tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33783911304872269422024-03-17T20:02:33.718-07:00Confessions of a Wanna-be WriterThoughts, Inspiration and Advice from a Not-so-Perfect WriterJodi Hugheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03013696980247026675noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378391130487226942.post-9028046711975216672016-04-27T09:16:00.000-07:002016-04-27T09:16:35.335-07:00Are Content Mills still around?<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A thought
occurred to me the other night while I was lying in bed waiting for sleep to
whisk me away to dreamland. I used to write for a couple content mills. Used
to. For the last few years, though, I haven’t even given them a glance, having
moved on to other writing projects.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMv3IdkST8FwdIlm7vv8QsVrYWYYIc-e4ztMVxfqLAimU6ufuKIa6T4QxD9J8SHWh-X82FhMc4wmHxaDZuJuMJBnaTjMByjwlga9WuFX7zjMhoqpVgpSxqldwQlj8u2M4KEsy2xzZhJn2d/s1600/Content+Mill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMv3IdkST8FwdIlm7vv8QsVrYWYYIc-e4ztMVxfqLAimU6ufuKIa6T4QxD9J8SHWh-X82FhMc4wmHxaDZuJuMJBnaTjMByjwlga9WuFX7zjMhoqpVgpSxqldwQlj8u2M4KEsy2xzZhJn2d/s320/Content+Mill.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As I waited
for sleep I wondered to myself if content mills were still around.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To recap a
bit on what exactly is a content mill: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Content mills are agencies that herd in thousands of articles
written by people who are paid a small wage. Usually a third party, content
mills act as a middle-man (or woman) between writer and client. Mills make
money from client, writer makes money from mill, client goes away happy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That is the
bare-bone description. I provide a bit more details about what a content mill
is in an article I wrote titled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://jhughey.blogspot.com/2011/04/what-is-content-mill.html" target="_blank">What is a Content Mill?</a></i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When I wrote
the article a couple years ago I included links to a few mills known around the
web. I decided the first step to finding out if mills are still around would be
to verify the links from the article to see if they still worked. It’s the easiest
way to tell if the content mills listed are still in operation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I checked
the link on each one of the seven I listed, and offer my findings below. To be
honest, I was a bit surprised at what I discovered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Demand Studios</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was
fortunate (or unfortunate, however you look at it) to be approved to write for
a mill called Demand Studios. I found it to be a nice learning experience for
the beginner writer trying to make it online. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When I
clicked on the link </span><a href="http://talent.studiod.com/writer/"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://talent.studiod.com/writer/</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> I was taken to a message stating <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We couldn’t find the page you are looking
for.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So I did
some further research by using the keywords, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">demand studios</i>. What the search engine gave me was quite
interesting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It seems
that Demand Studios is still in operation, but under a new name: Demand
Media-studioD, and under a new web address: </span><a href="http://talent.studiod.com/"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://talent.studiod.com/</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The concept
is the same. An interested writer would click on the “I am a Creator” tab and
be taken to an application. I recall filling out one similar to this back in
2010. The application will be reviewed and you will be notified whether or not
you are approved. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">At the time
I was writing for Demand Studios the pay ranged from $3-15 per article. I don’t
know what they pay now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When I first
started writing for DS there seemed to be an unlimited amount of titles to
choose from. I had no problem finding a few articles to write. Then there came
a time when there were no article titles to choose from. That’s when the fun
ended, and so did the money (what little I earned).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Although the
name and web address have changed, Demand Media is still around. If you happen
to give them a try, or have worked with them before, I would love to hear about
your experience and/or opinion!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Textbroker</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was
approved to write for Textbroker, but never wrote a word for them. I found
their author platform to be a bit confusing. As for the pay, it was minimal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The link is
still working (</span><a href="https://www.textbroker.com/authors"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.textbroker.com/authors</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">) and the good news is they are still
around. The bad news is the pay is still minimal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Like DS,
Textbroker has a pool of their own clients who submit writing assignments for
writers or teams to choose from. From what I understand, and remember, when you
are approved you are given a level number ranging from 2-5. Your pay is based
on what level you are on: 2 pays the least (at barely a penny per word), and 5
pays the most (5 cents per word but you must take an extremely tough
proofreading test to qualify for that level). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It seems
they have done a revamp on their website. The information is clear and nicely
presented. They boast to being “the leading article and content writing
service.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Simply click
on the “I Write Content” tab to be taken to an application. Fill it out and
wait for an answer. Easy as that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Again, comments
are greatly appreciated by anyone with experience or knowledge about
Textbroker.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">eCopywriters</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am
unfamiliar with this company. The link is still working but it doesn’t take you
to the right spot. After doing a bit more clicking I finally found the proper
link to use if one was so inclined to apply as a writer:</span> <a href="http://www.dashboard.ecopywriters.com/register/copywriter"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.dashboard.ecopywriters.com/register/copywriter</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As I
understand it, the site offers writing assignments, and like Textbroker, their
writers start out at a certain level (in this case 1-7) and work their way up
the “level ladder.” Pay ranges from about 1.8 cents per word up to 15 cents per
word, but good luck getting to the 15 cent level.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Have
experience with eCopywriters? Let us know!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Break Studios<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Apparently
they are no longer around. When I tried the link it takes me to a page that
cannot be displayed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Interesting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I spent some
time searching for the site. I found a lot of blog posts about Break Studios and
every time I clicked the link </span><a href="http://breakstudios.break.com/"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://breakstudios.break.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> I came up empty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I found
nothing to indicate they had gone under. I found no articles or forums that
told of their demise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is a
mystery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If you have
any knowledge of the whereabouts of Break Studios, please share.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Writer Access</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The link </span><a href="http://www.writeraccess.com/about/#/writeraccess-basics"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.writeraccess.com/about/#/writeraccess-basics</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> does work. When you click on it you
are greeted with a very nice page that explains who and what Writer Access is,
but the important link for writers is this one: </span><a href="https://www.writeraccess.com/apply/"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.writeraccess.com/apply/</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. This is the link needed if you want
to apply to write for Writer Access.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What
impressed me most about this site are the different services a writer can apply
for. There are four:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 17px;">1. Writing projects</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 17px;">2. Editing services</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 17px;">3. Translation</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 17px;">4. Content strategy</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Simply click
on the service you want to work in and complete the application. Seems easy
enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am not
sure what the pay is. If anyone knows, please fill us all in!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">wiseGEEK</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When I
clicked on the link I was taken nowhere. Seems the link to the writer
application is no more.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Interesting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">wiseGEEK still
exists and looks to be an interesting and informative place that claims to
provide “clear answers for common questions.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There are
several categories to choose and learn something from, but there are no writing
jobs available to the freelancer looking to make some money.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Want to
check out their answers to common questions? Use this link: </span><a href="http://www.wisegeek.com/"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">http://www.wisegeek.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ever written
for them? Share your story!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">The Good News …</span></b><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Well, there
you have it. Out of seven sites I linked to there are only four that are still
in operation. The good news is that there are PLENTY of content mills on the
Internet. Research those that interest you. Check out the reviews. Do not base
your decision on what one site says. What works for one writer may not do so
well with another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If you are
interested in reading about why I decided to stop writing for content mills you
can read about it <a href="http://jhughey.blogspot.com/2013/11/a-writers-two-cents-about-content-mill_2077.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Good luck!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Photos provided by Jodi Hughey.
