerman- the Well Fed Writer himself- woo hoo, can you believe it. I ordered a couple of Peter's books, (cuz they're the best) and he dropped me a note and commented that he liked the name of my business- which, of course, is Write About Everything! He actually liked it. I feel a little like Sally Field did at the Academy Awards that one year- "You like me, you really really like me!"

Anyway, business is going good- picking up new gigs all the time. I still pinch myself a couple times a day in order to make sure its really happening. I will be ready to drop down in hours at my "out of the house" job soon- although I may wait until after Christmas!
Hope all is well with all of you. Stop in at the Writer's Cafe this weekend- its the place to be. Scroll down a couple of posts and you'll find the link to the Writer's Cafe and to Sue's new book also. Here's Peter Bowerman's link: http://wellfedwriter.com/
Have a great weekend!
Teresa

Today is a new day!

2007-10-27T10:38:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,

Well, today is an exciting new day. I want to tell you about the release of a new book that I have had the awesome privlege to review and put into action. The book is titled "Working Writer, Happy Writer" by Sue LaPointe. Sue is a freelance writer who started her own business a little more than a year ago and since that time she has moved up to the # 5 ranked writer (out of hundreds) on Guru.com. She has written a book that details everything she did to start a writing business from nothing to making over $5,000 a month in six months time. I was fortunate enought to review this book for Sue and put it into action. My own writing business "Write About Everything" is taking off and becoming a reality. This has been a dream of mine that I honestly never thought would take shape and take off. Thanks to Sue and this amazing book, it has.

If you have ever thought of starting your own writing business, this is the first book you need to read. Read it, do it, and succeed. It really is that simple.

Here's the link to Sue's book: http://www.workingwriterhappywriter.com/publishing/Get_paid_to_write.html

Old friends, new lives

2007-10-09T22:04:00.000-05:00

Do you know people that just seem to have so many friends they can't even keep 'em all straight? I have had the amazing good fortune throughout my life to be one of those people. I've been pretty social most of my life and I genuinely like people, so it all came real easy. Not just acquaintances either, but good friends who cared about me a lot.
It seems life always intervenes, though doesn't it? Times change, people come and go and friends wander in and out of our lives. I've always believed that certain people are only intended to be in our lives for a short while and when we have each given what was needed to the other, then we move on.
Recently, I had the amazing experience of running into an old friend that I hadn't seen for probably 15 or 20 years. Wow, was that a surprise! Years ago we were best friends, practically inseparable through high school. We had so much fun and got into SOOOO much trouble! It was everything that a friendship between a couple of kids should be. Unfortunately we really lost touch. I blame a lot of that on me. I've spent most of my life staying in my own space as much as I can. I venture into someone's life and when I think I need to, I venture back out. Now here I am at an age I can no longer deny is middle age. I have narrowed the number of my friends considerably. I have also improved the depth and quality of my friendships and I make a real effort to stay in touch now. I don't know if its age or what. I think I've learned that I get to choose who to share my life with and quality beats the heck out of quantity every time.
I reconnected with another old friend a couple years back. That has undoubtedly been one of the best decisions I have ever made. We picked up right where we left off and we are as close as two friends can be. I am hoping to reconnect with this old high school friend in that same way.

We have different lives now--new lives. But that doesn't mean there isn't room for old friends! What do you think??
Later,
Teresa

How's your higher self?

2007-10-05T22:42:00.000-05:00

Have you ever noticed that when there is a message you really need to hear, it will continue to be repeated until you take some action? That always seems to be the case when I am being particularly stubborn or procrastinating to such a degree that it really should be some sort of yoga posture! And yet, there is something so forgiving in the universe that when you finally get the courage to step out and take action, wow! Things begin to fall into place.

I've had times, a lot of them to tell the truth, when I really began to wonder if my turns had just about run out. It seemed that something always got in my way, when really it was just me. When you have a dream, your true dream, and it hasn't worked out the way you hoped, eventually it seems easier to start letting go of the dream than to try again. You kind of move into a holding pattern. You can live in a holding pattern for only so long, though. It may seem that you stay on top of it for a very long time, and then, slowly it all begins to slip.

