When There's Nothing to Write About...

Generally, I try to end the day with writing.  Usually this means writing an article for one of the companies that I freelance for or writing a poem.  Tonight...I can't think of anything to write.

Because I think it is important to write anyway, I'm going to talk to you bloggers and readers of blogs.  I read today in a blog titled "The Mr. Rogers Guide to Blogging from the Heart" that blog followers read your blog because they sense that you care about them on some level.  Not just because you are teaching them something. 

After thinking about this for a bit, and agreeing to a certain extent, I asked myself how the reader would ever be able to tell that you cared.  I think the answer to that is making sure their voice is heard.  Their thoughts and opinions are especially imporatnt...

I blog because a friend told me I should.  There I said it.  I have never had much confidence in my writing ability even though I was always a strong editor, but a friend of mine believed in me enough to say that she would read a blog that I wrote...so I did.  I read blogs to become a better blogger.  Then, as I read, I start to get to know my blogging community and find myself genuinely interested in what's happening in their lives.  I also, just want to be entertained some of the time.  I appreciate an honestly entertaining blog like Where Sky Meets Ground, a blog I recently began following.

Here are your questions:

1. Why do you or don't your blog?
2. Why do you take the time to read blogs?
3. What information do you find most helpful from a blog that you've followed?
4. Any other thoughts or comments?

Embrace the Unexpected: A Nice Break in a Snowless Winter

OK, so this post isn't really about snow.  Now don't get me wrong, it definitely was inspired by snow, and I even included pictures of our fun, expected snow to keep the theme going.

The winters of your life can get mighty cold.  Unfortunately those winters can come suddenly and without warning.  (This may seem odd to some of you because winter is a non-stop season, but in Austin, TX, it feels like winter one day and, the next, you are putting sun block on your cheeks and avoiding layers because they are too hot!)  At times, these winters can be dull, confining and relentless, but then...it snows. 

All of a sudden, your cold is accompanied by unexpected beauty and fun...the kind that only comes every 2 to 3 years. (Once again this may seem odd to people who have not experienced Austin weather, but we really only see real snow that sticks every 2 to 3 years...if that.)

My point is that a break in the ongoing stresses of your life is not only wanted, but needed.  The real beauty is that you have more control over your 'snow day' than you think.

The keys is to truly distract yourself, even for a few hours, allowing time for your mind and body to refuel and face the hard things once again.  If you can't think of anything (probably because you are stressed) try some of these:

• Spend undistracted time with your family (if your family is the source of your issues, I would advise against this).  Allow yourself to be totally present and have fun.  They probably have not seen that side of you in a while.
• Have a friend date or a self date.  Go with your girls or guys and do something fun.  Don't talk about your stresses, simply go.  If finances are part of your stressors, then take the time to plan something cheap and fun.
• Work Out.  I know many of you are saying to me that you barely have the energy to get up and go to work...much less work out.  Well, you would be surprised what happens when you make your body happy.  More energy, more confidence, and more relaxation.
• Pray.  Maybe you don't have faith in something greater than yourself, but I would strongly suggest that you try praying.  God particularly likes to wow those who don't believe in Him...as long as you give Him a chance.

If you are due for a snow day like me, take it.  Your winter may still be cold when its over, but your new found energy will make the difference in your attitude and outlook.

What do you do to get you breaks in life (snow days)? 

 

(Did anyone but me notice that this car was driving on the sidewalk?)

To Freelance or Not to Freelance...That is My Question At Least!

Photo Credit: Umbrella by Salvatore Vuono

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Money_g61-Umbrella_p12310.html

You may be content where you are.  I think that is awesome.  I'm not so content...career wise of course.  Don't get me wrong...my family is wonderful.  Just the other day my husband willingly canceled his plans with the guys.  He set me on the couch, turned on 24 (currently on season six) and threatened that if I got up, I would have to deal with him.  I let him believe that was a viable threat that produced such fear that I wouldn't dare defy him...that's how you make a marriage work! :)

Anyway, my point is that I want to write...period.  But freelancing is a scary thing.  Unless you are in a place of no worries (i.e.  spouse makes great money so that your money is just icing), a steady income is a reasonable request. 

Well I'm doing my research, and even though I'm not at a place where I can make this happen or make a real decision, I wanted to share some of my research with you in case you have questions and concerns like me. 

Breaking Into The Business

The websites that give me the most information about really getting my feet wet are:

Copyblogger - Full of great information about copywriting, but also just writing in general.  I subscribe to have these emailed so I'm sure not to miss them.  Regardless, you are usually trying to promote or sell some sort of idea in your writing, so copywriting is a valuable skill.

Freelance Writing - This woman takes you on her journey of transitioning to freelance, but provides sound, valuable information on every aspect of freelance writing.  (I subscribe to this one too).

I know there other great ones out there, so please tell me about them in the comments.

Freelancing in the Meantime

In the meantime, when I'm not amazed at the deterioration of our world as seen through my ninth graders (morbid I know...it's been a looooong day), I'm doing some freelancing on the side.

