A Blog in the Life of a Writer

As quoted on Facebook: My Message for Today

noreply@blogger.com (J.A.B.'s Freelance World) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:28:00 +0000

This is a message which I just posted on Facebook:

I can deal with imperfection, but I cannot deal with hypocrisy.

Quote of the Day: When God's in Control of the Universe...

noreply@blogger.com (J.A.B.'s Freelance World) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:49:00 +0000

My quote of the day (okay so I don't do this every day like I am supposed to do, but this is the one for today):

With God in control of the universe everything has a way of working itself out.

I Think I was better of when I was Shy and Quiet

noreply@blogger.com (J.A.B.'s Freelance World) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:04:00 +0000

I am a writer and lately for some reason I have been thinking alot about how I just cannot seem to keep my mouth shut. I don't know how many times I have embarrassed myself lately, and I am even doing it now.

I guess I am going down a different path as a writer-one that is more revealing and more open. It is scary though as I am thinking about making some of my life stories public.

I still have no idea how I can do that without disclosing too much private information. It can be a tough decision and this is something I think all writers face, as I have shared yesterday:

Going Public with your Writing can be Scary!

Going Public with your Writing Can be Scary!

noreply@blogger.com (J.A.B.'s Freelance World) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:18:00 +0000

I consider this one of the roadblocks to success for writers-going public with writing. I know I am going through that stage right now.

My Story

The past four years (with the exception of a creative non-fiction story I published in 2006 and ongoing participation at an online writing website) most of my writing has been anonymous. What I mean is usually I just wrote ghost written general education and info articles for clients.

It is not necessarily the direction I wanted to go with my writing, however it is far safer. I am recognizing the need to share more of my personal life stories but it is a risk-and...

Is it a risk that is worth it? One scenario I speak of is this: I had recently been blogging quite a bit, which is a bit of a risk though I use an alias. However, of course that does not necessarily mean that not everyone knows about what I write.

One case in point is when someone from high school that I knew fairly well saw some of my postings about relationships. That was probably one of the most embarrassing moments of my life.

It was then that it first occurred to me that people I know may actually be reading my stuff. Oops!

On other thing about my story…

I am beginning to think that people are afraid of me. However, I am trying to be as respectful as I can as far as what I share in public. There is of course is a such thing as discretion which I am working on even though I feel the need to share about me and my life.

The Risk of Exposure (How Much should one Share?)

This is a concept that writers struggled with long before the Internet was invented. Writers often fear being exposed and ask or tell themselves…

Should I use my real name?
What if someone sues me?
I don’t want to hurt anyone.
My story is so private!
I have mine and/or my family's safety to think about!

These are all very legitimate concerns. It is actually only natural-and in most cases ethical-to want to feel like you are protecting people close to you. It also is perfectly natural to fear exposure.

With that, some of that fear is not unfounded. Sometimes keeping things to your self is a matter of safety. You do not want you, your family, your distant relatives, or your friends to be hurt.

So, how much should you share? That is a good question.

You want to be free to express yourself, but there are some things you may only be able to share completely anonymously, using fake names and fake scenarios. It may be necessary to do this if not to protect the other individuals but to protect yourself.

Confidentiality is not a good thing to breach and every writer should think about how he or she would feel if it were in the reverse something written about the one usually writing about others). That is something to remember, as I am learning a bit the hard way.

I myself often do not even use the names of people when I am writing about life experiences but it's still hard to be discreet. The only thing I suggest to others is what I do:

I often do not even share what relationship it is I have with the person spoken about. However, of course it is very hard to keep every bit of information to yourself.

I am speaking specifically of cases in which the individuals may know of whom I speak but not anyone else would really know. This can be somewhat of a sticky situation and something many (or dare I say most) writers deal with at one point or another.

Therefore, in some cases no matter how badly you want to share it may be totally impossible sometimes. So, maybe in this case you can pass your story along as a ghostwritten piece under a different name(s).

It may be necessary to do this if not to protect the other individual(s) but to protect your self. Sometimes personal safety comes before self-expression. On the other hand, you might have to take a risk if it is something you think would help others.

Be careful, but do not worry too much about what others think...

There is definitely a case for being careful what you say and how you say it. There is also something to be said for not revealing too many secrets about you or your loved ones because it can damage them or you.

On the other hand, there also is something to be said about worrying too much about what others think. If writing is your true passion you may have to take some risks of relationship loss because of it. All this is done in the name of making an impact on society-one that is hopefully for the good!

