The Writer's Block

The Fear of Success

2012-10-01T08:20:00.001-07:00

As desperately as we want it, success can be a very scary thing. It's not uncommon to fear your own success, but if you let that fear take control over your desire to succeed, you'll never achieve the success you dream about. All to often, it's easy to let that fear of success hold us back because of the unknown, but if you just take the risk to push your career forward, you'll quickly see you had nothing to fear at all. Even if you don't succeed, at least you'll know you tried.

I'm guilty of fearing my own success. It's one reason why it took my writing career so long to take off. It's easy to become comfortable with where your writing career is at, and difficult to break away from what you're used to. But, by challenging yourself and your writing skills, you'll progress as a writer. Take on those clients you aren't sure if you're ready for, because if you're considering taking on the project in the first place, chances are, you're ready.

Don't fear your own success because by doing so, you'll be the only thing holding back your success. Take the risk if the benefits out weigh the risks. You'll see soon enough, it was a risk worth taking.

Are you being used as a doormat?

2012-09-24T06:01:00.003-07:00

There's a lot more to this writing career thing than people often tell you when you first start out. Often, you'll get into a comfortable groove, where you feel like you've finally gotten it figured out, but then the cosmics go and throw in a new twist that you must overcome in order to keep building your writing career. One of the most common twists in a writing career is when a client begins to use you as a doormat. If you're working with a client who appears to be a little less that appreciative, ask yourself-- are you being used as a doormat? If so, it may be time to reconsider your relationship and agreement with your client.

Underappreciated
There are times when you'll run across a client who begins to use you as a doormat. It really isn't that out of the ordinary. Often, you're able to resolve the situation without loosing the client, but other times, if you're really being undervalued and underappreciated, then you many need to reconsider working for that client. It may be time to call it quiets if you're being walked all over.

When working with clients, there's going to be at least one who begins to ask too much from you or feels you're doing too little. This can leave you feeling a little discouraged and undervalued. If this is the case, you can often speak with your client about it and resolve the issue. Maybe there was a lack of communication somewhere along the line about what your original agreement included. Maybe you just need to renegotiate the terms of your agreement to resolve the issue. If you're client truly values your services, they are often willing to do so. However, if they aren't, it may be time to walk away from the agreement.

But, then there are other times when a client just lacks respect and appreciation for your skills as a writer. Speaking with them can resolve the issue, but if they truly discredit your work and lack respect for you, it may be time to walk away from the client because the aggravation and lack of respect just aren't worth it.

It can be difficult to walk away from a client, but it's even harder to be used as a doormat. You have to value yourself and your skills as a writer enough not to tolerate being used as a doormat. If it comes to the point where you choose to walk away, don't panic. When one door closes, another door will open.

If taking with your client hasn't resolved the issue, you need to analyze the situation to see if the stress and the aggravation are really worth it. The bottom line is, don't undervalue yourself and your work just because your client is. You're worth more and you deserve respect.

Have you or are you being used as a doormat? How did you handle the situation?

Drawing a Line in the Sand

2012-09-17T05:35:00.001-07:00

Clearly my efforts to keep this blog updated have failed as it has been over a month since my last post. I'm trying, really I am. As my writing career continues to take off, I should be working more hours to keep up with the huge increase in work, but instead I find myself working less than I was because of my children. It's not a bad thing. I just had to readjust my priorities a little bit and stop procrastinating as much. I finally had to draw a line in the sand to separate my two lives.

But, even after checking my priorities and trying to waste less time, there still aren't enough hours in the day. Just when I think that I'm at my breaking point because I've once again taken on another client I don't have the time for, I somehow manage to pull it all together and get everything done. How am I fitting about10+ hours worth of work each day into about 7 hours? Actually, I'm not too sure other than the fact I'm now waking up at 4:30 AM to try to get work done before the kids get up.

As I mentioned, I had to readjust my priorities. I've spent the last few years working my butt off to get my writing career where it is today. While I can't believe I've come this far in such a sort period of time, it came with consequences. I've worked almost every single day for the past 4 years. The long hours have been difficult, and I haven't spent as much time with my children as I would have liked. Although they are young, they understood.

But now, I feel like they deserve to have their mommy full time too now that I've gotten my career fully launched. My 4 children have been so supportive while I worked that it's time I make more time for them to show them that they are still number one in my book. My career doesn't matter if I've lost my children in the process.

So, while the stress level during my work hours has increased as I try to get more work done in a shorter period of time, I'm finally able to separate from work to just be a mommy. No more answering emails as I juggle homework and dinner. No more coloring on the floor in between researching for an assignment. When my kids are home, my writer gears switch off, and I'm no long working...well, just as a mommy.

Yes, it's been difficult to try to squeeze every second I can into my limited work day, but so far it's working well. It's going much better than I thought. Surprisingly, despite the decreased work hours and less sleep, I'm more productive and less stressed out once the work day has ended. Not to mention, my kids are reassured they are number one in my book and our relationship with one another are growing even further.

