Writing Days

Every day is writing day when you are dependant on freelance writing for most of your income. As well as freelancing I also do some work at my local university and on those days I do less writing. Students aren't always considerate and will telephone when they know that I am working at home.

As I wrote elsewhere it is not always easy to structure you day in the ways that you might prefer. When you work from home a good deal of the time there are always incidents and people demanding your attention no matter how many times you may say Tuesday is one of my writing days.

Writing White Papers

White Papers

White papers are papers or articles that present answers to problems that people may be facing. Just recently I have posted a couple of these papers and they do seem to have brought some extra traffic.

Sharing Knowledge

One of the huge advantages that the internet offers is that anyone can share their knowledge to benefit both themselves and other people. Most writers I know will happily share any expertise that they have with their readers. This kind of sharing attitude can make the internet a good place to be for writers and anyone out there in search of information.

Keep On Keeping On

Sometimes life gets tough and what we might want to do is bury ourselves under the duvet and sing Make the World Go Away. Have you ever felt like that? I know I have often. As writers we do have writing to sustain us and to write through our anger and our sorrows. Burying ourselves might seem like a good idea but in doing this we are not being responsible - sure do it for a day or so but then get back on the roller coaster. The difference between those who get by and those who don't is that they keep on keeping on.

Writing Buddies Link Love

Since I started blogging eighteen months ago I have made a whole host of writing buddies; people who I chat with occasionally,others who I exchange comments with and those who share contacts and pass on work. I have never met any of them in person but I feel sure that if I did we would get along so here is a little bit of link love to my writing buddies - if I have missed you off feel free to send me your latest link.

Sharon
Gracepub
Dana
Margie
Inklings
Trick Falls
Pussy Willow, Manodogs,Spookyank and Sassys and Catfish (I never get the bloggerparty links right but will come back to it.

It's Writing Time Again

The last couple of weeks have had me chomping at the bit, but now it's writing time again. No more will I have to wait for someone to lend me their computer just to keep my head above water, my problems will soon be solved as the new computer arrived today.

Having my computer give up the ghost in the midst of a couple of writing projects and right in the middle of Nano has given me a whole new set of problems wondering how I am going to catch up. No doubt I will have to work several ghosters, but when all is said and done, even if I don't finish nano I am very glad that it's writing time again.

A Fairly Frazzled Freelancer

I have been a fairly frazzled freelancer all week. If this were not a family friendly blog the word fairly would be replaced with a much stronger four letter word. I have had no computer all week and with a deadline looming and fifty thousand words for nano to reach this has not been a good week.

Normally I cope with the unexpected twists and turns of life and even of freelancing but this has really had me in a spin - not least because I hadn't backed up my work. Very unprofessional, as my son remarked.

The Freelance Writing Virtuous Circle

Just like the writer's blog and Sharon, I am a working freelance writer who also provides information and advice on freelancing and getting freelance jobs. Sometimes life is hectic and you are overburdened with work and at other times you wonder where the next job and the next dollar are coming from.

Helping Others to Freelance

If asked why I do it, I would have to say that I love writing and I love the freedom that freelancing can offer. Like other writers that I know. I have been fairly fortunate when it comes to writing and just like my friends above I will do my best to help those writers who are just getting started. Freelance writing really can become a virtuous circle.

The Ups and Downs of Freelancing

Freelancers have good and bad times, the ups and downs of freelancing often take writers by surprise.

What To Do When There's No Paid Work

Most writers wonder what to do when there's no paid work and no money coming in. There are a few things that you can do to ease the pressure. Try paid blogging with blogitive, ok it is only $5 a post but they do pay weekly though paypal. You can also submit articles to Associated Content and Constant Content, both of these will publish your articles and visitors can then choose whether they want to buy. There is also pay per post, review stream and helium - although it can take a while with the last two before you earn any money. Comment on other people's blogs and leave a link to your website. These are all ways to try and beat the problem of slow work periods.

