Writer's Round-About

Do You Schedule Your Day?

Rebecca Laffar-Smith — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 15:33:34 +0000

Is Time-Management a key skill for freelance success?

I’ve struggled over the past few months to pull some semblance of order into my working day. It has left me wondering how other freelancers structure their time.

Do you have a detailed schedule? A prioritized to-do list? A few key tasks?
How do you keep these records? Message service? Notepad? Reminders? Timers?
Do you work for a particular number of hours each day? Each week? Take weekends off? Work late into the night? Start early in the morning?
Have you ever struggled to create a productive environment?
Are there times of days when you’re more productive than others? More creative? More relaxed? More focused?

There are so many options for freelancers and everyone must find their own way of doing things. How did you find out what worked for you? Are you still seeking your ideal time management solution?

I was talking with Michele L. Tune from Writing The Cyber Highway earlier tonight about how she structures her day. She told me that her drive and dedication to becoming a success, her passion for creating the kind of life she wants for herself and her need to help others accomplish their true lives pushes her through each day.She does not have a specific schedule and makes time to write wherever time happens to be. That can mean she’s writing into the wee hours of the morning, between loads of laundry, or while in a waiting room. She writes whenever she possibly can but that doesn’t mean she’s at her desk nine to five.
Other writers have a strict schedule such as, Sharon Hurley-Hall of Get Paid To Write Online. Sharon’s Schedule is very structured. She has set time to allow for various tasks and makes sure she includes important family time and enough flexibility.
Chris Bibey of Chris Blogging doesn’t have set hours of work scheduled but he feels that “When it comes down to it, you should work as many hours as it takes to get your work done.” If you’re low on commissions you can commit time to other career related projects that will encourage more opportunities.

I’ve not found my own freelancing routine. I’m still searching for what works for me. Trying new solutions and looking for the key that helps me keep writing, every single day.

Will you share your own schedule? How do you plan your day or set your hours? Do you have a specific structure or go with the flow? What works for you, and what have you heard works for others?

Networking, Friendship, and Colleagues

Rebecca Laffar-Smith — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:10:09 +0000

Do you have a powerful network of friends and colleagues who inspire you to keep trying, to push harder, to accomplish all you can be? In the past two days I’ve discovered how motivating and empowering, how VITAL a collection of friends who’ve been there, who truly know how you feel, can be for a writer.

Writers are a unique body of people. We think differently than other people. Our minds are often split with ideas and various forces pulling us in multiple directions. We tend to feel more deeply, to see with multiple perspectives, to reach out and need each other. There is something about being a writer that sets us apart from non-writers. Something that’s hard to describe but it is tangible when you’re there, in the moment, plugged in, linked!

Some of you have noticed my absence of late. You might contribute it to my trip and in a way that was a pivotal point. It spun my compass and I began to truly evaluate what I want from life. I still whirl in uncertainty, with choices that seem far and wide, but one thing that I’ve come to realize in the past two days, thanks to networking with online friends and colleagues in this writing and freelancing business is I want to be HERE, I WANT to continue to write for this blog, I want to build and truly cherish the friendships I’ve made already in this business and I want to write, I want to get past the fear, the pain, the pressure, the resistance that blocks my writing.

In a way it shows that nothing has changed. This dream, this desire has been strong, constant, all my life. Thanks to the motivation of my network, the opportunity to chat, express ideas, share confidence and be rewarded with a caring and nurturing relationship amongst fellow writers we can come back to the page, we can turn to the next challenge, we can push forward, onward, upward.

Ultimately, it is our support systems that push us toward the things we truly want. Who is in your support network? Who cherishes your desires simply because they’re yours? Do you have friends who drag you down? Do you have a quiet relief of people who know exactly what you need to hear and when to hear it?

How important is your network of friends and colleagues to you and your future success? How have they impacted your life to where you are today?

A Sax Outside My Window

Rebecca Laffar-Smith — Thu, 29 May 2008 20:22:27 +0000

One of the things I’ve always loved about the idea of living/staying in the city is street performers.