Copyright 2016<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Jodi Hugheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03013696980247026675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378391130487226942.post-42095679363195111182016-04-20T10:16:00.002-07:002016-04-20T10:16:56.759-07:00Confessions of a Wanna-be Writer: New name! Same idea!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4Hy2LJUrd3TbFBX2iDl_GuailffOM3536Dx0lGbRAJmC_8hDLRIda1B8tefgbfZFpsezH8n0zHsMr8-CbX1w46fDb9HZhLJCqIU3mUi-WXPy6aBLg6oUIeWqHN1hA1Qy7rXsZ1XT9xCj/s1600/DSC_0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4Hy2LJUrd3TbFBX2iDl_GuailffOM3536Dx0lGbRAJmC_8hDLRIda1B8tefgbfZFpsezH8n0zHsMr8-CbX1w46fDb9HZhLJCqIU3mUi-WXPy6aBLg6oUIeWqHN1hA1Qy7rXsZ1XT9xCj/s320/DSC_0329.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I had been
tossing around the idea of starting a new blog for some time. The catch is that
the blog will be about me trying to figure out how to make money as a writer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Then I had
to remind myself, I already have a blog where I discuss how to make money as a
writer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Do I want to
start again? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Then an idea
occurred to me to just change the name of this current blog to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Confessions of a Wanna-be Writer</i>
because, to me, the name seems more fitting. I am declaring with my whole heart
what it is, what it is like, and what a pain (in a good way) it is to try and
make a living with writing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I will still
keep in line with writing about the world of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">making money as a writer</i> but less formal and more journal-like.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Besides, who
doesn’t like a juicy, hot confession?</span></div>
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Jodi Hugheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03013696980247026675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378391130487226942.post-91656720185212269782013-11-18T10:22:00.001-08:002013-11-18T10:28:30.645-08:00Inspiration in Unusual Places<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMvA-Q4RDM4ddVkg5EgJKaRxb8qtBl2pFSUNFUjrva8bo6-WbJ-EtDtGzVPbnq6GtKXE8GpBVJG7TZKRu8EYAwIZPSgVHmpgxoI2rP_hyphenhyphenslufjDObNmGjWAET11ERt3DnSIGp_4X5JagK/s1600/DSCN1297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMvA-Q4RDM4ddVkg5EgJKaRxb8qtBl2pFSUNFUjrva8bo6-WbJ-EtDtGzVPbnq6GtKXE8GpBVJG7TZKRu8EYAwIZPSgVHmpgxoI2rP_hyphenhyphenslufjDObNmGjWAET11ERt3DnSIGp_4X5JagK/s1600/DSCN1297.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If we were to look closely, we may discover
inspiration in strange places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Inspiration moves us to do the things we do, helping
to add fuel to our emotions and awaken our senses. When we are inspired we feel
EXCITEMENT and LIFE.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Oftentimes we are inspired by the simplest of
things: the sunshine, a smile, the smell of fall leaves. We find inspiration in
the people we meet, the movies we watch, the music we listen to, and the books
we read.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Inspiration, and where we receive it, is not always
as noticeable as the nose on our face. Sometimes inspiration can be found in
some unusual places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For example . . .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I run a non-stop recording in my head when I am
tackling overwhelming projects (keeping up with a blog, starting a book, potty
training a child):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Be
prepared</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> … <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Stay
focused</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> … <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Keep
going.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">One time, in between projects, I was dwelling on the
things that inspire me ~ things that get me moving ~ and I discovered an
interesting link between the recording: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Be
prepared </span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">…
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Stay
focused</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
… <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">K</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">eep
going</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I realized it had to do with a book I read years
ago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I love to read so it was no surprise that I found
inspiration in a book. What was surprising was <b><i>the book</i></b> that inspired
me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s a book I would recommend to a select few
people, only those I feel would get the most from it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">It </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">wasn't</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"> so much the information in the book,
although the purpose of the book helped immensely when I needed it, it was more
about the principles in the book that stuck with me through all these years.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The book I am referring to:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Toilet
Training in Less Than a Day</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">, by Nathan Azin and Richard M.
Foxx<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yep. That’s the book that inspired me to:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Be
prepared … Stay focused … Keep going</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I sense some skepticism.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Toilet
Training in Less Than a Day</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> not only showed me how to potty
train my child in 3 ½ hours, but this interesting marvel of a book taught me
many valuable lessons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If you know of anyone who has a child at the potty
training age, I HIGHLY recommend <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0671693808/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0671693808&linkCode=as2&tag=theroatowrifo-20" target="_blank">this book</a>. It is a quick read (took me about
half a day to read it), the techniques are quite simple, and IT WORKS.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Otherwise, I would like to share my connection
between the book and how it inspired me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aharoni;">Be prepared.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The book:</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Instructed me to my dress my son
comfortably and provide him with a hearty breakfast, snacks, and plenty to
drink. I was to make sure there would be NO interruptions: no television, no
games, and no toys. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> I was required to have
all the necessary equipment readily available: training potty, doll that can go
potty, patience and determination.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Inspiration:</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> I tackle projects (not just writing, but all
projects) with the same attitude. Before tackling any project I make certain I
have what I need, both material and mental; things like my computer, my wits
and a lot of determination.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I
also schedule work time when I know I will not be distracted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stay focused.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The book:</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> The main topic is “potty training.” That’s
it. Potty train this and potty train that. No other topic of discussion. Potty.
Potty. Potty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Inspiration:</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> I refer to this a lot. My mind has a tendency
to wonder. Ideas pop in and out so fast I lose track of them and get myself
lost in my own thoughts. I have learned to stay focused in the moment. Stay
focused on what is in front of me. If I catch my mind trailing, I refocus on
the task at hand until it’s complete or I am satisfied with the results.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Keep going.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The book:</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> I will admit after about 10 minutes into
the potty training I had a desire to give up. My son was not at all interested
in using the potty. I had a hard time keeping him focused on our main topic of
conversations: Potty Training. But, as the book encouraged, I kept going. I remained
focused on the job at hand and kept at it until the desired result had been
reached.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: -1.0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Inspiration:</span></i> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">This may be what I reflect on most; the idea to
KEEP GOING. It is easy to stop when things get a little tricky or </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">aren't</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"> going
in the right direction. KEEP GOING. It’s easy to quit, but much more rewarding
to KEEP GOING.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s in the things that inspire us that give us
strength to move on, move ahead and strive to be our best.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Inspiration can be found anywhere, even in the
strangest of places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What strange places have you found inspiration?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jodi Hugheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03013696980247026675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378391130487226942.post-33121538259710396552013-11-12T14:09:00.001-08:002013-11-12T14:14:51.954-08:00A Writer's Two Cents About the Content Mill Debate<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirerKvrPigZsEBrQKNn02VAtq0aoPj0bnu9-6EC4jPYkk07qKhtDW9-L1sX8wZtGdkb-cCCwOxAubKJk_DKo2LE7EkMrsJjsadNymu5jDl169wPoug4Sj2EtJz2Nj854zHLQ4ua375xva4/s1600/Blog+art.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirerKvrPigZsEBrQKNn02VAtq0aoPj0bnu9-6EC4jPYkk07qKhtDW9-L1sX8wZtGdkb-cCCwOxAubKJk_DKo2LE7EkMrsJjsadNymu5jDl169wPoug4Sj2EtJz2Nj854zHLQ4ua375xva4/s1600/Blog+art.png" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">If you don’t know already, Content Mills are
agencies that herd in thousands of articles written by people who are paid a
small amount per article (usually something between $2-$30), or are paid a small
amount per word (usually something around $.01-$.40). You have heard the term
before, I am certain, but if you need a re-fresher there is a more in-depth
explanation of what a Content Mill is </span><a href="http://jhughey.blogspot.com/2011/04/what-is-content-mill.html"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">here</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">.
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">There has been a lot of debate floating around the
Internet surrounding the topic of Content Mills. There are those who disapprove
of the Mills all together; feeling they do nothing but take advantage of
writers. But, there are others who support Mills; believing they are a reasonable
source of income.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It wasn’t until I came across several articles
written by people who were either praising Content Mills or bashing them that I
decided to take a moment to reflect on my own feelings towards Mills and offer
my two cents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The underlying inquiries I noted most often:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Are Content Mills a waste of a fledgling
writer’s time, or are they stepping stones for writers wanting a foot in the
door . . . any door?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Are the articles expected to be written
worth the time and effort for the few pennies being offered as payment, or do
writers not care and see the work as a chance to gain experience for future
projects that will offer better payment?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I can speak from experience, I wrote for a few
different Content Mills.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Truthfully, it didn’t take me long to realize that
my heart wasn’t with writing for them. In fact, it was enough to make me sick
every time I had to write a 300-500 word article on a topic that interested me
very little. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It wasn’t long before I found myself in a position
where I could continue to pour my time into writing for “search and claim assignment”
sites, or sites that assign writers a list of relevant keywords to use for
articles (usually themed: food, holiday parties).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I could continue to devote myself to searching and
writing assignments (the few assignments) that at least invoked some sort of
interest. I could continue to painstakingly take my time and thoroughly research
every assignment in order to write an informative and interesting article,
regardless if I had little interest in the subject and received a small payment
for my hard work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Then it dawned on me:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">If
I took this much time and effort into writing stuff that I could care less
about, what would happen if I invest my time and effort into writing things I
am passionate about, things that inflame my heart. Why can’t I make money
writing about what interests me?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">From that realization, I moved on to pursue other
freelance writing projects. Do I regret the time I spent writing for Content
Mills ~ searching for assignments, gathering sources for each article, and
actually writing the article within the allotted time? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Absolutely not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">And I will tell you why.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">When the first approval to write for a content mill
came in my Inbox, I was ecstatic! Elated! Proud of myself! It was the boost of
confidence I needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I was just beginning my on-line freelance writing
career and was looking for a place to start. Seeing, “Congratulations you are
approved as a Mill Writer” meant a lot to me. It meant I had a place to start.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">To me, Mills are not a waste of time <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">for a
writer just beginning</i></b>. I look at them as stepping stones that have the
potential to provide freelance writers ~ those wanting to make money writing ~
with many valuable learning experiences. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">In my experience:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Mills
offered me a crash course in the operations of an on-line world. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">They introduced me to PayPal which I
have found to be a valuable resource. Being new to freelance writing and the
on-line world I had no idea that a site like PayPal existed. The Mill I was
writing for required all writers to have an account so payments could be made.
