I would just like to say that our friends on the Gulf Coast are in my thoughts and prayers! I just can't imagine what the people of New Orleans must be feeling right now. Not even three years after Katrina and here we go again! I pray for your safety and that you return home to find everything intact!
To all of my family and friends in Baldwin County, Al - my thoughts and prayers for you as you face the storms from the east side of the hurricane! Be safe, loved ones!
Cindy
Monday, September 1, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Personal Crisis as a Freelancer Cont.......
Tips for Handling a Personal Crisis as a Freelancer
I think the most important thing is to evaluate the crisis - determine how major the event is in your life. When you make your own schedule, it is so easy to let a small crisis turn into a major event. Then again, if you are facing deadlines, you may not feel you can take the time you need to deal with a major event.
For many, the path they have chosen for their freelance career has always served as an outlet for them. Thus, writing, drawing, doing graphics - whatever your pleasure - can do more to help you heal than taking a break.
Here are a few ways that help me face a crisis:
1. Take one moment at a time. When facing a crisis, each moment can be drastically different. One minute, you might feel okay - the next, you might feel overwhelmed. Make the best of the moments in which you feel you can handle your work.
2. Take a break if you need to. Rather than push yourself when the creative juices are not flowing, take a few minutes (15, 30, an hour) and do something that relaxes you - or something that excites you. Take a walk with your kids, swim a few laps in the pool, relax in a hot bath.
3. Determine your obligations and make arrangements if you can't meet them. One of the most important aspects of working as a freelancer is keeping your word. If you find that a personal crisis will keep you from completing an assignment, get in touch with your client as soon as you can and explain the situation - although, this step should only be taken for a major event.
4. Find a support group. Many people who work freelance find that there is not a lot of support from family and friends. The reason is because most people don't understand making a living from home - that is just not the norm. Just as people overcoming drinking or drug problems or people trying to quit smoking or lose weight have found, a support group of like-minded individuals can go a long way in helping you to overcome both personal and professional crises.
5. Do your best. That's all any of us can do anyway. Just do the best that you can - and lean on your friends when you need to. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Ok, that's what I've come up with! If anyone else has any other ideas or tips, please feel free to leave a comment.
Later,
Cindy
I think the most important thing is to evaluate the crisis - determine how major the event is in your life. When you make your own schedule, it is so easy to let a small crisis turn into a major event. Then again, if you are facing deadlines, you may not feel you can take the time you need to deal with a major event.
For many, the path they have chosen for their freelance career has always served as an outlet for them. Thus, writing, drawing, doing graphics - whatever your pleasure - can do more to help you heal than taking a break.
Here are a few ways that help me face a crisis:
1. Take one moment at a time. When facing a crisis, each moment can be drastically different. One minute, you might feel okay - the next, you might feel overwhelmed. Make the best of the moments in which you feel you can handle your work.
2. Take a break if you need to. Rather than push yourself when the creative juices are not flowing, take a few minutes (15, 30, an hour) and do something that relaxes you - or something that excites you. Take a walk with your kids, swim a few laps in the pool, relax in a hot bath.
3. Determine your obligations and make arrangements if you can't meet them. One of the most important aspects of working as a freelancer is keeping your word. If you find that a personal crisis will keep you from completing an assignment, get in touch with your client as soon as you can and explain the situation - although, this step should only be taken for a major event.
4. Find a support group. Many people who work freelance find that there is not a lot of support from family and friends. The reason is because most people don't understand making a living from home - that is just not the norm. Just as people overcoming drinking or drug problems or people trying to quit smoking or lose weight have found, a support group of like-minded individuals can go a long way in helping you to overcome both personal and professional crises.
5. Do your best. That's all any of us can do anyway. Just do the best that you can - and lean on your friends when you need to. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Ok, that's what I've come up with! If anyone else has any other ideas or tips, please feel free to leave a comment.
