We are days away from spring.

Can you believe it? How is your year going? Are you reaching your goals, resolutions, and dreams? Have you been getting those projects done?

Or… Do you need a friend to help you troubleshoot, problem- solve, organize, and get out of your rut? Could it be time to Spring Clean and get some real help so you can make this year really count? Is it time to get a plan that will help you set and reach your goals…get things done…make those resolutions a reality…and live your dream? I can help!

I am so excited to announce our next coaching program which begins next Monday afternoon. This program is just perfect for wherever you are…

–> With an idea and absolutely nothing ready to have a business?

–> No idea where to begin?

–> Got everything ready to go, but just cannot find time to get it done?

–> Struggling with getting your family on board (Or at least busy so you can snag time to work)?

–> Been working, but just not getting response on the internet and have NO idea why?

Yep! If any of this is YOU, then this program is JUST FOR YOU. Instead of me writing any more, let me take you to the site so you can learn more about this coaching program. You will LOVE it! Learn more here….

>>>> http://www.Writers-Nook.com/SpringClean.html

See ya there!

With much love,
Cindy
http://www.Writers-Nook.com

Time to Spring Clean Your Business!
Join us! This is the year to go for your dreams!
http://www.Writers-Nook.com/SpringClean.html

Practicing good Christian business principles is essential to having a business that honors God.  As a Christian business owner, don’t you want God to be pleased with how you do business?  After all, your business is a gift from God, and it is only right that you run it in a way that gives Him honor.

As you look around today at businesses, especially those on the internet, I think you will find many that do not adhere to Christian business principles.  They may not even know what they are.  You will see businesses that make false claims or are run in way that is totally self-serving.  Not to mention all the scams that take people’s money and promise them things that they cannot follow through with.  It’s very sad.

However, we have a chance to be different and to stand out from the rest in our business dealings.  Don’t ever think that your business is separate from the rest of your life and doesn’t need to follow Christian principles.  This is not so.

We need to be honest and fair when we are dealing with others in our business, whether it be customers or employees.  We should treat them with kindness and respect and go the extra mile to help them.  Offering excellent customer service is a basic Christian business practice that you should consider.  Don’t be surprised if you see your business take off as a result.

Other business principles that we, as Christians, should be exhibiting are looking out for others’ needs, even at the expense of making a sale.  If we cannot give a customer what they really need, we should be happy to recommend another product or solution. “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4

Giving is another area where we can please God with our business.  God wants us to share and help each other when there is a need.  Giving part of the income from your business is one way you can be obedient and help others in the process.  However, don’t let people take advantage of you.  Some people believe that, as Christians, we should give everything away and not make money on it.  I do not believe this is Biblical.

Adopting good Christian business principles will not only honor God, but will also bless your business.

Want more insight into Christian business ethics?

Laurie has created a 34-page eBook that gives Scriptures and insight into running your business in a way that honors and pleases God.  You can pick it up at http://www.christianhomebusinessconnection.com/christian-business-ethics.html at a discount until Feb. 3 – only $9.95! Don’t miss it!

What are Christian business ethics?  In simple terms, it means running your business in a way that is upright and based on Christian principles.

Today, there are many dishonest dealings done by businesses.  They may have prices that are way too high,  less than quality products, or make claims made that are simply not true.  I shudder at the scam business opportunities that prey on people who are desperate for a better way.   This is not the way to please people or God.

Christian business ethics must include honesty, fairness and treating others with kindness and respect.  I believe these are the basics, but if we really want to run our businesses on Biblical principles, we should go beyond the basics.  What about outstanding customer service and turning the other cheek when someone is nasty to us?

Running our businesses based on Christian standards doesn’t mean letting people walk all over us.  I think we can look at Jesus for our example in this.  Jesus was firm but kind.  He didn’t let people get away with just anything, but always reacted in a way that stood for what was right.  He gave when He had the opportunity, but He also worked as a carpenter for a living.  So, I believe He worked to provide for His needs and to also have something to give to others when they needed it.

There will be times when, as a Christian business owner, you will have the opportunity to share some of your earnings with others who need it.  Don’t let those opportunities go by!  You will be blessed in the long run when you give to others willingly.

There may be other times when you feel someone is trying to take advantage of you, asking for everything for free.  You will need to be discerning about when God is calling on you to help someone out and when you need to be firm and not give everything away.

Ask God for wisdom in this and He will give it to you.  “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”  James 1:5

Christian business ethics are not meant to put a burden on you, but rather to give you life and blessing.

Want more insight into Christian business ethics?

Laurie has created a 34-page eBook that gives Scriptures and insight into running your business in a way that honors and pleases God.  You can pick it up at http://www.christianhomebusinessconnection.com/christian-business-ethics.html at a discount until Feb. 3 – only $9.95! Don’t miss it!

Wondering how? It is easy! Recycle. There’s no need to just use great content once. Recycling your content benefits everyone in a way that builds your business while reaching those who learn best by different modalities–visual, auditory, hands-on. A good way to do this is to think about each piece of content and how you can reuse it to the max.

A few ideas may be:

#1 – Take a special download report and use the content for article distribution. The report is only available for download on your website but you can use several articles within the report to distribute to article directories. That content will then work to bring you new subscribers to your site. When they come, you will have visitors who are looking for more of your ideas.

#2 – Use product content to create an autoresponder series. If you have an info product available for sale (or a free one) you can take snippets of that content and turn it into an autoresponder series. This way your customers can preview the content through the AR series and the AR series can promote the actual product. Always think of creative ways to use your ideas again and again!

#3 – Use the content on your website for a product. If you have articles on your website or blog you can easily turn these into a product. Simply choose a collection of articles you’ve previously written and make them available in download format for customers.  You can choose to use this content as a free giveaway to gain more subscribers, or you can turn it into an actual product for purchase. Not everyone is likely to look through your whole website or blog to find the content. Also, people will often pay for the convenience of having the information at their fingertips without having to search for it.

#4 – Use your newsletter to attract search engines. If you have a regular newsletter which you send out make sure you also add it to your website or blog pages after sending. This will help you attract more search engine traffic and will give customers an archive to view previous newsletters.

#5 – Turn your audios into content. If you have audios on your website, use them to get more free search engine traffic. Have the audios transcribed and place them on your website or blog pages. This also gives your customers options, as some people will prefer to read rather than listen to an audio. Don’t forget to take your outlines and write “companion” articles or re-purpose into other products like ebooks, audio sets, bundles, etc. Don’t use those ideas just once. Re-purpose! You spent the time and hard work thinking it out, use it again and again.

#6 – Use your ideas for your own podcast. Got articles or ebooks? Why not re-purpose the content for a podcast. Talk about a great way to reach more people with your message. And, what a super way to continue to grow your business. Don’t forget to promote your articles, ebooks, mailing list, ecourses that continue learning the topics. Re-purpose and promote and re-purpose! Build a strong business.

#7 – Take your ideas and make companion information product. All it takes is an idea to begin a whole line of products on a topic. Take those outlines and use them to the max! Write articles. Compile an ebook. Record an audio series. Set up a Membership Site. Compile a home study course. Develop a coaching program. Think BUSINESS not just article. Think BUSINESS not just book. Take your ideas and build a strong and profitable business.

With a little thinking and planning you can make your content go a long way. Your idea can become more than just an article or a book. Your idea can become an entire business that is very, very successful. Why not dig into one of your “oldies” and repurpose it today?

Recently I asked our Blog and Podcast eGroup what their biggest struggles/needs as a blogger/podcaster were. I came away with some great feedback. One of the top questions was, “How do I get traffic to my site?”

A blog without readers is pretty much useless. If you’ve been blogging for a while and have only been getting a trickle of viewers to your posts, you need to put a traffic building plan into action. Building traffic is just as an important skill to bloggers as writing quality posts is. Many bloggers are terrific at creating content but don’t know a thing about building traffic. Here is a quick guide to the five most popular (and most effective) traffic building techniques.

1. Get SOCIAL!

Social networking and blogging go hand in hand. Your blog posts can be distributed across social networking channels in many different ways. Sign up for Twitter and tweet about your posts as soon as they are added to you blog. Update your Facebook status with a link to your new blog posts. Submit your stories to Digg.com, Reddit.com and StumbleUpon.com. Remember that in order for social networking to be effective, you need to participate with other people on your list. If you visit their links and respond to their updates, they’ll be likely to do the same for you.

2.  Get SEEN!

Find blogs in your niche and start following their posts. Make sure to add insightful and interesting comments on their posts. Not only will the blog owner take notice and visit your blog, other commenters will visit your blog to get more of your great insight into the topic. Don’t spread yourself too thin with blog commenting, but make it a point to comment on a few related blogs each week.

3.  Get SENT!

RSS feeds are a way to syndicate your blog’s content so that it is sent to many different people in their own blog readers or on their own sites. Most blogging systems have RSS feeds automatically included but you can add a lot more functionality to your feed by using a free service like FeedBurner.com. With FeedBurner you can add things like sharing the feed via e-mail so it will pull in new readers and encourage previous visitors to come back to the blog again.

4.  Get SYNDICATED!

You may think that by being a blogger you can ignore article marketing. However, you can get a lot  of traffic to your blog by tweaking some of your popular blog posts and adding them to article directories. You can post your popular posts as articles with a link back to your blog in many different article directories. Not only will you get a valuable backlink but your article may also be used by ezine owners which will bring you more traffic.