I wanted my money, so I created an account and have since learned a great deal
about the different services PayPal offers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I learned how to navigate through
websites; access my account, claiming assignments,<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>submitting assignments and so forth. Each Content Mill has a
different process for claiming, receiving and submitting assignments and each,
in their own way, taught me a little more about the inner-workings of the on-line
world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I gained a great deal of knowledge about
effective use of keywords and learning the importance of Search Engine
Optimization and Latent Semantic Indexing. Not to mention learning a few SEO and
LSI techniques.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It also exposed me to the inter-mingling
of the on-line world: the forums and message boards, social media and the world
of blogging.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Mills
offered me the opportunity to search and discover more about myself.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It was while writing for Mills when I realized
my likes and dislikes. I discovered things that really moved me. It was
probably during this enlightening moment I realized that writing for Content
Mills just wasn’t for me. Instead, I had a desire for bigger and better things.
I will always appreciate the knowledge gained from writing for them, though.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I also learned – reluctantly – that I am
a slow writer. It takes time selecting the right words, the right tone, and the
right resources. I write and re-write a lot. It is my goal to make certain I
have covered all the information and included some high points to be fondly
remembered. That takes time, more time than many Mills allot. I found myself
rushing to write a piece and always felt unsatisfied with the article I wrote,
believing if I had more time I could have made it better. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It was the dawn of myself that woke me up to the
vast opportunities I had as a writer other than writing for Content Mills. I
wasn’t happy with the amount of work involved for the few pennies they paid. I
wanted a bit more freedom with my writing. I learned from them. I grew from my
experience and I set out on other paths.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Would I recommend writing for a Content Mill?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">If you are just beginning as a writer, Yes. Yes, I
would recommend writing for a Mill. The learning experience is priceless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">What have been your experience working with Content
Mills? Was it positive? Do you regret the time you spent writing for them?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jodi Hugheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03013696980247026675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378391130487226942.post-13876837450834368542013-07-30T16:00:00.000-07:002013-10-24T12:34:57.608-07:00Testing ... TestingUnfortunately, I am not a computer guru. I know enough to be dangerous. <br />
<br />
With that being said, I am always testing how things work in this online world. <br />
<br />
Testing to see how to create a blog - DONE.<br />
<br />
Testing to see how to link from one place to another - DONE.<br />
<br />
Testing to see how to create a URL from a word document - LEARNING.<br />
<br />
I have found that one of the best tools to use for testing how the online world works is to use your blog or website. These are useful tools that don't just spread the word about your great invention or best selling novel ... Blogs and websites are also the essence of innovation, learning and moving forward.<br />
<br />
The challenge I was having was creating a document in Word and then giving it a place on the Web; an address where I could use as a hyperlink. <br />
<br />
This is my the result of my test, but first let me give you the back story .....<br />
<br />
In a recent post I proudly announced the launching of a dream ... the birth of a company, Immortal Spark Publishing, LLC. ISP is currently focusing on a directory of services, information, and resources for those affected by sexual violence. One of the many goals of this resource tool is to bridge the gap between victims of sexual violence and the agencies and organizations who offer support, information and resources.<br />
<br />
In an effort to promote the directory and assist the agencies listed within the over 500 pages, ISP is offering a unique and incredible opportunity to businesses and individuals.<br />
<br />
That is the back story. I created a document on my computer - a letter providing information on a matter of great importance and an awesome opportunity - and uploaded the file to <a href="http://scribd.com/">Scribd.com</a>. From there a link was created.<br />
<br />
I provide the link <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/157086440/To-Whom-it-May-Concern" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://scribd.com/">Scribd.com</a> is an excellent source for creating links for your documents. It makes it easier to share your work with others ... I recommend it to anyone who wants to get information to a wide audience in a timely manner.<br />
<br />
I tested how to change my documents to a link and am greatly pleased with the results!Jodi Hugheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03013696980247026675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378391130487226942.post-27262423458344362852013-07-30T12:27:00.000-07:002013-10-24T12:34:41.384-07:00Launching a Dream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0G-Q6vRpMbw2Oz4CdnUAGV900H0nf7pdYz2BxFW06Y1TCAyX1SdAKcoW7yS_sFt3oi9F7M5lB4drZvIONL3AyP198tFn5062Hh5Ji-2TeN8Kqy6STEOHWr1x_unDb_VciUeGBl2uOole/s1600/Comic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0G-Q6vRpMbw2Oz4CdnUAGV900H0nf7pdYz2BxFW06Y1TCAyX1SdAKcoW7yS_sFt3oi9F7M5lB4drZvIONL3AyP198tFn5062Hh5Ji-2TeN8Kqy6STEOHWr1x_unDb_VciUeGBl2uOole/s320/Comic.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It is true that you should never quit on a dream. I had
a dream to help others and publish my own writing. After more than a year of
planning, researching, more researching and more planning, my dream has been
launched and a company born.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">How I started ….<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">One of the phrases I constantly came across as I researched
for ways to make money with writing was this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Write
what you know</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">After several brainstorming sessions with myself I came
to the conclusion that I could help others by writing about something I knew,
but what did I know?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Several more brainstorming sessions later I came up
with one of the best ideas I have ever had. Not only did I realize that I did
know something I could write about, but I could utilize this knowledge and
create a publishing company that could get the information to the public on my
terms. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I present to you a company with a purpose to create
and distribute information that deal with one’s emotional health and
well-being.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I proudly introduce you to a publishing company with
heart and one on a mission to help those in need all across this beautiful
United States of America.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The mission of this company is fourfold:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Produce
and promote high quality works of literature that heighten the human spirit and
connect hearts across America.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Challenge
readers, through literary venues, to look deeper into the crevices of the mind
and transform that which is negative into something positive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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and enhance collaboration between those who offer help, hope and healing to
others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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strong, healthy minds, bodies and spirits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I give you <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">IMMORTAL
SPARK PUBLISHING, LLC</b>. Where the aim is to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">forever touch lives one word at a time</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">ISP is a product of my brainstorming, my dreaming
and my believing in myself enough to get the company off the ground.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">You are encouraged to visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ImmortalSparkPublishingLlc"><span style="color: #0563c1;">ISP’s Facebook page</span></a>.