Quote of the Day: Six things Julie Hates

noreply@blogger.com (J.A.B.'s Freelance World) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:18:00 +0000

I am the founder of J.A.B.'s Freelance World and since I am not a huge conglomerate company and do not intend to be any time soon I hope I can get away with being myself (somewhat). So, with that in mind I want to give you my quote of the day:

10-2-09: This is no perfect world but there are five-no six things-I absolutely hate: hypocrisy, lies, double standards, manipulation, control, and DRAMA.

No Writer (or Artist) Wants to Fail, But Success is not Everything

noreply@blogger.com (J.A.B.'s Freelance World) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:44:00 +0000

CONTENT WARNING: References to Death, Dying, and Suicide (I'm not suicidal, just talking about death and dying in general).
__

I have a lot on my mind this morning, probably because I just called a previous employer to find one of my former co-workers.

"She passed..." said the voice on the other end of the phone.

"Oh no! That sucks!" I responded in shock.

My mind began to race after I hung up the hone, and is still racing right now as I speak. Among all my other thoughts, some of them included flashbacks of facts I learned about famous writers and artists who are no longer living.

Take Ernest Hemingway, a famous American Novelist for instance. He was a famous writer who ended his life only about eight years after he won the Pulitzer Prize after his best-selling novella "Old Man in the Sea" was published. (Although the cynic in me wonders why three of his family members all supposedly left the earth by "suicide." Makes me wonder.)

Take also for example famous Painter Vincent Van Gogh. He committed suicide in a mental institution after creating over a 100 paintings, one of which includes the famous "Starry Night."

Success is definitely not everything. It should not be your only goal in life. It should also not be your most important goal. I believe that if you work hard to have a positive impact on others in some way that you will automatically gain success without trying.

And when I talk about "success" it may not always be financial. It may also not be great recognition. It may be just that you had the courage to stand up for what is right, for what you believe in, and that you were not afraid to follow your true calling in life.

For those who rely upon God this is probably a significant factor of your lives: Jesus had probably the most supreme calling of all yet he never one a Pulitzer Prize or lived in a mansion. (At least not here on earth.)

New Bios of J.A.B.'s Freelance World Contributers Coming Soon!

noreply@blogger.com (J.A.B.'s Freelance World) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:21:00 +0000

If you are a writer and you want some free exposure. Please send me an author bio via the following form:

J.A.B.'s Freelance World Contact Form

Writing Exercise #3: Random Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (J.A.B.'s Freelance World) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 07:15:00 +0000

I want to share with you an exercise I learned years ago while I stayed in New York for awhile. It is quite interesting, and very therapeutic I must admit.

What To Do:

Just start writing whatever comes to your head. Of course, there is probably a little bit of censoring that occurs if you are intending on making some of your "random thoughts" public. However, in the privacy of your own home pretty much anything goes barring any police investigations. (LOL)

How to Do It:

You just sit down and write a list of thoughts. They may not be related to one another but that is okay. The point behind this is to stop your mind from blocking your thoughts-from blocking subconscious thoughts from rising to consciousness.

Example:

You just make a list...(not at all real, just a list of thoughts that may/may not be true in real life)

cats jumping
cows grazing
outside moon
sun is shining
too dark to see
but now I can
the other day
I made a peanut butter jelly sandwich
I ate it with jelly
and then I ate chicken
and then I skipped supper
and breakfast
and then I became fat
then anorexic
then just plain old confused
what was I thinking when I left him
what would it benefit me to stay
I cannot write fast enough because my thoughts are just racing racing racing...

You get the idea?

If so, please share, but please respect the rest of the readers. This blog is rated PG-13 (give or take a few censored expletives here and there.)
NO PORNOGRAPHIC LANGUAGE ALLOWED, PLEASE, but mild reference of a sexual nature are fine.

Also, feel free to add a link to your writing website.

Writing Mini-Exercise #1: Tapping into your Emotions

noreply@blogger.com (J.A.B.'s Freelance World) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 01:00:00 +0000

What to Do: Tap Into Your Emotions

Depending upon what type of writing you do, it helps to tap into your emotions. Pretend you are given a title and you are asked to write a short story based on that title.

However, this time the publisher or client says, "I don't want you to do any research on the subject before you write about it. All I want you to do is write from the heart."

So, I want you to try that. Write a short paragraph about a subject without doing any research. For example, I'm going to give you the following title(s) to write about:

The Dumbing Down of America: Are we Getting Stupider as a Nation?

Cut Expenses, Not Jobs! That should be the Economic Goal!

What Next for the World?
Or...Free Writing of Your Own!

How to Do it: Just Sit Down and Write!

Sit down with a pen and pad, or you can use the notepad on your computer. Just start writing continuously for at least a couple of minutes. Believe me this works. I have had free writing sessions for up to 10 minutes.