We all know too well just how difficult it is to balance a family and a career, especially when you are a work at home/stay at home mother. You need to be able to draw a line in the sand to separate your two lives. Although it has taken me almost 4 years to be able to do this fully, I've succeeded. No more missing weekend activities with kids as I try to catch up on work. In fact, no more working on the weekends until after the kids go to bed.

It can be very difficult, but for the sake of your family, you have to be able to draw a line. Have you been able to draw that line? Or, are you still teetering on the edge trying to stay up?

A Writer's Resume

2012-08-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Creating my resume is my weak point. I do not like creating my writer's resume, so it's often outdated. But recently, I decided that no matter how much I dreaded it, it was time to update my resume. After updating my resume, I was shocked by two things-- 1. wow, I've accomplished a lot of the past 4 years, and 2. holy cow was my resume long. I had some really great stuff on my resume, but no one was going to take the time to read it because it was over 4 pages long. I really needed to condense it.

It look me quiet a while to condense my resume. First, I had to choose which aspects of my experience would highlight my resume the most and be the most relevant. The problem was, I'm a very diverse writer, so I have experience in many areas. So, which ones would be the most beneficial?

I decided to leave all of the content mills I had worked for off of my resume because I've developed a lengthy clientele. I did however, leave a couple of the links to my best work from content mills on my resume to provide online samples.

After quite a bit of snipping, I was able to cut my resume down to 1 1/2 pages. I used a template to create my resume because I'm resume illiterate. Now, I just need to stay on top of my resume to keep it up to date.

How do you create a writer's resume? Do you find it easy or difficult?

Lets connect on Twitter alyssa_ast

Remaining Professional with Your Clients

2012-08-06T05:30:00.000-07:00

It's essential you maintain a professional relationship with your clients at all times, even when they are difficult to deal with or after you've developed a friendship. You must always remain friendly with your clients and on good terms, but always remember the bottom line-- it's business. Remaining professional with your clients should always be your top priority, whether you're communicating through emails, on the phone or face-to-face.

Professional Relationships
It's not always easy to maintain professional relationships with your clients, especially when they treat you with little or no professional etiquette. Even when you feel like telling them to stick it somewhere, you need to remember that it's business, and even the most aggravating of situations can be handled diplomatically to maintain a professional relationship.

Ofter, after working with a client for a prolonged period of time, you become quite friendly with them. You can even develop a friendship. But, you must always remember, underneath it all, it's business. Should something happen work-wise, your friendship will probably end. If something happens to your friendship, your business relationship will probably end. Therefore, be friendly, but always remember that it's business.

Remaining professional with your clients also means you need to stay professional no matter how you communicate with them. Whether phone, email or face-to-face, keep your professional front forward. Many forget about social media sites and let their professionalism slip. If you're connected to a client via social media, watch what you post.

How do you remain professional with your clients?

If you'd like to guest post on the Writer's Block, email alyssa_ast@yahoo.com for more details.

A Walking Encyclopedia

2012-07-16T05:30:00.000-07:00

by Alyssa Ast

I don't know about you, but since I began my writing career, I've also become a walking encyclopedia. It seems, that while researching for articles and working with a variety of clients, I've picked up a ton of somewhat useless facts. Unfortunately, these facts have a way of spilling out at irrelevant times and to unprepared victims. Since I began writing, I now have an uncontrollable habit of saying random facts whenever a certain topic is mentioned. Although many stare at me with a blank face because they really didn't care to hear how cows contribution to green house gases, I suppose it's a good thing. Who knows, maybe I will end up on jeopardy someday.

A Well of Information
Over the last 4years, I've written articles on so many different topics, always learning something new as I go along. Along with those articles, I've also worked for a variety of clients, who each taught me something about their profession. All of this has lead to an abundance of information most people don't know about or care to know about. Unfortunately, all of this information squeezed into my head spares no one.

Someone will be talking, and before I know it, I hear myself say, "Oh, I did an article on that!" or "did you know..." Then, the poor innocent onlooker has to stand there pretending to be interested as I recite all of these facts. Sorry, I can't seem to control it. I've just turned into a well of information.

So, I've turned into a walking encyclopedia. If you're ever on the receiving end of my rambling, feel free to tell me to shut up. I won't take offense.

Since you began writing, have you developed this habit?

Lets connect on Facebook!

New Chicken Soup for the Soul Book Submissions

2012-07-09T05:30:00.000-07:00

by Alyssa Ast

Early last year, I was published in the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. I really enjoyed writing the piece for the book, even though I didn't expect to get published. It allowed me to get creative-- something I really don't get to do very often. Plus, I had people contact me to tell me how my story had helped them. There's no greater feeling than knowing your writing had an impact on someone. So, I decided to check out the new Chicken Soup for the Soul book submissions and found a few more I wanted to do. I submitted a few of them and hope to hear back soon.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Book Submissions
According to the Chicken Soup for the Soul book submission guidelines, they look for personal stories that people can relate to. For me, this is awesome because although I'm young, I've been through a lot, and I feel people can learn from my story. And, I believe everyone has a story to share. So, what better way to share your story and help or inspire others, than publishing it in book thousands, if not millions will read.