What a Google Surprise

You hear a lot of talk about a blog's page ranking with Google, in fact some directories will not accept a blog that is not ranked with Google. Not surprisingly that no-one was more surprised than I when I found at that this site had a PR2. I had done a fair bit of work recently but I have to say that most of this was due to advice from gracepub and Sharon. Thanks both of you.

Freelancing Fears

When you are a freelance writer and depend on that income to pay your bills then there is always the fear that the work may dry up. Freelance writing can be a chancy business and no matter how much time you might spend bidding for work, there is no guarantee that you will get it.

Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway

When you start to get the freelancing fears then the only way out of the problem is through it. As Susan Jeffers said in her 1987 book you have to "Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway." Fear never really deserts us but how we handle that fear can mean the difference between failure and success; which is why so many writers just work through that fear.

Write With Passion

I am not just suggesting that other writers write with passion because it is also something that I need to do myself. It is all too easy for our writing to become stale. This is especially the case when it comes to freelancing on the web, by the time you have written the umpteenth article on a particular subject your writing loses its freshness.

Do Something Else

If your writing begins to sound stale to you then it is time to do something else. Go for a walk, read a book or read other blogs. I find that if I read certain blogs if fires my enthusiasm and I can get some of the freshness back in my writing. If you think that your writing is sounding stale then find something else to do for a while.

Writing When You've Got the Wobbles

This last few weeks I have found the writing when you've got the wobbles is not only hard going, but you end up turning out less than good copy as well. I thought that I was getting to a place where I was handling life a bit better since losing my son; but it seems that the more time that passes - five months now - life gets harder rather than easier. I have decided not to be so harsh with myself and accept that provided I am writing, then writing when you've got the wobbles may not be as fast and accurate as writing normally is but it's still writing.

So if you are having problems and still trying to carry on writing when you've got the wobbles just don't be too hard on yourself, at least you are writing.

Write Good Content

I know it has been said before by other writers and bloggers but the kind of content that you put on your website or blog really does matter. People will often become regular visitors to either your website or your blog because they like what you have to say. You are obviously writing about topics that engage readers when they come to your site.

It is all too easy to forget that any writer is only as good as their audience. Successful published writers know that if they want to remain successful then it is up to them give their readers what they want - something that engages their interest and keeps them coming back for more.

When you write good content you are not only pleasing your audience you are putting your money where your mouth is when it comes to writing. One of the reasons that you write good content is because you hope that your audience wouldn't expect anything less than you expect from yourself.

Write for Cash

Work at Home

So many people want to be able to turn their hand to working from home, numbers of them are successful and quite a few of them,like me, write for cash. Writing in this way still deserves all your attention as a writer, in fact it probably deserves more, because you are providing a service.

Freelance Writing

Many writers who earn their living from freelance writing choose to give something back. Either they pass their writing skills on to others so that they can write better; or they share their skills in websites and seo.

Freelance writers are often generous with their time and their advice in other areas too. Writers help each other out in many ways and those who write for cash also realize the value of networking with each other. So if you want to write for cash you may find yourself joining a whole group of successful and helpful people.

Writers are Readers

If you are a writer then it is highly likely that you are also a reader. Writers know that one of the best ways of learning their craft is to read the work of others - writers like John Grisham, Johnathon Kellerman, Michael Connolly and Sue Grafton have an almost universal appeal in that the characterization and dialogue are usually well rounded and sharp respectively.

A writer is usually a reader who does more than read for enjoyment. A writer takes notes on the structure and style that published authors use in an attempt to improve on whatever they themselves are writing. If you are a freelance writer then you still need to read the work of others, there are plenty on the internet; or you could read your local paper or your favorite magazine through your writer's eyes. Writers are readers if they know what is good for them

Hard Boiled Writing

Hard boiled writing refers to a particular category in mystery novels. It was made famous by writers such as Hammett and Chandler, present day writers who could be said to write in that genre are Paretsky and Michael Connolly. It is the sort of detective story that really appeals to me and in which I am going to attempt to write the new nanowrimo novel that I am unsuccessfully (at the moment) planning. The problem with being a writer is that writing tends to get in the way of writing if you know what I mean.