Of course, the major concern regarding this is you cannot worry right now about spelling, grammar, or punctuation. You also need not worry if what you are saying makes sense.

You just keep writing. This is a lesson about "muse" or in other words creative power. This is what will help release you especially if you are having trouble thinking of something to write right now (writer's block).

Feel free to submit a comment below based on what you have created while participating in this activity.

Writing is like "Good" Bacteria

noreply@blogger.com (J.A.B.'s Freelance World) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:25:00 +0000

Have you ever heard of "probiotics?" It is a type of bacteria that is good for you. So what does this have to do with writing? That is a good question.

Writing is like "good" bacteria. It is like that substance that is very similar to the "bad" that can tear you down, in that you spend quite a bit of your time on this activity. Yet, as long as you have balance in other areas of your life (i.e. family, friends, housework) it is quite good for you.

It is quite a bit better for you than alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, and even coffee. Although, like musicians often turn to the former, many writers are probably guilty of the latter (coffee). In fact I have written a post about being a coffee addict.

Well, I have nothing more to say about that other than no one is perfect. We all have our vices but we just try as hard as we can.

So, if you need a healthy outlet consider writing. It is like the "good bacteria" in your system.

Writing Mini-Exercise #2: Object Poem

noreply@blogger.com (J.A.B.'s Freelance World) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000

What to Do: Write About a Selected Object

How to Do It: Write a short paragraph, journal entry or poem about an object or type of technology. For example, you could write about the following:

Selected Object: Cell Phone Voice Mail

Sample Free-Verse Poem about Voice Mail:

Like a golden calf
I call and you do not answer.
Your auto-voice speaks
but you are not truly present.
"Please leave a detailed message."
Replaces live interaction.
There should be no excuse for this.

If you have created a poem from this activity please post it below.

Do not "give it up" too soon!

noreply@blogger.com (J.A.B.'s Freelance World) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 04:13:00 +0000

Writing is in many ways much like romantic relationships. Okay, so that may seem a little bit far fetched, but as I further explain you will understand. See, in the writing world if you "give it up" too soon you can be very easily taken advantage of.

In other words, you do not want your clients to take you for granted. Okay, now you might say that is a narcissistic thing to say as we are there to serve them. Yes, we are. However, each of us as a writer has the right to set our own boundaries and also have the right to hold back when necessary.

For instance, I may not hand my client in all files unless I receive at least partial payment. Sometimes I may not even hand them in until I have a change to speak with them either online or on the phone.

Furthermore, I also sometimes hold back just to appear busy so that my clients do not think that they are the only one I am working for. Well, in all reality sometimes I really do have an overload of work to do so this is not a lie by any means.

More will be written pertaining to this topic in the future, as soon as I figure out a way to communicate all the thoughts swimming around in my head right now. Please check back at a later date, and for now I appreciate your blog visit!

Readers, forgive me for neglecting you!

noreply@blogger.com (J.A.B.'s Freelance World) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 04:06:00 +0000

Dear Valued Readers (Hopefully there are a Few??),

This is a short message to my readers to say forgive me for neglecting you. I really would like to take the time to post very helpful writing tips so you will actually want to keep coming back!

Future Plans for "Blog in the Life of a Writer"

Short writing exercises
Helpful writing tips for beginners
Success stories of witers
Your comments and submissions!

Please come back and if you want to subscribe I can send you alerts via e-mail when new blog entries are posted. Please stay in touch!

My Writer New Year's Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (J.A.B.'s Freelance World) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 12:12:00 +0000

To press on regardless of what they say about the economy
Further my education to better serve my clients
Invest in computer software, human help, and other useful "tools"
Not to listen to idiots who make fun of writers (who are just jealous of me)
Not to be so stuck up that I won't take a pay cut
Not to take my work for granted
Kick some serious journalistic *ss!!
Learn how to spell, or hire more proofreaders

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (J.A.B.'s Freelance World) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 12:07:00 +0000

Happy New Year to Writers Everywhere!

Please share with me your New Year's resolutions in your writing (or wanna be writing career).

****Replay with Comments-I Dare you!!***

I am Officially Addicted to Coffee

noreply@blogger.com (J.A.B.'s Freelance World) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 21:36:00 +0000

I hereby declare that I am officially addicted to coffee (group claps and says "hi Julie."). So why am I writing this on my writer's blog, you may ask. Well, the truth is I was a little bit fried about an hour ago. I should be taking a nap right now but instead I am muddling through an assignment like a force-fed chicken.