5.  Get SITELINKS!

Speaking of backlinks, you should work to build backlinks to your blog through several different means. By creating backlinks to your blog, you’ll improve your blog’s ranking in search engine results. You can get lots of traffic from search engines if you are within the first group of search results for your keywords.

These five ways of building traffic can be used over and over again to help build traffic to your blog and increase your readership.

Need more help?

Join our eGroup! It is FREE! Find us at Yahoo Groups!

Come and join in!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChristianBlogandPodcast/

Also! See our Facebook Group!
CLICK HERE

1. Get a vision. First things first. Who are you? What are YOU all about? What is YOUR message? When others come to you, what do they ask you? Take some time to really think this one out.  Your blog will only be a success when you find YOUR voice. Pull apart and get a vision. Keep your blog simple, clear, uncluttered, and focused. Stick to who you are. Don’t change up every day. Don’t add in content that does not go along with your message. Get a vision for what you are to be all about and be ONLY that.

2. Set it up right. Don’t take short-cuts. If you want to build a successful business, invest in your “home on the web.” This is not an area to skimp by or put off. Grab your own domain and host your site yourself. The reasons are more than I can cover in an entire article, but the biggest reason is that you are building a business. Build your business with a solid foundation. If you are a writer, invest in your own name TODAY as a domain. If you are setting up a site for a particular business venture, grab your domain for it. My favorite hosting service is Mom Webs: http://www.writers-nook.com/MomWebs.html You can grab your domain and set up your hosting account in just a few minutes. Also, ask them to install Wordpress for you. They will even install an adorable theme for you for around $10. If you have a blog that is hosted by a free service, they can even help you to pull your RSS Feed (all of your past posts) into your new site–PRICELESS! They are super! Wordpress is another big MUST that will help you get started on the right track. I love that you can set up your site and add a good theme in just a few steps. Again, set it up right. A good design will take you along the path to success. It will make a huge difference in YOU and your audience. Don’t skimp on this step. Set up your site for success. Invest in a good, solid home on the web.

3. Keep growing and learning. A great site takes time to build. Keep it growing. Commit to add fresh new content to your site every day–articles, audios, videos, tip sheets, downloadables, printables, etc. Keep it growing and expanding. Stay on the cutting edge! The best way to do that is to keep on learning. Right now, I am studying through a new set on blogging. I can’t believe all of the new ideas for plug-ins, social networking options, etc that are new THIS YEAR. I set aside time each day to learn new things either through reading or listening to shows/seminars. Talk about a great way to make my site all it can be. You won’t be there immediately, but you will get there. Commit today to grow and learn. Never stop. Stay creative. Stay on the cutting edge.

4. Make sure that your site reflects YOU. Make sure that your site helps others get to know you and your heartbeat. Include your pictures, your audios, your videos, your writing, and what you love. Let them get to know YOU–your heart, your interests, your knowledge, your life, your expertise. Let your site help to build your brand. Instill in peoploe who you are and what you have to offer. Be the Google-the place people go to search–for your market. Be the place they go when they need help.

5. Don’t be shy about what you have to offer. Now, first, be mindful that some things are annoying–banners/blocks all over the page, apps all over the page, flashing letters, crazy fonts, etc. BUT, some things really work to make your site profitable–

–>  Offer Q/A–have a spot/category just for answering questions. As you answer questions, don’t shy away from linking to resources that you recommend. Hyperlink words or resources to pages with more information. Watch the responses.

–>  Post articles–not only can you link to any recommended resources/products within the article, but you can also have a nice pitch for products in your resource box at the bottom of the article. ALWAYS pitch something–one of your products, your mailing list, your radio show, etc. Give them access to other things that will help them with that topic.

–>  Link to your store–make it easy for people to find what you have to offer. Keep it neat. Keep it simple. Keep it prominent.

6. Bring others in to help you. Feel overwhelmed? Let others help you. There are so many ways that you can get help as you build your site. You can bring in guest bloggers–those who love the same topics and can share their articles, audios, and videos on your site. I have many friends who are always ready to share fun freebies–they help my site to be a great spot on the web, but they also promote what they have going on. It is win-win-win! You can even get the visitors to the site to join in and share great content. I began offering what I call “Mommy Homework” years ago. “Mommy Homework” is a weekly topic of discussion on my blog. Those who participate earn credit toward our products. Of all of the things I read each week, “Mommy Homework” is my most favorite. Imagine how awesome it is for those who visit my site. Before I go on, you can also use affiliate tools/resources on your site. Many affiliate programs offer great articles, audios, and downloads to help you promote their products. If they are complimentary to your site, use them! A good example of resources that are ready-to-go is found in my affiliate program. Join me at: http://www.CindysAffiliates.com.  You don’t have to be a lone-ranger. There are lots of options for content to use on your site.

7. Build a great site. Remember that your site will grow for years to come. Keep building! Keep your content fresh and alive. The best way is to take time in solitude to brainstorm, develop your message, and pour your heart out into your writing, audios, and videos. Take that time! Pour your heart out! Make your site a place of ministry. You won’t be there immediately, but I promise that in 6 months you will look back and be so proud of your hard work.

Happy blogging!

Need more help?

Check out these great shows (and others!!) on blogging that have been featured on my Writer’s Radio Show:

Blogging and Podcasting

Mailbag: Websites, Blogs, and MORE!

Let’s Talk about Blogging

What is a Blog?

A blog is actually an online journal of sorts. With a blog you can upload daily posts about anything that you want. Some people create personal blogs as a way to keep in touch with family members. Pictures, videos and other information are uploaded so your loved ones are current with what is going on with you.

Here we are going to talk about business blogs. This is a blog that you begin to attract traffic in order to sell products or services. To be interesting to others, your blog will need to:

•    Have updated content for visitors
•    Be marketed to draw traffic
•    Register with search engines so it can be found in the rankings

How to Start

If you are new to blogging or web design, there is a great option for you! Mom Webs is offering blog installation and set up services for only $10 when you host your site with them. You will be up and ready-to-go. Best of all, you will be ready for success. You don’t want to host your sites with “free” blogging options out there. You want to get started on the right track.

Before you start posting, decide what will be the theme, or niche of your blog. A jack-of-all-trades type of blog doesn’t do as well as one that is geared towards a certain niche. If you like crafts, that can be your niche. Create posts that talk about how to craft, what to craft, how to make crafting profitable and so on. Once you have decided on a path, it is time to create that great content.

How to Make Money While You Blog…

In order to make money with your blog, you need to have people visiting it. That is where marketing comes in. To draw traffic to your site, you have to get the word out about your blog. Tell all of your friends and family members that you are online with your blog for a start.

Also, begin today to include the link to your blog on each and every article that you write. Take the time to write up a bio to include at the end of each article. In that bio, tell a bit about yourself, tell what they can find at your blog, and share the link to the blog so they can find more information on that topic.

What Next???

Any money-making venture will take place once you have built your readership with interesting posts. Then you can put into play a number of profitable additions:

•    Google AdSense
•    Selling Advertising
•    Affiliate Marketing
•    EBook and Special Report Marketing

The simplest one to pursue is Google AdSense. You are using targeted advertisements to create revenue for your blog. You are paid per clicks on the ads.

There are other options where you can get paid when someone makes a sale on that website. That is more likely to happen when you join an affiliate program. Join affiliate program that work well with your website niche.

EBooks are downloadable electronic books that you can create yourself and sell on your website. They can be on a variety of subjects but in order for them to sell, you must be able to offer new information to your customers. Don’t have enough information yet for a whole book? Why not create a mini-ebook or a special report. Set it up the same way as an ebook. Do be sure to clarify exactly what the customer gets–if it is an ebook (number of pages) or a special report.

Blogs can be used to build revenue. Start with your chosen niche and market your blog to find the traffic you need. Then, utilize these ideas to turn a profit.

Who are your customers?  That would depend on who you are trying to reach with your product.  If you’ve done a test run of your product, you may have an idea that the ideal customer for your business is women aged 18-50, for example.  That is a broad category, but you have to start somewhere.

Your advertising begins in areas where women are likely to see and give you a second look.  Your advertising begins to pay off when the traffic to your business website increases along with sales.  But the commitment to your customers doesn’t end here.

You have gained customers but they have haven’t been properly identified.  How did they hear about you?  What are their lives like?  This sounds like a big job to tackle but you can figure out this information with a little effort.  Your advertising dollars are precious and spending them on advertising forms that won’t pan out is unwise.

Offer customer surveys to learn about the people who buy your products.  This type of communications gets customers talking to you about you.  Ask them to evaluate everything from the checkout process to the types of products you offer.

For a more targeted approach, mail email confirmations that link to an online survey for everyone who buys a product from you.  The information helps to flesh out a more detailed picture than just women aged 18-50.

Track customers with monitored offers as well.  Monitoring customers lets you find out where they are from and by what method they reach you.  Offer coupons with barcodes, online offers, and perks for referrals.  You can determine how the customers shop, what you have that they want, and what advertising strategies to pursue next.

A referral is one of the best endorsements you can get from a loyal customer.  Someone who shopped with you has recommended that others do so, too.  When customers register with the site, ask them if they were referred by anyone.  Reward those referrals with free merchandise or an extra percentage off on their next order.

Now that you know how to track customers, take the time to read their survey answers and referrals.  Their answers are important and can also better your customer service to them.

Lastly, stay ahead of the technology game.  Keep up with new breakthroughs in your industry so you can offer better products that your customers will love.  When your website stays current and fresh, customers will continue to visit.