Be sure to “Like” so you can receive updates on the company as well as life-improving
information.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">ISP is currently putting together a directory of
services, information and resources for those affected by sexual violence. The mission of the directory is
to:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> Create a resource tool composed of organizations across the
nation who are working to reduce the incidence of sexual assault by providing support, information and resources;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Provide a sexual assault resource
directory to those seeking support, hope and healing after an assault, and for
those interested in helping to eliminate sexual violence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Updates on this important resource tool will come in
the following weeks. If you would like more information, please send an email
to <a href="mailto:immortalsparkpublishing@gmail.com"><span style="color: #0563c1;">immortalsparkpublishing@gmail.com</span></a>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jodi Hugheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03013696980247026675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378391130487226942.post-469495461102021562012-02-29T14:14:00.000-08:002013-10-24T12:34:23.119-07:00Today is Leap Day . . .<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9DEXcmbPMLeIZns8dTRRDlYarQVkbtTm2nIEzwwY3zhtLDBMtB-f5CrbNTjMIoiN0rZtToGm1vtfhz2PL91MoEWThK_ZtJSFtIkSaWM32reZREMbjLh7TDWuYQ2fQjIL02qN2Zx4IlM_/s1600/Stuff+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9DEXcmbPMLeIZns8dTRRDlYarQVkbtTm2nIEzwwY3zhtLDBMtB-f5CrbNTjMIoiN0rZtToGm1vtfhz2PL91MoEWThK_ZtJSFtIkSaWM32reZREMbjLh7TDWuYQ2fQjIL02qN2Zx4IlM_/s320/Stuff+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't be afraid to follow the rainbow!</td></tr>
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As such, it has inspired me to do some research to learn more about this 29<sup>th</sup> day of February, and maybe find a decent quote to share about the topic.</div>
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I have found something that precisely expresses my thoughts about this day. I will simply provide a link and hope that you find as much inspiration from the quote as I have.</div>
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It comes from Vera Nazarian’s book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/leap-year">The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration</a>.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Happy <st1:city><st1:place>Reading</st1:place></st1:city>!</div>
Jodi Hugheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03013696980247026675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378391130487226942.post-23176667723143167572011-09-15T07:53:00.000-07:002013-10-24T12:33:28.745-07:00Work Those Opportunities!<div class="MsoNormal">
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><st1:place><i>Opportunity</i></st1:place></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i> is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.</i></span></i></div>
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<i><b> </b></i><b>-</b>Thomas Edison</div>
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This is an amazing time for freelance writers. Opportunities abound! That’s the good news. The bad news (if you are a glass-half-empty kind of person) is that when an opportunity is seized one must do work before the rewards of the opportunity can be obtained. </div>
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Say for instance an opportunity has presented itself in the form of creating a newsletter for a local company. That is wonderful but there is much work involved before the final product is complete. Research, meetings, interviews, writing, formatting . . . the work list goes on. Don’t be afraid of the overalls (the work involved). Simply adjust the straps, lace up the boots and get dirty. </div>
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Don’t miss the opportunity because it looks like work. Instead, work the opportunity until it looks like an achievement.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Photo provided by Jodi Hughey. Copyright 2011.</i></div>
Jodi Hugheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03013696980247026675noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378391130487226942.post-90556965135228736962011-09-13T07:03:00.000-07:002013-10-24T12:33:16.925-07:00From small beginnings come great things . . .<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">From small beginnings come great things.</span></i><br />
-American Proverb</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-style: normal;">One of my passions is reading and sharing quotes that inspire, motivate, encourage and bring a smile to any face. Another passion of mine is taking pictures that stir up warm fuzzy feelings and remind me of a time when stress was just a word in a dictionary.</span></div>
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I decided to begin a new series for this blog that relates writing with both of these passions. It’s a small step that will get me in the habit of writing more freely and posting more often. </div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">From small beginnings come great things </i>instills a sense of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">action</i></b>; a need to begin. It is like a goal that has been planted in the mind but requires nurturing, or <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">action</i></b>, until it blossoms into something beautiful. One should never feel the burden of accomplishing a goal in one sitting no more than expecting a seed to grow to full maturity overnight. Instead the actions for meeting the goal should be completed in small doses and nurtured until it grows and becomes something great. Big things will come from these small beginnings!</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Photo provided by Jodi Hughey. Copyright 2011.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Quote provided by <a href="http://thinkexist.com/quotation/from_small_beginnings_come_great_things/149124.html">Thinkexist.com</a></i></div>
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Jodi Hugheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03013696980247026675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378391130487226942.post-5126063599379012122011-08-24T10:20:00.000-07:002013-10-24T12:32:58.835-07:00A Strategy for Succeeding as a Freelance Writer<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"If you wait for perfect conditions, </i><br />
<i>you will never get anything done."</i><br />
-Ecclesiastes 11: 4-5</td></tr>
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So, I am catching up on my favorite blogs and an article from <a href="http://www.makealivingwriting.com/about-carol/">Make a Living Writing</a> catches my eye. Actually, it punched me in the face. There were some harsh realizations I had to face after reading this article by Carol Tice. The title says it all and I have to shamefully admit that I am guilty of almost half the excuses in <a href="http://www.makealivingwriting.com/2011/08/22/top-lies-freelance-writers/">10 Lame Excuses That Keep Freelance Writers Poor</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.makealivingwriting.com/2011/08/22/top-lies-freelance-writers/"></a>The same day I read Carol’s article I stumbled on a quote from Ecclesiastes 11: 4-5, “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.” I am also guilty of “waiting for perfect conditions” (the weather to turn cooler, a better publishing program, creating an official website, etc.) and in the meantime I am getting nowhere with writing or marketing myself as a writer.</div>
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After reading Carol’s article and Ecclesiastes 11: 4-5 I felt as if I was given the one - two punch. And I liked it! It took this knock on the head to get me thinking about how I am handling myself as a freelance writer. I will bluntly admit that I am not proud of where I am. Do I blame those who won’t hire me? How can they if they don’t know who I am and what I have to offer? Sure, I can smile when I review the clips I have collected over the past year; I then frown when I see there is only a handful. I know I can produce much more but I feel as if there is something holding me back. Do I wait for opportunity to knock at my door or do I knock down opportunity’s door?</div>
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I need to shake off the shackles that keep me from earning a living with writing. I should tape a quote from <a href="http://www.makealivingwriting.com/2011/08/22/top-lies-freelance-writers/">10 Lame Excuses That Keep Freelance Writers Poor</a>, “The real problem is inside your head.” Couldn’t have said it better, Carol! If I want to know what’s holding me back I need only to look in the mirror. </div>
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With that said, I need to take a moment and revaluate my plan to become a successful freelance writer . . . formulate a strategy. I like to think that this strategy may work for others. It’s a straight forward approach to overcoming excuses and the obsession for obtaining perfect conditions.</div>
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1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Start writing</span></b>. It doesn’t have to be a 500 page novel. Begin with a journal of thoughts and interests and then let the creative juices flow. </div>
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2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Do some marketing</span></b>. Start with social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Update profile to reflect freelance writing. Create a profile on freelance writing job sites.</div>
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3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Continue writing</span></b>. The interests that were marked down in a journal can now blossom into a series of articles for a niche website.</div>
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4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Do some more marketing</span></b>. Take to the streets and do some in-person networking.</div>
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5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Keep this in mind at all times</span></b> – always push for more . . . more writing . . . more marketing . . . more. Earl Nightingale, a motivational author and speaker once said, <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">"One hour per day of study will put you at the top of your field within three years. Within five years you'll be a national authority. In seven years, you can be one of the best people in the world at what you do." Imagine what can be done if one studied two hours a day!</span></span></div>
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Remember . . . “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.” </div>
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Go to it, and do it!<br />
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<i>Photo provided by Jodi Hughey. Copyright 2011.</i></div>
Jodi Hugheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03013696980247026675noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378391130487226942.post-20973172468263429102011-07-05T14:38:00.000-07:002013-10-24T12:32:39.914-07:00Three Helpful Online Resources for Writers<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRvPfz8xVdFn0SQfWUorBvv6AEg6P8SKMq3YHc30kC8bs3zmwJe-7fGdgeYpDlcJU5hhxzU7Eb-k4Kyv70H9bVyh80CceTaUTlc3RODQOpm_8k8NGjtNtkbtRlncw1yf8zYw8xL03GkEE/s1600/Nature+024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRvPfz8xVdFn0SQfWUorBvv6AEg6P8SKMq3YHc30kC8bs3zmwJe-7fGdgeYpDlcJU5hhxzU7Eb-k4Kyv70H9bVyh80CceTaUTlc3RODQOpm_8k8NGjtNtkbtRlncw1yf8zYw8xL03GkEE/s200/Nature+024.jpg" width="200" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Grammar and Punctuation Assistance<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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One important function as a writer is to be able to write clearly and informatively. Another important function, probably THE most important, is to produce writing free of grammar and punctuation errors. </div>
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There are moments when I am working on an article, or any form of writing for that matter, and things are going well. The words seem to just flow from my head to my fingers, and then WHAM! I find myself stumped with a grammar issue. My weakness is numbers – should you spell numbers one though nine and write numbers from 10 on up? </div>
