M.J. Joachim Likes Freelance Writers and Their Work

An Interview with Alexandra Heep

2011-08-03T16:02:00.000-07:00

It’s hard not to enjoy spontaneous opportunities like the one I recently had to get to know Freelance Writer, Alexandra Heep a little better. She’s a beautiful person, dedicated to her writing, all the while being kept company by her cat. Rather than bore you with my chatter about her, I’ll simply share our interview, so you can get to know Alex a little better too.

Q: What do you write about?
A: Everything!

Q: But what do you really enjoy writing about?
A: I like creative writing because it is the quickest way to put things down that take up space in my head. As far as informational articles are concerned, at one time research seemed like a tedious chore, but now I thinks research and writing articles on new subjects are great learning experiences. Also, with so many diverse assignments available, I enjoy incorporating all those “useless” bits of information and experiences I’ve gained in my colorful life and travels from the past.

Q: Where do you write?
A: I produce content for individual clients, have many articles on Helium and manage a few blogs: Gracie’s Sunflower Patch, A Heep of NASCAR, A Heep of Treasures and A Heep’s Tale.

Q: What is your favorite Helium article?
A: It is hard to choose, but a few stand out for different reasons. One is called Why Living Forever is Not a Good Idea, because a reader contacted me saying the article had changed her mind and she was no longer afraid of life ending someday. That is powerful stuff money cannot buy. Another is a poem that I wrote by using a word bank. It is called Yesterdays.

Q: You mentioned you’re a Channel Manager on Helium. Why did you decide to volunteer in this capacity?
A: I decided to become a Helium Sub Channel Manager shortly after Channel Manager roles became available so I can connect better with other writers. I chose Home Interiors because at the time, I was employed in a real estate office, and enjoying writing factual (instead of kooky) articles on feng shui; I also love watching HGTV. Even though I was laid off two years ago, I still enjoy the shows and being the Channel Manager for Helium’s Home Interiors.

Q: Do you have any advice for Helium members?
A: Do not let negative comments from outside sources influence your passion and deter your dreams. Nay-sayers and dooms dayers may always talk about how bad the economy is and how competitive any job market is, but if you believe in yourself you will succeed. Also, do not measure your success by other peoples’ standards but only your own. Last but definitely not least, writing does not bring in success overnight, but dreams can come true.

Q: What are some things people are surprised to learn about you?
A: People are surprised to learn that English is not my native language, that I have an undiagnosed illness, a son at Yale, and a daughter who is following in my writing footsteps.

Q: What are your goals for the future?
A: Mainly, to get assignments that increase in pay as I enhance my portfolio of highly satisfied clients. Also, to enjoy life, make new friends in and outside of the writing community, and to finish my novella A Heep’s Tale.

Book Review: Taking Our Lives Back by, Patti Sherlock

2010-05-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

The raw emotions Taking Our Lives Back by Patti Sherlock stirs up are unnerving, to say the least. It’s not easy to see how far you’ve come as an abuse survivor, only to realize how much you’ve held yourself back from going even further. These wounds run deep, and they are not easily conquered, though personally you dismiss them as things that happened years ago, and therefore don’t really matter now.

It’s a lie. All those things that made us who we are today impacted how we respond to the world. Sure, we’ve made it. We’ve even been successful at times. But too many of us have never allowed ourselves the right to enjoy the process and thrill of our accomplishments. We were too busy replaying old memories that shut us down.

I would love to tell you Patti Sherlock’s book Taking Our Lives Back is a quick read that leads to an even faster recovery from abuse. The book is only 140 pages, afterall. Instead I will tell you that this is a book you will refer to time and again, as you see yourself at different stages in your healing, allowing it to nudge you forward when you think you’ve gone far enough, or are too afraid to face the next hurdle.

For as many times as I remind myself that I was a gift to this world, those days when I actually believe it make me victorious. Survivors of abuse deserve more of those days. Perhaps as they reflect on the short essays in Taking Our Lives Back, they will find some of the peace that at times escapes them. This is a book for the survivors and their families, a book that will foster healthier relationships through understanding, communication and love, so that everyone can appreciate and respect the importance, significance, and value of each other.