Later,
Cindy
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Why I Became a Freelance Writer
I know this is not the topic that I was supposed to do next, but I'll get back to that one. I ran across a discussion in the Absolute Write Water Cooler (a fantastic place for writers, by the way!) titled "Why Did You Become a Freelance Writer". There are lots of interesting answers. Here's mine:
I became a freelance writer because......
1. I was born with spina bifida and scoliosis. Combined, those two things made it hard for me to work, but I did anyway. Now, I have degenerative disk disease added to the mixture - and although I can do a lot, it was becoming harder to hold down a steady job. I could work months at a time with no problems, then suddenly a few months with severe problems, and it just became difficult to keep a job.
2. I LOVE to write! When I discovered that I could make a living doing something that I love to do, and do it on a schedule that my body allowed, it was one of the greatest days of my life!
The biggest problem I've had with my freelance career is, that unlike working for someone else where I don't have a choice of when I can work, having ADD and suffering from chronic depression has really made freelance writing a challenge for me.
I've been reading since I was 4 and writing since I was 5 - both have always been a passion for me, and writing has always been a type of therapy for me - so, now I get to do what I love the best - and pay the bills! Win-Win!
I became a freelance writer because......
1. I was born with spina bifida and scoliosis. Combined, those two things made it hard for me to work, but I did anyway. Now, I have degenerative disk disease added to the mixture - and although I can do a lot, it was becoming harder to hold down a steady job. I could work months at a time with no problems, then suddenly a few months with severe problems, and it just became difficult to keep a job.
2. I LOVE to write! When I discovered that I could make a living doing something that I love to do, and do it on a schedule that my body allowed, it was one of the greatest days of my life!
The biggest problem I've had with my freelance career is, that unlike working for someone else where I don't have a choice of when I can work, having ADD and suffering from chronic depression has really made freelance writing a challenge for me.
I've been reading since I was 4 and writing since I was 5 - both have always been a passion for me, and writing has always been a type of therapy for me - so, now I get to do what I love the best - and pay the bills! Win-Win!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
How You Handle Personal Crisis as a Freelancer
Ok - so, I didn't make it the very next day. But at least I didn't wait several months. So, we are making progress, right? Of course we are!
A couple of days ago, one of my friends posed a question in the Absolute Write forum. As a freelancer, whether you are a writer, graphic designer, whatever you do as a freelancer, how do you handle a personal crisis? Do you keep going or do you take a few days for yourself?
One of the major benefits of being a freelancer is that you make your own schedule. You are the boss - you are in control. Well, most of the time, anyway. A lot of the time, there are deadlines looming.
I think being a freelancer does make it harder on a person sometimes. For instance, if you have a 9-5 job, you are expected to be there barring a major event in your life. Being a freelancer, however, makes it easier to take a day off. The only problem is that it is easier to take a day off and if you are not careful, you could start taking days off at the drop of a hat.
Now, I'm not saying everyone would do that, but it would be a habit that would be easy to slip into. So, how do you determine when to take time off for yourself and when to keep going?
I'd love to hear some ideas from others on this subject. And, tomorrow, I'll talk about what I do to keep myself going when I would rather not. I suffer from chronic depression - and it is so, so easy for me to fall into the trap of taking time off or just simply staring at the computer. I think you can tell that from the long periods that lapse between posts.
Just leave a comment with your thoughts. I'd love to hear them!
Until next time,
Cindy
A couple of days ago, one of my friends posed a question in the Absolute Write forum. As a freelancer, whether you are a writer, graphic designer, whatever you do as a freelancer, how do you handle a personal crisis? Do you keep going or do you take a few days for yourself?
One of the major benefits of being a freelancer is that you make your own schedule. You are the boss - you are in control. Well, most of the time, anyway. A lot of the time, there are deadlines looming.
