Working at the Dentist . . .
. . . but not “for” the dentist. I’m working on location today while the three kids have dental appointments this morning. We’re here early because I anticipated getting stuck behind busses on our way from Boothbay to Bath, Maine. However, that didn’t happen. We arrived at 7:42am, and their all scheduled at the same time – 8:10am. Luckily, I brought my Kindle so they can watch YouTube videos while we sit in the waiting room. The problem? Everyone is looking at me strangely because I’ve turned the end of one of my console tables into a desk. Have to do what we have to do to keep working, right? …
Writing and Researching While Waiting
I am a new panelist for National Consumer Panel and I’m waiting for FedEx to show up with my scanner and equipment. They attempted to deliver on Friday, but I was not here to sign . . . I will not make that mistake again. I hope that they will arrive soon because I have many errands to run today. While I am waiting for the FedEx guy, I’m writing and researching: Writing articles and, of course, blog posts. Researching information for articles, as well as for couponing deals (for Maine-ly Motherhood: Maine-ly Savings). Researching deals to post in my coupon group: Maine-ly Savings. Writing more of The Ghost Writer: …
Happy Monday: Turn That Frown Upside-down!
There’s a case of the “Monday’s” going on in our happy little household: Youngest is home sick from school, but is doing MUCH better compared to what he went through last night (long night). Two of the kitties spent the morning crawling around the closet so everything on my upper shelves came crashing to the floor. It’s cold, gray, and rainy outside. I’m NOT going to let any of this give ME a case of the Monday’s, though. I’m turning it all around. My youngest will be back on his feet soon – he’s already holding food down and his color is back to normal! The cats got tired of …
Cemetery Writing
Yes, you read that correctly. Because my novel is paranormal and we recently moved on to a piece of property that is butt up against a large cemetery, I’m going to use this to my advantage. I already plan on using the slim roadway encircling the plots as a walking area, but I’d also like to find writing inspiration there as well. It’s quiet, surrounded by beautifully wooded areas, and not too creepy to make me want to run away screaming. All good things. Even though we started working on this house about a month before moving in, I’ve only driven on one section of the roadway – the area …
I won’t make that mistake again.
Okay, for those who read yesterday’s post, I’m NOT Going to Clean, that was a huge mistake. I’m not commenting on my strategy to write instead of clean because that worked fabulously. However, my decision not to keep up on regular day-to-day tasks made me fall behind on the floors (ick), laundry (how does it multiply so quickly), dishes (it looked like we feasted on a Thanksgiving dinner when I woke up this morning), and general tidying up (there was “stuff” scattered everywhere). Now that I’m semi-caught up (only one load of laundry left to wash and the clean dishes need to be put away), I feel like I can …
I’m NOT Going to Clean
…I’m going to WRITE. It’s so easy for me to get sucked into household projects and forget about everything else around me. This is especially true when I want to create a homey atmosphere that is clean, decorated, and organized. (Yes, that’s how we define homey here.) Because this house is so small, it feels REALLY cramped and cluttered when boxes and bags are around . . . so . . . I want them all gone NOW. I told myself today, though, that I’m NOT going to clean. This is a strange command to give myself because, for anyone who knows me well, I have OCD and not cleaning …
On Writing and Settling Into Our New Home
It’s been a lot of work – some fun, some exhausting, and some exciting – getting settled into our new home. While there is still a lot of work to do (unpacking, still MORE cleaning, organizing, remodeling, etc.), we’re feeling comfortable and harmonious. It’s been a LONG time since any sense of harmony has been in our lives and it feels great . . . a relief. That being said, I’ve been thinking about writing too much. I need to stop thinking and start doing. One of the biggest problems I’ve had is balancing getting the house in order while keeping my business afloat. This isn’t impossible and it’s also …
P.S . . .
. . . I seemed to have broken MainelyMotherhood.info and it will be down until I can install everything again. Sorry for the inconvenience!
When One Door Closes, Another Window Opens . . .