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It is during these moments that I turn to the almighty power of the Internet to search for help. I found a wonderful website that not only explains how to write numbers, but covers a whole plethora of information relating to grammar and punctuation; another element that stumps me – don’t get me started on commas! Commas are my gremlins – they always pop up when I don’t need them, and they hide when I do. Anyway, I digress. I introduce you to <a href="http://grammarbook.com/">Grammarbook.com</a>, by Jane Straus. It is well worth taking a look if you are like me and get stumped on a few English rules. </div>
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What I was most impressed with at Grammarbook.com is the option to subscribe to a free eNewsletter that is loaded with tips and links. The site also offers quizzes for brushing up on grammar and punctuation, or refreshing the brain on the rules of English. </div>
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The site is a must have resource!</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Public Library<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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What is always there when you need it, but often overlooked? The public library! Libraries have come a long way since the days of card catalogs. Services are now offered through the Internet allowing cardholders the ability to search and reserve books, all in the comfort of home.</div>
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Don’t feel like making a trip to the library to see if they have the book you want? Not a problem! Simply visit your public library’s website and follow the directions for obtaining a pin. A library card number will be needed. Once logged in the ability to scan available titles and reserve books is as easy as clicking a few buttons. This is a great resource for any writer.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Refresher Typing Course<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Typing was something I couldn’t quite master in school. To this day I still have difficulty locating keys. I know! A writer who has trouble typing?! I was so frustrated with myself that I decided to do some research to see if there were any helpful resources on the Internet. I found an AMAZING site; <a href="http://typeonline.co.uk/">typeonline.co.uk</a>. </div>
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After a few moments on this easy to navigate site I quickly learned I was making typing way more difficult than it had to be. Typeonline.co.uk offers simple explanations such as finger placement on keys . . . I never realized the ‘F’ and ‘J’ keys have bumps on them. This sure does make it easier when locating the right keys! After I figured where to put my fingers I am a lot more comfortable typing. I can finally manage to hit the right keys – and do it quickly!</div>
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Another aspect about this site that I like is the exercises after each lesson. It’s almost like playing a game. I was constantly trying to beat my best! Before I knew it I was typing with ease and grace. Typeonline.co.uk is a super site to have as a resource. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<i>Photo provided by Jodi Hughey. Copyright 2011.</i></div>
Jodi Hugheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03013696980247026675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378391130487226942.post-83219684809043776142011-04-21T05:45:00.000-07:002013-10-30T08:17:13.608-07:00What is a Content Mill?<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyt0Cnsq7dF7L1p72KiQBt0eWJsuNRm6Db8N3alcoacLTJSWBk8Dgfdh-yYSwluB0rTuJtOUgTBv6gWCEf747T9eAmVNRYUQisIu-P1YOMPxSwDvbJ7boV4qfHN93M8-LMPT4JAns7xvh/s1600/Blog+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyt0Cnsq7dF7L1p72KiQBt0eWJsuNRm6Db8N3alcoacLTJSWBk8Dgfdh-yYSwluB0rTuJtOUgTBv6gWCEf747T9eAmVNRYUQisIu-P1YOMPxSwDvbJ7boV4qfHN93M8-LMPT4JAns7xvh/s200/Blog+002.jpg" width="200" /></a>According to <a href="http://freelancewrite.about.com/od/glossary/g/contentmill.htm">About.com</a>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">content mill</i> or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">writer’s mill</i> is defined as:</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“. . . </i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">a slang term used by freelance writers and given to a company, website or organization designed to provide cheap website content, usually at a significant profit to themselves, and usually by paying very low rates to writers.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">I find this definition to be harsh. My first paid writing assignment came from a content mill. I worked hard on that assignment! To read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“provide cheap website content”</i> is an insult.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">I found another definition in a post at <a href="http://www.seobook.com/content-mills">SEOBook.com</a> which claims that:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">“</span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333331;">A content mill is a site that publishes cheap content. The content is either user-contributed, paid, or a mix of the two. The term content mill is obviously pejorative; the implication being that the content is only published to pump content into search engines, and is typically of low value in terms of quality.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333331;">There is that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“cheap content” </i>phrase again. To me, the meaning of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">content mill</i> is much more than writing content for sites that pay a pittance to writers and who want to rank high on search engine results. I know I try my best to write quality content. It is my goal to educate, stimulate and be as accurate as I can in my writing. But I digress . . .<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333331;">To define what a content mill is requires a look outside the box. Content mills provide a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">learning advantage</i></b>. When I decided to write for the Internet I wasn’t sure how to do it. I had no idea what SEO was or how to do adequate research on the Internet. I learned the value of SEO writing and researching with keywords by writing for a content mill.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333331;">Writing for a content mill has <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">expanded my knowledge</i></b>.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></b>Assignments provided through a content mill cover a wide range of subjects. I have done research in areas I never new existed. I have written articles about hair, gardening, business and more. Each article I write I learn something new and I can use this knowledge for future writing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333331;">I would also have to define a content mill as fuel for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">writing experience</i></b>. A content mill is like gas for my brain that motivates me to write. Not only have I become more involved with writing but I have become more experienced with different formats and guidelines for articles. In essence, the more I write for a content mill the more writing experience I gain.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333331;">Would I recommend a living by solely writing for a content mill? No. But I would recommend giving them a chance. There is a lot to gain: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">learning advantage</i></b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">expanding knowledge</i></b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">writing experience</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333331;">Check out this list to see if any of these content mills can benefit you.</span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333331;"><a href="http://www.demandstudios.com/freelance-work/writers.html">Demand Studios</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333331;"><a href="http://www.textbroker.com/us/author-information.php">Textbroker.com</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333331;"><a href="http://www.ecopywriters.com/about/employment.html">eCopywriters.com</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333331;"><a href="http://breakstudios.break.com/">Break Studios</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333331;"><a href="http://www.writeraccess.com/about/#/writeraccess-basics">Writer Access</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333331;"><a href="https://www.wisegeek.com/freelance-writing-jobs.htm">wiseGEEK</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333331;">How do you define what a content mill is? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333331;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333331;">Have you had experience working with a content mill that you would like to share? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333331;"><i>Photo provided by Jodi Hughey. Copyright 2011.</i></span></div>
Jodi Hugheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03013696980247026675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378391130487226942.post-65569791004223681912011-03-17T10:24:00.000-07:002013-10-24T12:32:00.546-07:00Job Opportunities for Freelance Writers<div class="MsoNormal">
I started following <st1:street><st1:address><a href="http://freelancewriterroad.com/">Freelance Writer Road</a></st1:address></st1:street> since June 2010. I have found this site to be extremely effective in providing me with inspiration and helpful information. I stumbled on the site while researching sample resumes. I not only found a fabulous sample, but I also found a list encompassing over 125 job opportunities for freelance writers!</div>
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The site is full of articles that discuss the journey of freelance writer, Janis Bennett. From being hired to being fired, Janis shares her experiences with honesty and humor. In addition to sharing her expertise she has provided a <a href="http://freelancewriterroad.com/list-of-companies-that-hire-freelance-writers/">List of Companies that Hire Freelance Writers</a>. This page alone is priceless! Janis did the leg work of locating sites that pay and listing them on a page with a link to each site. All I had to do was click and read! If I was interested in the company I would apply, if not, I moved on to the next one. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Happy Research (now made easy)!</div>
Jodi Hugheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03013696980247026675noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378391130487226942.post-36824699513557080342011-03-15T16:09:00.000-07:002013-10-24T12:31:39.404-07:00Job Sites for Freelance Writers<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHa8jKgdbPfNTLTMQ6vwUxLrS7GW41ZFCX36nPM-zfJqQVxhyphenhyphenaHhrORVrNSL5PgYz5Q9qLaqobuZ5Z5Vw1sux3VEdbdBaPiVNUSK_W-7iHtRBqn2THAGQm2YBbJ5KH3REWd1xTkQt4UIX/s1600/Blog+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHa8jKgdbPfNTLTMQ6vwUxLrS7GW41ZFCX36nPM-zfJqQVxhyphenhyphenaHhrORVrNSL5PgYz5Q9qLaqobuZ5Z5Vw1sux3VEdbdBaPiVNUSK_W-7iHtRBqn2THAGQm2YBbJ5KH3REWd1xTkQt4UIX/s200/Blog+001.jpg" width="200" /></a>Deciding to become a freelance writer is the easy part. The challenge is finding writing jobs. The Internet is a fantastic resource for finding jobs and there are several online sites that offer a list of jobs specifically for freelance writers. In my efforts to find work I have stumbled across a few sites that have been extremely beneficial to me. I offer this list to you with the hope that you, too, will find something of interest.</div>
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<a href="http://www.online-writing-jobs.com/">Online Writing Jobs</a></div>
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This site is simple to navigate and gets right to the point by offering over 45 job categories for freelance writers. Click on copywriting, blogging or any job category and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">POOF</i></b> you are taken to a page containing ads that could eventually lead you to a great writing gig. </div>
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<a href="http://www.freelancejobopenings.com/">Freelance Job Openings</a></div>
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This site offers a straightforward approach. As soon as the page loads you are greeted with an assortment of job ads. The site features a tool that lets you choose your own job category so you don’t have to search every listing, only those that are appealing to your area of writing.</div>
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<a href="http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites">Craigslist</a></div>