I think being a freelancer does make it harder on a person sometimes. For instance, if you have a 9-5 job, you are expected to be there barring a major event in your life. Being a freelancer, however, makes it easier to take a day off. The only problem is that it is easier to take a day off and if you are not careful, you could start taking days off at the drop of a hat.
Now, I'm not saying everyone would do that, but it would be a habit that would be easy to slip into. So, how do you determine when to take time off for yourself and when to keep going?
I'd love to hear some ideas from others on this subject. And, tomorrow, I'll talk about what I do to keep myself going when I would rather not. I suffer from chronic depression - and it is so, so easy for me to fall into the trap of taking time off or just simply staring at the computer. I think you can tell that from the long periods that lapse between posts.
Just leave a comment with your thoughts. I'd love to hear them!
Until next time,
Cindy
Thursday, August 14, 2008
So Sue Me! Oh - sorry, broke writer here!
Well, it seems that procrastination is the thing that I am best at! I want to write on my blog every day - but, something always happens. Always! Come on, give me a break! Can't the day have just 5 more minutes? Can't the kids do their own homework - without any help? Or feed themselves? I mean - jeez! What do I look like? The mommy?
Ok - so school has started and I have the whole day to myself. Yeah, right! What world do I think I live in? So, maybe - just maybe (crossing fingers behind back) - I will remember every day to post something to this blog. I know I have lots of things just rolling around in this brain that you guys want to read!
On another note:
My book, Reverse Mortgage: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply, is now published and ready for purchase! Just click on the words Reverse Mortgage and it will take you there! If you know anyone that is considering a reverse mortgage for themselves or a loved one, this book explains everything you need to know - the pros, the cons, who a reverse mortgage is for, and how it works. (Shameless, Shameless Plug!)
So, now that that is out of the way, I'll see you guys tomorrow! Will it happen? You'll just have to wait and see!
Peace!
Cindy
Ok - so school has started and I have the whole day to myself. Yeah, right! What world do I think I live in? So, maybe - just maybe (crossing fingers behind back) - I will remember every day to post something to this blog. I know I have lots of things just rolling around in this brain that you guys want to read!
On another note:
My book, Reverse Mortgage: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply, is now published and ready for purchase! Just click on the words Reverse Mortgage and it will take you there! If you know anyone that is considering a reverse mortgage for themselves or a loved one, this book explains everything you need to know - the pros, the cons, who a reverse mortgage is for, and how it works. (Shameless, Shameless Plug!)
So, now that that is out of the way, I'll see you guys tomorrow! Will it happen? You'll just have to wait and see!
Peace!
Cindy
Monday, January 14, 2008
The Long Journey to Here
Some people may not consider my journey a long one. After all, people have waited years and years before their first publishing credit. But, to me the journey has been long - I have waited for years behind the scenes. Everything I have done up to this point in my life has led me to "here".
I think the loss of that wonderful person I call Dad had a lot to do with my decision to 'get out there and get it done'. We are only given a short time on this earth - our success in life depends on what we choose to do with that time.
Once I made the decision to make a go of my writing career, there was no turning back. I am the type of person to just jump in - and look back and make readjustments later. If I want something - I go for it - no holds barred! That's just me. I have done this all my life - on the job, in my personal life. In every job that I have ever held, I have been promoted to management within a very short period - simply because I jump in head first and do what I need to do. And, that has brought me to where I am at this very moment - on the cusp of realizing my all-time, life-long goal!
So, let's take a minute and see how 2007 unfolded.
Okay......I made my decision. I had the World Wide Web at my disposal......lucky break, that one! Google search engine is a powerful thing when you need information. So, I typed freelance writing into the search engine......and off we go!
I researched sites for writers, read constantly for weeks on end, and finally landed at Absolute Write Water Cooler! Luck was with me once again. From my previous posts, you know how I feel about my home away from home! There I found the courage to just "do it"!
I began searching for jobs for freelance writers using every resource available to me - and when you have good friends willing to share resources, the search becomes a little easier!