Do you know anything about your customers?  Use the above advice to learn all you can about them.  Cater your advertising efforts to your customers when you find out how they reach you and what will keep them coming back.

Businesses are like relationships:  commitment is an absolute must if they are to succeed.  Here are some tips for staying focused and pulling through the hard times.

* Write a mission statement if you haven’t done so already. It should concisely detail the purpose of your business and its key philosophies.  Many entrepreneurs neglect to do this unless it is required to obtain funding.  But a mission statement can help you remember why you wanted to start a business in the first place.

* Set goals. If you don’t have something specific to work toward, it’s hard to stay motivated.  By setting challenging yet attainable and measurable goals, you increase your chances of succeeding whether you meet them or not.

* Don’t overwork yourself. Starting and running a business is hard work, and it’s easy to get caught up in a cycle of endless 16-hour days.  It’s rather ironic that this commitment to your business can result in burnout, which can leave you without the energy you need to keep going.  While it may not be feasible to take a vacation when your business is just getting off the ground, it doesn’t hurt to take a day off every now and then.  Taking a breather will give you time to regroup and remember why you chose the path you’re on.

* Outsource the tasks that bore or frustrate you. Small business owners often fall into the trap of thinking they must do everything themselves.  Sometimes they are on tight budgets and don’t feel they can afford to hire help, whilst others are unwilling to let go of the total control they have.  But if you’re suffering from a lack of motivation, outsourcing can get you back on track by allowing you to focus on the things you love about your business.

* Evaluate the state of your business. If you’ve hit a rough spot, perhaps a change of plans is in order.  You may need to focus your offerings more tightly, rethink your marketing methods, or invest in better equipment.  By isolating and solving the problem, you can get back to business as usual.

Sometimes it’s hard to maintain the level of commitment that we have in the initial phases of a business venture.  By doing what it takes to remain focused and remembering why we chose this path in the first place, we can keep ourselves motivated.  When we reach our goals, we will realize that it was all worthwhile.

First and foremost, you have to decide what exactly you are going to do to earn money as a home business owner. Being computer literate certainly opens up many more possibilities, but there are other ways to work from home as well. Your interests and talents should be considered as well as how much of an income you are hoping for.

If you are going to work from home, you should probably be the kind of person who enjoys being somewhat in control. This means that you need to be comfortable with making decisions and planning your time. With a job, these elements are something you normally don’t have to worry about as it’s already decided and planned for you. As your own boss however, these responsibilities fall squarely on your shoulders. Your decisions directly affect your home business and in turn your bottom line profit.

You must be flexible. Sometimes you will be forced to change and adapt to situations. If you get a phone call to pick up your sick child from school and a deadline is looming, you may need to work through your night out with the girls or forego your eight hours of sleep. On the other hand, if it’s a beautiful, sunny day and the garden beckons, you have the ability to shuffle your day and spend some time puttering in the great outdoors or anything else you may be itching to do.

Time management skills are another extremely crucial factor to work at home success. There will be no time card to punch, no boss telling you what to do or how much time to spend on a specific task, but you will need to decide how to divide up your working hours so that the majority of your time is spent on completing money earning tasks.

You will have to be able to keep your attention focused for blocks of time. This is one of the most challenging aspects of managing a home business, particularly if there are children present while you are attempting to work. Although it can be difficult, it is possible with a bit of forethought and lots of patience.

Organization goes hand in hand with time management. Setting up your working space, maintaining a supply of needed materials, using a planner to do both long range and daily planning, and having a bookkeeping system in place, are a few of the important organizational tasks facing the work at home business owner. For a work at home mom, you’ll have to manage and organize your business as well as your family, so be prepared for double the planning.

The nice part about setting up a home business is that it doesn’t have to be an all or nothing type of venture. If you’ve never experienced working at home, why not try setting aside a few hours here and there to see if it’s really for you? This will allow you to try your hand at it before making the major commitment of quitting your current J-O-B.

Working at home can be challenging, but there are things that you can do to better your chance for success. Read on to find out the top ten tips for mothers who want to work at home successfully.

1. Set up your work space to match your personality. If you are bubbly and enthusiastic, use bold bright colors on your walls, and even for your mouse pad and file folders. Have matching accessories that reach out and make you want to use them. If you tend to be quiet and laidback, a more subtle approach may be more your style. Surrounding yourself with your comfort level, will actually encourage you to spend time in your home office and enjoy what you are doing.

2. Be organized. Lack of organization is the single biggest time waster and energy zapper. It’s too easy to get off-track and lose focus on the task at hand when you can’t locate that crucial piece of information.

3. Use a planner to organize your day, your week, and your month. Make lists, prioritize planned activities, and then set out to accomplish what’s on your list. It’s so satisfying to cross things off the “to-do” list.

4. Set up a work schedule. Although this may vary from one day to the next, after all that’s one of the perks of working from home; be realistic in your expectations. Be careful not to over-schedule yourself. Working too many hours is often a bigger problem than devoting too few hours to a home business.

5. Have call display on your phone. Only answer if it’s business related, during your scheduled work hours, if at all possible. Ask family and friends to understand that you will be unavailable at times each day, and to leave a message.

6. Be professional in your dealings with your clients. Even though you are at home, maintaining a business-like atmosphere makes it easier for you to act professional and be treated like a professional, rather than just someone who is working at home.

7. Have set times to read and respond to daily emails. Unless an email relates to your current project, don’t open it until it’s the designated “check email” time. It’s too easy to fall into the trap of quickly checking and the next thing you know a half hour has elapsed.

8. If you find that you are having difficulty devoting the necessary time and energy to your business, here’s something different to try. Treat your home business as if it belongs to someone else. Although you love your boss, she is very demanding. You want to show her that you can do this job well, but to do that you’ll have to put forth a solid effort. Sound kind of silly? By pretending that you have a boss you may be more likely to treat your home business like a real job that you want to keep and work that much harder at.

9. Eliminate distractions whenever possible. That may mean that the blinds on that window right in front of your computer are closed or that the TV in the corner is off.

10. Stay creative! If you have small children at home, you may want to be very creative about balancing them and your business. Do remember that this season with little ones is very, very short. You don’t get this time back. It is very, very difficult to balance work at home and tend to the needs of children at the same time. Stay creative! Get up a little earlier–I used to get up 2 hours earlier every day. I wrote almost all of my books in those early morning hours. I also stayed up later than them. I put them to bed every night on time. After they were in bed, I snagged that time until dad came in from work to brainstorm, write, set up books, work on my website, etc. I still get SO MUCH done that time of day. Plus, I can end the day feeling productive. Another thing that helped when the children were little was taking work with me. If you set up an Idea Notebook with your ideas, brainstorms, and writing, you can take it with you to the park or to lessons. You can also take a smaller laptop with you too. Use that time that would be lost to plug away. Just stay creative!

Keep in mind that working at home is challenging, but greatly rewarding. Following these tips will help you to overcome the challenges and become a successful work at home mom who still has her sanity at the end of the day.

If you are looking to create residual income through your home business, you may want to look into creating and selling your own information products. This will allow you to do the work once, and then continue to profit from it by selling it over and over again.

An info production can come in the form of an ebook, a special report, an Mp3 recording of yourself reading an ebook, a recording of an interview between yourself and an expert, a recording of a teleseminar or webinar, the transcription of a teleseminar, or any other form of information. These can also be combined together to form a larger packet of info.

One of the main reasons people come to the internet is find information. Instead of sitting around and wading through and endless amount of web pages, trying to find what they are looking for, many people will simply pay for an information product that will teach them what they would like to know.

As mentioned above, there are many types of information products that you can choose to create. Of course, the most cost effective way is to create them yourself, but you can also outsource this part of the project.

If you would like to create an ebook or a special report but do not enjoy writing, consider hiring a ghostwriter or buying private label rights articles (also known as PLR).

Another idea is to record a teleseminar and pay a virtual assistant to transcribe the audio for you. By doing this, you can sell both the audio and written form, which can increase your sales and profits!

You don’t need to be an expert or have any type of specialized knowledge. You can always interview experts and sell the recordings or create special reports out of them by having them transcribed.

You may be surprised to find out that many people make full time incomes by creating and selling information products online! That doesn’t mean it will happen overnight; this type of business will take some type to build. It does mean that you can earn an income with this type of business, as long as you are willing to put in some time and effort.

TOP TEN WAYS TO FIND TEN MINUTES A DAY (TO DO THE THINGS YOU LOVE)
by Kathy Grubb
www.10minutewriter.com

New Mom Katie had a great idea. With the holidays quickly approaching, she thought she could host her annual baklava making party. She hadn’t hosted a party in years.  Not since before she got pregnant.

She decorated the house, organized the ingredients and invited her husband’s sisters and sisters-in-law, (specifically the ones who might be the most impressed with Katie’s domestic, culinary, creative skills.)

But Katie’s plans didn’t go so smoothly. Her plans to carry her nine-month-old son, Ian, backfired. He cried, fussed, spit up and demanded to be nursed. So she couldn’t hear herself give instructions to her guests.

At one point she just thought, “Why bother?” 

This was a lot of trouble.

Yet, the baklava turned out fine, the conversation was lively and her family had a good time anyway.

As she cleaned up the mess when the guests left, she was satisfied.  She made a way for her hobbies and passions to return to her. Even if it was just for an afternoon.