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One of the nice features of this site is that you can pin-point the area in which you would like to find work. You have the capability to search for writing gigs in your own state and county or search abroad.</div>
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<a href="http://jobs.problogger.net/">Jobs on Problogger</a></div>
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Searching for a blogging gig? This site is for you! A list of opportunities for bloggers is updated daily. The opportunities await you.</div>
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<a href="http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/">Freelance Writing Jobs</a></div>
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This site not only offers a list of writing gigs but also offers helpful articles that cover a wide range of freelance writing topics. Consider this site a two-for-one in that you receive job leads <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">plus</i></b> an education that will help to increase your writing and earning potential.</div>
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<a href="http://tjobs.com/">Telecommuting Jobs</a></div>
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This site will require some time to sort through the information but it is well worth your effort. In addition to job listings for writers the site offers special tools to enhance your chances of landing a writing gig. Check it out to see if it is something you can use.<br />
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<i>Photo provided by Jodi Hughey. Copyright 2011.</i></div>
Jodi Hugheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03013696980247026675noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378391130487226942.post-27692776453279946592011-03-10T09:58:00.000-08:002013-10-24T12:31:14.348-07:00Feature Blog: Get Paid to Write Online<div class="MsoNormal">
I am ashamed to admit that it has been some time since my last post. I would like to make it up to you by featuring a link to a fantastic blog: <a href="http://www.getpaidtowriteonline.com/">Get Paid to Write Online</a>.</div>
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I have been following this amazing blog, hosted by Sharon Hurley Hall, for the past six months and have found the site to be both inspirational and informative! <st1:city><st1:place>Sharon</st1:place></st1:city> has such a down-to-earth approach to explaining the pitfalls and privileges of being a freelance writer. She includes witty posts like <a href="http://www.getpaidtowriteonline.com/writing-business-lessons-from-the-guttering-guy/">Writing Business Lessons from the Guttering Guy</a>; a unique perspective on how to get continued writing gigs, and <a href="http://www.getpaidtowriteonline.com/doing-writing-gigs-for-fun/">Doing Writing Gigs for Fun</a>; this one led me to another possible job opportunity.</div>
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I appreciate <st1:city><st1:place>Sharon</st1:place></st1:city>’s hard work at researching and writing on topics that appeal to the fledgling freelance writer, like me. I have come to rely on her for helpful advice, positive insights and links to writing opportunities.</div>
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I hope you find this site as valuable as I have!</div>
Jodi Hugheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03013696980247026675noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378391130487226942.post-72545030827381391662011-02-15T11:21:00.000-08:002013-10-24T12:30:33.915-07:00The Experiment with Suite101 and Y!CN<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, it has been a few weeks since I embarked on <a href="http://jhughey.blogspot.com/2011/01/suite101-vs-yahoo-contributor-network.html">the experiment</a> with <a href="http://suite101.com/">Suite101</a> and <a href="http://contributor.yahoo.com/">Yahoo! Contributing Network</a>. The idea was to submit an article to each site and compare the publication process. This is what I have to report so far:</div>
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I did like I planned. On the same day I submitted an article to Suite101 and one to Y!CN. I was greatly surprised to hear that my article was approved and published on Suite101 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">THE VERY SAME DAY</i></b>! Not only was I surprised but I was ecstatic! Elated! Proud! I proved to myself that I could do it, I could finally say, “Yes! Jodi, you are a writer! </div>
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When I received the news of my article being published on Suite101 I immediately went into the site to check it out. I then posted it to my Facebook page and on a forum that I recently joined. To date I have made 1 cent and have had 65 page views! Although those may not seem like astounding numbers they are priceless to me. I have to remember that my work has just begun and one penny will lead to another.</div>
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Seven days later the article I submitted to Y!CN was also approved and published. Once again I was elated! To date I have had 3 page views and made 0 cents at Y!CN. At this point I do not care. I am just happy to have gotten an article published on another site. </div>
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The next step for me is to promote my published writing. I want to try and generate more page views to make more money. In the email from Y!CN regarding my article being approved there was a link that listed tips for promoting articles. I am going to have to take the time to review and implement the ideas. What I learn there will help me elsewhere as well.</div>
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With the publication process determined - Suite101 is faster – and the numbers are in – Suite101 is higher - I have come to the conclusion that I will submit non-fiction articles to Sutie101 (I tend to write more non-fiction) and save my short stories for Y!CN (a side hobby).</div>
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Links to the articles:</div>
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Five Easy Tips for Saving Money</div>
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<a href="http://www.suite101.com/content/five-easy-tips-for-saving-money-a341935">http://www.suite101.com/content/five-easy-tips-for-saving-money-a341935</a></div>
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Writing for Money: Five Basic Steps to Get Started</div>
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<a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/6193508/writing_for_money_five_basic_steps.html?cat=31">http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/6193508/writing_for_money_five_basic_steps.html?cat=31</a></div>
Jodi Hugheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03013696980247026675noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378391130487226942.post-26841624039238709612011-02-02T12:07:00.000-08:002011-09-27T07:41:43.201-07:00Happy Ground Hog Day!<div class="MsoNormal">As Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his bedroom to tell us if there will be six more weeks of winter left I have been busy writing articles for <a href="http://demandstudios.com/">Demand Media Studios</a> and researching information for upcoming blog posts. I want to offer a quick glimpse of what is to come – it is my intention to supply helpful advice and useful information for those who are traveling down the same road I am - the road to writing for money. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Feature Blogs<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal">I spend a lot of time reading what other writer’s have to say on the subject of writing for money. I will be highlighting the blogs that I read. My intention is to introduce you to a wider world of knowledge when it comes to freelance writing. Each blog featured will be certain to aid in your progress. Consider them a rest area where you can relax and learn new things while you drive down the road to making money as a freelance writer.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Forum or not to Forum<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Forums can be an intimidating place for those of us who tend to stay in our shells; hiding ourselves from the outside world. I will explain forums and how they can be useful for generating more job leads, making friends and keeping you motivated. I will also include information on how to get involved in a forum that is right for you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Content mills<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://jhughey.blogspot.com/2011/04/what-is-content-mill.html">Here</a>, I will discuss what content mills are and the different mills available to writers. In addition, I will offer an explanation of each content mill and provide information regarding the benefits for writers. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My Success<o:p></o:p></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As always, I will keep you up-to-date on my progress with writing for money. I will explain what I do and how I go about developing articles and generating ideas.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There is much more information on the way! This is an exciting time for freelance writers. Stick with me and together we will drive on the open road to writing for money!<o:p></o:p></div>Jodi Hugheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03013696980247026675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378391130487226942.post-89707927994762288872011-01-17T13:21:00.000-08:002013-10-24T12:30:08.942-07:00Suite101 vs. Yahoo! Contributor Network: The Experiment<div class="MsoNormal">
I recently found myself faced with a difficult question and no real answer at hand. After a little brainstorming with myself I came up with an idea for an experiment.</div>
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Since being approved to write for <a href="http://www.suite101.com/">Suite101</a> I have been busy reading the guidelines and searching through articles about – none other than – writing for money. I find it interesting and a learning experience to read what other people are saying about freelance writing. I also find it inspirational and motivating, but I digress . . . </div>
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I have been working on an article that I plan to submit to <a href="http://contributor.yahoo.com/">Yahoo! Contributor Network</a>. In the midst of researching Suite101 and writing an article for Y!CN a thought occurred to me. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Why couldn’t I republish the same, or similar, article on Suite101 AND Y!CN?</i> I was interested in learning whether or not I could get more visibility for my articles and make more money if I publish it on both sites.</div>
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An <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">important </b>item I learned while researching Suite101 was that they carry full rights to my articles for one year. After one year I can republish my articles on other sites. This is very important to know! It means that if I publish an article on Suite101 I cannot publish the same article <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">anywhere </i></b>until a year has passed. </div>
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This leads me to the difficult question. Where can I make the most money? Suite101? or Y!CN?</div>
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When I look at the payment options between Suite101 and Y!CN I learned that Y!CN pays upfront and performance payments for pieces that have not been published. They pay performance payments for pieces that have been published. Let’s say I have an article that I have yet to publish. By submitting it to Y!CN I have a better chance at making a little upfront money PLUS performance payments. I have yet to publish anything so I cannot say what the upfront or performance payments are.</div>
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How can I make money with Suite101? I can make money through advertising. How much depends on traffic and interest in the advertisements on the page where my article is.</div>
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After careful thought and consideration I have come up with an experiment. I will send an article to Y!CN and one to Suite101 on the same day. The idea is to compare the editing process and time frame for publication – that is if the articles are approved. I can also see which site offers the most earning potential.</div>
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Wish me luck! I will keep you posted.<o:p></o:p></div>