I started out doing web content articles - had to have some starting point. And while, this turned out to be the lowest paying resource out there - $1-4 for articles of 400-600 words - I did accomplish a few things.
1. I made a little pocket change.
2. I sharpened my writing skills.
3. I attained references for future jobs.
4. I quickly learned that bulk, keyword article writing is not where I want to spend the rest of my life - but, it served it's purpose - and if I need money in a hurry, I have a resource. (Can you imagine writing 80 articles on Hannah Montana? Yeah - while your tweens watched the show in the background, even!)
Then, I discovered that I could write the same articles and get paid more money. So, I joined Constant Content and DailyArticle.com. Both of these websites allow me to submit articles and the articles are purchased by people who need content for their websites. So, I moved from $1-4 per article to $12-25 per article. Forward progress.
In the meantime, research and apply for jobs......always searching for the next job. There are many resources available - some free, some not. The key is to always keep your eyes open for that next lead.
Craigslist is one the many resources I use. And, just as I do with anything else in life - I apply for writing jobs at full speed! This is how I came in contact with Southern Families Magazine - which has opened many doors for me.
When I saw the ad calling for writer's of non-fiction books by Atlantic Publishing, I felt I was ready for this step.....so, I took it. And, it has paid off! Did you notice my excitement in the previous post? Yeah, I'm still feeling it!
So, while 2007 has been a whirlwind year for me, I have enjoyed every moment of it. And, if you are reading this and thinking "Bulk articles for $2 per? Is she crazy?????" - well, maybe I am! But, it did play a role in getting me to where I am now....and only God knows where 2008 will lead me!
I am blessed to be able to share my journey with you!
Later,
Cindy
I think the loss of that wonderful person I call Dad had a lot to do with my decision to 'get out there and get it done'. We are only given a short time on this earth - our success in life depends on what we choose to do with that time.
Once I made the decision to make a go of my writing career, there was no turning back. I am the type of person to just jump in - and look back and make readjustments later. If I want something - I go for it - no holds barred! That's just me. I have done this all my life - on the job, in my personal life. In every job that I have ever held, I have been promoted to management within a very short period - simply because I jump in head first and do what I need to do. And, that has brought me to where I am at this very moment - on the cusp of realizing my all-time, life-long goal!
So, let's take a minute and see how 2007 unfolded.
Okay......I made my decision. I had the World Wide Web at my disposal......lucky break, that one! Google search engine is a powerful thing when you need information. So, I typed freelance writing into the search engine......and off we go!
I researched sites for writers, read constantly for weeks on end, and finally landed at Absolute Write Water Cooler! Luck was with me once again. From my previous posts, you know how I feel about my home away from home! There I found the courage to just "do it"!
I began searching for jobs for freelance writers using every resource available to me - and when you have good friends willing to share resources, the search becomes a little easier!
I started out doing web content articles - had to have some starting point. And while, this turned out to be the lowest paying resource out there - $1-4 for articles of 400-600 words - I did accomplish a few things.
1. I made a little pocket change.
2. I sharpened my writing skills.
3. I attained references for future jobs.
4. I quickly learned that bulk, keyword article writing is not where I want to spend the rest of my life - but, it served it's purpose - and if I need money in a hurry, I have a resource. (Can you imagine writing 80 articles on Hannah Montana? Yeah - while your tweens watched the show in the background, even!)
Then, I discovered that I could write the same articles and get paid more money. So, I joined Constant Content and DailyArticle.com. Both of these websites allow me to submit articles and the articles are purchased by people who need content for their websites. So, I moved from $1-4 per article to $12-25 per article. Forward progress.
In the meantime, research and apply for jobs......always searching for the next job. There are many resources available - some free, some not. The key is to always keep your eyes open for that next lead.
Craigslist is one the many resources I use. And, just as I do with anything else in life - I apply for writing jobs at full speed! This is how I came in contact with Southern Families Magazine - which has opened many doors for me.