Dear Reader,

Right now there is a saxophonist playing down in the street outside my window. He’s very good, playing a sweet jazz that is calming and enjoyable but not intrusive. A part of me wants to go down and drop a big tip into his case but another just wants to relax here, listening.

Street Performer from the corner of 7th and Flower, if you ever come across this post, I truly appreciated your wonderful music today.

I decided to give the Book Expo a miss today. My mind still whirls from the incredible experience of the Writer’s Conference yesterday and I’m kicking back in my hotel room, inspired and creative.

The city is a magical place to be a writer.

When I glance out of the window I can watch workmen on the roof across the street. Their bright shirts and hard hats reflect the sun and their sure feet walk the sloping roof and batton walkways with a confident gait. One leans down on one knee over the edge of the building to take another plank from the workman below him. No ropes, just a sureness of foot that experience commands.

Traffic shuttles through the streets below. Buses have a familiar lurch and squeel and horns blare from time to time as busy drivers scuttle about their business. Where are they going? What does this day bring to them? What life to they lead?

It is so nice to simply sit, listen, and ponder. Isn’t it amazing that doing this, right now, is considered working? Sometimes I imagine this as the life I could have had, a lonely writer sitting up in her one room apartment above the city streets, writing, and listening to life passing by down below.

Instead? This is my vacation, and I’m choosing to work because writing is deep in my heart and soul. Instead, I have so much more, and this as well. I am truly blessed.

Sincerely,
Rebecca

Kilts and Pipes - The Honor of Scotland

Rebecca Laffar-Smith — Tue, 27 May 2008 16:28:47 +0000

There is something about a man in a skirt…

Dear Reader,

Isn’t there? Today we had a chance to visit the Highland Games. In Western Australia we have an annual Highland Gathering but it is perhaps only one tenth the expanse of California’s Highland Games. Kilts from all around local regions and beyond came to share their beer and tales of glory. I couldn’t count the number of Clans attended but it was a wave of colored tartan as far as the eye could see.

The Scotts have a gift when it comes to creating a rhythm that pulses through your chest. If you close your eyes as a pipe band plays you feel like you’re listening to a lone piper, standing high on the Scottish cliffs and playing to the depth of the sea before him. The best of the best outside of Scotland were there and the music was captivating, the rhythm of the drums creating a throbbing heartbeat.

I love the lands of the isles. Ireland and Scotland both have a rich history and a proud people. The Highlanders created warmth and happiness for their families and despite their bloody history they’re a strong and proud people still.

We weren’t fortunate enough to find Haggis and for that I am glad. Despite vowing that I was willing to try it I was not looking forward to ingesting sheep guts. I may eat lamb, but I draw the line at parts of the animal that were filled with grass, highland or otherwise.

The shopping there was wonderful. I spent far more than I should but the celtic crosses, handcrafted jewellry, and medieval dresses were too fine and beautiful to resist. Of course, when my friends saw the delight I took in the Highland Games they were sorry that I had missed the Renaissance Fair that was only a week or so before. Next year, I’ll be here for that.

I’m obviously having a lovely time and tomorrow I’ll regale you with tales of the land of Disney. Stay tuned and stay safe!

Sincerely,
Rebecca

Sunny California? It’s a Myth

Rebecca Laffar-Smith — Mon, 26 May 2008 17:24:01 +0000

Have you ever heard that nothing but sun shines in California?

Dear Reader,

Oh! What a lie!!! It’s my third day here and I’m yet to see the sun. My friend tells me that I brought my Australian weather with me but honestly? The sun was shining back at home when I left. How can it be raining in California at the end of May? Hasn’t this state heard of spring?

Now I’m no weather expert but I’ve noticed how strange seasons have become lately. As I flew in over the airport there was little but cloud cover to see and that was ok. Every state is entitled to an off day. Calling for a personal day for three days straight, however, just doesn’t do your tourist industry credit. We were promised sun.