Shortly after the Chicken Soup book I contributed to was released, I began receiving emails from people who had read my story, and it had helped them and at the very least, let them know they weren't alone. However, along with the good feedback, came the bad. I hadn't prepared myself for the backlash I would receive by also sharing my story. Yes, it hurt because I wasn't prepared for it, but I had to stop to think that not everyone would agree with the topic of my story, just like everything else in life. You can't please everyone right?

If you're interested in sharing your story in some way, I encourage you to check the new Chicken Soup for the Soul book submissions regularly to see if they are developing any books you might be able to contribute to. But, be careful and prepared for some negativity. Don't let the negative stop you though, because if you're able to positively impact just one person's life by your story, the backlash is well worth it.

Have you shared a personal story with others? What feedback did you received?

Lets connect on Twitter!

Being Your Own Boss

2012-07-02T05:30:00.000-07:00

by Alyssa Ast

When you decide to become a writer, you also become your own boss. Yes, this is an amazing benefit to being self employed, but it can also be the one thing that hinders your own success. Being your own boss is a lot harder than you would first think. It takes a high level of motivation and willpower to be your own boss. Some days, I sure wish I had someone breathing down my neck to push me to work when I would rather be hanging out on the couch watching TV. Most of the time, I enjoy being my own boss, but I wish I would have thought about it a little more before to prepare for what I was agreeing to.

Being Your Own Boss
It's awesome being your own boss because you can work when you want and at your own pace; however, days that you lack motivation and willpower, this can really hurt you. Some days, you just don't feel like writing. Your mind is going in a million different directions and no where near the direction of writing. It's so easy to become distracted and put work aside. It's so easy to give into temptation and go take a break every five minutes. But, if you make a habit out of this your writing career can suffer.

I go through phases where I have no problem being super productive, and then I go through a brief stretch where all I want to do is lay around all day and do nothing, despite drowning in a full work load. I will sit and sit and stare at the computer but not get a thing done. Days like this, it would be so much easier to have a boss yelling at me to get to work, but when you're self employed you don't have that luxury. You have to become your own boss and force yourself to work, but be careful not to cause writers block in the process.

Usually when a phase like this hits, I just have to wait it out, or I will get even less done. But recently, I found a method that actually works for me and makes me super productive more often than not. I set work hours and stick to them as best as I can. Seeing how much time I have to do a certain amount of tasks helps keep me focused to work. I even set aside certain break times, which gives me something to work for on days I don't feel like doing much or want to take too many breaks.

This method isn't fully fail proof, but it certainly helps me when I'm struggling to be my own boss.

Were you prepared for everything being your own boss entails? What do you do to stay focused on days you don't feel like writing?

Lets connect on Facebook!

Establishing Client Referrals

2012-05-18T05:30:00.000-07:00

by Alyssa Ast

We all want to ensure our clients are happy, and we do whatever is in our power to make sure they are satisfied. By pleasing clients, we increase the chance of developing a long term relationship with them, not to mention the satisfaction that comes with knowing you've done a job well. Over the past few months, I've noticed there's another benefit that comes along with satisfying clients-- establishing client referrals.

Establishing Client Referrals

Lately, a few of my clients have come from referrals. One client is so satisfied with my work, that they tell their friends or colleagues. It's great to receive a phone call or email that says, "So and so was so please with your work, I was hoping you would be able to help me too." It's a great feeling to know that you've made a client so happy that you've become almost brag worthy to them.

Establishing client referrals is the number one way I've increased my local clientele, which is something I've wanted to accomplish for a while now. But, when establishing client referrals you need to be careful. When you set your rates, you need to tell your clients that the rates in place are individualized for their specific needs. I try to accommodate my clients budget, as long as it's reasonable. I'm willing to work with a client's budget because I know times are tough for everyone, as long as it's not an insulting pay. However, when clients chat, they can mention compensation. As a result, the referred client can say, "well you did this and this for so and so for this much, so why not me?"

You don't want this to happen, so make sure you make it clear to to all of your clients and potential clients, that the quote you've given them is customized, it's not a flat rate. But, I know not everyone works this way. Many writers choose to set rates in place, and if a client can't meet that rate, well that's the end of the discussion. But, this isn't so for me.

I'm willing to negotiate rates as long as they are reasonable, and as a result, the word has spread that I do quality work for reasonable rates; thus, increasing my client referrals. It's a win/win for everyone.

How do you establish client referrals? Do you do set rates or are you willing to work around a client's budget?

Happy Writing!

Don't forget to follow me on Facebook!