When I saw the ad calling for writer's of non-fiction books by Atlantic Publishing, I felt I was ready for this step.....so, I took it. And, it has paid off! Did you notice my excitement in the previous post? Yeah, I'm still feeling it!
So, while 2007 has been a whirlwind year for me, I have enjoyed every moment of it. And, if you are reading this and thinking "Bulk articles for $2 per? Is she crazy?????" - well, maybe I am! But, it did play a role in getting me to where I am now....and only God knows where 2008 will lead me!
I am blessed to be able to share my journey with you!
Later,
Cindy
Thursday, January 10, 2008
2007 - A Year in Review
First of all, I would like to apologize to anyone who has been watching my blog for updates. Two of the biggest problems I have is procrastination and getting in over my head! By getting in over my head, I mean taking on so many projects that I have no time to breathe. But that is just the way I operate - if I want to do something, I just jump in head first and go for it!
So, how is my freelance writing career going? FANTASTIC! I am proud of the things I accomplished in 2007. It has been a lot of hard work - and a lot of fun! I have learned a lot and hope that the knowledge I have gained will make my freelance career even better in 2008.
Two Biggest Highlights of 2007
The first is becoming a staff writer for Southern Families Magazine. I started out by answering an ad for articles. I ended up with 4 articles in the premier issue - one a phone interview with country singer Sammy Kershaw! I couldn't believe it - one of my very first interviews as a freelance writer - and it was with someone famous! Not that I am star-struck by singers and other entertainers. I mean, after all - they are only doing what I am doing - pursuing dreams - but, I was thrilled about the interview! And, he was such a nice, down-to-earth person. He put me at ease the first few seconds we were on the line. So - thanks Sammy Kershaw - for being the wonderful person that you are!
My role as staff writer for Southern Families magazine has given me the opportunity to interview some wonderful people - people who really make a difference in the world - breast cancer survivors, people who devote their lives to providing for needy children - and one young man whose college football career is opening door for home-schooled children all over the United States.
Tim Tebow - 2007 Heisman Trophy winner from the University of Florida. In fact, he is the first college sophomore to win this distinguished honor in the history of the Heisman. Since the excitement of Tim Tebow being one of the most sought-after high school seniors, many states are working on passing bills that will allow home-schooled kids a chance to play sports for the school in the district they live in. This will open up many opportunities for children who are missing that one element of their school careers - the chance to participate in sports. Way to go, Tim!
I would just like to extend my appreciation to Danielle Morales, publisher of Southern Families Magazine for giving me this wonderful opportunity! I hope the future holds only good things for you and for Southern Family!
The second highlight of 2007 - and one that result in my first real-live published book - and resulted in my highest paying gig of 2007 - was the opportunity to write a non-fiction book for Atlantic Publishing. The book will be published in June 2008 and can be found on the Borders Bookstores website. Thanks, Angela, for giving me this opportunity!
While I am on the subject of Atlantic Publishing and Borders Bookstores, let me just take the opportunity to congratulate my good friend and fellow freelance writer, Jennifer Hollowell, who happens to be sharing my journey into the published world with her very own book (just click her name). CONGRATULATIONS JENN!!!!
The Best Place For Writers
And, now, I am going to shamelessly plug the forum that has meant the most to my freelance writing career - the place where you meet friends that will encourage you and give you the courage to do what you must in order to establish yourself as a writer. Whether you write articles for mags, novels, children's books - whatever you do as a writer - there is one community that you should be a part of - the Absolute Write Water Cooler!
If you have dreams of becoming a writer, this is the place to be! We have fun and we work - and then we have more fun! We encourage one another, we celebrate each achievement - no matter how small or large - and we challenge one another to do the hardest part of becoming a published writer - taking that first step and getting your work to someone for their approval or rejection. And, don't worry - you learn that rejection is just a part of the game - and one acceptance makes up for a pile of rejections. Come on over and visit us - we'll teach you to be PROUD of those rejections!