In fact, at the moment the force-fed chicken is probably having a better than I am at the moment. So, what does that have to do with coffee? Or with writing for that matter? Not a thing! I am actually just going on a tangent right now because I am tired of taking life so seriously.

I mean, the economy sucks but I am actually doing okay as a writer at the moment. But the point is I am officially addicted to coffee. I think it is the best legal drug there is right now. Way better than alcohol. I have never tried speed though and don't give me any ideas.

About an hour ago my coffee buzz from this morning was going down and so I had to reload just recently. Now I feel a whole new consciousness coming on. Too bad I still have writer's block though. It may be the subject matter I am writing about. I don't know. It could also be that I just wrote over 30 articles in the past three days-and oh d*mn. I forgot I have a proofreading assignment to finish too (Julie pulls out hair and screams.)

Anyway, I hope that I can get through these two articles which are taking me longer than the first 30 I have done (15 myself and 15 had to edit).

So much to say, so little time!

noreply@blogger.com (J.A.B.'s Freelance World) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 13:59:00 +0000

I have so much to say about the writing craft but sometimes it seems as though I have so little time. I do have time more often now to add to this blog, though. I truly hope to be of great service to writers everywhere.

--
J.A.B.'s Freelance World-A whole New World of Writing

All I ever Really Wanted to Be Was a Writer

noreply@blogger.com (J.A.B.'s Freelance World) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 21:17:00 +0000

I was looking into the mirror of my rippling heart
I noticed right then and there what I wanted from the start
Though I am known as a mental case and a fighter
I know now all I really wanted to be was a writer

Most people have never truly known me as I am
So I gaze at the reflection of my self and take a stand
I never wanted to be a fighter, but rather a lover
And from the argumentative stigma I hope to recover

Though I have been known as a mental case and a fighter
I definitely know now all I want is to be a writer.

All I ever Wanted to Be Was a Writer II

noreply@blogger.com (J.A.B.'s Freelance World) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 21:15:00 +0000

People would tell me all the time 'you should do this' or 'you should
do that'

I would follow their advice, just like would a spineless doormat.

I thought mabye I should be a journalist or a lawyer or a teacher or a
musician.

Then I realized the stress I would be under in each one of those
positions.

Sooner or later I realized all I ever wanted was what everyone else
wanted.

The thought of that kept me introverted, but now I know who I really
am.

All I wanted was to be a writer and now I take a stand.

All I ever Wanted was to be a Writer III

noreply@blogger.com (J.A.B.'s Freelance World) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 21:10:00 +0000

I can think of all the things that I started and didn't finish. I didn't finish college. I dropped out of mock trial. I didn't stick with forensics. I realized I never really truly cared about being seen.

I would imagine myself on stage singing to thousands of people. So, I tried to prepare for that and never even made it out to the stage. It was then that I realized that perhaps all I ever really wanted was to imagine being the things I wanted to be so I can write about it.

I thought about being a lawyer because I win nearly every argument. I thought about being a peer educator and even was accepted on the staff in college. I thought about being minister and even served in a church.

However, I realize now all I ever really wanted was experiences. Oh, and it gets kind of person as well. I thought I wanted to get married, but really I just wanted something to write about. I thought I wanted to have kids, but then again it was just so I could have one more thing to write about.

All I ever really wanted was to be a writer. Nothing else even matters to me. Not any guy who only 'loves me' when he is drunk and/or horny, not any woman who pretends to be my friend and stabs me in the back (or punches me in the face, whichever), and not family members who tell me I won't amount to anything.

All that matters now is that I stick to my goal. I owe it to myself-not others-to prove I can be somebody. I also owe it to myself to be true to myself as well, and all I ever wanted to be was a writer, and thus I am a writer.

Decide Whether Writing it is Worth the Effort

noreply@blogger.com (J.A.B.'s Freelance World) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:35:00 +0000

You need a resume, you know that much. But at some point you really have to believe in yourself. That is what I am learning.

I realize I am at the point of no return. I want to go forward with my writing. I want to improve, grow, and change and I need that opportunity. I want to be a better person as well.

Writing is Hard Word Like Anything Else

Yes, writing is hard work. It is like any other profession, and at time it seems like a god eat dog world. However, it does not have to be. Just continue to do honest work and you will receive an honest pay.

It's Hard Work, but Will it Pay?

You need to work hard as a writer but eventually you will need to stop working for nothing. Working hard does not necessarily mean it will pay. You cannot write for ever for free, as I am learning.

Update: I wrote this post a few years ago and now I am in my fourth year as a paid professional writer. I run a business called J.A.B.'s Freelance World.