Freelance Foibles

Freelancers are strange creatures with their own foibles. For example, they love reading books about freelance writing and they enjoy talking with other freelancers. Most freelancers have their own foibles as well as the more general ones - for example I love to see what my friends have written on their blogs even before I start work. I suppose it provides me some sort of brain food when it comes to writing articles. When I have written forty or more articles on the same subject I am constantly reminded of the words of the song "life gets tedious don't it"- and then I feel ashamed because I should feel grateful for the fact that I am able to get freelance writing work.

Busy Writing...but

As a working writer I have been busy writing, but the best laid plans of mice and women often go astray. It just occurred to me that I haven't yet claimed the blog for technorati. So here goes.Technorati Profile

Nanowrimo and Other Things

Nanowrimo signups started last week and I have still not signed in yet. Between problems with my wrists and shoulders, and a nasty email virus that has caused all kinds of problems for me and my computer since Saturday morning.

These problems now seem contained but I have had to reboot etc a number of times as a result. I shall need to be more vigilant when I open things.

Professional Writing and the Blogosphere

Professional writing and the blogosphere are inextricably linked it seems to me. A blog is somewhere that other writers can read what you have written and comment if they choose. It is also the place where writing work can be found if you 'virtually'meet the right people.

Most of the work that I undertake as a freelance writer has been work that I obtained through other people in the blogosphere. People like Sharon and Gracepub have helped me and numbers of other writers get started on freelance writing work. Considering there are probably close to as many freelance writers out there as there are freelance writing jobs

It often seems like a cut throat world out there, but writers in general are a very helpful and supportive group of people - especially when other things in life stop us writing.Whether that applies to everyone in the writing world or to the blogosphere in particular I don't know, but there are some good community blogging sites out there.

Writers such as those at inspired author who provide free resources and articles related to writing for other writers are all busy, working writers, who are prepared to give other writers a helping hand.

A Day in the Life of a Working Writer

If you are a working writer then quite often the working day ends when you have either fallen asleep over your keyboard or you have met the current deadline. Today has been one of those days; working on my new website setting up a subscibe option, checking out paid blogging, catching up on a property project and writing for a travel site. I have also tried to update most of my blogs oh, and because I work part time at the local university I also had a two hour tutorial with a student today. I am now about to lose what is left of my mind and sign up for the latest nanowrimo extravaganza. Happy writing.

Midday Writing and Rhyming

Midday writing is not necessarily writing at its best, but I sometimes find that it is writing from the heart. At certain times of the day my mind wanders to different types of writing and how these are a reflection of ourselves. For example I have a habit of writing doggerel at points when I don't know what else to write - a times like these rhyming stuff, even if it is rubbish has a comforting feel. Doggerel you might say is my writing dummy (or comforter depending on which side of the pond you live). Some months back I wrote a piece about grandmothers and grandchildren. At the time I had a housefull of kids and a deadline to meet, my only defence against the onslaught (I have to say that I don't discourage them from turning up during school holidays) and the looming deadline was to put it into rhyme - which probably sparked a later post on whether I was a writer or just a nutcase. Never mind midday has a strange effect on me sometimes

Writing Time

If you write for a living as I do then you are probably thinking that writing time is all the time - and yes it is, but I suppose I am talking about the kind of writing you might do for yourself. When your writing time is mostly taken up by concerns about earning enough to pay the bills well then you are not writing for yourself you are writing for a paymaster. Not that professional writing is not good - I wouldn't do it if I didn't like writing - but it is not always the fun occupation that you think writing should be.

When the majority of your writing time is aimed at making money then there can be a tendency to worry more about the number of words you are using as opposed to the quality of those words. For example if you write a poem then you have to have a measured number of words to provide the metre of the poem but you also need to have the right kind of words to express your thoughts. In order to keep your professional writing as fresh as possible it sometimes pays to take time out and write the stuff that is fun.

