If you are finished with your masterpiece and waiting for your big writing break, there are a few things you can do to advance your writing skills and get noticed while you wait:
· Enter writing contests.
Not only will you have a chance to win a prize, but you’ll get to re-work ideas from the responses you’re getting with your entry.
· Do some pro bono writing.
This will help you get your writing seen. For instance, write something for a neighborhood or civic newspaper. Who knows? Your article may be picked up by a paper that will pay for it. Or, your piece may be read by someone who likes your writing style and hires you for other projects.
· Find part-time work.
If you are not already doing so, try to find a job that helps you make money while giving you time to work on your writing skills. Maybe a special night or morning shift will work with your schedule? Or, maybe you can teach a writing class at an adult education program?
Here are a few sites that can help you:
www.monster.com
www.careerbuilder.com
www.elance.com
Let’s face it. There is a lot of competition out there for writers, and you may be waiting a long time to hear back from a big publisher.
Instead of wasting time and getting discouraged, continue to work on your writing skills and offer free articles. You may just get your big break when you least expect it!
For free information, tips and help selling your self-published works, please feel free to contact me below or visit www.jexbo.com. Thanks!
Time Management Tips for Authors
Many of us write in our spare time with hopes of becoming full-time writers in the future. If you are like me, you are juggling family, work, friends, and other life activities.
Instead of putting your writing off, try to schedule time each day to practice your skills. Although it sounds obvious, find the time you work best, and use that to your advantage – if you prefer to write early in the morning, go to bed a little earlier than usual and set the alarm. If you are a night owl, do household chores before you write so you are able to focus and not worry about unfinished activities.
Also, it helps to prioritize your work. If there is something that must be done, do it so it isn’t hanging over your head. And work as far ahead of schedule as you can because you never know what will come up.
Another idea is to delegate household chores when possible. Even young children can set the table or sort laundry. And if you need an energy boost, try fitting some exercise into your schedule. For instance, write for 45 minutes. Then, take a 15-minute break to walk around the block.
With a little planning, and a few changes in your schedule, you’ll find the time you need to pursue your writing passions!
Helpful, time-management resources:
http://www.marin.cc.ca.us/~don/Study/5time.html
http://www.mindtools.com/pages/main/newMN_HTE.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_948_manage-time.html
Need help selling your self-published book? Please send your comments and questions to me below or at www.jexbo.com. I’d be glad to help!
Instead of putting your writing off, try to schedule time each day to practice your skills. Although it sounds obvious, find the time you work best, and use that to your advantage – if you prefer to write early in the morning, go to bed a little earlier than usual and set the alarm. If you are a night owl, do household chores before you write so you are able to focus and not worry about unfinished activities.
Also, it helps to prioritize your work. If there is something that must be done, do it so it isn’t hanging over your head. And work as far ahead of schedule as you can because you never know what will come up.
Another idea is to delegate household chores when possible. Even young children can set the table or sort laundry. And if you need an energy boost, try fitting some exercise into your schedule. For instance, write for 45 minutes. Then, take a 15-minute break to walk around the block.
With a little planning, and a few changes in your schedule, you’ll find the time you need to pursue your writing passions!
Helpful, time-management resources:
http://www.marin.cc.ca.us/~don/Study/5time.html
http://www.mindtools.com/pages/main/newMN_HTE.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_948_manage-time.html
Need help selling your self-published book? Please send your comments and questions to me below or at www.jexbo.com. I’d be glad to help!
How to Keep Your Children Busy on a Rainy or Snowy Day
If the rain or snow is keeping your children inside, here are some tips from one working mother to another:
· Keep a “prize bag” stashed in a closet that you fill with things picked up at discount stores or garage sales. When the kids run out of things to do, have them choose a prize to play with.
· Save ads from toy stores, and on rainy days, sit them down with markers and have them circle things they like and cross out things they don’t like. This way you also have ideas of what to get them for presents throughout the year.
· Go for a walk no matter what the weather offers – the kids will love it.
· Collect rocks and on rainy days have the kids draw faces on them. As funny as this may sound, it’s a favorite activity for my son and his friends.
By preparing a list of activities for your children in advance and being a little creative, you don’t have to worry about the weather conditions. Instead, you’ll have fun and make memories with your children.
For additional tips and activities, here are some sites I found that may help:
http://www.bigfishgames.com/download-games/genres/26/kids.html?afcode=af3189dbeebd&src=bfg12y09eng1chil&sem=usgoogl1chil&kw=children's%20games&adid=2430445162&gclid=COCK4NWssZgCFShRagodC3soVA
http://familyfun.go.com/
http://www.parents.com/preschoolers/
And if you have questions about working at home as a Mom, or your self-published book, just let me know here or at www.jexbo.com. Thanks!
· Keep a “prize bag” stashed in a closet that you fill with things picked up at discount stores or garage sales. When the kids run out of things to do, have them choose a prize to play with.
· Save ads from toy stores, and on rainy days, sit them down with markers and have them circle things they like and cross out things they don’t like. This way you also have ideas of what to get them for presents throughout the year.
· Go for a walk no matter what the weather offers – the kids will love it.
· Collect rocks and on rainy days have the kids draw faces on them. As funny as this may sound, it’s a favorite activity for my son and his friends.
By preparing a list of activities for your children in advance and being a little creative, you don’t have to worry about the weather conditions. Instead, you’ll have fun and make memories with your children.
For additional tips and activities, here are some sites I found that may help:
http://www.bigfishgames.com/download-games/genres/26/kids.html?afcode=af3189dbeebd&src=bfg12y09eng1chil&sem=usgoogl1chil&kw=children's%20games&adid=2430445162&gclid=COCK4NWssZgCFShRagodC3soVA
http://familyfun.go.com/
http://www.parents.com/preschoolers/
And if you have questions about working at home as a Mom, or your self-published book, just let me know here or at www.jexbo.com. Thanks!
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