Thankfully, sunshine isn’t needed to walk the path of stars and see all the freaks and weirds coming out to entertain the gullible, facile masses. In a state that is run by a movie star, fame is the game and apparently it’s a booming industry here. If you dress up as Snoopy and stand on someone else’s footprints people will take photographs of you. I do hope these people make good money because it sounds like a miserable life to me.

You also don’t need sunshine to enjoy a movie at the Chinese Theater. I have to admit I really loved this place. The screens are huge, the surround sound perfectly pitched and while the seating and popcorn could withstand being refreshed every other decade the escapism of cinema makes you forget how distorted your back is.

The theater itself is beautiful. I’m not sure about where you are, but in Western Australia cinema is industry business. Cinemas aren’t designed to be attractive. They’re designed to be comfortable and large. They’re filled with movie posters and bad lighting. Cinemas in Western Australia are efficient, don’t get me wrong, but they’re not the experience that the Chinese Theater gives you.

So, despite the rain and the cloud, the betrayal of the ‘Sunny California’, I am loving my time here. I’ve even managed to get some writing done thanks to The Sheraton’s wireless internet access.

It’s off to the Highland Games today! Any suggestions for what sightseeing I should do while I’m here?

Sincerely,
Rebecca

Going Out or Coming In

Rebecca Laffar-Smith — Sun, 25 May 2008 16:18:43 +0000

It is easier to get into America than it is to get out of Australia.

Dear Reader,

I don’t know if the above statement is always true but it was for me this trip. After a very long (12 hour) flight from Sydney to L.A., it was a simple walk through to get past customs and out to the beautiful Cloud and Rain!

Despite being long and tiring the flight was enjoyable. I met another great person, a guy from Perth who had been to L.A. before and was kind enough to let me have the window seat for take off and landing. I actually found it an ideal situation because being on the isle was handy for bathroom breaks but I still got to see the sites.

I can’t say I got much sleep but I did see a couple of good movies I’d been wanting to watch and as we approached L.A.X I chatted with the guy who gave me his tourist map of L.A.

But then, the weird part came. We landed safely and taxied in, came down and queued for customs. The queue moved quickly with each Australian simply having a finger scan and photograph taken. A woman had moved through the queue checking everyone had filled in their papers correctly so after handing those over it was straight to the carousel and out of the door in search of my hotel shuttle.

No scans, no cavity searches, no bomb scanning, nothing. I had to tweak my luggage at Perth Airport, new the routine when I did it again at Sydney airport, had a bomb residue test, walked through two metal detectors. That was just to get out of first my state and then my country. To get into America? None of that. I thought security here was tough? I suppose they simply hope that Australian customs did a decent job of checking us over before we boarded.

Well, the good news is I’m NOT a terrorist and despite the rain (What is up with THAT, Sunny California?) am already loving my time here.

Sincerely,
Rebecca

Sitting In Sydney Airport

Rebecca Laffar-Smith — Thu, 22 May 2008 22:30:24 +0000

So, who wants a run down of my L.A. trip?

Dear Reader,

I’m bursting with excitement and would love to share it so if you are at all voyeuristic then today is your lucky day, read on. I woke Thursday morning with a heavy onset of dread. My belly was rocked with disquiet and I pulled my already packed luggage out and repacked it all, certain I must have forgotten something.

After a few last minute shopping expeditions I was satisfied that I really was prepared for this next great adventure in my life. I settled into a computer game (to take the edge off the anxiety) and hours later joined my extended family for dinner. My mother is watching my two young children and on the drive to the airport they clung to me. It was both exciting and heart wrenching to be saying goodbye. Two weeks may seem like a lifetime since I’ve never been away from them before.

Despite a few hours wait in the Perth departure lounge I boarded without issue. I even aced an explosives detection test and passed the first scanning point with no beeps. My seat was cramped and almost in the tail of the plane. An isle seat I might add which was uncomfortable and far too small. Planes are not designed for ample bodies.