Katie, like all other mothers, have their hands full of responsibility, and no one would argue it’s priority. But I would like to suggest that we look at our days, our weeks and our months and carve out a few moments to play in our passions. We can make a way to do the things we love.

How do we find the time?

1.  Turn off the TV. Say no to the shows that if they cancelled, you wouldn’t even notice. TIVO your favorites so that you can watch them another time. Wouldn’t it be terrible to get to the end of your life and discover you had never written that novel? And sadder still would be realizing that you saw every episode of UGLY BETTY instead?

2.  Get up a little earlier. Yeah, I know, mothers aren’t getting a whole lot of sleep as it is, but by getting up a half hour earlier, you could get a head start on your day.  Think of it, you could be fully showered and dressed, or written a few lines of your poem, ran a couple of miles, or had time alone with God.

3.  Set your timer. We’ll never run out of dishes to wash or laundry to do, so why not have everything take their turn?  Set a timer for 10 minutes, carry it around the house if you need to, do the half-to’s first, then spend 10 minutes on yourself, work on that sonnet or sketch the tree outside your kitchen window.

4. Take advantage of waiting. Do you have to wait for the soccer practice to be over? Do you spend a lot of time in doctor’s waiting rooms?  Pack appropriate stuff for you to do, like read that novel (instead of People),  memorize that poem (just don’t say it out loud) or finish the cross stitch (it will be done in no time.)

5. Stay organized. Disorder steals precious time away from our passions.  If we spend all morning looking for Junior’s sneakers, instead of puttering in the garden, our frustration will only grow.  Take the extra step to put things away, keep a schedule and eliminate distractions.

6. Communicate with your family. Can your husband or mom cover for you an hour or so a week so you can take that dance class? How about your children, can they help? There’s nothing wrong with explaining to them that you want “play time” too.  Make an agreement: if you get 20 minutes alone, then you can have 30 minutes doing something fun together. (Just remember to keep your word.)

7. Trade with a friend. You want to join the book club at the library on Monday nights.  Your girlfriend wants to get to the gym on Thursday nights.  Trade childcare around your interests, that way everybody gets a chance to do what they love.

8. Rethink meals. You have to eat everyday, right? Can you plan, in advance, all your shopping and cooking? The less time you spend at the grocery store, the more time you can spend on yourself. Additionally, put those appliances to work! A little time along with your crock pot and bread machine in the morning can free you up later in the afternoon.

9. Delegate household responsibilities. Start giving kids simple things to do at about 4 1/2, gradually adding more as they get older.  If you can delegate setting the table, clearing the table, washing the high chair and sweeping the floor, you’ve already added ten minutes to your life to do what you want. Of course, you must gently teach them how to do it and reward them for a job well done.  If you have to wait for the work is done to play, so do they. (It also won’t kill them to earn their TV, DVD, or computer time.)

10. Pray about your daily schedule. Perhaps there are blindspots in your life or your household managment that needs a bigger nudge.  Maybe you’re overscheduled and need to cut back for everyone’s sanity. Maybe by changing a bad habit, you could replace it with a good one.  No one knows your life better than the God who made you and filled it with blessings.  Ask him what he thinks, you might be surprised by the answer.

We may have a tendency to believe that we’ll get back to our old selves, our old passions and hobbies once the children are different from what they are now (which might mean in school, out of school, in their own bedroom, or out of the house).  But I believe that those passion need not wait.  We certainly can’t do them full time, but we can do a little.

We fill our time with what we most desire.  We all get the same 24 hours a day.  If we worked at  our passions 30 minutes a day, that’s 3 and half hours a week, 14+ hours a month, 168 hours a year.  Even a little bit adds up.

Like Katie’s little disaster, it might not be perfect, it might even be messy, but let’s take the chance and at least try.

I believe we’ll all be the happier for it.

About Kathy Grubb…

Kathy Grubb is a wife, mother of five, homeschooling parent, baker of bread, doer of laundry, and writer who lives in Boston, MA.  She thinks that if she can find the time to pursue her dreams, anyone can.  She blogs at www.10minutewriter.com

You have written your masterpiece. You have set up your website. Now what??? How do you grow? How do you reach people and bring them to your “home on the web” so they can find your books, articles, audios, and other information products? Where do you go from here?

Submitting articles to relevant websites, online magazines and article directories is a fantastic way to drive traffic to your website.  It’s a low cost method with a fairly high return on investment.  For example, if you pay $20 to $50 to have a writer create an article, you publish the article on a relevant website you will increase your exposure automatically.  Additionally, readers will click through to your website and buy your products or services.  Depending on the price of your product or service all it takes is one purchase to make the article investment worth the cost and effort.

Where to submit your articles

There are three basic locations to submit your articles.  They include:

- Article directory
- Magazine (online or print)
- Relevant website (YES! We would LOVE your articles HERE and on our other websites. Email Cindy to join us as a guest blogger.

The benefits for each are the same however the process varies depending on the medium.  For example, if you’re submitting to an online or print magazine you’ll need to query the editor before you write the article.  If you’re submitting to an article directory, they usually have their specifications published on their website and the process of approving your article is typically swift and painless.  Let’s take a look at each of the article mediums you may want to submit to and discuss the benefits and the process.

How to submit an article

Article directory. Article directories are the easiest tools to drive traffic to your website.  The good news is that there are literally thousands of article directories to choose from.  That’s also the bad news.  Deciding which article directory is right for you and your article marketing purposes can be a bit of a headache.  There are two basic types of article directories:  Niche directories which only publish articles on a specific subject and broad article directories which offer hundreds of article categories to choose from.  These typically range from business to pet care, gardening to investment banking.

You may decide to publish in one niche directory and one broad scope directory to see which produces the best results.  Niche directories may have a smaller more targeted audience however the broad directories will most often have a larger audience.

When submitting your article look for the following things:

- Word count
- Signature box – you must be able to place a link to your website here.
- Are text links allowed?
- Categories – do they provide categories which will accurately represent and describe your content?  It’s important to make sure your article will be easily found
- Do they provide tracking statistics?  You want to know how many reads, publications, and click throughs your article is receiving.

Magazine. Submitting to a magazine is a bit more labor intensive however publication in this format will provide you with more credibility than publication in an article directory.

• Step one is to explore your online and offline magazine possibilities.  If you’re in the pet care industry you obviously don’t want to be submitting article proposals to a magazine devoted to investing for retirement.

• Step two is to choose one or two publications and find out what their submission or querying procedures are.  Some magazines welcome article submissions while others prefer that you query them to see if they’re interested in your article topic.  If it’s a publication that allows submissions find out what their submission procedures are.  Can you email your submission?  Does it need to be formatted a specific way?  Do you send the entire article or only a portion of it?  Whom do you send your submission to? What subject line do you put in your email?

If they do not accept submissions but would rather see a proposal or query first then it’s time to create your one page proposal.  Identify what your article would be about, why their readers would find it beneficial and why you’re the one to write it.  Again, read their procedures to make sure you’re querying the correct person and following their specified protocol.

This may sound like a bit of work however imagine the credibility you’ll have when you can say, “Published in Money Magazine.” It opens up a whole new world of clients and audience awareness.

Relevant website. The third and final place to submit articles to are relevant websites.  For example, let’s say you have a consulting business where you help small retailers choose the right point of sale software for their store.  You could publish articles on your own site about the selection process.

You could publish articles in magazines and article directories.  However think for a minute about your client’s selection process.  Many retailers visit the websites of point of sale software manufacturers as they’re doing their research.  This research process can take days, weeks, and even years.  The decision process is difficult because it is often an expensive and sometimes very technical product.

Now if you place your article about how to choose software on the websites of selected software developers now you’re capturing the attention of people who are knee deep in this process and probably need your help.  Great idea, right?

The trick, however, is to convince these software developers to publish your articles.  In order to stay unbiased this may involve some careful tap dancing.  In the case of the POS software you could swap and give them the opportunity to publish an article on your website.  You can make sure you list them in your choice of software options you provide your clients and so on.

The benefits of article publication are enormous.  When creating your strategy, decide what your goals are, determine a budget, and then start writing.

You can’t just come up with a single idea for a narrow niche audience and expect that to be enough to deliver financial security for the long-term.  Instead, you want to tap into a niche with endless possibilities, or at least enough to make your product development worthwhile.

Let’s say you decided to create a wedding planning guide in eBook form as your first information product.  If you’re new to the business, then you might instantly think of creating a massive info product that covers everything in detail, from A to Z.

But let’s look at it from a marketer’s business point of view. You are going to put the effort into driving traffic to your site and will hopefully have at least a 2% conversion rate for your information products.  Why waste that effort of time and advertising money on a single sale of $47 when you could easily turn that customer into a lifetime profit stream?

How can you do this?  Information products serve the needs of your audience.  A bride and groom have many issues they want to consider, and you can create dozens of guides that focus on things they need to know, such as How to Have a Destination Wedding at Home where you discuss how to hold a theme wedding in your backyard.  Or, A Guide to Seasonal Flowers for Brides.

Sometimes, a single comprehensive information product is the way to go.  But you also want to cater to the needs of your niche who don’t need all of the other stuff, just what they, in particular, are seeking – like information on wedding cake flavors or homemade wedding favors for brides on a budget.

Once you deliver one outstanding information product to your customers, you’ll have them on your list where you can then market your back-end (follow up) products to them.  This is where the true money in Internet marketing lies because you don’t have to spend money to attract that customer – they’re already in your database.