Words-The Ultimate Revenge

noreply@blogger.com (J.A.B.'s Freelance World) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:31:00 +0000

It's been made aware of in more recent times
that sticks and stones may break a person's
bones but that words will definitely
hurt.

Whoever said they don't is a "bold-faced liar"
(an expression I stole from a loved one). There
are humorous words and sarcastic words but
then there are the words that scar for life.

Words can get others attention, shock people,
and downright degrade people. This is
often done in an effort to "speak the truth"
but this level of "honesty" is often just poor
discretion.

On the other hand, we also have the right
to pursue happiness. Or at least that is what our
constitution says.

This "pursuit of happiness" involves
free speech but it also involves respecting
others. The responsibility behind these liberties
is just as important as our "rights."

In other words, having the right to say what we
want does not mean we have the right to hurt others.
This is a hard lesson to learn sometimes but it is
very necessary.

And how have I come to this conclusion?

Well there is definitely a fine line between
speaking the truth and stepping on people's toes.
However, sometimes even when you speak the truth
in love you are not going to please everyone.

That is why writing sometimes is considered
"revenge" whether it is proactive (meant for
a good purpose; to accomplish good) or
reactive (done out of vengeance).

If Writing is a "Chore" You're Not Doing it Right

noreply@blogger.com (J.A.B.'s Freelance World) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:41:00 +0000

Have you ever felt like writing was a chore? Did you ever feel like it was something to be dreaded. This is a sad state, especially for one who has always loved writing.

It is even sadder for the person who has ample ability and yet "tries too hard." I have always been guilty of that.

Part of the problem is because of the way we are taught sometimes. We are taught skills such as writing in such a methodical manner. I am speaking specifically about grade school or high school.

That is not always the case, though. I have had many great writing teachers from fifth grade on. Those teachers I remember were the ones who encouraged me to write from the heart.

I believe that if writing is a "chore" to you you are not doing it right. When in doubt just let the pen or type pad go and pour out your heart to the world.

How to Get Paid by Pay Per Post by Submitting Blog Entries

noreply@blogger.com (J.A.B.'s Freelance World) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:13:00 +0000

Simple Tips for Getting PayPerPost Blogs and Posts Approved

As I said in posts such as this one it is very easy to get paid to blog. All you need to do is submit blogs and have them posted at the PayPerPost website.

However, you need to follow some basic protocol in order to be sure. The following are tips for getting your blog entries approved for this paid blog opportunity:

-Your blog needs to be at least 30 days old and at least one of those needs to be within the past 7 days. Within the past 10 days you are required to have had a total of 10 entries archived. (Which is why I am getting busy right now.)

--Your entries need to be in the tone that the advertiser recommends. For instance, I am writing about this opportunity for earning money and I am writing in a pleasant, neutral tone and stating all the facts about working for PayPerPost.com.

--Usually you need to place anchor text (links) within your post body. As you can see, for example, I use the phrase get paid to blog within the body of this blog post.

--If at first you get denied, submit again. In fact, that is what I did to get my
first 20.00. It was really only one minor thing that kept my post from being
approved-that I didn't add the appropriate get paid to blog link within my entry.

--Promote your blog like crazy. This is one of your fastest tracks Down Pay Per Post Success Lane. The other is to make sure you submit blogs of a higher Page Rank, and to work on improving the rank of your current blogs.

The higher your blog's Page Rank is the more you will earn, because there will be more opportunities available to you. By the way, I am in the process of learning more about Page Rank (PR) and how to improve mine. As I learn, I will post more info on this site about PR on this site.

--Pay attention to all posting guidelines. Each earning opportunity that you apply for at PayPerPost.com is slightly different. It is wise to read all the quick facts about every opportunity you apply for.

This will increase your earnings as you will know what each advertiser requires of you. For instance, there is a limit on how may posts per day you can submit for consideration.

If you follow all the tips for creating create blogs and great posts you will greatly increase chance to get paid to blog. Soon you will be a pro.

Writing is a "Good" Disease

noreply@blogger.com (J.A.B.'s Freelance World) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:07:00 +0000

You know how they have that saying that alcoholism is a disease and not a problem? Well, if addiction is to writing as alcoholism is to an alcoholic I would say writing is a "good" disease.

Okay, so it will always be true that too much of a good thing can also be bad. That is true for "relations" between men and women, food, exercise, and so on.

However, I am biased as writing is one of my addictions. Therefore, I am going to say it is a "good" one to off. Right up their with workaholism.

Okay, so workaholism is not really that great either. The point I am trying to make is good writers write all the time, and they write for a purpose. They want to make a contribution to society.