I think the magic is when you realize that clinging to that facade is a heck of a lot more work than just becoming who you really are after all. No more excuses, no more apologies, no more guilt.

Then, the door begins to open, and tomorrow comes after all.

Think about that for the night and we'll talk about it tomorrow.
Teresa

Busy Busy weekend

2007-09-30T20:47:00.000-05:00

I wanted to stop in and say hi! How was your weekend? Mine was busy, but wonderful. Lots of family and lots of work. Not quite enough rest, but maybe tonight?
I found a wonder place to visit on the web. The Weekend Writer's Cafe from GROW YOUR WRITING BUSINESS blog. The Cafe board is open from Friday to Sunday at can be found here: http://www.growyourwritingbusiness.com/?p=325 The blog is always available at the same place. Check it out-- it really is a nice place to be.
Time for me to get back to work.
Teresa

Reflections on a legacy

2007-09-27T16:42:00.000-05:00

What do you think of when you consider the word "legacy?" I hadn't thought much about that until yesterday. As we laid my sister-in-law to rest, her oldest son read a eulogy he wrote with the help of his siblings. She had been an incredible mother and as her children shared their memories of her, it was obvious that the things she taught them were the things we all teach our children. What made her so special was the fact that, well, it worked!
Her children speak of her with smiles and love and respect. Her children didn't wonder aloud what they might do without her, for they knew she had given them all they needed to face whatever life might throw at them with the same dignity and honor and grace that she did. Her life was an open book to her kids and this allowed them to be open with her. Her strength and her spirit taught all who knew her to be strong and brave. She didn't just leave memories with her husband and children. She left a legacy.
I have known and loved a lot of people. I have respected many. I have admired only a few. I admired my sister-in-law. That is a legacy.

Sometimes You're UP and Sometimes, well . . .

2007-09-25T09:10:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!
I've been so busy this past couple of weeks, it has been difficult to get here. But, I made up my mind today was the day.
Great news! I got the book AND the job. The book is fabulous and as soon as it is released to the general public, you really need to get it. If you have ever thought you might be ready to start your own freelance writing business, I am here to tell you, Sue LaPointe is the real deal. What I love about the book is that the author allows the reader to feel incredibly optomistic about the reality of starting up a business, without pumping sunshine you know where! It is easy to read and SO easy to relate to. If I knew what Sue knows, this is the book I would have wanted to write. I will keep you updated. Here's the link to her site. Start with her newsletter and then snoop around a bit. She's got some good stuff! http://www.workingwriterhappywriter.com/
I also got a gig. I already wrote one article and I am waiting for more. I also answered several job board SEO postings, so hopefully I can pick up some regular ongoing work here. I am ready!

We've been faced with the idea and the reality of losing family members in my family this week. We had a big benefit dinner and silent auction for my brother-in-law who has cancer. To our deep sadness, the day before the benefit, we lost our sister-in-law. We leave today for the services. My heart breaks for my older brother who has lost his love and my little sister who has been losing hers for a year now.

So, we say our good-byes as we say our "don't go yet"s and through it all we get each other through it just like always. Thank God for families. They could never break our hearts so much if they didn't give us so much love and joy. We miss you Jan! We aren't letting go, David!
We will pray and we will eat scalloped potatoes and ham in the basement of a small town church that will be saying goodbye too soon to one of the most amazing women I have ever known.
Then we will return back here and tell ourselves that NOW things will be settled down and a little less chaotic.

Then I remember I am starting my own business and my three grandchildren are under 10 and underfoot. They live downstairs from my apartment. It is the most wonderful living arrangement I have ever had. I want it to last forever. Of course it won't. Perhaps it shouldn't. It will not be less chaotic. ever. really.