M. J. Likes Peaks and Valleys by, Spencer Johnson, M. D.

2010-05-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

M. J.’s Book Analysis

Reading Peaks and Valleys by Spencer Johnson, M. D. was like washing my face with cool, clear, cold water after making my way through a dust storm this past week. I’d read Who Moved My Cheese by the same author years ago and found it funny, thought provoking and well written. It was a light story about mice making their way through a maze, the maze being our personal reference to life. Life is big, and we often feel overwhelmed by the choices we need to make to be happy. Change is not only inevitable, but a necessity and embracing it leads to inner peace and overall well being.

Peaks and Valleys follows a similar line of reasoning. The focus is on the ups and downs in life, and the raw human spirit that makes our trials bring us success or failure. It’s about our outlook and how that alone has so much more power than we realize. Peaks and Valleys is a book that challenges us to see things differently so we can achieve our goals, even when they seem unrealistic or impossible.

More than that though, Peaks and Valleys is about making the world a better place through matters of the heart. Anyone can make a million dollars, but many millionaires are far from rich. Some are downright miserable. Think of your childhood stories that relate to greed and selfishness like Great Expectations, Beauty and the Beast, My Fair Lady, or It’s a Wonderful Life.

Peaks and Valleys redirects our thinking so that we not only can achieve our goals and be successful, but so that we can do so in a way that prevents us from getting caught up in the self alienation that often comes from being determined to do something at any cost. It is a book that helps us calculate all the costs of our actions, enabling us to take the steps necessary to avoid falling into self defeating traps that would ultimately destroy our true happiness, even if we successfully achieve our preset goals.

M. J.’s Author Notes

Spencer Johnson has written several books, many relating to human relationships with the world. He is a well educated man, having earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of Southern California and medical degree from Royal College of Surgeons. His writing simplifies tough issues, giving us an opportunity to relax and enjoy life, without working so hard to push through it. Today matters and Spencer Johnson has a unique way of making us focus on it.

Just Make It Happen by, Danielle Pierre

2010-05-12T16:13:00.000-07:00

Have you ever read one of those books that makes you move into high gear, the kind of book that tells you what you already know, only in a way that finally gets you to stop and take notice of what you know? Just Make It Happen by Danielle Pierre is the type of inspirational book that kicks you into high gear. As you sit there flipping through the pages, devouring the information sending shivers up your spine, you begin to sit a little straighter in your chair and focus a little more clearly on the message being shared.

You don’t need to hit rock bottom to benefit from the lessons taught in Just Make It Happen. You might be perfectly fine plugging along, paying your bills and minding your own business. This book isn’t about landing on your face. It’s about making your life better. It’s about making those changes you’ve thought about for years and giving up the fear (and other excuses) that have held you back.

Danielle Pierre is an author who has faced her demons. In the process, she’s reached out to thousands of people sharing the inspirations that helped her conquer them. She discovered how to find and use her internal power to overcome obstacles and frustrations in life, and she uses what she learned to help others do the same.

As if Danielle wasn’t busy enough as an author, she also co-founded Walk-It-Out Fundraisers and Pens for Peace, two non-profit organizations designed to help others. If you’d like to know how she did it, read Just Make It Happen, Danielle’s book based on personal experiences that taught her what actually works when you want to make your life better.

Michael’s Wonderful World by, C. J. Pumpkins Helps Children Living with Cancer

2010-05-06T09:04:00.000-07:00

It keeps getting better and better! In my last post, I wrote about C. J. Pumpkins, a children’s author who was about to have 2 new books released on Amazon.com. Well, those books are now available, but that’s not the best part. You see, C. J. Pumpkins has decided to help others with the sale of, Michael’s Wonderful World, a story about a young boy struggling to deal with cancer. “All profits from Michael's Wonderful World will be donated to Cancer organizations throughout the U.S. and U.K.” states C. J.’s Facebook group, Michael’s Wonderful World.

Buy the book. Join the group. Spread the word. Children living with cancer will benefit from whatever you choose to do in this effort. Visit Amazon.com right now and pick up your copy of Michael’s Wonderful World by, C. J. Pumpkins. And while you’re there, you may as well purchase a copy of C. J.’s other book that was released this week, The Dream Stowaway in Forgotten Dreams.

May all the children and their families dealing with cancer be richly rewarded through this effort!