Make sure that before you implement your information product ideas, you check to see if the niche provides you with the opportunity to branch out and develop an entire line of products dedicated to helping them lead a better life.

Yes! But, relax! You are probably already on your way if you are even thinking about writing! These are the things that writers “happen” to “just do” in their everyday lives. Let’s dig in and see how you are doing…

Read…Read…Read

The very best writers are the most voracious readers. Give them a book and a quiet nook to read and you have just sent them to heaven on earth. Reading supplies ideas that get the mind thinking, fresh perspective, and even train the writing style of those who read. In studies, most writers tend to read at every opportunity, but those who are the most successful writers have a discipline of reading for at least 2 hours per day.

So, want to be a writer? Read.

Keep an Idea Notebook (With YOU!)

You may prefer a pretty journal or a spiral notebook or you may be a fellow binder queen, loving the versatility of 3-ring binders. Whatever your preference, keep an Idea Notebook. Fill it with your brainstorms… outlines… ideas…rough drafts. Keep it with you. Work in it during your free time along the way. This ONE key will help you to develop your writing into all it can be, make you the most productive, and keep you organized along the way.

Write EVERY Day!

Yep! You will find this counsel in every writer’s manual and in every class for writers. Does it work? Absolutely! I am not talking about writing a fresh manuscript or article each day. There are SO many ways that you can keep your skills fresh and develop them into greater skills.

For example, I recommend copying great quotes each day. As you read (did I mention to read every day? ), you will come across neat “gems” in your reading that beg for you to remember them. You know those quotes. Those that make you pause and soak them in. Begin a journal that is specifically set aside for copying those quotes. The fruit of this discipline can never be underestimated. It is not just for our budding young writers, it is a life discipline for those that really want to be all that they can be. In fact, in Deuteronomy 17:18-20, God commanded that as the kings sat on their throne, they copied the books of Law into a book that they could keep with them. Even God, Himself, keeps quotes in a book—see Malachi where He talks about how precious it is for Him to listen to His saints as they talk among themselves about Him. He loves what they say so much that He keeps a copy of those “gems” in HIS Book of Remembrance. HOOT! And…isn’t God the most precious writer of all times? This may sound like an easy way to write every day, but it is a discipline that writers have had all throughout time. It will make a difference in your writing that will be immeasurable!

Also, try your hand at writing email or blogging (See my blogs at http://www.CindysDesktop.com and http://www.Writers-Nook.com ) or even beginning your own message board. You may want to join email discussion lists in areas of your interest or begin your own ezine. These are all wonderful ways that I keep myself writing every day, even when I am not working on a specific project. They make me THINK and keep my ideas organized. In fact, many times the very discussions or emails that I have written become articles or tip sheets later on. It is a fantastic way to write every day!

Of course, another way is to write bit-by-bit on your projects. Did you know that if you just write ONE chapter in a book a week, you will finish the typical book in only 10 weeks? In a year, you could finish 5 books. It just takes bit-by-bit, consistent effort. You can do it! Just write every day.

Constantly Learn!

Yep! All great writers have a discipline to learn something new every day. Reading is a part of that, but not the whole. We are surrounded with information, ideas, and a need to “DO.” We should all be constantly learning for our entire lives. All writers who are prolific and successful are constantly learning. They are constantly growing. They are constantly developing as a person.

In addition, they constantly learn about the art of writing. A writer never completely “arrives” at perfection. Writers must constantly work on the art of writing. Writing today is nothing like yesterday’s writing and tomorrow’s writing will not be like today’s writing. It is constantly growing. Constantly changing. And…the writing is not the only area that changes. A writer MUST stay abreast of the writing business. To be a writer is to be IN BUSINESS. Even the sporadic writer must have keen business sense or they will never make it—either someone will take advantage of them or they will never be taken seriously in the business (aka—get jobs!).

That is not all. The writer of our day must learn marketing, publishing, selling, editing. No one can do these things for you. In fact, many writers fail because they wait for someone else to fund their work (publish their work) or promote their work. No one else can promote YOU like YOU can! No one else is going to take that time to take care of you—well, unless you paid them a lot of money to do so on a constant basis. You can do this yourself. Even if you had a “publisher” that you were working for, they are going to want YOU to do this in your sphere. One of the “selling” factors of a writer is whether that writer will “sell” books for the publisher. They want to know that the writer has bookings to promote the books, a market for selling their books, and the ability to get the books that are published into the hands of the buyers. In short, they want to invest money that is a “sure-thing” when they print books. YOU CAN DO THIS YOURSELF! Learn the business! Commit to do it! Stay abreast of all of the changes. Your blessings will be immeasurable.

Finally, learn the technology. Technology constantly changes. A writer who wants to succeed needs to be in the mode of learning “the next thing” on a continual basis. It really pays off to learn web design and computer skills. Today, there is so much opportunity available for the professional writer just because of desktop publishing. Each DAY I am amazed at the things that you can do to take your writing to the next level. The biggest hindrance is getting comfortable in what you do. A writer that wants to do all that God has called them to do, needs to be constantly learning the new things that are out there within their reach! Never depend on others to do that for you. It will only stunt your growth now and for years to come. Dig in and learn the technology YOURSELF.

So…Want to Be a Writer???

These are just a few of the disciplines of writers, but some that really make a difference. Want to write? Develop the disciplines of a successful writer. You will find success and be off to a good start!

Hi Cindy

You mention that Elisabeth likes web designing. Did she use Steve’s DVD’s to teach her web design? I would like to learn how to make a website, however I have no idea how. I wanted to find out how comprehensive is Steve’s DVD’s – will I know everything I need to know from just using them.

I would so appreciate your advise of this.

Regards
Susan

Cindy’s Answer:

Hi!

Thanks for your email. I am happy to help.

Yes, Elisabeth has used Steve’s DVD Set. She loved learning from it. We actually learned from them together. It was a fun course. Steve did a fabulous job on that course. It includes SO much! I am amazed at all he covered. It was very good for her.

Of course, Elisabeth was already designing sites before that course. She really has a great gifting with them. Most of what we build together uses Wordpress. It is very, very easy. We found a great course that walks you through each step. Many of the ladies in our classes have used it as well, with very little web experience. They have beautiful sites. We found a great program that they have all used. It is by my friend, Lynette Chandler. It is called the Blogging Starter Set, but don’t let the name fool you. You can use Wordpress to build a traditional looking website or a blog. Plus, the programming is so much better for getting your website to the top of search engines. Here is the link so you can check it out:

http://tinyurl.com/2sthhj

We recommend that you also look into GOT-Hosting. They have Fantastico installed that helps to make setting up and updating Wordpress much easier. You can use it alongside of Lynette’s set and have your site up over the weekend—probably in one evening. Here is a link to get to GOT-Hosting:

http://tinyurl.com/3295aj

I hope that this helps you. If not, just ask and we will help more!

Have a super day!

With much love,
Cindy

http://www.cindysdesktop.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/Partsofanarticle.pdf

Try a Blog!

One option is to begin a blog. A blog is an informal website. You can post articles, tips, journal entries, or anything that you want. I have several reasons that I recommend this to you-

1. You can set it up for quickly and easily.
2. You can post your material yourself without a web designer.
3. You can become more familiar with web design.
4. You have a place to keep your work online!
5. You have a place to send people who are interested in your work.
6. You can write every day or as you can!
7. Oh! You CAN DO IT!

Get Your Own Website!

Another option is to get your own website. I cannot recommend highly enough that you invest in your own website. It is one of the most important things that a writer can do. It is like a home on the web for you! Invest in that cyber-real estate today! Here are some pointers that will make your website all it can be¦

==> Invest today at MINIMUM in your own web address ”buy YOUR NAME. If your own name is available, invest in it today even if you are not building the website immediately. For years, I wrestled with a vision for my website. In that time, I did NOTHING! For real! When I decided that I wanted to move forward, I was blessed with some of the best advice ever from a dear friend. I was advised to set up my website with MY NAME as the web address for real: www.CindyRushton.com. I felt SO awkward in doing so. It just seemed a bit self-promoting exactly! If you are a writer, you MUST promote yourself. You have to get beyond the fears and trepidations. Think for a minute. If you wanted to find me on the web, what would you look for? I have now written almost 80 books, would my website be titled under one of them? I produce 6 ezines? Would my website be best set up under one of those? What about my business name? We have three businesses at this time and we are considering expanding into a couple of others? Which one would you look for? Do you even know their names? Yes, the most reasonable name for all I do is MY OWN NAME  http://www.CindyRushton.com. It tells who I am today and tomorrow! And yours will too! Invest in YOUR name as your website!

==> Create a HOME on the Web. Don’t just make it a website with information about products I HATE THOSE! Don’t you? They give NOTHING for the reader to enjoy today or to come back for later. If they do not buy the product at that time, you lose them. Rather, make a website that is a HOME on the web! Make your website a reflection of YOU! Include your articles/poems/tip sheets. Include fresh material through an ezine or a blog. Set up your website with a sampling of who you are and what you love to write on. Then, you will create a successful website that makes your readers want to buy your work as it comes out in print.

==> Set up an Ezine or Blog. Have fresh new material on a regular basis. Reach your readers either through an ezine that is emailed to them each time you send it out, or through a blog that they can visit regularly.

==> Begin to Develop your Mailing List. One last thing! Don’t lose those that come by your website. Be sure to set up a form for capturing their addresses. Make it easy to use. Offer them something for free a subscription to your e-zine a free e-book a free bonus. Just adding a form on your website or blog will capture hundreds of people who are interested in following you through the years. Begin yours TODAY!