I will see you on the end of the week.
Teresa

An Observation

2007-09-16T00:40:00.000-05:00

Tonight is September 16,2007 , (very early morning, actually) and I choose it as a turning point. On September 11, I responded to the opportunity to possibly be chosen for an early release of a very exciting book regarding my own home freelance writing business: Write About Everything Tonight I received an email from Sue LaPointe, the author, telling me I was invited to preview her book. I am thrilled. As I thought about it, I knew her name sounded so very familiar to me, but I could not place where. As I scoured through my PC, I saw that I had applied for work writing for her website on August 31. With a stroke of boldness that will either employ me or really make me look like an ass, I attached a copy of my questionnaire that she had sent me and re-sent it to Sue with a note of "aha". I certainly hope she doesn't feel it was some sort of a ploy, but rather an honest attempt to get the job. Karma, destiny, providence, God - I hope that I get the job AND the know how to get my business up and going. What better start??
Mark the day.
Teresa

Back in the day!

2007-09-11T17:27:00.000-05:00

What do you do if you think "it" might have gotten away 25 years ago? You know, when you make a decision that you think is the right one, for all the right reasons, but then you have to wonder if you didn't blow it after all?
Every experience we live through teaches us a lesson and if we don't learn that lesson we will repeat that experience until we get it right. Why does that not seem to hold true if the experience was wonderful and we would love to go back? Funny, when I was young I was so certain that I would turn out to be someone so different from who I am now. I knew that I would change, and evolve and be completely different than who I was, but now I think that I really was just me all along. Often, we just need to get out of our own way, don't we? I couldn't accept who I was for years. I always thought I needed to be different. Thinner, smarter, more important. I could never be comfortable in my own skin.
Now, I am learning to appreciate myself. In my mid-forties, this is me. This is "it!" IT was never really out there at all, but rather, here within me. I may get thinner (or heavier!) I don't know if I am smarter, and important is really a matter of perspective isn't it?

So, back in the day I wanted to "be somebody." Then I spent years wanting to be "back in the day!" Today, I am who I am. I find out a little more about who that is every time I take time to look. Usually, I like most of what I see. When I don't like what I find, I am learning to either accept that part of myself or simply let it go. Wow, maybe I am getting smarter.

Until next time,
Teresa

Balancing Work, Family Play—Is It Just a Juggling Act?

2007-09-10T12:46:00.000-05:00

I got to thinking about what a high price we put on the idea of somehow balancing all the different roles in our lives. Maybe we cannot find the answers because we need to ask a different question.

Is it possible to balance your life and keep work, family and play all in a position of priority without one being lost to the other two? Or is it merely a juggling act where you never really feel anything is stable? What if it’s both?

As women we still expect ourselves to fulfill every need, want and demand of our family, career AND our social life. We’ve spent years looking for ways to balance it all and yet we cannot seem to find the answer. What if we are just trying too hard?Often, if you listen to women talk, you will hear them stressfully wonder "How long is this juggling act is going to last and when will I feel like my life is in balance? Maybe it’s time for a new tactic. When we stand back for a few moments and watch another woman we admire skillfully fulfill the varying roles of her life, we think “Oh, look at how she can handle so many things at once and look so good doing it! Why can’t I do that?” What we don’t stop to realize is that juggling is really the most amazing form of balance there is. When you think of balancing a tray of appetizers on one hand at a party, you know you can handle that with ease, but if someone handed you three tennis balls and asked you to juggle, if you’re like me you are ready to turn and run! You know juggling requires an inordinate amount of skill and training and to attempt it without any direction would be asking for trouble. In fact, you would never suggest that someone who didn’t know how to juggle was somehow lacking would you? Of course not!

Now, apply that same logic to the way you feel like you are constantly juggling your work, your family and your playtime. Remember, we’ve already determined that learning to juggle is a process of training and skill. In fact, the only way we get better at juggling is to practice every day. We call that commitment. You are living the most intricate form of balancing there is- the juggling of all the areas of your life. Stop being so hard on yourself for being who you are and give yourself the round of applause you would give to any juggler! What you don’t realize is that somewhere behind you, another woman is watching, admiring and thinking, “Wow, she is good at handling everything in her life! Why can’t I do that?” Appreciate your ability to juggle- and never forget how much balancing it really takes!