C. J. Pumpkins Carves More Smiles

2010-05-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

Christopher Johnathan Pumpkins, children’s author known by the name of C. J. Pumpkins, is adding two new books to his Dream Stowaway collection in a few days. The Dream Stowaway, the Boy That Never Sleeps (already in print and geared toward younger children) set the stage for C. J. Pumpkins to pursue his own dream of being a successful writer. The Dream Stowaway in Forgotten Dreams and Michael’s Wonderful World (to be released May10, 2010) relate more to teens struggling with growing up and facing tough circumstances like living with cancer.

I wanted to know more about this brave soul whose motto is, “We carve smiles.” As it turns out, there’s a lot to know. C. J. is an actor and has appeared on one of my personal favorite television shows, “Law and Order”. He started writing his first book when he was only eight years old. I have to ask C. J., did you ever make that appearance on Oprah’s show?

Born in Philadelphia, PA in 1979, C. J. Pumpkins focused on becoming a positive role model for kids, and sharing a message of hope with them. His love of writing enables him to make the world a better place, one child at a time. Of course if several children are reading C. J.’s books simultaneously, just imagine the power his message might deliver.

This just in: C. J.'s book is now available through Amazon.com.

Christie Silvers, Author of Vampire Books

2010-04-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

If you enjoyed the Twilight series, you’re going to love reading books by Christie Silvers. As a self professed reading fanatic, Christie developed a unique ability for writing. It happens naturally when you read a lot. Her climb to the top of the publishing mountain didn’t come easily though. She actually started by writing articles on the internet, graduated to a parenting book on toddlers and finally pursued her dream to write about the paranormal.

When you visit Christie Silvers Website, you’re quickly drawn in by the atmosphere. As an avid reader myself, I couldn’t wait to peek at her personal reading list. Seriously, Christie? Nineteen books in 2010? That’s averaging more than a book a month, and you’re in the process of finishing your 2nd novel in the Liz Baker series.

Christie is a busy lady, producing a blog, newsletter and bloodline of vampire tales. Getting to this point in her career wasn’t easy, but Christie proves it can be done. She’s an inspiration to all web content producers and struggling freelancers; she’s probably one reason a lot of us keep writing so many articles.

Helium Members Write about Prayer

2010-04-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

Prayer is powerful. It helps us cope with disaster and gives us hope when nothing else will. It sooths our heavy hearts, even as they continue to break, and it makes us rejoice when life would prefer to have us cry.

The merits of prayer are personal. Some believe in it. Others don’t. No matter how you feel about prayer, these articles will inspire you. They are reflections of the human spirit in action, and responses to the power of something greater than life itself.

The Power to Heal by, A. South

How Do We Know When God Answers Our Prayers by, Lynda Mclellan

Poetry: A Writer’s Prayer by Olivia Bredbenner

And for your pleasure, I submit the following debate title: Banning prayer in schools has increased student behavior problems

James Johnson, My Friend

2010-04-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

Helium is only an internet community, I know, but I’ve met some pretty cool people there. Many of them are just like the friends I’ve gotten to know face to face, except that I fill in the blanks with my own imagination.

One person I met was James Johnson. He’s my animal loving friend who lived in the Caribbean. We joined several of Jim Bessey’s Writing Challenges together. This is where I met and got to know James. This is where I viewed pictures of him wearing hats made out of broad, tropical leaves and laughed at those crazy animals he loved so dearly.

I always listened for that deep belly laugh I knew James must have, and sometimes I could hear it in the depths of my heart and soul. I can picture this energetic man, running in all different directions serving life and appreciating each and every element of it.

Sadly, James passed on this week, leaving the world he loved so much. How does one grieve an internet friend? I suppose the same way we grieve those we meet in person. We contemplate the joy they brought into our lives, reflect with sadness on their departure and offer words of comfort in fond memory. This one’s for you, James! Rest in peace!

It's Tax Time in the United States

2010-03-02T06:14:00.000-08:00

It’s almost tax time and many of us are getting ready to pay our fair share to the government. I recently decided to learn a little bit more about the taxes we pay. Needless to say, what I found out was disheartening at best.

Several Helium writers have weighed in on whether or not you should be taxed for using the internet. What’s your view? How much money do you think the government will gain, considering all the people online these days? For those who use the internet as a source of income, like freelance writers, is this double taxation?

Do you know what will happen to you if you don’t pay your taxes? B. Leslie Baird and Dawn Hawkins share their insights about this important topic.