The flight was uneventful and while I couldn’t sleep well I managed a few fitful dozes. I was seated next to a lovely Australian couple returning after six weeks working vacation in Perth to their home in Sydney. They were knowledgeable fliers and even offered me the window seat for the landing so that I could see Sydney from the air at sunrise.

Now, I’m sitting in Sydney airport with less than an hour until I board the super long, 20 hour flight from Sydney to California. Nervous, and excited. This time I’m more prepared. I’ve kept my gum handy, stocked up on my own water and will put my bags under the seat instead of in the compartment.

Who knows, perhaps I’ll even manage to get some sleep on the next round of this trip. I hope you are all fairing well with your own writing adventures.

Sincerely,

Rebecca

Mornings - Guest Post by Jean Knill

Guest Poster — Sat, 10 May 2008 00:31:18 +0000

How I love the feel of the early mornings. It’s great to wake up to the freshness of a new day with all those writing hours to fill.

What puts me off getting out of bed is the thought of all the things I have to do first, before I can sit down at the computer and transfer my thoughts to the screen. I’m actually quite fond of deadlines if they mean I can allow myself to move directly from bed to keyboard without even getting dressed.

Unfortunately can’t do this on a normal day. My mind is distracted by guilt at the thought of all the waiting chores. And what if someone came to the door after 9 am and found me unwashed and still in my dressing gown?

But long ago I decided that, if I couldn’t be writing, I must seek inspiration from my personal relationship with mornings. Here’s a typical morning.

When I can’t put it off any longer, it’s off with the duvet and my feet hit the floor. It’s no good bathing or showering before exercising, so I’ll get that out of the way first. Oh heck, I can’t walk past that laundry basket without taking it to the washing machine, scrubbing the shirt collars and searching for other stains that need treating before I can switch it on.

This wakes up my muse, so I retrieve notebook and pencil from my dressing gown pocket and write: Poem - Wash Tub Blues.

After my shower, I do my hair and make up if I’ve time before hubby comes in for breakfast. I’ll sit and eat with him for 20 minutes and perhaps the mail will arrive. If something’s been accepted, it’s not too early for a bucks fizz. Rejection notices will have me crawling to the fridge to find some little extra delicacy to cheer me up.

Here’s that muse again: Article on comfort eating for women’s press + more general one for content site.

Before I head upstairs to the office, there’s the washing to hang up and the kitchen to clear up. Gosh, I almost forgot - what can we have for supper tonight? Do I need to get something out of the freezer?

Inspiration: Article title - Fast but Healthy Food From Your Freezer.

Oops, there’s the phone - it’s my sister who’s recently retired and thinks a little chat would stave off the boredom for a while.

Hello muse, what now?: short story about someone newly retired.

Finally I sit down in front of my VDU. My mind is clear for work, but I’ll just check my emails first, to see if I have anything else to celebrate, like an on-line sale.

Prompt: another article: How Writing for Websites Differs from Writing for Print.

At 10.45 am, I click on Word and the screen fills with my current project. Once that is completed, I’ll get out my notebook to make plans for the next pieces to write. Not such a bad morning’s work really.

Jean Knill is an talented writer and I’ve adored reading her lively and genuine voice. You can read more about Jean and her writing life on her blog, Jean’s Musings and at WriteLink.

I’ve Booked, Have You? - Book Expo & Writer’s Conference

Rebecca Laffar-Smith — Sun, 04 May 2008 06:19:34 +0000

The Writer’s Digest and Book Expo America have gotten together to host a fantastic conference and expo for industry professionals, publishers, and book sellers that launches in L.A. later this month. This formerly Aussie-bound writer is finally taking to wing and I’m very excited. Have you booked your place to experience a fantastic list of events and mark your place in the publishing and book industry?

Registration is now open for the 2008 BookExpo America/Writer’s Digest Books Writers Conference

The conference begins Wednesday, May 28, 2008 with a remainders session on Thursday, May 29, 2008 and then the book expo continues Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It’s set to be a big event at the Los Angeles Convention Center with authors, publishers, and book industry experts gathered in busy hustles.