Jodi Hugheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03013696980247026675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378391130487226942.post-45493219525884502232011-01-11T08:44:00.001-08:002013-10-24T12:11:44.123-07:00I have been approved to write for Suite101!<div class="MsoNormal">
After a great deal of hesitation and a push from all the ads I have seen on the Web, I decided to apply to Suite101. It always makes me nervous when I have to submit an application and provide background information on myself and samples of my writing. BUT! I overcame my fear, applied and was approved! I can hardly wait to submit my first article . . . I just need to some research on the site to get a feel of the atmosphere and check out the tutorials.</div>
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I will keep you posted on what I learn and what I earn!<o:p></o:p></div>
Jodi Hugheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03013696980247026675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378391130487226942.post-53221767336152093602011-01-05T11:28:00.000-08:002013-10-24T12:11:22.387-07:00Writing for Money: How I Started<div class="MsoNormal">
After graduating college with an English degree in May of 2010, I decided to go into the executive administrative field. I considered writing for money, but was somewhat intimidated by the idea. I already had experience in the administrative field. I was once a secretary for a busy real estate office and then became a volunteer coordinator for a non-profit organization. I figured with my experience and degree I would land a job in no time. After a month of sending resumes, searching the Internet and making cold calls I became discouraged when no one returned my calls or responded to my resumes. It seemed that nobody was hiring. I reconsidered writing for money. It was something I had always wanted to do. I enjoyed writing and wanted the flexibility to work at home. So, I decided to give it a try and see if I could make money as a writer.</div>
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I soon realized that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">deciding</i></b> to write for money and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">actually </i></b>making money as a writer are two different monsters. I discovered that I needed determination, patience, perseverance, and more importantly knowledge on how to begin!</div>
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Words from one of my English professor’s still resonate in my head, “The Internet, Jodi. That’s how you will make money.” He said this to me after I quizzed him about making money as a writer. Since I had considered the thought before school ended and I had no luck with landing a job I was pretty much forced to finally make up my mind and find a way to make money as a writer. I had the time - for I was jobless. I had the ambition - I just graduated college with a bachelor’s degree – yippee! And I had an Internet connection. Then I hit a bump on the road. I wasn’t even out of the garage – so to speak – before stalling the car. I became paralyzed by fear when I realized I had no idea what I was doing. How was I going to make money by writing . . . on the Internet?</div>
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It has been several months (a smidge over six) since my car – so to speak – stalled. I got the engine going again and have pulled out of my driveway and am traveling down my road to writing for money. </div>
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I will show you how I started . . . </div>
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<o:p></o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I began to research</b></div>
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When I say, “I had no idea how to start making money as a writer,” I am being completely honest. BUT! Thank goodness for search engines like <a href="http://www.google.com/">Google</a> and <a href="http://www.yahoo.com/">Yahoo</a>. One day, after stalling (or procrastinating) I sat down and typed in a few keywords and received instant hits. That was how I got my drive going, again. </div>
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Keywords I used: </div>
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Writing for money online</div>
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Writing for money on the Internet</div>
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Freelance writing jobs</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvsY2oVv2m8SgOy7v53mDVlKSBTdvlrtkaMUC4366PN8yvnT1vtzCb3vj6-WuCG900eWNTkYY6-u_kubL6v7uk1FySqYPSMGCt9Vv8ViPQpBY-K8mM3OIlMhvQ5BLQaiSd8j75uYLSXSl/s1600/Blog+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvsY2oVv2m8SgOy7v53mDVlKSBTdvlrtkaMUC4366PN8yvnT1vtzCb3vj6-WuCG900eWNTkYY6-u_kubL6v7uk1FySqYPSMGCt9Vv8ViPQpBY-K8mM3OIlMhvQ5BLQaiSd8j75uYLSXSl/s200/Blog+006.jpg" width="200" /></a>With all of the hits I had I became a researching maniac! It was like a whole new world opened up for me. I began to see that there were many ways to make money as a writer! I was browsing sites that offered a list of jobs for writers and I was scanning sites that paid writers upfront or through residual income. I would spend days looking at these sites. Before long I became overwhelmed with all of the information and found myself stalling again. I needed to arrange the vast information into something more Jodi friendly. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I organized myself<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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At first, I would print everything from the site of interest and place the information in a notebook for easy access, but I found that I used a lot of paper and ink. So, I started to bookmark sites that were most useful to me.</div>
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I had a large journal with nothing in it and decided to use it for notes and ides. This journal has become priceless to me! When an idea strikes me I write it in my journal. I consider my journal a mess that only I can understand! I have notes scattered throughout along with web addresses and job leads. </div>
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With all of my research and ideas in a tidy area, be that on my computer or in my journal, I am able to research more efficiently and focus on making money as a writer - which leads me to the next item . . .</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I applied for writing jobs<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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By doing research and organizing the information I was ready to apply for writing jobs. One of the sites that caught my attention was <a href="http://www.demandstudios.com/">Demand Media Studios</a>. DMS offers upfront payments for articles, and writers can choose from a list of assignments. Before I could do anything with DMS I had to submit an application, resume and two writing samples. I had nothing published at the time. After a few frantic moments I decided to send an article from a newsletter that I developed in college and a donation letter I had drafted for a local non-profit organization. I was excited when DMS approved my application!</div>
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In addition to applying to DMS I began to apply to want-ads for writers. One of the sites offering a wide range of help-wanted ads for writes is <a href="http://www.online-writing-jobs.com/">Online Writing Jobs.com</a>. I have found this site to be invaluable in my research for writing work.</div>
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Something I noticed as I was scanning application forms and want-ads was that many sites and companies want writing samples or links to a Blog. I came up with writing samples, but a Blog I did not have. So, my next destination . . .</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I began a Blog<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I was hesitant to begin a Blog. When I first started to toss the notion around I was coming up with ideas that covered parenting styles, environmental issues, and writing. I felt as if I was experiencing an instance where I am offered three wishes and my mind just goes blank. I can have ANYTHING I want, but I freeze. I really had no idea what to write about, and yet I was filled with ideas.</div>
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I came up with the initiative to Blog about how I make money as a writer. It is my desire to assist others and at the same time it will give me experience and samples of my writing. I am still learning the Blog process and am finding that there are ways to make money with it, and I am all about making money!</div>
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I still spend a lot of time researching and my journal is growing with ideas. I apply myself daily to sites that offer work to writers and continue to work on articles for my Blog. I am a busy girl and my time is precious and I make certain to . . .</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Schedule my time effectively </b>(or at least I try to)<o:p></o:p></div>
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It is easy for me to get off track. I can stare out the window and ponder my writing dreams, but that doesn’t help to pay the bills. I can jump at the beckon call of family members and friends, but that doesn’t get my work done. It took me a while to formulate a schedule that works – truth be known, I am still perfecting it.</div>
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I typically begin my day by checking my email. I then scan assignments on <a href="http://www.demandstudios.com/">Demand Media Studios</a>. I search for jobs on sites like <a href="http://www.online-writing-jobs.com/">Online Writing Jobs.com</a> then begin, or complete assignments from the previous day. I spend a few hours brainstorming with myself on ideas for upcoming articles. Basically, my days are made up of writing, researching and planning projects. </div>
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The information above is by no means a complete car-care kit – so to speak – but it did guarantee my start at making money as a writer! I have come to understand that the process is going to be a long one – but the benefits are going to be worth it! I just need to keep driving . . .</div>
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Sites of Interest:</div>
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<a href="http://www.demandstudios.com/">Demand Media Studios</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.online-writing-jobs.com/">Online Writing Jobs.com</a></div>
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<i>Photo provided by Jodi Hughey. Copyright 2011.</i></div>
Jodi Hugheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03013696980247026675noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378391130487226942.post-8683553755916122612011-01-03T13:41:00.000-08:002013-10-24T12:11:00.684-07:00My Not-so-Formal Three-Minute Writing Resume<b>In the beginning . . .</b> <br />
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I started in the writing field before I hit kindergarden. I started with creating books out of construction paper and glue. I would draw pictures and scribble marks that in my young eyes were actually words. I would then glue the pages together to bind the book. In grade school I started my first book . . . a romance . . . and a terrible one at that! In junior high I started on my second book about a teenage girl looking for love. That book went nowhere. I dabbled in song writing, too. When I hit high school I was sending queries to magazines with the hopes of publishing my first article. I had a story accepted by <i>Highlights for Children</i> on the condition I made a few revisions. I was ecstatic! I was on my way to becoming a writer and I hadn’t even graduated high school yet!<br />
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Shortly after graduation I started as a contributor for a local newspaper. My job was to write articles that covered school activities and events. It wasn’t long before I had established relationships with many schools in the area and soon I was being called by principles and teachers with article ideas. It was a great time, but it didn’t last long. The editor committed suicide and the paper folded, as did my job. I was too young to take what I had learned and utilize the relationships I had started to begin a paper of my own. The idea never struck me, but . . .<br />
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I purchased a book about self-publishing and it didn’t take me long to create a book, obtain an ISBN number and start a marketing campaign. I was young and knew enough to get by, but not actually succeed . . .<br />