Perhaps you need to file a tax extension this year. Times are tough, and you may not be prepared to pay everything you owe. Paperwork is complicated and you need to get everything correct to avoid being penalized and paying unexpected fines. Moe Zilla shares some great information on filing your taxes, including whether or not you really need to. Check it out!

Cat Writing Contest in Helium’s Zones

2009-10-14T14:27:00.000-07:00

Helium has many contests for members to enter every week. They’re pretty good too. However, I recently entered a new Helium contest, hosted by one of its members in the zone, Jim Bessey. I found out about it when I was invited to his most recent contest on cats.

The rules are simple. You write an article to one of Helium’s titles on the subject of the contest. Then you submit your entry through the comment section of the zones. After all entries have been received, everyone votes on which article the like best. The person with the most votes wins. Jim made it a little more interesting by giving extra points to the first 3 entrants, and he also gives an extra point per entrant, to the person who invited someone to the contest. Please, if you decide to participate as a result of this blog, let them know M. J. invited you! By the looks of all those great entries, I’m going to need all the help I can get scoring points.

To read all the entries and rules for Jim’s zone contest, visit his zone. Come and join the fun! You’ll be glad you did!

Gender Diversity Discussion

2009-09-29T08:35:00.000-07:00

Hello my friends! I have been commissioned to rewrite an article of mine. The topic is considered controversial, and while I intended to state unbiased facts supporting my premise, it seems my logic has been called into question. There are definitely at least two sides to the issue, at any rate, and since I’m not an expert, I’d like your input and sources about the topic, Examples of Gender Controversies in Sports.

Here is a link to my article. http://www.helium.com/items/1596658-renee-richards-hermann-ratjen-stella-walsh-sarah-gronert-gender-diversity

Please read the article that competes with mine too. It’s very well written and offers wonderful insights into the topic. Albeit, the conclusion is different, the discussion is valid. http://www.helium.com/items/1598911-gender-controversies-in-sports

I am particularly interested in whether or not sex changes by choice, of the male to female variety, decrease muscle mass and strength to the point of losing enough masculinity to eliminate a physical advantage when they (having once been male) compete against women in athletic competition. I am also curious about insights pertaining to women competing in male sporting events, and their stats accordingly.

The writer in me is pushing the envelope on this one. So here is another question to ponder. When a man changes into a woman, does he in fact inhibit all DNA to the point that his (once manhood) is no longer a part of his being physically, mentally, or emotionally at all? Can he make the choice (through surgery to become a woman) and deny his birth given DNA in all respects, except chromosomes?

I look forward to having a healthy and informative discussion about this interesting topic with you. Thank you in advance for your participation.

Abuse Awareness and Education

2009-09-15T12:06:00.000-07:00

How do you feel about abuse victims? Seriously, is there a part of you that wonders about the type of person they are, and how they could get themselves into such a horrific situation? Do you question why they didn’t seek help sooner, or at all? Without realizing it, do you defend the abuser’s actions by minimizing the impact on their victims?

One of the biggest problems in addressing abuse is proving that it actually took place. No abuser in his or her right mind is going to accept responsibility for what they’ve done. They are going to make excuses and place blame, often right back on the victim. True victims will accept this blame and find it difficult to dispute the claims against them, making it all the more difficult to hold abusers accountable for their actions.

On rare occasions, and often after too much time has lapsed, a few abuse victims will step forward and try to make a difference from their experience. The odds are against them as they carry on, trying to reveal the truth about how they suffered emotionally, verbally, and physically. I truly believe that physical violence is much less severe than emotional and verbal. When an abuser can get into your head and cause you to doubt yourself, they are capable of doing long term harm, whereas bruises and broken bones will heal in time. It goes without saying that physical abuse is almost always accompanied by emotional and verbal abuse.

Many Helium writers have written extensively on abuse and its effect on victims. Please take the time to educate yourself on this important topic. As a society, we need to challenge excuses made by abusers and hold them accountable for their actions.

Jenny Tolley helps us recognize the signs of an abusive relationship.

Amy J. Parnell addresses surviving and healing from abuse. She explains the psychological influences that cause victims to be abused throughout their lives.

Crochet Basics and Projects

2009-08-24T12:13:00.000-07:00

Let’s hear it for our avid crocheters on Helium. Their skills not only beautify our homes, but they also teach us how to relax and use up some free time. I should know since I am one of the people contributing articles to Yarn & Needle Crafts in the Hobbies & Games Craft Channel on Helium.