Until next time,

Teresa

Dealing with the Heartaches

2007-06-23T16:57:00.000-05:00

So often life will throw us a curve and that is when we find out just how far we really have gotten on our spiritual journey. I have a family member who battled cancer last fall and just when we thought he was on the winning end of things, he found out yesterday the cancer has returned and is in his bones. The prognosis is very dim.
How can one accept this news and continue to journey on in the expectation of new thought, new life, new energy, new birth? It seems that when we need encouragement and strentgh the very most is exactly when it is so difficult to believe.
What then shall we say to those with this tragic news. "I'm sorry" is woefully inadequate. I cannot offer platitudes of "Everything will be all right" because it is likely not true. So , together we weep and share and hold one another and do all that we are able to strengthen and life each other up.
So, bring on the light of life. Bring on the newness of dawn! Bring forth all the powers that be to fight the demons that should not. Bring hope and peace and miracles. We will accept them all.
Teresa

Visits

2007-06-21T23:20:00.000-05:00

Hi, I thought I would stop in for a minute. Aren't unexpected visits nice? I haven't always thought so, but I must say, if I let myself slow down and get out of myself, I really enjoy having friends and/or family stop in. I used to have one of those lives that was constantly populated by many people. I always had someone stopping in or leaving or calling- it was very busy. I thought that it offered up some kind of testimony to what an amazing person I am, but lately I am looking at it from a very different point of view. What if it was simply a matter of being afraid to be alone with myself? What if it was just so much easier to avoid the things within me that needed to be faced if I kept all kinds of other people around?
Of course, I can also very easily fall into isolating myself as well. I think that is one of the things I really love about writing. It is a solitary pursuit, and it is supposed to be. In fact, if one is good enough at it, it is quite easy to simply say, "Oh no, I don't think I can have any company today, I am writing!" (Did you read that with a rather snobby voice, because I certainly did!!) Anyway, there is a huge difference between isolating and being comfortable in our own skin. I am learning to like myself. I am starting to appreciate me. I am realizing that if I can love and appreciate myself, I won't need to ever again be desperate for someone else to do that for me.
Teresa

Affirmations

2007-06-21T16:57:00.000-05:00

Hi there! I hope that you are well today! Today, I am pondering affirmations. Likely, we have all heard of affirmations. They are positive statements that we say to ourselves to motivate us, light us up, feed our internal selves so we become all that we have wanted to be. In the past I have tended to "poo-poo" affirmations. They just seemed so silly. I couldn't understand what possible good could come from me looking in a mirror and telling myself what a wonderful woman I am. After all, why should I listen to my opinion? My opinion didn't seem to be the one that mattered. What mattered was your opinion of me! Well, guess what I have been doing lately? That's right, affirmations. I found a wonderful website that has affirmations, prayers and meditations. Can I tell you? Well, here goes-- www.debbieford.com Debbie Ford is a life coach who is currently on ABC's The Ex Wives Club on Monday nights at 8:00 central time. I really connected with some of the things she said on the program and I went online and wha-la! there she was. Today, I encourage you to check out her website. Listen to some of the affirmations, start doing them three times a day for the next 28 days and watch what happens to the inside of yourself. I am on this 28 day journey myself. Join me and see if you love it as much as I do.
Time for me to go get my three gorgeous grandchildren and bring them to Grandma's for a bit. Have a wonderful evening and I will talk to you later!
Teresa

The Search Begins

2007-06-21T00:05:00.000-05:00

Welcome! I am so glad you are here! This blog will serve as a witness to my journey to myself. Although that sounds very self-serving, I hope that you will see a little bit of yourself here and your own journey through this life.
First, let me explain the name of this journal. All of my life I have been waiting for "it" to happen before I can truly be happy. Maybe "it" was graduating from high school or college. Maybe "it" was being married or divorced. "It" might have been having my children or maybe having them grow up and move on into their own lives. "It" could be finances, relationships, education, geography, any one of a number of things. I just knew that whenever "it" happened, then I would be content.
Guess what? "It" doesn't exist. Any success or happiness we might have in this life comes from within. All of the answers (and all of the questions) are within us. It is simply a matter of realizing this and manifesting it. Simple, right? Wrong!! Before we can manifest our heart's desire, we must first figure out what that is. Simple, right? Wrong again!! I am just beginning to learn how to figure that out, and that is the purpose of this blog. I will chronicle my journey here, and trust me, it promises to have plenty of ups and downs. Join me for this trip and lets help each other through.
Until next time,
Teresa