Is Social Media the Real Money Maker?

2012-05-16T05:17:00.000-07:00

by Alyssa Ast

I'm a writer-- always have been and always will be...I think. Lately, I'm being pulled further away from writing and launched deeper into social media. Almost all of my clients now involve social media, and I'm doing less and less writing. There's such a high demand for social media professionals, I'm now wondering if social media is the real money marker?

A Real Money Maker?

Everyone is on social networking sites; therefore, a client's business success demands they maintain a social media presence. Many people are unwilling to learn how to thrive on social media sites or how to effectively achieve their social marketing goals. This is why there's such a high demand. Clients seek out those who can achieve their marketing goals to further their business's success.

All of my steady long term clients except one hired me to handle their social media presence; although, it's not originally what I intended to do for a living. It's easy work that pays well, but it's not writing. There are some days I ask myself why I do it, because I'm a writer. I should be writing, shouldn't I? But alas, here I am hour after hour on social networking sites achieving my clients marketing goals. In a way, I suppose the two are relevant to one another, even if I'm not strictly creating articles.

So, is social media the real money maker?

Happy Writing!

If you're interested in guest posting on the Writers Block, email alyssa_ast@yahoo.com!

Prioritizing My Writing Commitments

2012-05-14T05:30:00.000-07:00

by Alyssa Ast

I'm sure you've noticed the lack of updating on my blog. My writing schedule has become beyond chaotic and is now completely full...maybe even a little too full. Unfortunately, the money making gigs are forcing me to put my side projects, including my blogs, on the back burner. I hate doing this. Blogging is my outlet for the non money making work. But, the way my schedule is looking, it's time to prioritize my writing commitments, which may have to include abandoning this blog.

Prioritizing My Writing Commitments

I don't want to have to abandon my blogs, but at this point I may have to. Despite starting to wake up at 4 am, there are only so many hours in the day. I may not only have to cut back on my blogging, but some of my clients as well. I need to sit down to evaluate the benefits each client offers for the future, despite the income-- which clients will take my career further, and which are holding me back.

The current situation I am in is kind of bitter/sweet. I love the fact that I have become the bread winner, but I'm not thrilled with the fact a lot of my "me time" is now gone. This means no more working on my books, no more blogging and no more little side projects that I've been working on. If only I could have a clone, my problems would be solved.

So, while I prioritize my writing commitments over the next couple of weeks, I will come to a decision over whether or not I'm going to keep this blog going. If I don't, you will still be able to find me blogging about my writing on the WM Freelance Writers Connection and the Fundamentals of SEO. But, for right now I'm at a stand still.

I'm going to try to adjust my schedule some to fit in a few minutes of me time, which will hopefully include maintaining my blogs a little better.

How do you prioritize your writing commitments? Do you find it hard to fit in your "me time?"

Happy Writing!

Don't forget to follow me on Facebook!

How Do You Keep Difficult Clients Happy?

2012-04-30T05:30:00.000-07:00

by Alyssa Ast

Sometimes you land the perfect client-- the client who knows exactly what they want and sit back to allow you to do what you do best. However, most of the time, you don't land that perfect client, and it's hard to keep difficult clients happy. Keeping difficult clients happy is often very stressful, especially when they don't know what they want, other than a writer. There are many ways you can keep difficult clients happy, while keeping your sanity in tact.

The I Don't Know

The client that I find the most difficult to work with, is the client who doesn't know what they want. They know they need a writer and they need something done, but can't point you in any direction. Most often, you have to tell them what they want. They usually end up satisfied with your final product, but some of them become angry because the final product isn't what they wanted, even though they didn't know what they wanted in the first place. It can be very frustrating dealing with a client who doesn't know what they want. All you can do is try your hardest to fill in the blanks to provide something that will make your client happy. By getting to know your client, you're often able to understand what will satisfy them.

The Nagger

Another type of client that I find to be difficult to deal with is the nagger. When is this going to be done? Did you do this yet? You can keep a nagging client happy. When I agree to take on a project, I tell them right away when they can expect the project to be finished, and make them fully aware that they aren't my only client. I keep them updated with what I have done everyday, which reduces their anxiety over the project and reduces the amount of phone calls and emails I'm ambushed with. Keeping the client up to speed is essential, especially when dealing with a nagging client.

The Needy

There's also the needy type of client. The client who calls and emails about every little thing. They don't want to make a choice without consulting with you first. Although it can be an awesome feeling to know that a client trusts you enough to want to know your opinion prior to making a decision, it can also be very exhausting dealing with a client who lacks the confidence to make their one choices without your help.You have to help the client learn how to develop their own goals, and figure out a course of action to fulfill them.