You can learn the basics from writers like Cindy Hartzell and Susan Quilty. Perhaps you are interested in the history of crochet. Lesley Allen takes you on a journey of crochet from the pre-Christian era all the way up to the present day. And then for your pleasure, there are those of us who share our patterns with you.

*How to crochet a hat

*How to crochet a purse

*How to crochet dishcloths

*How to crochet a blanket

*How to crochet a scarf

*How to crochet over clothes hangers

*How to crochet projects for our pets

Health Care and Politics in America

2009-08-13T11:21:00.000-07:00

Finally Americans are taking notice of what their politicians are doing. We are all over the health care issue, and it seems many of us are against Obama’s plan, be it called health care or insurance reform. It doesn’t matter what he calls it. What matters is that there are too many unknowns about it.

Or are there? Helium writer BuildWith has written a wonderful article debating the pros and cons of Obama’s health care plan. This article discusses the real problem, money, surrounding insurance reform. It even points out that, “The system works, the care is great but the costs are high,” which begs the question: if we’re going to spend trillions on health care anyway, why don’t we do it by paying the hospital bills, instead of letting the government manage hospitals?

America already has health care programs that help the elderly and those who can’t afford it. We have unemployment benefits, recently revised cobra plans, welfare, and senior citizen programs all funded by government. So what’s the problem, and why is Obama so set on passing his new bill? It’s only my opinion, but I believe the government wants more power over the people when it comes to their health care, and to be paid more taxes for acquiring that power.

I too have written about health care reform recently, and while I full heartedly agree with BuildWith that health care reform is about money, I also think it’s about power and control. Americans are having a power struggle with large corporations and their government right now. The balance of power has finally shifted enough for us to realize that if we don’t do something, we won’t have the strength or ability to fight for our rights at all.

My biggest concern about all of this is that things are going to get ugly. Americans are mad. Politicians and lobbyists stand to gain or lose millions of dollars, while average citizens pick up the tab in their taxes. It’s kind of like getting kicked in the butt, and being told to smile because it feels so good. Well, it doesn’t feel good, and Americans aren’t about to say it does just so some yahoos on Capitol Hill don’t have to step in the same pile their shoveling our way.

Politicians and corporations need to come back down to earth. They work for the same reasons every other person in America works, to provide for their needs and serve others who depend on their products. People don’t work to have careers or get rich. They have careers and get rich because they are taking care of their responsibilities. The government’s responsibility is to serve its people, not rule them. And large corporations often have valuable tools that make our lives easier, none of which by the way, is irreplaceable should they forget that their purpose is to serve and not to be served.

Helium VP Content & Community, Janice Brand

2009-08-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

I recently had an opportunity to ask Janice Brand, VP for Content & Community at Helium, a few questions about her magazine editorial background and her thoughts about the Helium community in general. Please enjoy the transcript of the interview. I hope it inspires and helps you progress in your writing endeavors.

Magazine Editorial Background
How do people submit articles to magazine editors?
Traditionally, writers start out by reading the magazine to get to know the “personality” of the publication. Then they see where their expertise and the magazine intersect – that ends up being a query letter, which outlines the title and the subject of the article the writer is proposing.

Is there a general formula for writing acceptable copy, or should writers let their creativity flow?
It depends on what you want to write. If you are writing for a magazine, newspaper or other publication, the most important thing to remember is this: The editor is not interested in publishing what you want to write; the editor is only interested in publishing what she needs for the publication. That’s a very important distinction. If you are writing for your own enjoyment or if you’re writing fiction, then let the creativity flow!

As an editor of magazines, do you approach good writers and offer assignments to them?
Yes. An editor is only as good as his Rolodex of good writers.

How is magazine editing different from web editing? Which do you prefer?
For a magazine, you are constrained by size and layout. On the web, you have much more flexibility. Still, there’s something very nice about pulling together words and the right artwork for a magazine that tends to get lost in the haste required to publish online.

How did you choose editing as a career?
I love magazines. I remember flipping through pages of magazines as a little kid – the pictures the way the whole thing just unfolded – I always loved it.

Is editing a relentless job, preparing the latest breaking news?
I wouldn’t call it relentless. There is an excitement about working on a breaking story that gets the adrenaline going. That’s addictive.

Technology has advanced quickly in the last few years. How do you personally keep up with it?
I don’t! I rely on people around me who are much better at figuring stuff out and explaining it to me. I also subscribe to a few newsletters that point out the trends.