A website may seem very intimidating, but you can do it! Find a company with easy templates or find a neat web designer who can help you get started. Set it up to be a reflection of who YOU are. You will find it to be your favorite tool as a writer!

~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Want some MORE help?

Writing to See Writers Reach Their Dreams…
Check out my NEW site just for writers!
http://www.Writers-Nook.com

So! You Want to be a Writer???
Check out our NEW Audio Seminar and Membership Site!
Sign up and get STEP-BY-STEP Help through Setting Up Your Own Wordpress Website!
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Hi!

Thanks for inviting us. I love what you do with your newsletter and blog. It encourages me regularly. Thanks for all you do!

This year we are celebrating two big anniversaries with our business/ministry. In the fall, we will celebrate 20 years since God called me into ministry. We also celebrate 15 years of being in business this summer! Can you believe it? We can hardly believe that the years have gone by so quickly. It is a great time to ask about our story and what the Lord has been teaching us. Thanks for the honor!

Everything began 20 years ago when I attended a Ladies’ Retreat as a nineteen-year-old newlywed. For the first time in my life, I was taught what the Bible had to say about godly womanhood. Now, I had been active in church from the time I was a baby. I never missed a church service from the time I was 2-years-old. I also grew up in a Christian home. But, these things were never specifically taught taught to me. Actually, if we are honest, these topics are not the ones that give warm fuzzies, so they are still not the most “popular” topics of many ministers and Bible teachers.

During that retreat, my whole life changed. It was not so much the retreat as it was a holy moment between me and God. In that tiny country church, I sat in prayer thanking God for teaching me His truth early in my marriage. As I sat in prayer, the rest of the world going on around me, God whispered His call to me, “Will you purpose to get to know what I have to say about womanhood?” That was a no-brainer! I was READY to learn everything that He wanted for me to learn about being a godly wife and one day a godly mother. I wanted all that God would give me in my life. The life-changing moment came when He whispered into my heart the call, “Will you teach it?” My instant question was, “WHO ME?” But…you know my answer…the rest is history!

I didn’t begin writing or begin a business that day. In fact, it is funny looking back. I thought my “job” in life would be Dental Hygiene. I loved my career. I loved my patients. I was in school training to be a hygienist and working full time on the side to get on the job training. I loved my life. It was a nice balance between my marriage and career. I never had a single thought about writing or having a business of my own. In fact, the two classes in school that I really “hated” were writing and marketing! Funny how God changes everything!

The following years were very dormant years. God blessed me with my two precious children. He took me home from my job to be a stay-at-home wife and mom. Harold finished college. And…I settled in to be a godly wife and mommy. I did not begin writing or a business at that time. It just did not cross my mind.

As the years went by, I developed a passion for encouraging other women. I simply loved being around moms. I loved Bible Studies—especially the challenge of preparing to teach them. I loved my life.

My writing began “accidentally” as I agreed to be the editor of our local Smocking Guild’s monthly newsletter. I would include neat tips and ideas for making heirloom sewing and smocking easy. This would later be the theme for all that I do today—making it easy! Many of my newsletters would feature cute ideas from my friends. I would collect the ideas and put them into print. It was a HUGE hit!

One day, my husband’s grandmother, Mamaw Alma Lee Rushton, asked me to go to the local paper to ask them to include my tips and ideas in a column (like Dear Abby—remember those?). My first response to her was, “Mamaw, I am NOT a writer!” Of course, she would not accept any excuses. She very insistently informed me that I was TO GO to the local paper and show them the newsletters.

Well, I still look back in awe, knowing that it was that one pivotal event that changed the direction of my whole life. It took someone who adored me to inspire me to get outside of my box and go for it! Yep, they DID add me as a columnist that day!

My column was an immediate success. My editor was thrilled with the response. He even told me that his mom considered me as her favorite writer.

I began writing steadily at that time. I set aside time when the children were sleeping in the morning or during their naps to regularly write. Also, at that time another thing was happening parallel to the writing—I began my first business sewing for the public. I would alternate sewing and writing when the children were asleep. It worked out nicely. Plus, the business gave me fresh ideas for my column…the column inspired me to try new things with the business. It was a super combo. I had no idea of how much I would love being in business for myself at that time. I cannot imagine life any other way now.

I continued writing and running my business for several years. Only a few months after I began my column, my articles were picked up by other newspapers and magazines. By that time, I found the most unlikely thing about myself—I was ADDICTED to writing! Writing had never been such a blast before!

The next biggie happened about a year after I began my column that I was visiting with Mamaw—we loved our girl-days! When the guys would get together, Elisabeth and I would spend the afternoon with her. She and I could not have been more kindred if I were her flesh in blood. She loved me so deeply and believed in me long before I knew what I could ever be or what I could ever achieve.

I was so excited one day that another magazine had picked me up as a columnist. I took a copy of the magazine to her—she had long before set up a neat notebook (anybody recognize something here—she was the first binder queen I knew!) that included all of the things I wrote to be published and wrote for her (letters, recipes, etc). I wanted for her to have a copy of the magazine. She was always SO exhilarated about the little things that were happening in my life. She could not have been more happy about her own accomplishments!

That Spring day will forever be etched in my mind. It was the last day that I was able to see her before her death. I don’t know if others of you have ever experienced the loss of someone so dear, but it was beyond the loss. That day she spoke her “vision” over me and my life. I still feel that what she spoke to me was a word from God. During those moments that I feel a bit overwhelmed and chaos sets in, just the memory of her conversation helps me to get back on track—that was the way she was. That day was pivotal in my whole life—especially in my calling and life purpose.

The conversation was priceless. It was more of a “charge” toward God’s calling for me. Just one thing seemed out of place in the conversation. She looked at the magazine and instantly declared, “Cindy…you have GOT to write a book!” Now, the other things she said about being a wife and mommy were a “given” for me. I was committed to those things. The “book thing” seemed a bit radical…a bit far-fetched! Yep…my comment back was very original, “Mamaw, I am NOT a writer!” My how she must look down from the heavenlies with Jesus and just laugh now that I have over 80 books and even more coming very soon!

It may seem to all of you that this is just what I do, but I had every excuse that I have ever heard about why NOT to write. Now, it is just that—excuses! There is nothing like getting beyond the excuses into the calling!

There is SO much that I could share about the process. Rather, I would love to encourage those of you who are writing, yet weary…and those of you who feel that call and have no idea how to get where you are going. I am excited for you! It is no accident that you are reading this specific interview. You CAN be a writer too! Want to know some of my secrets to getting all of it done? Tips from a prolific writer? Here are a few:

Read…Read…Read!

The very best writers are the most voracious readers! Give them a book and a quiet nook to read and you have just sent them to heaven on earth! Reading supplies ideas that get the mind thinking, fresh perspective, and even train the writing style of those who read. In studies, most writers tend to read at every opportunity, but those who are the most successful writers have a discipline of reading for at least 2 hours per day! So, want to be a writer? Read.

Keep an Idea Notebook (With YOU!)!

You may prefer a pretty journal or a spiral notebook or you may be a fellow binder queen, loving the versatility of 3-ring binders. I keep both kinds. Whatever your preference, keep an Idea Notebook. Fill it with your brainstorms… outlines…ideas…rough drafts. Keep it with you. Work in it during your free time along the way. I keep a notebook for each book that I write and each conference that I teach. I have a bunch of notebooks that I use to store my individual workshop titles—I keep them together in themes and pull them out for teaching at conferences or to use for articles or radio interviews. This is one thing that has helped me to keep track of ideas and to continuously come up with new and fresh ideas for my writing projects. This ONE key will help you to develop your writing into all it can be, make you the most productive, and keep you organized all along the way!

Write EVERY Day!

Yep! You will find this counsel in every writer’s manual and in every class for writers. Does it work? Absolutely! I am not talking about writing a fresh manuscript or article each day. There are SO many ways that you can keep your skills fresh and develop them into greater skills.

For example, I recommend copying great quotes each day. As you read (did I mention to read every day? You will come across neat “gems” in your reading that beg for you to remember them. You know those quotes. Those that make you pause and soak them in! Begin a journal that is specifically set aside for copying those quotes.

The fruit of this discipline can never be underestimated. It is not just for our budding young writers, it is a life discipline for those that really want to be all that they can be. In fact, in Deuteronomy 17:18-20, God commanded that as the kings sat on their throne, they copied the Law into a book that they could keep with them. Even God, Himself, keeps quotes in a book—see Malachi where He talks about how precious it is for Him to listen to His saints as they talk among themselves about Him. He loves what they say so much that He keeps a copy of those “gems” in HIS Book of Rememberence. HOOT! And…isn’t God the most precious writer of all times? This may sound like an easy way to write every day, but it is a discipline that writers have had all throughout time. It will make a difference in your writing that will be immeasurable!

Also, try your hand at writing email or blogging (See my blog at http://www.CindysDesktop.com or http://www.Writers-Nook.com) or even beginning your own message board. You may want to join email discussion lists in areas of your interest or begin your own ezine. These are all wonderful ways that I keep myself writing every day, even when I am not working on a specific project. They make me THINK and keep my ideas organized. In fact, many times the very discussions or emails that I have written become articles or tip sheets later on. It is a fantastic way to write every day!