The MIA

Another difficult client type to deal with is the client who goes MIA from time to time. Your phone calls and emails go unanswered, and they seem to have fallen off of the planet. They leave you hanging and wondering about whether or not you still have a job, if they aren't satisfied with your work or if another problem has arisen. Usually, when they do resurface, everything turns out fine, they just seem to lack the etiquette to drop you a line to let you know they are going MIA. This is the type of client I don't trust, and I usually break ties with them as quickly as possible to protect myself from eventually being screwed over. When clients go MIA, you really need to watch yourself because it's the type of client that will usually leave you hanging high and dry.

How do you keep difficult clients happy? Are there some clients you just can't seem to please?

Don't forget to connect with me on Facebook!

Spring Cleaning Your Writing Life

2012-04-26T05:23:00.000-07:00

by Alyssa Ast

It's that time of year again, the weather is warming up and the flowers are blooming-- Spring is in the air! Many of us are busy Spring cleaning our homes to get rid of the old to make room for the new. Now, is also the perfect time to Spring clean your work life. By decluttering your work life you'll make space for the new changes that are headed your way.

There are many things you can do to Spring clean your work life:

Clean off your desk to remove old notes and client files that are no longer relevant.
Clean off unused or old icons from your computer's desk top.
Delete old client files and images that you're no longer using.
Back-up the files you do need in case your computer crashes.
Look through your contacts to see which you haven't touched base with for a while, then reach out to them.
Delete irrelevant followers from your social networking profiles to make room for new, more relevant followers.
Check to make sure your website and blog are up to date with your current information, services, rates and contact information.
Double check your links to make sure they are opening to the correct windows and aren't taking readers to a dead end.
Check your business cards to make sure all of your information is correct. Even if the information is correct, feel free to order new cards to start Spring off right.
Reevaluate your priorities and make changes where you see fit.

These are a few of the ways I'm Spring cleaning my writing life. What are some things you're doing to make room for the new?

Are you interested in guest posting on the Writers Block? Email alyssa_ast@yahoo.com for more details!

Creating Social Media Fan Pages

2012-04-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

by Alyssa Ast

We all know that it's essential to have a strong online presence to further our writing careers. One way to make the most of social networking sites is to create social media fan pages. It's a good idea to set up fan pages that are separate from your personal social networking accounts because it allows you to target your audience directly, and by doing so, you'll keep your personal life separate from your career.

Social Media Fan Pages

Creating social media fan pages are a great option for interacting with other writers, your readers and everyone else in the publishing industry. You can search engine optimize your profiles so people can find you with ease and be listed on search engines. By creating the social media fan pages, you're able to develop a more relevant and targeted audience.

If you're like me, I like to keep my writing life somewhat separate from my home life. By using my Facebook and Google+ fan pages, I can easily accomplish this. Plus, by separating the two, I'm not boring my family and friends with writing related topics, or boring my readers and fellow writers with family related posts.

As social networking sites continue to develop, the ease of networking directly with people from your niche becomes so much easier, which of course, benefits your career.

Do you use social media fan pages? Why or why not?

Below are my social media fan pages if you care to follow. Feel free to post your fan pages in the comments section too so we can stay connected!

Alyssa Ast- Freelance Writer & Author- Facebook
The Fundamentals of SEO for the Average Joe- Facebook
Random Thoughts of a Tangled Mind- Facebook
The WM Freelance Writers Connection- Facebook
The WM Parenting Connection- Facebook
The WM Review Connection- Facebook
The WM Pet Connection- Facebook
The WM Freelance Writers Connection- Google+
Alyssa Ast- Google+

Maintain Your Professionalism

2012-04-20T05:54:00.000-07:00

by Alyssa Ast

It seems, no matter how old we become, some people just never outgrow their high school level of maturity. Because our careers force us to be involved with social networking, we have to deal with people who can't seem to maintain professionalism. Many people seem to think that just because they are behind a computer, they can allow their professionalism to go out the window and resort back to juvenile behavior.

Sometimes when on social media sites, I feel like I'm back in high school. You have the writers who band together to shun the outcasts, the mean girls, the higher than mighty and the judgmental. Sadly, there's no escaping this type of behavior. Each time I'm bombarded by the lack of maturity from my peers, I'm amazed because aren't we all supposed to be professionals? Do professionals act like they are 16? I don't...

Maintain Your Professionalism
If we are professionals, shouldn't we act as professionals? You should be able to maintain your professionalism at all times and keep childish behaviors to yourself. You can express your opinions, but there's a certain level of maturity that should be used when doing so. When you can't maintain your professionalism, you tarnish your credibility. It's difficult for me to look at a writer the same after they've thrown their professional etiquette out the window, despite their writing abilities.

I know lack of professionalism in the writing industry isn't the only area this occurs. It occurs in every walk of life. For some reason, high school behaviors always surface when there's no need for it, and I just don't understand it. I try to turn a blind eye to high school behavior when I run into it, but it sure can be stressful at times. But, it all comes along with the territory I guess.

How do you handle juvenile behavior on social media sites? Why do you think people can't maintain their professionalism?

Happy Writing!

Get a Real Job!