What things do you think are merely trends, and what things do you expect to diminish or disappear in the future?
If I knew the answer to that one, I wouldn’t be working for a living!

Helium VP for Content & Community
You've been with Helium since Jan 2007. In your 2 1/2 years, what changes to the site have made the most impact in your opinion?
The biggest impact has been the commitment to quality on the part of the membership.

How important is member feedback to Helium staff?
Extremely important. If we’re not in continual dialog with our members, we’re not doing our jobs.

What do you personally do to ensure a positive dialog with members?
My Contact Writer is always on. I try to answer everyone who writes me, and I spend a lot of time reaching out.

What can members do to encourage a healthy relationship when addressing their concerns with Helium staff?
Remember that we’re trying to help. We want Helium to be successful and the only way we will be is if our members are successful.

What accolades and awards has Helium received since its conception?
The most recent one is on the home page right now – we made Writer’s Digest 101Best websites to write to.

Getting More Links to Your Blogs

2009-07-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

Helium is doing bloggers a favor. They’ve started a new zone to help you get links to your blog. This is a great opportunity to share your work with the community, and once again shows the genuine spirit that is at the core of the Helium Community.

Helium

Helium’s Blog

Helium’s Blog Zone

The Value of Creative Thinking

2009-07-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

Creativity is something that can’t be taught. Everyone has it, but not everyone knows how to tap into it or use it effectively. People who think outside the box often get some very unwanted attention, and yet their ideas are usually worth listening to, if only for the humor of them.

Budge Burgess explains how writers come up with creative ideas, and how they manage to continue generating ideas for years to come.

Hal Lillywhite discusses the importance of creativity in the workplace, and some of the reasons bosses discourage it.

Finally, what would a post on creativity be without an amazing poem to share? Ted Onulak has written a glorious poem about creativity, and I’m happy to have this opportunity to share it with you.

Helium Writing Contests

2009-07-23T20:05:00.000-07:00

And the winner is...are you one of the many contestants in the contests? I am these days as I’m trying to earn a few extra dollars to help with my daughter’s college expenses. They’re fun and exciting! They pay pretty well, if you can at least place in them. There are a lot of things to think about when entering Helium contests.

One of the things I’ve always wondered about is whether or not you can enter more than one contest at a time. The answer is yes, and you have the same chances of winning, even if you enter several contests at once. All the articles are submitted and rated with the same system, meaning you have a chance to place in each one you enter.

Another thing I like about contests is that you get to write a whole lot of articles about one specific topic. That means less research since you are becoming very familiar with your topic. And because there is a bit of competition to be among the first 5 people writing to each title, you also end up producing your work just a little bit faster, meaning you get to cash in on more upfront payments at the end of the month.

Enough about the details already! Let’s congratulate this week’s winners!

Diabetes: Prevention, Symptoms, Treatment

2009-07-22T09:58:00.000-07:00

Diabetes is a common illness that affects a lot of people. Getting diagnosed with it is often scary and unnerving, especially for family members. However, this disease can be managed and maintained with proper medical care, and by following simple nutritional guidelines. It is important to understand what diabetes is, and differentiate between the 2 types of it.

Laura Dunkley discusses how you can change your lifestyle to effectively treat your diabetes. She explains how you can prevent diabetes from taking over your life by making minor adjustments in the way you live.

A lot of people who have diabetes don’t even know it. And diabetes can also be prevented. Angel Sharum relates easy ways to prevent developing diabetes. These ideas are good to maintain your health even if you are not at risk of getting the disease.

Dr. Erich Rosenberger tells us about symptoms and treatment options for diabetes. He explains that it can take years to show symptoms, which often leads to more complications from the disease. He recommends staying ahead of the illness, and taking preventive measures by choosing to live a healthy lifestyle.

Helium Reviews

2009-07-21T10:25:00.000-07:00

As I peruse through all of the channels at Helium, and I take a peek at the discussion boards, I am amazed and satisfied. Deep in my heart I know I am a writer, and at Helium I have found many peers who feel the same way. This is a community of like-minded thinkers, striving to fulfill their dreams, learn something new, and share their voices.

It doesn’t get any better than this, folks, whether it’s in your family, at work, or out in the world. If you can find a place where you truly belong, you will be happy, even when things go wrong sometimes. Oh, c’mon, you know life has its challenges.