Since I’m flying in the Friday before the conference begins I wonder if any writers would be interested in gathering on Monday or Tuesday (26th and 27th) for an impromptu gathering. We could put together a time, bring our laptops, and share a coffee, chat, and writing session together, each focused on our own novels or freelance writing. What do you think?

So, who is coming to this years Writer’s Conference and Book Expo? I know I’m coming and I hope you’ll join me. I’d love to get a chance to meet you in person and talk writing with other talented writers from the States and beyond. Join Me!

This Article Is Timeless

Guest Poster — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:45:09 +0000

This article, as the title boldly states, is timeless. It is timeless in the sense that it does not mention any current celebrity, political pundit or late breaking scandal. The content will remain fresh and consumable through Winter, Spring,Summer and Fall. For this reason, the article is exactly half of what a great article should be.

The greatest and most successful content will contain elements that are both timely and timeless. A timely article is like a soda can left open on the counter. It will pop, fizz and delight for a few hours, then become flat and tasteless.

By contrast, a timeless article is a well-sealed bottle of wine. It may sit in the cellar for months or years before catching attention. When it is discovered, time will have had little impact on it, except perhaps to enhance it.

A truly great article combines both elements in a way that defies culinary comparison. It is, for lack of a better analogy, a chameleon. On the date of its publication it will seem to speak directly to the headlines of the moment. In a week, when the topic has been more soundly beaten than the proverbial dead horse, it will appear to be quite another animal.

It will show no signs of having every attempt to be trendy, but will instead appear to be a bit of useful information or sage advice that defies time. It may no longer gather the frenzied interest it briefly knew, but it will continue to reward those who find it – and perhaps entice them to share their find with others.

So how does one go about creating a great article that is both timeless and timely? As you would likely guess, some topics lend themselves more easily to this than others. Articles on personal finance provide an exceptional example of this elusive species.

A financial article can strike this balance with just a few subtle word changes. If your headline reads “Great Investment For The Recession” you have, at best, created a seasonal hit. The recession is likely to pass and lead to another economic season. When recession season comes round again, your article might be taken out of the attic and hung on the tree once more.

Consider instead “Great Investments For Uncertain Times.” When the economy becomes stable and predicable, authors everywhere will be busy penning reports of flying swine and unprecedented precipitation. With the buzzword engine in full tilt, your article could land on the front page. The readers’ mindset will automatically swap “uncertain times” with “recession.” It will do equally well when depression season comes.

Of course, the true story here is the investment that is perfect for every economic season. Discovering that money making secret is left as an exercise for the reader.

In addition to being highly unlikely, the fictional article above is also a very pure example of the breed. It is much easier, and often much more fun, to create a Frankenstein article melded from the timely and the timeless. By leading with the breaking news and then sprinkling in timely details, you can add shelf life to your creation without sacrificing details applicable only to the movement.

This is hardly a new idea. It is used on a daily basis by media companies around the world. However, it is never given a name. We authors have names for all of our other tricks (the “hook,” the “punchline,” etc.). Why not this one? Since “great article” or “the timeless tactic” seems to generic, perhaps the food analogy can help after all. Will this writing technique now and forever be known as “the preservative”? Only time will tell.

This Guest Post was provided by David Hamilton, a freelance writer and programmer who spent several years developing software before going independent. His articles cover a wide range of topics and have been published in numerous publications.

Writer's Round-About

Do You Schedule Your Day?

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Networking, Friendship, and Colleagues

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A Sax Outside My Window

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Kilts and Pipes - The Honor of Scotland

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Sunny California? It’s a Myth

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Going Out or Coming In

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Sitting In Sydney Airport

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Mornings - Guest Post by Jean Knill

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I’ve Booked, Have You? - Book Expo & Writer’s Conference

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This Article Is Timeless

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