2012-04-18T06:04:00.000-07:00

by Alyssa Ast

It's funny how non-writers view our careers-- our "hobbies" to most. When many find out that I'm a writer, I often hear, "Wow, that's cool you get to sit at home all day." Yes, that's exactly what I do all day, just sit around. Isn't that what you do, too? Yeah, I didn't think so either. I also hear, "You actually make money doing that?" a lot too. Or, "Are you going to get a real job again?" I know you've probably heard these a time or two also.

Another one that I love is that fact people assume just because I'm home all day that I have free time-- it's not like I work right? I always hear, "Since you're home anyway, can you...." Many people seem to think that writing is only a hobby that's just done in your free time and really doesn't offer much of a future. I admit, I wasn't aware of just how much of a lifestyle writing becomes until I began writing full time myself. Making the most of your writing skills completely changes your life as you juggle your writing and home life-- just like you would if you were working a "real job."

Just because I'm at home doesn't mean that I'm not working. I put in at least 8 hours a day, just like those who work outside of the home. So, I apologize if I can't watch your kids as I "sit at home," answer your phone calls or enjoy unexpected visits. Do I plan to go back to a "real job?" No, I hope I never have to because I couldn't image working for someone else again. Plus, I make more money "sitting at home" than I would if I worked some minimum wage job.

Please excuse me if I don't talk on the phone all day. Sorry, if I can't spend hours yacking on the couch. I do have work to do. Understand that I'm not ignoring you, but that I'm working...actually working. Raising a family and working full time requires making sacrifices and balancing every day. I can and will spend time with you when I can, but I have to schedule it. Sorry, but just because I'm at home doesn't mean I have "free time."

We've all dealt with people who just don't understand our "hobbies." How do you deal with it?

Happy Writing!

Long Term Career Investments

2012-04-16T05:45:00.000-07:00

by Alyssa Ast

Lately, I have been putting a lot of thought into my long term career investments. I have a notebook sitting on my desk full of little project ideas that I would love to do and could payoff very well in the future. However, as inspired as I am about some of these projects, they sit on my desk neglected as my freelance work takes first priority. I know these long term career investments are likely to offer a big payout in the future, yet a pay check now instead of tomorrow causes them to be put off. But now, I'm looking into the future, and I think it's time I start finishing some of these neglected projects.

Short Term vs. Long Term
I've looked back over the last four years of my career, and I see that one of the biggest things that has delayed accomplishments in my career is the fact I become comfortable in one place. As a result, I guess I become lazy and stop trying to push myself to achieve more because where I'm currently at is so comfortable. But eventually, I realize I could be doing more and kick into high gear. And wouldn't you know, I make great strides in my career. I just need to be able to do this more often. I feel investing in my career long term is the way to go.

Long term career investments may not offer a pay check right away, but the pay out in the future is certainly worth it. Sacrificing a little time from my "paycheck now" work by putting more effort into my neglected projects will move my career forward and offer a higher income in the future.

Basically, it's going to be a difficult balancing act to fit both short term and long term investments into my writing time. I'm going to try to fit in at least 1 hour a day dedicated to my projects in order to invest in my future but not lose income in the process.

Do you have long term career investment? How do you balance your short term investments with your long term career investments?

Happy Writing!

What does your writing say about you?

2012-04-08T15:04:00.002-07:00

by Alyssa Ast

Your writing says a lot about you, not just the information and the words on the page, but what's underneath all of the words-- underneath your writing tone and style. If you look into some one's writing, look really deep, you can discover the emotions they had while they wrote that piece. A person's writing reveals so much more than just content on the page. What's underneath the words gives you insight to who the writer is, what they are thinking and how they are feeling.

What does your writing say about you?
Often, when reading some one's work, you can tell how they felt while they were writing their piece. Even well written content reveals a writer's thoughts and emotions. You can often tell if a writer is confident about their work, or if they are somewhat hesitant to write a piece. You can tell if they are angry or sad. You can even tell if they enjoyed writing the piece or if they didn't. It's amazing what you'll find when you look a little deeper into some one's work.

I enjoy this aspect of reading the work of others. There are a few writers who I read regularly. Sometimes, I can tell if they aren't feeling confident about their writing one day. Other days, I can tell they got their mojo back. Being able to see underneath the words makes me enjoy their writing so much more. If I'm able to determine this about the work of others, it leaves me wondering, what does my writing say about me? Can others tell how I'm feeling when I write?

What do you think? What does your writing say about you? Are you able to look underneath the words on the page to feel what the writer is feeling as they write?

Happy Writing!

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Book Formatting from Hell

2012-03-30T05:43:00.000-07:00

by Alyssa Ast

I hate book formatting. Plain and simple. I find nothing enjoyable about book formatting, yet I continue to format books for people. I know there are people who make their living formatting books, so there must be some enjoyment people find in formatting, but not me. It's no incredibly time consuming and frustrates me so badly. Then, once I begin, I some how become addicted and can't seem to stop until I finish. This usually results in days in front of the computer, barely taking time to stop to breath.

