Freelance Writing and Blogging

theWAHMmagazine: Only One of Its Kind

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha D. Baker) — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 23:07:00 +0000

theWAHMmagazine is the first and only online magazine for work-at-home parents, and is so green they are a 100% dedicated to never being in print.

Geared toward moms and dads, this environmentally-friendly publication launched January 5, 2008, and caters to parents running businesses, telecommuting, or freelancing out of their homes.

Listen up, writers: this is a great market!

From theWAHMmagazine guideline's page:

Payment Structure
(Note: Payments listed are contingent upon length, whether photos accompany the piece and other to editorial considerations. Please pay close attention to word count guidelines.)

Features: 1,000 to 3,000 words: $150 —$350
Dept. Columns: Up to 800 words $65 — $125
Stories from the Trenches: (see below)
Reprints: $35

Stories from the Trenches should be well-written creative non-fiction or fiction that relates to being a work-at-home parent. (Right now, we are not accepting poetry.)

100 words or less: $50
101-250 words: $75
251-500 words: $100
501-800 words: $125
801-1,000 words: $150

Pieces longer than 1,000 words for Stories from the Trenches may be considered. Payment is negotiable for longer pieces.

All submissions and submission-related queries should be sent to: submissions [at] thewahmmagazine.com. (Please be sure to fill in the subject line. E-mails with blank subject lines will not be read.)

Just follow the submission guidelines and get busy submitting!

Be sure to subscribe so you won't miss an issue!

Did you already know about this unique digital publication? Do you admire their dedication to living green by not putting it in print? Are you excited to submit your own article or story to the editor? Express your thoughts in the comments.

Samantha D. Baker,
Freelance Writer, Blogger, WAHM

"Work" for the Little Ones

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha D. Baker) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:11:00 +0000

You're on a roll, your muse is pouring fresh ideas over you like story dust from the skies and your sweet little one tugs on your shirt and says, "Mommy, I work too!"

Well, I've found a solution. Your wee one just admires you and your computer. Why not get them their own? Set up a "work station" where they can mimic you - while keeping occupied so you can finish your real work.

LeapFrog ClickStart My First Computer is a great learning tool and is appropriate for ages 3 - 6-years-old. It only requires four AA batteries, and will bring entertainment and joy to your child. This educational tool simply hooks up to your television set and creates a real "grown up computer" experience that will definitely be gratifying to your little worker bee.

Do you already have one of these awesome gadgets for your child(ren)? Do you plan on getting them one? Are your children already in school, so that you have hours of quiet in the house each day, or do you homeschool and juggle that with your freelance writing or other business? How do you keep your cuties occupied when deadlines loom? Tell us in the comments.

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Samantha D. Baker,
Freelance Writer, Blogger, WAHM

Copyright 2008 Freelance Writing and Blogging, Samantha D. Baker

Must-Haves for WAHM's

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha D. Baker) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:45:00 +0000

If you're a mom who writes, you have to purchase a copy of Writer Mama: How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids, by Christina Katz.

As single parents who write, it's important to find ways to relate to other WAHM's. Reading about a mom who successfully makes it work is invigorating! You'll absorb each of the 296 pages with delight, I'm sure.

It's wonderful how writers' quotes are shared at the beginning of every chapter. Not just writers' words, but quotes from other writer mama's.

I urge you to purchase a copy and keep it close by, always.

Do you have any favorite resources for WAHM's: websites, blogs, or books that help keep you motivated as you work from home while maintaining the household and children? Share with us in the comments.

Copyright 2008 Freelance Writing and Blogging, Samantha D. Baker

Hope for Hectic Days

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha D. Baker) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:23:00 +0000

You know what I'm talking about: the phone is ringing, you've had move visitors than any otherday, the laundry is piled up, the newspaper is destroyed, you have a headache, one or more of your children are crying, or they're fighting, and you have to meet that deadline. What to do?

Prioritize
Ask yourself: What really needs my attention right now?

Minimize Distractions:

turn the ringer off, or at least put on the answering machine and turn down the volume
start a load of clothes - just to make you feel better
find a creative way to calm the child(ren)
politely tell your guest(s) you have a pressing deadline you can't miss and that you'll make it up to them

Catch Your Breath
Once you've accomplished the above, pull yourself together:

fill your tea kettle (get one if you don't have one) with water and start heating it
get yourself a cup and your favorite tea
splash some water on your face
take a deep breath
sit down and relax while you sip that soothing, hot tea.

Finish What You Started
The best way to do this is to get in the habit of making lists. Each evening before bed, or even throughout the day, create a list of tasks that need to be completed the next day. This can be job-related, as well as the most important house chores. You'll be more organized and it will help you tremendously to get it all done.

Have hope!

Copyright 2008 Freelance Writing and Blogging, Samantha D. Baker

About This Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha D. Baker) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:22:00 +0000

As a WAHM, I know it's hard to juggle household duties with writing. Not only do I write and blog full-time, I'm also a single, homeschooling mom.

I created this blog as a resource for other WAHM's out there. Here are a few topics to look forward to:

Markets to submit your work to
Tips on how to get it all done
Organizational ideas
Encouragement to help you keep going
Tips on how to scour the web and find writer's guidelines
Resources to enhance your writing
Tools and activities to educate and occupy your child(ren) while you work

I anticipate the growth of a great community!

Thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to subscribe via RSS Feed or Email for updates.

Samantha D. Baker
Freelance Writer, Blogger, WAHM

About Me

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha D. Baker) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:21:00 +0000

Samantha D. Baker is a Freelance Writer and Blogger. She has a passionate interest in: homeschooling, domestic violence, obesity, single parenting, health, herbs and natural remedies, and writing.

Dedicated to providing quality content, Samantha takes pride in creating fresh articles.

If you'd like to hire her to write for you, contact her: samanthadawnbaker at gmail dot com.

NOTE: As time permits, Samantha will add her portfolio, links to her online clips, and more.

WAHM Blogs

noreply@blogger.com (Samantha D. Baker) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:40:00 +0000

Musings from the Mitten - Erika-Marie S. Geiss

Freelance Parent - Tamara Berry, Lorna Doone Brewer

Writer Mama, Christina Katz

Samantha D. Baker,
Freelance Writer, Blogger, WAHM