. . . right? I received news this morning that one of my favorite contracts is ending as of today. While it was a shock not receiving any notice, I am trying my best to not have a negative attitude about the situation. Working in the freelance writing industry is tricky and, even though it has its ups and its downs, I still love this career. Due to the verbiage in the NDA I signed, I am not at liberty to disclose the name of this company. That is not the point of this entry, anyway. The contract’s main point of contact has assured us all that she will keep …
The Resurrectionist: The Lost Work of Dr. Spencer Black
I’m in the process of reviewing this book and, until I’m finished, I’d love to share this trailer Eric Smith from Quirk Books just sent me: Buy your copy (Kindle or Hardcover) here: The Resurrectionist: The Lost Work of Dr. Spencer Black
Whipping my WIPs Into Shape
Hi, everyone! I have been spending some time today whipping my WIPs (works in progress) into shape while networking, blogging, and content writing. I want these books out by the end of the month. These, in particular: Couponing for the Everyday Consumer: Guide & Workbook Volume Couponing for the Everyday Consumer: Companion Workbook February Journal & Writing Prompts Once these projects are finished, I can continue with the journal and writing prompts series, and I can work more on my latest idea, Our Decision to Downsize. This, of course, does not include the two fiction ideas I have been playing with – The Ghost Writer: Fear of the Pen (I …
New Book Idea: Our Decision to Downsize
I mentioned this book idea, Our Decision to Downsize, on Facebook a few weeks ago and it received a positive response. While I’m not quite 2,000 words into the project (working on it when time allows, rather than scheduling it in at this point), I love how it’s shaping up. The outline practically created itself and the notes are coming from my journal and the paperwork pile (my goodness, what a huge pile!) sitting on my desk. I’m writing about this now because, when the book is finished, it’s going to be linked to my newest website project: Maine-ly Savings. I intend to include a lot of tips and worksheet …
Happy Sunday! Let’s Get ROLLING!
Even though many prefer not to work on Sundays, I always have because I worked in the food and retail industry from 1991 until 1999 . . . then, when I started my writing business in 1999, I kept those same hours. Rather than looking at starting a business with “kooshy” banking hours (which I have also worked when I was employed by Bank of American in Albuquerque, New Mexico . . . so I can say this based upon experience), I decided to work “realistic” hours. Plus, I’ve noticed a lot of my editors and clients also worked “out of the norm” type of hours, also. That being said, …
How This Formerly Organized Writer is Getting Organized Again
…or…how I once was OCD about everything, stopped doing that, realized it was the right thing to do, and am trying to be that kind of writer again… Some of you know me from years ago when I would post “OCD” to-do list on the Just Hit Send thread in the Freelance Forum of Absolutewrite.com’s message boards. Those lists were long, meticulous, and broken down into specific bullet points covering daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. On top of that list, I also had a notebook that contained: Daily writing deadlines and when everything had to be completed (some deadlines were noon, while others were 11:00pm – the life of a …
It’s a Link Love Post!
It has been awhile since the last time I’ve shared links to articles I’ve written, so I thought I’d create one of my “link love” posts. I’ve been doing a lot of ghost writing for content sites lately, so I don’t have a ton to share . . . but I do have some! Here’s what I’ve been writing (that I can share): Personal Branding: Look Out Your Reputation Precedes You! Build Your Audience and You Build Your Business Personal Branding and the Importance of Online Reputation Eating Local in Two Feet of Snow I’ve also been updating my other blogs regularly: Maine-ly Motherhood (periodically – trying for daily) Maine-ly …
Couponing for the Everyday Consumer: First Review!
*waves* Hello everyone! The first review for Couponing for the Everyday Consumer is in! “ Couponing for the Everyday Consumer by Jenn Greenleaf, April 1, 2013 By Dawn Amazon Verified Purchase (What’s this?) This review is from: Couponing for the Everyday Consumer (Kindle Edition) If you’ve been “scared” or intimidated by couponing, this book will change that. This honest and inspirational account of author Jenn Greenleaf’s couponing journey is jam-packed with tips to save money on your food bills and more. After reading the book, I was so inspired that I set up my coupon system, joined a few websites, and started saving immediately. My first grocery trip, I slashed $60 from my food bill, …
Getting Derailed and Back on Track
We are all human and we all make mistakes . . . even those who are self-employed freelance writers and authors. Even though we would like to believe we are on top of every detail involved in our businesses, sometimes a life event (or series of events) causes the writer to derail. Why does this occur? Something tragic or traumatic could occur. Health issues could become too much to handle. Stress from “life factors” could become overwhelming. Too many life obligations and responsibilities are pouring in all at once. Writer’s block could be an issue. What should a freelance writer or author do? No matter what, do not give up …
When Ideas Overshadow Work
Last night when journaling, the thought of how ideas overshadow actual work played heavily in my “end of the night” thoughts. I have a book idea I want to explore badly, but my work schedule and other life obligations have prevented me from doing so this past week. The problem? My ideas are overshadowing the work I need to accomplish. I solved this problem (to a point) by free writing sentence fragments into a Word document and printing them out . . . that did not quite satisfy the flow of ideas, so I went through the document with a blue pen and added additional details. That was not enough, …
What is THIS all about?
Stay tuned to find out!
Manage Your Writing Business as Just That – a Business!
You may know what it takes to be a retail manager. You may know what it takes to run a restaurant. Or, you may know what it takes to run a financial institution. What do all of these examples have in common? They are all businesses that require planning, daily execution of plans, and organization. They require management of payments sent, payments received, and pending invoices. They require accounting techniques, profit strategies, and certain levels of advertisement and promotion. What does this have to do with a writing business? You must have a business plan. Without a business plan, how do you know where you’re going during any given day, …