I will only do book formatting now when I have to, and even that's rare. I think that's why I haven't finished my Random Thoughts of a Tangled Mind book yet because I dread the insane hours of formatting it. It would be so much easier if all you had to do was one format. But noooo. You have to do a format for this site one way, and that site another way, and this way for that edition, and that way for this edition. It seems so pointless to me. Shouldn't there be a universal format? That would be too easy and make too much sense I guess.

What are your thoughts on formatting? Do you enjoy it?

Happy Writing!

Why do I bore you with my blogs?

2012-03-28T05:32:00.000-07:00

by Alyssa Ast

I enjoy blogging because it's a form of outlet for me, which I'm sure it is for many other people as well. That's why I bore you with my blogs--because I have to or a chunk of my sanity would break off. With a full writing schedule consuming my work day, it's difficult to find time to write the stuff I want too, which is why my books sit neglected for far too long. But blogging solves this problem for me. It only takes a few minutes, and I can write about whatever I want-- scratching that annoying itch to focus on my own writing projects.

Blogging hasn't been very profitable or overly successful for me, but it's my outlet, and I don't plan on giving it up anytime soon. Even though there hasn't been a financial payoff, it serves me well in other ways. Although I haven't directly benefited from my blogs financially, in some way they have helped further my career.

I know having a blog has promoted my career because it adds to my online portfolio and writing experience, even if most of my topics are just pointless ramblings.

For the most part, I blog for myself and no one else. So forgive me, if I bore you with my blogs.

Why do you blog? What are the benefits you receive from it?

Happy Writing!

The Joy of Press Releases

2012-03-26T05:04:00.000-07:00

by Alyssa Ast

I remember my first request to write a press release like it was yesterday, but it was actually 3 years ago. I was really hesitant to take on the project because I had never written one before and was actually kind of intimidated by the thought of it. I don't know why, but a press release is the only thing that has ever intimidated me. But despite that, I took on the project, rocked the press release and fell in love with them. Sure, they aren't the most fun format of writing, but they a quick and easy...plus, they pay well, and there's always a demand for a well written press release.

The Joy of Press Releases
I love press releases because you don't have to put much thought into them, really. You follow a simple format that never changes. You get to write in your reporter voice, which is different than the type of work I do every day. Call me weird, but I just love press releases. I'm glad I overcame my intimidation of them, which I found out quite quickly that there's no reason to be intimidated by them at all.

What are your thoughts on press releases? Love them or hate them? Has there been a form of writing that has ever intimidated you?

Happy Writing!

Your Attitude Determines Your Success

2012-03-23T05:45:00.001-07:00

by Alyssa Ast

One thing I've noticed throughout the years that I've been writing, is the fact your attitude plays a large role in your success. You have to believe you're awesome in order to be awesome!

When I fall into ruts where I feel a little down and unproductive, my income certainly suffers. As a result, my writing career seems to go no where, which leaves me feeling even more in a rut. But when I change my attitude, I climb out of my rut and my luck quickly changes. I begin progressing in my career. The only problem is, it's difficult to maintain a positive attitude 24/7, and it's easy to fall into unproductive and negative ruts. But, I have found there are things that help keep my attitude positive, which keep my career moving forward.

1. Believe in yourself-- Yes, it may be hard to do sometimes, but always believe in yourself. Believe in your skills as a writer and overall awesomeness!

2. Have a support system-- Have a support system in place to tell you how awesome you are from time to time. This is especially important when you fall into a rut, because sometimes it just takes one person to tell you how great you are to snap yourself out of your rut.

3. Write down your accomplishments-- Write down all of your accomplishments--the big ones and the small ones. Write them all down! It helps to go back and read your awesomeness. Sometimes you forget just how much you've accomplished, and by going back over them all you can change your attitude.

What are some of the way you keep an awesome attitude?

Happy Writing!

New Blog for Parents

2012-03-21T05:51:00.000-07:00

by Alyssa Ast

I started a new little project as the main contributor to a new blog to promote child welfare and maintaining strong family dynamics. The website, www.officerleewest.com, is owned by retired police officer and author, Lepolia West. Mr. West is an amazing man, and everyone can learn something from him.

He discovered, his potential in life was to encourage adoptions after he became the first single man to adopt a child in Illinois. Because he was a police officer, he saw first hand just how badly children need strong role models and loving homes. After adopting his son, he also saw just how desperately many children are in need of a permanent family. It's now his personal mission to help inspire others to be that person who changes a child's life. I'm thrilled to be able to help him with his mission.

With the blog, we plan to cover adoption and foster care news and information, parenting tips and advice, family and personal safety, and basically every thing else that involves healthy parenting and families. We will also be taking guest stories and mail bag questions. We want the new blog to help parents, whether you're a biological, adoptive or foster parent. Although the blog only launched last week, I feel there's already a sturdy foundation.