Of course, another way is to write bit-by-bit on your projects. Did you know that if you just write ONE chapter in a book a week, you will finish the typical book in only 10 weeks? In a year, you could finish 5 books! It just takes bit-by-bit, consistent effort! You can do it! Just write every day!

Constantly Learn!

Yep! All great writers have a discipline to learn every day! Reading is a part of that, but not the whole. We are surrounded with information, ideas, and a need to “DO.” We should all be constantly learning for our entire lives. All writers who are prolific and successful are constantly learning. They are constantly growing. They are constantly developing as a person.

Every year I make a list of things that I want to learn, along with my yearly goals and resolutions. I carry that list with me. Sometimes it feels like it is nagging at me to get busy doing something to learn something fresh. Other times, it is a nice treat to check off the new things that I am learning or look back over all that I have learned over the year. When we keep on learning and growing, it adds a freshness to our writing. Plus, it also gives us neat new ideas for those future books and articles!

In addition, constantly learn about the art of writing. A writer never completely “arrives” at perfection. Writers must constantly work on the art of writing. Writing today is nothing like yesterday’s writing and tomorrow’s writing will not be like today’s writing. It is constantly growing. Constantly changing.

And…the writing is not the only area that changes. A writer MUST stay abreast of the writing business. To be a writer is to be IN BUSINESS. Even the sporadic writer must have keen business sense or they will never make it—either someone will take advantage of them or they will never be taken seriously in the business (aka—get jobs or sell their work!). The writer of our day must learn marketing, publishing, selling, speaking, advertising, editing. No one can do these things for you. In fact, many writers fail because they wait for someone else to fund their work (publish their work) or promote their work. No one else can promote YOU like YOU can! No one else is going to take that time to take care of you—well, unless you paid them a lot of money to do so on a constant basis! You can do this yourself. Even if you had a “publisher” that you were working for, they are going to want YOU to do this in your sphere of influence. One of the “selling” factors of a writer is whether that writer will “sell” books for the publisher. They want to know that the writer has bookings to promote the books, a market for selling their books, and the ability to get the books that are published into the hands of the buyers. In short, they want to invest money that is a “sure-thing” when they print books. YOU CAN DO THIS YOURSELF! Learn the business! Commit to do it! Stay abreast of all of the changes. Your blessings will be immeasurable!

Finally, learn the technology! Technology constantly changes. A writer who wants to succeed needs to be in the mode of learning “the next thing” on a continual basis. It really pays off to learn web design and computer skills. Today there is so much opportunity available for the professional writer just because of desktop publishing. Each DAY I am amazed at the things that you can do to take your writing to the next level. The biggest hindrance is getting comfortable in what you do. A writer that wants to do all that God has called them to do, needs to be constantly learning the new things that are out there within their reach! Want to know a few that are musts online? Here are a few:

Blogging…

Have no idea where to begin? Why not try a blog? A Blog is an informal website. You can post articles, tips, journal entries, or anything that you want. It is a wonderful way to get busy writing and develop that habit of writing. You never know—your blog material may be just the perfect material to use in your first book! You have got to give it a try–I have several reasons that I recommend this to you-

1. You can set it up for easily and quickly.
2. You can post your material yourself without a web designer.
3. You can become more familiar with web design.
4. You have a place to keep your work online!
5. You have a “place” to send people who are interested in your work.
6. You can write every day or as you can!
7. Oh! You CAN DO IT!

Get Your Own Website!

Another MUST is to get your own website. I cannot recommend highly enough that you invest in your own website. It is one of the most important things that a writer can do. It is like a “home” on the web for you! Invest in that “cyber-real estate” today! Here are some pointers that will make your website all it can be…

==> Invest today at MINIMUM in your own web address—buy YOUR NAME. If your own name is available, invest in it today—even if you are not building the website immediately. For years, I wrestled with a vision for my website. In that time, I did NOTHING! For real! When I decided that I wanted to move forward, I was blessed with some of the best advice ever from a dear friend. I was advised to set up my website with MY NAME as the web address—for real: http://www.CindyRushton.com. I felt SO awkward in doing so. It just seemed a bit self-promoting—exactly! If you are a writer, you MUST promote yourself. You have to get beyond the fears and trepidations. Think for a minute. If you wanted to find me on the web, what would you look for? I have now written almost 80 books, would my website be titled under one of them? I produce 6 ezines? Would my website be best set up under one of those? What about my business name? We have three businesses at this time and we are considering expanding into a couple of others? Which one would you look for? Do you even know their names? Yes, the most reasonable name for all I do is MY OWN NAME— http://www.CindyRushton.com. It tells who I am today…and tomorrow! And…yours will too! Invest in YOUR name as your website!

==> Create a HOME on the Web. Don’t just make it a website with information about products—I HATE THOSE! Don’t you? They give NOTHING for the reader to enjoy today or to come back for later. If they do not buy the product at that time, you lose them. Rather, make a website that is a HOME on the web! Make your website a reflection of YOU! Include your articles/poems/tip sheets. Include fresh material through an Ezine or a Blog. Set up your website with a sampling of who you are and what you love to write on. Then, you will create a successful website that makes your readers want to buy your work as it comes out in print.

Set up an E-zine!

I get tickled regularly when I read different marketing ideas online. If you have been reading much of it lately, you have probably ran across the debates over whether email marketing is going “out” or not with the huge interests in blogging and RSS feeds. The opinions are as varied as you will ever find on any other topic.

Many of you probably know that I use all of them. So, what do I think? The opportunities for marketing and ministry are abundant for today’s Christian writer. I find that each of the methods we use in our ministry/business reach a different segment of our supporters. Each segment has a preference for how they most enjoy material and how they prefer to access the material. I recommend building steadily into using many different means for sharing your message—just don’t begin something that you cannot continue. Nothing looks more unprofessional than a neglected blog (I have a couple!) or a neglected message board. If you can only choose one or two things, I recommend a blog and an e-zine. An e-zine helps to develop your message for your reader. It also helps to build a mailing list of your supporters. There are SO many other perks. Every writer should have at least one newsletter list. Get started on a theme that is very natural and easy for you. Find a topic in which you can easily have fresh new material on a regular basis. Set up a schedule that works for you. Then, spread the word!

Develop Your Mailing List…

One last thing! Don’t lose those that come by your website. Be sure to set up a form for capturing their addresses. Make it easy to use. Offer them something for free—a subscription to your E-zine…a free E-book…a free bonus. Just adding a form on your website or blog will capture hundreds of people who are interested in following you through the years. Also, don’t forget to make a point of promoting your mailing list when you travel to events, speak at conferences, or send out orders. We did not announce ours as much in the early years and it took several years to build up as much as ours grows every six months now. A mailing list is the life-blood of our businesses. Begin yours TODAY!

So…Want to Be a Writer???

Any of you ready to take the plunge? These things have really made a huge difference for me through the years. Hopefully they will really help you to be all that God wants for you to be.

So many of you have immense talent. Why not offer it up to God today as a precious sacrifice? You have great things ahead of you! So…beloved…why not write that article? Why not write that newspaper column? Why not write that book. Yes! YOU can be a writer too!

Happy writing!
Cindy Rushton

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I LOVE this!

I LOVE Mark Twain!

I love the wisdom that Mark Twain had packed in his mind!

Want to write? Do you have a dream? Go for it!

The real secret to getting it done is just getting started. So, how can you get started today? You know, don’t you? What can you do today to move forward and go for your dreams?

First, sit down and break the task into pieces. Then, do the first task today.

Don’t wait. Just begin today.

Then…tomorrow do the next thing.

Before long, we will be celebrating with you as you announce that your dream came true!

Counting days…

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* Decide on your topic/theme/book subject.

* Brainstorm all that could be included in your book—try creating a mind-map, making a list of what you want to cover, or jotting down chapters or sections of your book. If other thoughts come to mind, write them down as fast as possible. Keep jotting down ideas as they come. Do not censor your thoughts. That is for later!

* Look back over your ideas. Choose your subtopics (your chapters/sections of your book). These should support your main topic/theme.

* Under each subtopic, go back and fit in any points to be covered (in each chapter/section). The more ideas under each section, the better your details (although that is not necessary) Your details will become your paragraphs and sentences in your chapters.

* You are ready to write!

Writing to See Writers Reach Their Dreams…
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* Carry a notebook with you just for brainstorming/mindmapping.
* Draw a circle in the middle of a piece of paper. Inside of that circle, write down your topic.
* Without censoring yourself, quickly jot down related ideas and thoughts that come to mind. Enclose each in a circle, and draw a line to the original topic. If those trigger ideas, jot those down attached to the idea that triggers those extra ideas.
* Go back through deciding what you will use in your story/outline. Use ideas to generate your subtopics and details covered in your books.
* Keep your mind-map. You may need extra ideas later!

Daily. Daily, daily.

I spend so much time wondering…

What I’m supposed to write about?
What am I so high and mighty knowledgeable about?

I feel as though I am not an authority on any subject at all, especially motherhood, which is what I think the Lord wants me to write about. If He wants me to write to mothers, and if my husband believes that I can do it, then why not just take the plunge and do it? What could possibly go wrong? The type of “no” one gets in this publishing business is a written “no.” That is so much more easy to swallow than a face-to-face “no”, or a phone-call “no”.

On the other hand, if I do not write, I will lose my husband’s trust in my self-discipline, God’s calling, and much more personally.

I AM A WRITER!!!