Demand Studios - You have to apply, but they provide a never-ending supply of articles that get you a flat fee of $15/article.  May not seem like much, but you quickly learn how to crank out an article ever 45 minutes which is a nice time/money exchange rate.  To date, I have published well over 45 articles in my spare time over three months. 

Suite101 - This is an online magazine that allows you to write about whatever you want, and you make income as people go to those articles.  It isn't much for a while because it is more of a long term gig.  The more articles you get up, using the right keywords and techniques, the more views you'll get.  It's not for everyone, but it allows you to write!  Also they have very good tutorials on keywords and SEO optimization for your articles.  Check out my writer's profile if you want a better idea.

Associated Content - Very similar to Suite101 except you can either get paid by page views or submit the article for upfront payment.  I haven't been contributing to AC as much because I like the Suite101 set up better, but it is still a viable writing outlet. 

Branding and Business

One of the best blogs I have read to date about the arts, business and branding is Regina Rhythm.  She explains art of creative entrepreneuership and has great tips on setting yourself apart and getting your name out there.

Reading Great Blogs

Reading great blogs helps you become a better writer and allows you to make real connections online.  A quick list of some great blogs that I read are:

When My Heart Leaks, My Pen Speaks - So witty and fun...I'm just waiting on this blogger to write a book!

Jill Kemerer - Great insights on writing in general, but specifically she focuses on romance and the use of it in your writing.  Everybody needs a little romance.

Steph in the City -  Fun looks at life's realities as well as good writing information are provided in this blog. 

Through My Eyes - This blog soothes my deeply creative and poetic side.  She offers wonderful poems and deep thoughts with every post.

The Write Worship - Beautifully written every time I read it, this blog is positive and inspiring.

Please give me feedback on what you've read, and I always appreciate more resources.  What do you think and feel about freelancing?

Writing Because I Love It...

Currently, my day to day consists of getting cursed out by teenagers, babysitting adults and juggling state requirements with district preferences...A.K.A...I teach public high school.  Although I know that there are students there that connect with me and have seen me as a mentor for years, trying to explain to a 16 year old in the ninth grade why "I" failed him instead of a 38 being the grade he earned on his own is not my first career choice.

It is writing.  It is writing that drove me to start my editing business.  It is writing that drives me to write my editing blog.  It is writing that keeps me up past midnight after my children have gone to bed, ignoring the full time job beckoning me that same day, to release my need to string words together in a way that makes sense and print them on a page.

If you could do what your heart desired as a career right now...what would it be?

Do You Have The Valentine's Day Reds?

I don't want to call it the blues because it is definitely not!  It's the Reds.  It's the warm fuzzies for those you love.  It's the appreciation for all those people that genuinely care about you in your life. 

Do You Have The Reds?

You know you have the Reds when your son finally chooses you over his daddy (and not because he wants something)!

(JayJay - Almost 2 Years)

You know you have the Reds when your daughter sleeps through the night and in her own crib...ALL NIGHT!

Don't Let the Cute Fool Ya!

(London - 6 Months)

You know you have the Reds when your husband takes out the trash and cleans the kitchen with absolutely no prompting.

(Yeah, He's Cute Too!)

Sill I Ask, Do You Have The Reds?

If you are not expecting the world to bend at the knees and hand you its splendor on February 14, but you do expect to smile and spend some time with the ones you love...you have the Valentine's Day Reds

...And I'm so grateful for them.

Is It Hormones or am I Crazy? How to Deal with Your Emotions

You know when it feels like something is dancing all over the very thing in your body that's keeping you sane?  It could be because I'm a mom and a wife with a lot on her plate, but there are distinct times when my top is about to blow and I don't even understand why!

When times like this occur, I'm in a state of constant confusion about what to do.  Do I take it out on my unsuspecting, undeserving husband?  Honestly I do sometimes, and it usually feels good because that insatiable need to act out my emotions is getting fed, but it isn't right.  Do I take it out on my sweet children?  That is half of what is wrong with most parents today. 

Those are the easy ways out...I avoid easy because it is usually wrong.

It is hard to face your own ugliness and easy to succumb to the emotions flying through your body like a bullet speeding until something forces it to stop.  Sometimes I use certain methods to stop the bullets before they hurt anybody like prayer and distraction.  Most of the time, the barrier I build is enough, but there have been times that the force is so great, the bullet shoots straight through it and someone else stops it.  Just like a real bullet, that usually hurts; at times, it has been fatal.  I like to call those relationship shredders. 

The best thing to do when those moments are upon you is to:

• stop, clear your head, and seriously consider the impact of your actions
• try to consider all of the amazing things you have to be grateful for 
• pray for peace 
• physically say that you are calm and OK out of your mouth
• until you are ready to say something productive, don't say anything

Don't allow a moment of emotion to tear down any relationships in your life.  What do you do when you are overwhelmed with emotion?