I think I've rambled enough for one day - don't know how much excitement I can take at one sitting - but be sure to tune in tomorrow when I share how I got to the point I am at - the pitfalls, the mistakes, the sweat, the tears, the times when I typed for 48 hours straight and couldn't even make a fist because my fingers were swollen so badly! All the pain that leads to all the glory!
So long and God Bless,
Cindy
So, how is my freelance writing career going? FANTASTIC! I am proud of the things I accomplished in 2007. It has been a lot of hard work - and a lot of fun! I have learned a lot and hope that the knowledge I have gained will make my freelance career even better in 2008.
Two Biggest Highlights of 2007
The first is becoming a staff writer for Southern Families Magazine. I started out by answering an ad for articles. I ended up with 4 articles in the premier issue - one a phone interview with country singer Sammy Kershaw! I couldn't believe it - one of my very first interviews as a freelance writer - and it was with someone famous! Not that I am star-struck by singers and other entertainers. I mean, after all - they are only doing what I am doing - pursuing dreams - but, I was thrilled about the interview! And, he was such a nice, down-to-earth person. He put me at ease the first few seconds we were on the line. So - thanks Sammy Kershaw - for being the wonderful person that you are!
My role as staff writer for Southern Families magazine has given me the opportunity to interview some wonderful people - people who really make a difference in the world - breast cancer survivors, people who devote their lives to providing for needy children - and one young man whose college football career is opening door for home-schooled children all over the United States.
Tim Tebow - 2007 Heisman Trophy winner from the University of Florida. In fact, he is the first college sophomore to win this distinguished honor in the history of the Heisman. Since the excitement of Tim Tebow being one of the most sought-after high school seniors, many states are working on passing bills that will allow home-schooled kids a chance to play sports for the school in the district they live in. This will open up many opportunities for children who are missing that one element of their school careers - the chance to participate in sports. Way to go, Tim!
I would just like to extend my appreciation to Danielle Morales, publisher of Southern Families Magazine for giving me this wonderful opportunity! I hope the future holds only good things for you and for Southern Family!
The second highlight of 2007 - and one that result in my first real-live published book - and resulted in my highest paying gig of 2007 - was the opportunity to write a non-fiction book for Atlantic Publishing. The book will be published in June 2008 and can be found on the Borders Bookstores website. Thanks, Angela, for giving me this opportunity!
While I am on the subject of Atlantic Publishing and Borders Bookstores, let me just take the opportunity to congratulate my good friend and fellow freelance writer, Jennifer Hollowell, who happens to be sharing my journey into the published world with her very own book (just click her name). CONGRATULATIONS JENN!!!!
The Best Place For Writers
And, now, I am going to shamelessly plug the forum that has meant the most to my freelance writing career - the place where you meet friends that will encourage you and give you the courage to do what you must in order to establish yourself as a writer. Whether you write articles for mags, novels, children's books - whatever you do as a writer - there is one community that you should be a part of - the Absolute Write Water Cooler!
If you have dreams of becoming a writer, this is the place to be! We have fun and we work - and then we have more fun! We encourage one another, we celebrate each achievement - no matter how small or large - and we challenge one another to do the hardest part of becoming a published writer - taking that first step and getting your work to someone for their approval or rejection. And, don't worry - you learn that rejection is just a part of the game - and one acceptance makes up for a pile of rejections. Come on over and visit us - we'll teach you to be PROUD of those rejections!
I think I've rambled enough for one day - don't know how much excitement I can take at one sitting - but be sure to tune in tomorrow when I share how I got to the point I am at - the pitfalls, the mistakes, the sweat, the tears, the times when I typed for 48 hours straight and couldn't even make a fist because my fingers were swollen so badly! All the pain that leads to all the glory!
So long and God Bless,
Cindy
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