On our last day in Mexico, I sat on a wooden carved bench with my feet on a cobblestone path in Mismaloya Village, with the river gurgling behind me, and with the bougainvillea blooming in front of me. I said aloud, “In this place, this idyllic place, I say out loud, ‘I am a writer.’ From now on , I AM A WRITER.”

Then I wrote the below resolutions in my journal:

* I WILL write every day. NOTHING will get in my way. NO interruption will be placed in importance above this calling (definitely family and home come first, of course, but I’m just saying that I’m through with excuses!). I can take my writing with me wherever I am needed, whether it is in a hospital room or on a playground. I will take it, I will use my time wisely, and I WILL be self-disciplined.

* I will stop endlessly reading about writing - I have learned enough to at least start.

* I will stop scheduling writing time - instead, I will just write.

* I will stop giving excuses to myself because I am a busy mother - God knows that, yet He called me to write anyway.

* I will stop wondering what to write - instead, I will sit down and write, even if in sentence fragments; even if I only write, “I don’t know what to write.”

* I will stop wondering why I am such an authority - I will instead agree with God that I should be writing and leave the expert editing to Him.

About Lori…

Lori Seaborg is a wife and homeschooling mother of four who lives and writes in the Gulf Coast countryside of Alabama. You may view her blog (one of MY FAVORITES!!) at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/KeepingtheHome

Ever heard of “Writer’s Block?” Ever HAD “Writer’s Block?” Boy, do I relate!

Ever get in a rut? You are NOT alone!

So, what do you do when your brain shuts down and your fingers are stuck? Let me qive you a few quick tips that just might get your fingers going again!

A while back I was finishing up one of my newest books, Homemade Books! YES! You CAN Be a Writer Too! One frustrating thing happened to me during the early stages of that particular book.

Now, get a quick background…I have written over 80 books, Bible studies, and packets. I have authored 1,000’s of articles. You would think that “writer’s block” and “writing ruts” would not be an issue for me any more. Well, actually, it never has been much of a problem. However, as I was in the early stages of writing HMBOOKS, I battled with “writer’s block” as never before. When writing about my passion—writing books—I was drawing a complete blank. Does something seem wrong here? I thought so myself!

I took the whole matter to the Lord. It was a heart-cry before Him. I knew that there was something great going to result from this struggle.

My brain remained completely blank in spite of my huge notebooks full of great outlines and material that I had collected through the years. My brain was totally empty and my fingers frozen although I had taught workshops on how to create books with children for years! UGH! My answer did not seem to come fast enough!

Well, until…

Yes! Isn’t God always SO faithful? Ohhh, YES!

I was sitting before my notes. Completely blank. Paralyzed. Then, the Lord spoke to my heart through His Word. Everything made sense! I could see what was hindering my progress!

Want to know what on earth it was? Experiencing some of that “Writer’s Block” in spite of a million ideas? Well, this is going to be good! Take a look at Habakkuk 2:2…

“Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may RUN that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it: because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

There it is! The cure for those shut-downs! Vision!

This book was the very first book that I had ever found myself sitting at my desk thumping my pencil…staring out into space…and closing my computer with nothing new added to the file. Imagine that, when all along my answer was right in the pages of my Bible! All other projects just fell into an outline and flowed from my computer. I could see a complete vision of where I was going before I even got started. This particular book was different—and there was a reason!

My block was not because of my lack ideas and planning for the book. I had pages and pages of my outlines and ideas in my notebook. It was not because of a lack of interest and enthusiasm. There is nothing in the world more fun and exciting for me to talk about than books! J My “writer’s block” was not due to inexperience. I had written so many books of my own, plus I had helped my own children and other children to produce books for years. I definitely had experience. I knew the process of writing inside out. So, what was it all about?

For the first time, I struggled. I had so many ideas, so much information. What I needed was to take all of it and get a vision!

Then, it clicked! It was not even a “vision thing” with this book. I knew what I wanted in the book. I knew the set up because I had already found natural divisions for the book in my notebooks and workshops. I was having this dilemma for a very specific reason. I was taking so much of what it really takes to produce books for granted. We have produced so many books that it has become second nature to me. I just “DO” so many little things without thinking much about it. God wanted for me to slow down and remember those little things that make a BIG difference!

This one tip is one of those BIGGIES! It makes a world of difference when we are working on a project. We simply must get a vision of what the book or article is to become or we are completely crippled from the onset of the project. So whether you are needing the next step in producing a homemade book or article…or you are stuck with “writer’s block,” let me take your hand and walk you through this important part of the process!

Brainstorm! Brainstorm! Brainstorm!

Want to get out of that rut? Maybe all that is needed is an afternoon to settle down with a cup of tea to brainstorm! Now, you MUST know that I brainstorm as a recreational THING! It is refreshing for me! Just give me a few minutes…a journal and pen…and an idea. It almost consumes me! Relate? BUT…still need to know how to make your writing great by brainstorming? It is easy! Brainstorm everything that could or should be written about that topic in your journal. Brainstorming is what gets your brain going! Brainstorming is essential to pull together and organize all of those ideas that may be floating in your brain. It sorts through ideas and thoughts to pull them together for your outline and text. Get out your Idea Notebook and a piece of paper. Let’s brainstorm!

o First, let’s work on a topic that is driving you crazy. No excuses! Let’s hit that topic! Ready? Write down YOUR topic on a piece of paper in your Idea Notebook.

o Next, let’s brainstorm what you know about this topic. If you are compiling a cookbook, brainstorm the sections in your cookbook—what sections do you want to include? What recipes would you like to add to your cookbook? What details and information would need to be added to your book? What about an article on a special interest? Say, Tips for Making Meals Special. What natural paragraphs/points would you want to include? What information is most important to you? Jot it all down. Let your brain freely list and brainstorm. Don’t worry about whether you have lots to say or even if there is too much to say about any one thought, just write what comes to mind down.

o Now, brainstorm what you think NEEDS to be known about the topic…
Are there steps to cover? Are there dates and events that need more details? Can you list tips? What about brainstorming through the “Five W’s”—who, what, why, where, and when? If you are brainstorming for a story you are writing, think through all that you feel or sense—what do you “see” in your setting? What do you smell? What do you taste? What sounds do you hear? Brainstorm each character and what it is like to be around them. Brainstorm about each setting in your story. Include those details! They will take your reader deeper into your story.

o Let your mind go!
The more you brainstorm, the deeper and better developed your book will be. You may not use every idea, but you may uncover a very important part of your book. Keep this section of your notebook going. You will need this for reference while you write.

o Keep brainstorming!
It is very important to keep in mind that you do not have to stop brainstorming because you move on with the writing process. Keep this section of your notebook going. You will need this for reference while you write. You will need to continue to brainstorm until the book goes into print—and even after that, if you want a second edition of your book! Brainstorming will develop your book and your ideas. It will jog your brain, bringing out ideas thatwill make the book perfect. (More on Brainstorming in another post in the near future! )

Outlining…

I took for granted how much my brain just “thinks” in outlines until a dear friend (fellow writer) told me about her struggles with Outlining. School lessons never made any sense. The outlines that she prepared in school did not mean anything, so they did not train her to “see” a text in the form of an outline or to “think” and “brainstorm” her ideas by using an outline. This is just FUN for me. Please do not get sick yet!

Outlines are the “skeleton” of your articles and your books. They help to organize all of the material into a format that makes the book great. They help us to see how our text will flow. Outlines provide the framework for your project and guide the writing process. The outline is the structure the moves the story or text toward the vision of the book or article.

Once you have decided on your topic, brainstormed what you would like to cover, the outline will make the final (well, nothing is ever completely final!) decisions of what will go in the book and the order that it will be included in the book. Then, the last part…

Filling the Gaps and Putting It All Together…

If you have stuck with me and worked on the earlier steps, this is going to be the really fun part! This is where you will add in the details and information that you want for your reader to learn. This is what really makes your book or article completely unique. So, how?

o Check for any gaps and holes.
Are all of the steps included? Are the little bits of information included? Have you listed all of the supplies? Check for gaps and holes. Fill in details. Develop your message.

o Teach what you know with the details in your text.
Write it! It may be little things. For example, when Matthew was writing his book, Fearless Warriors: A Chronological History of the US Marines, there were certain terms that he was very familiar with from his extensive reading and research about the Marines. I had never come in contact with those terms used in those ways. Not understanding what those terms meant in their context hindered my understanding of his book. As we began editing, I asked him what those words meant. He could explain those terms very well. That was my key to recommend that he include his explanation in his text. Then, the text was perfect! No holes! Check to fill any gaps in the text. Remember, the author is the expert in their field and the reader wants to learn what the author knows!

o Monitor to stay on topic and not chase rabbits. All of this said, this is also an important point! We want to develop our points, but not stray from our points chasing rabbits. All along the process monitor to be sure that the text stays on target.

o Constantly evaluate your outline to be sure that it has a good flow. If there are places that are choppy, either develop the idea or cut it—that is the hard part! Hard, but a key to a strong manuscript.

o Organize the final outline…you are ready to write!

So, is your “Writer’s Block” better yet? Running again? Left that rut far behind! Try these ideas and see if it doesn’t get much, much better! This is the hardest part! Now, you are ready to write! Or…to dig deeper with me….

Writing to See Writers Reach Their Dreams…
Check out my NEW site just for writers!
http://www.Writers-Nook.com

So…You Want to be a Writer???
Check out our NEW Audio Seminar and Membership Site!
Sign up and get STEP-BY-STEP Help through Setting Up Your Own Wordpress Website!
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