Please, share your thoughts about Helium, and tell us who your favorite author is. What subjects do you find written exceptionally well? What topics need more attention? Is Helium just another writing site, or is it something special for you?

I’ve been writing this blog for a while now, and I have too many favorite writers to name...just reread my posts to discover them. I enjoy Helium more than other writing sites I’ve found. It is different from blogging, so I won’t compare the two. I’m eager to learn what you think about Helium, and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Cheap Vacation & Staycation Ideas

2009-07-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

These days everyone seems to be talking about staycations vs. vacations. And since we’re in the midst of summer, and the heat is probably getting to everyone, I thought I’d focus on things to do that might break up the monotony of the season for you.

Laurie Cirivello helps you plan a summer staycation that will make your family feel like they took a real trip to another place.

Erin Tatum has some great ideas on how to travel inexpensively. Yes, you can still maintain a budget while you’re on vacation.

Martie Lownsberry has great advice for vacationing in your hometown. The money you save on travel can be used for some much needed pampering and relaxation.

Amela Piric shares some excellent tips for cheap beach vacations. Oceans are always beautiful places to visit in the summer.

Flu Information: H1N1, Symptoms, Treatment, and More

2009-07-16T15:07:00.000-07:00

I heard on the news the other night that the H1N1 flu virus is expected to make a comeback in the fall. With that in mind, I’d like to share some information about the flu and how to deal with it, before it actually comes back with a vengeance.

Eve Redstone discusses symptoms and treatment of the flu, while many people debate over whether or not flu shots are effective prevention of it.

Charles Ray talks about different flu strains including H1N1 and swine flu. He also talks about the probability that H1N1 will return in the fall, and advises everyone to prepare for that possibility.

Jennifer Kirkman identifies warning signs that may indicate if you have been infected with H1N1 flu virus. She helps you determine the seriousness of your symptoms.

The flu is extremely contagious so it is important to know how it spreads, and avoid cross contamination. People are going to get the flu, but we can and should do everything in our power to be educated enough to minimize the effects of the outbreaks.

Interview Information

2009-07-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

It’s all about the interview today, so if you need to brush up on your skills as a writer, face your prospective, inquisitive employer, or prescreen a future employee for the job, this is the place to be.

Simon Wright helps writers hone their interview skills, and he also gives important tips on how to turn those notes into an amazing article.

Rachelle de Bretagne teaches journalists how to conduct a well researched interview for their stories. She goes into great depth about approaching your subject to ask for the interview, how to ad lib, and many other important details writers need to know.

There is quite a debate taking place at Helium regarding body language and interviews.

M. Sparga discusses 3 interview techniques that are sure to help you get the job.

Job interviews have become a little more intense these days. Peter Fisher explains how you can succeed beyond the basic interview, when the interviewer questions your ability as well as your background.

Telephone interviews are becoming more and more popular these days. Lisa Campi shares some common mistakes people make when being interviewed over the phone. Her information is also valuable for face to face interviews.

Todd Pheifer gives great advice on how to be professional during an interview.

Zoey Day addresses corporate courtesy as it applies to job interviews. After all, you may be the one trying to get the job, but they’re the ones who will be lucky enough to have you, should you decide to work for them.

Really Cool Sporting Events

2009-07-13T16:04:00.000-07:00

It’s all about sports today, folks! There are so many to choose from though. Since it’s really hot outside (well over 100 degrees where I live right now), I’d like to share an article I wrote about the Iditarod, in the hopes that snowy thoughts will cool me down. There’s nothing quite like the great American sled races to bring down the temperature and prepare for an adventure in some unusual sports and events.

Having grown up not far from the Pacific Ocean, deep sea fishing was a Mother’s Day annual tradition. Charles C. Van Soye explains all about catching ocean fish, from the west coast to the east coast, and even in the Gulf of Mexico. Be careful or you might get hooked when you read his article.

You might prefer a more traditional workout, and if so, Fran O’Leary has just the thing, Martial Arts! From correct breathing, to powerful punches, if you want to learn about this ancient Chinese sport, Fran has some masterful tips.

This post would not be complete without mention of the Special Olympics. I mean who doesn’t love a success story, especially when it helps so many people throughout the world? Ross Voorhees tells us about the unique circumstances that led to the creation of this event, a truly remarkable story.