Am I A Writer Or Am I Nuts?

I've just been wondering whether we simply choose to be writers or whether writing somehow chooses us. When people talk about writer's block is it because they have nothing to say or is something else in side of them getting in the way of the writer?

If we have to write, and many writers feel this way, (otherwise why would we sit in solitary silence beavering away with words) then why are there times when writing is like trying to get blood from a stone.

If I have up and down times when the words have to be squeezed out rather than flowing free, does this mean I am not really a writer, or that I like to think of myself as a writer when really I'm a dabbler.

Writing pays most of my bills but that is not writing that I really care about, so long as it makes sense and has the required amount of words, that's fine. So why is other writing different to that, the words are the same, or are they? Are words chamelons sometimes easily recognizable and written down and at others tantalizling hiding behind something, a sort of catch me if you can attitude.

Or am I just nuts?

It's a Gran's Life

It's a gran's life,
Worker, mother, long time wife.
But when school is out
It's a gran's life.

They come in, they shout
They turn the cupboards inside out.
They want to go on MSNI tell them I'm working yet again,
It's a gran's life.

They raid the fridge of all that was there.
I have to buy more, but they don't care.
Food's for scoffing, drinks are for troughing,
It's a gran's life
I try to work through the shouts and the noise
Of five big and bouncing, growing boys,
Sat on the sofa, laid on the rug,
But they never leave me without a hug,
It's a gran's life.

These are the rules

My son sent me the following email:

Finally, the guys' side of the story. (I must admit, it's pretty good.)
We always hear "the rules"
from the female side.
Now here are the rules from the male side.
These are our rules!

Please note... these are all numbered "1"
ON PURPOSE!

1. Learn to work the toilet seat.
You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down.
We need it up, you need it down.
You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Shopping is NOT a sport. And no, we are never going to think of it that way.

1. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want.
Let us be clear on this one:
Subtle hints do not work!
Strong hints do not work!
Obvious hints do not work!
Just say it!

1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it.
That's what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a problem. See a doctor.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 days.

1. If you won't dress like the Victoria's Secret girls, don't expect us to act like soap opera guys.

1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.

1. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, please say whatever you have to say during commercials.

1. Christopher Columbus did not need directions and neither do we.

1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not a color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that.

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," we will act like nothing's wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine... Really.

1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball, the shotgun formation, or monster trucks.

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round is a shape.

1. Thank you for reading this.

Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight; but did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.
Pass this to as many men as you can -
to give them a laugh.



This was my response:
Time you knew the truth, mum’s rules rule – all rules are labled +1 for obvious reasons

+1. Mum’s like toilet seats down. Do not leave the toilet seat up unless you want to end up wearing a smelly pinewood necklace

+1 Shopping is a sport football is a game, mums don’t play games

+1 Crying is a natural human emotion – you will recognise the truth of this when you have been hit hard enough

+1 Do not bother asking for what you want because the answer will always be no – mums have the power to do that.

+1 No is not an acceptable answer it is fighting talk – mums don’t take no for an answer

+1 Only guys have problems because they haven’t yet learned to multi-task

+1 A headache can last for a lifetime – guys are always a headache

+1 Anything mum said six months ago is written in stone – forget it at your peril

+1 Anyone who acts like a soap opera guy will be lathered and sung to, soap opera is not real life. Get over it.

+1 If you say I am fat I will twist off your head and spit in your neck – mums can be vicious

+1 Anything mum says will be interpreted her way - it’s up to you to find out what that is.

+1 Anything you want to say cannot be said during the commercials because you cannot keep your speeches that short

+1 Christopher Columbus has been dead a long time, do you want to join him?

+1 Mums can never have too many handbags

+1 Anymore rules like the last lot and you will be joining Christopher Columbus, find your way out of that!