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In the middle . . .</b> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2dKJYCvw2bUQZp5MdBD8nTQeFP63NfFiRAGIWC0lNNMu88C8dEbuG1OwIBA5k7Qxh97096sQL9dt2b8TQaVh3o2dqiTDoihcs1GmsEc4kqDMwg1ItPRRxQpsC5czad-LbGaxXOQbWHWo/s1600/Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2dKJYCvw2bUQZp5MdBD8nTQeFP63NfFiRAGIWC0lNNMu88C8dEbuG1OwIBA5k7Qxh97096sQL9dt2b8TQaVh3o2dqiTDoihcs1GmsEc4kqDMwg1ItPRRxQpsC5czad-LbGaxXOQbWHWo/s200/Blog.jpg" width="200" /></a>In my late 20’s I began working for a rape crisis center. I created brochures and newsletters. I also assisted with grant writing and wrote letters requesting donations; from money to materials. One of my greatest accomplishments for the organization was creating a training manual for volunteers. I was responsible for doing the research, writing, and formatting the information in an easy to follow guide. <br />
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<b>Recently . . .</b><br />
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I have a Bachelor’s degree in English, a few publishing credentials, a Blog and a sense of humor.<br />
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While attending college I was part of the English Club and editor for the campus literary publication for three semesters. I worked as a writing tutor and assistant to the coordinator of the Service-Learning Program. For the Program I created a brochure and two newsletters. <br />
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After graduating in May, 2010 I had an idea I wanted to be a freelance writer. I hesitated on embarking on a freelance journey. Instead I opted for the traditional route: working for someone else. I sent out at least a hundred resumes and received no bites. I explored the Internet for writing jobs and stumbled on an ad seeking writers. I applied to be a writer and was approved! <br />
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<b>Currently . . .</b><br />
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I offer copywriting, web content writing, proofreading and editing services.<br />
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Obviously, I have left out a few items. I just wanted to provide an idea of my merits and a sense of where I have been. <br />
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If I had to give an objective to what I want, or a reason behind my madness, I would have to say that I have a desire to communicate with words and be the mouth for those who cannot speak, or cannot speak well. For me, writing is everything. It has always been with me and it has never let go. I will take what I have learned and use it to the full extent.<br />
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If you would like to get an idea of what I have written I have included a few links to my publications . . . <br />
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<a href="http://www.tusc.kent.edu/academics/service-learning/upload/slbrochure.pdf">Service-Learning Program Brochure</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.palmission.org/stories.html">Exceptional Service + Exceptional People = PAL Mission</a><br />
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<a href="http://whatineedforcollege.com/students/benefits-of-joining-campus-clubs-and-organizations/">Benefits of Joining Campus Clubs and Organizations</a><br />
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<i>Photo provided by Jodi Hughey. Copyright 2011.</i>Jodi Hugheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03013696980247026675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378391130487226942.post-51471272298129332582010-12-09T11:06:00.000-08:002013-10-24T12:10:35.057-07:00Follow Your Dreams . . . Don't Miss the Starting Gun<div class="MsoNormal">
I am a fan of the band Pink Floyd. I have a few CD’s: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Dark Side of the Moon </i>(1973); <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wish You Were Here </i>(1975); and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Animals</i> (1977). I realize this knowledge will not help you sleep at night, but there is a point I will get to - a lesson I hope you will learn. There is one song from the band that I have adopted as my theme song. The song is simply titled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Time</i>. It is from the album <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Dark Side of the Moon</i>. I will provide some of the lyrics below (in italics).</div>
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**sigh** I am humming the tune in my head and connecting the words with the story that is my life . . .</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ticking away the hours that make up a dull day<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fritter and waste the hours in an off-hand way…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Since I was a kid and could scribble on paper I knew I wanted to do something with writing. I would spend hours coming up with what I thought were great story ideas. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Tick-tock-tick-tock </span></i>At the age of 23 I had self-published a small book called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Basics to Baby-sitting. </i>Oh, I thought I was writing with the big boys!<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Tick-tock-tick-tock </span></i>I even went to a self-publishing conference in <st1:state><st1:place>Michigan</st1:place></st1:state> – all by myself! I had a lot of ideas. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Tick-tock-tick-tock </span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kicking around on a piece of ground in your hometown<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Waiting for someone or something to show you the way…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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I grew up in a rural area, a small county, a tiny town. I was years ahead of my time, but didn’t know it. When I was 17 I participated in the <st1:place><st1:placetype>Institute</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename>Children</st1:placename></st1:place>’s Literature writing course. I received a certificate of completion from the <st1:place><st1:placetype>Institute</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename>Children</st1:placename></st1:place>’s Literature before I received my high school diploma! Shortly after that I received my first writing gig. I was ready for the world – I waited for someone or something to show me the way. That was where I made my mistake. </div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tired of lying in the sunshine staying home to watch the rain<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You are young and life is long and there is time to kill today…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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I was a young writer - naive. Oh, I was going to write, by golly! Only one problem, my ideas never went anywhere. The writing gig I got went nowhere. It didn’t take me long to figure out that the fellow who approached me to write in the first place was a fly-by-night freak. I suppose I was tarnished by this event. From that time I kept my creativity to myself. It remained in my head . . . trapped. I never talked about my story ideas or shared my writing. When I went to the conference in <st1:state><st1:place>Michigan</st1:place></st1:state> I never showed my book to anyone! I felt uneasy and insecure about my writing. I was afraid that people wouldn’t understand my meaning. Worse yet, I was afraid of what people thought. The longer time passed the more my writing ideas began to fade. I never once gave up on the idea of being a writer . . . I just never wrote. I was young and I knew I had time to tap the keyboard when I felt like it.</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And then one day you find ten years have got behind you<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">No one told you when to run you missed the starting gun…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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And then one day I realized I was one month closer to the big 4-0. The days of being 17 and 23 are long gone! You would think that after 23 years my writing portfolio would be filled with the reflection of my achievements in the literary world. It would be a folder loaded with my published writing. You would be surprised. I do have a portfolio with my writing accomplishments, but they are few. I spent a lot of my days considering the notion of being a writer. I applied myself to a certain degree. I see now that while I was waiting for someone or something to show me the way I never thought that the thing or person could be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">me</b>! Years ago I was closer than ever to being a prosperous writer, but I hesitated. And that, my friend, is the lesson I would like for you to learn. Don’t sit around waiting for someone or something to show you the way. Don't wait for the starting gun.</div>
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In the world of writing for money I have learned only I can make it happen. Only I can do the writing and make money at it. I have also accepted that being an independent writer will be a lonely road to travel. Now, that is not to say that I won’t find friends along the way – oh no! In fact, I have made it a priority to find friends in the writing world. People I can talk with and brainstorm with and share ideas and concerns with. I will keep you updated in future posts about the friends I find!</div>
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What I mean by Pink Floyd's lyric <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Don’t Miss the Starting Gun</i> is if you want to make money as a writer then you need to do it - NOW. Don’t sit around frittering your time away thinking about being a writer - imagining all of the great things you will write and how much money you can make. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Tick-tock-tick-tock </span></i>It is okay to ponder this, but do it effectively…now go write something! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Tick-tock-tick-tock . </span></i></div>
Jodi Hugheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03013696980247026675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3378391130487226942.post-22785530123664140442010-12-07T15:24:00.000-08:002013-10-24T12:09:48.873-07:00Welcome to My First Blog!Yes! I have finally taken the advice from everything I have read on the Internet about getting started as a writer . . . I am now a blogger! **smiling**<br />
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For several months I tossed around the idea of creating a blog. I researched other blogs from people who were either getting into the freelance writing business, or have been in the business for years, to get ideas about being a writer on the web and how to make money at it. I would get excited and inspired when I read these blogs. I thought, 'YES! If these people can do it, so can I!' But, when I would turn off my computer I would be greeted with "Doubtful Daydreams". In other words, I would second guess my abilities as a writer. My confidence would plummet. I would wonder if what I had to say would be important enough for others to read. There are several blogs from people who are more adapt at writing, can write clearer, and have a ton more experience than I do. I had to answer an important question - what did I have to offer?<br />
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Then I thought, 'What the heck!' I have to try something, right? I can sit and read about other people and their writing experiences until the dog learns to let himself out for a potty break. I can give myself pity-taps and make excuses about why I shouldn't pursue my dream of being an independent writer; a freelance writer! I can sit and do nothing, and THAT is inexcusable!<br />
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So, when I considered an answer to the question, 'What do I have to offer?' I came up with something. . . My own writing experience!<br />
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I have suppressed the "Doubtful Daydreams" and created this blog which lay in the shadow of many great blogs from freelance writers (a list of these blogs will be coming in following posts). It is my goal to provide assistance to fledgling writers. I may not have a great deal of experience, but I do have some! I hope my knowledge about being a writer and ways to make money at it are helpful.<br />
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Welcome to my first blog! I hope you find it useful!Jodi Hugheyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03013696980247026675noreply@blogger.com2