So, if you haven't done so already, stop by the blog at http://officerleewest.com/book/blog/. While you're there, check out his amazing adoption story, "Officer, why don't you adopt him?"

If you have a story you would like to share on his blog or a question you would like answered, email me at manager@officerleewest.com

I'm Back!

2012-03-19T05:32:00.001-07:00

by Alyssa Ast

You've probably noticed my blogs have been a little more than ignored lately. I fell into a rut of being overwhelmed. For the past few weeks, I have only been doing the "have to do" work, and all the "want to do" work as been sitting around collecting dust bunnies. But, I'm happy to say I'm back and out of my rut, so it's time to blow the dust bunnies off of my blogs and bore you all with some more posts.

I haven't been up to very much the last few weeks other than paid work, but now I'm ready to get back into my super productive groove.

What have you been up to these last few weeks?

Guest Post: Get the Copy Right, but Don’t be Lost for Words

2012-02-29T05:18:00.000-08:00

I’m in the fortunate position of having regular contacts and clients to keep the freelance work rolling in – for the most part. However, in the world of Web copywriting you can’t afford to rest on your laurels. There’s always somebody fresher to the field, who charges less, has more time to write, a better social life to draw anecdotes from or is better connected. The occupational hazard of being a writer is everyone thinks they’re a writer. With the web waiting to publish your latest musings – with no quality control, it can be difficult to get heard. Therein lies the problem. Do you rush your work out there and add your voice to the debate while risking sacrificing some of the polish? Or do you finely craft, draft and rewrite a literary masterpiece of a blog entry only to find somebody got there first? Whenever I find myself with a bit of downtime, I have a quick spring-clean of my freelance career to keep my stuff relevant. Although I rely on my regular contacts to keep my career rolling, I couldn’t survive without making sure the prospects keep coming in.

Get Involved
As you well know, I do a lot of web writing for the day job, for freelance, professionally and for leisure. The web is a great way of keeping your work relevant and with the boom that social networks bring, it’s a quick opportunity to get your opinion out there and join the debate. Start with something you feel passionate about and add your thoughts to other voice or blog about it and link back to like-minded web writers. There’s no better way of self-promotion. By adding your thoughts to the debate, you make sure your work is bang up to the minute and promoted up the rankings by the feeds you join. Set yourself up as a social commenter and people will soon come to you first for your thoughts. Second, make sure you join all the forums and communities relevant to your career – and future plans. Even if you don’t write, it pays to know what others are saying. Once you start adding your thoughts you can carve yourself out as a key player in relevant circles. It’s also a great way of networking while boosting your output (and income).

Be Ruthless
Go on, Google yourself and see what comes up. If you see a tired profile on an old freelancing forum, a half-completed entry on a web writers’ circle site and broken links to work created in a previous role at the top of the results, remember this is the first impression that others may get of you. So cull the irrelevant from your own site and that of others, or better still, improve the content that’s out there and you’ll find your task list will pick up too.

Start again
Remember those desperate days when you were trying to launch your freelance career? All those speculative emails, fruitless phone calls and woeful web trawls? Well, I’m afraid to break it to you, but to keep your writing career healthy you should periodically take a look at who’s out there, who’s hiring and make sure you’re on the top of their mind and top of their contacts list. Add your voice to the busiest writing forums, pitch a few bids on those pay-per-assignment sites, scour the jobs pages to see who’s hiring because yes, many of your future commissions will come from more traditional routes. There are still some people who don’t like the web, won’t trust it with their recruitment process or simply don’t think it works.

Rebrand
Sure, you’ve got your favourite topics, you’ve got your bread-and-butter business writing about an industry you don’t care for, but you’ve inadvertently created a niche and you’ve got those subjects you’d never entertain addressing. Take a look back at your recent work and you’re likely build up a very one-sided opinion of your writing expertise. Now, with businesses squeezing for every dime, it can’t be wise to refuse to write about something just because you can’t reel off an article off the top of your head. Mix it up. Choose a completely unrelated industry or a quirky angle and you’ll make your opinion much farther reaching and subsequently more valued.

Stay in there!
When the going gets tough, write about it. I’m sure there have been times when you weren’t getting the recognition, monetarily or otherwise, for a whole lot of work, stress and tears. Rather than being tempted to drop the writing in favor of a more “stable” career, simply write about it. If you’re a victim of the recession, tell the world and your experiences might lead you to being consulted as an expert. Get opinions on the latest news and get your thoughts in there fast. News is an instant medium with instant payoff – so if you’re at a loss of where to take your career, get inspired by the stories of now and the technology of the future – it’s what the web would want.

About the author:
Amelia Cookson is a freelancer writer and researcher with five years experience in the industry. Over the years she's built up a strong portfolio covering many sectors and loves nothing more than settling down on her leather sofa, laptop open waiting for inspiration to strike.