I recently found podcasts of your Writer’s Radio Show on itunes.  I thoroughly enjoyed listening to your past podcasts.  The Writer’s Radio Show podcasts stopped sometime in October…  I know you’ve got a million irons in the fire, and I don’t blame you a bit if you’re prioritizing and this one didn’t make the cut.  I just wanted to know if the Writer’s Radio Show is ka-put, or if it’s just on extended vacation.  Either way, I don’t fault you one bit for doing what’s right for you, I’m just curious.

Respectfully,
Kristen W.

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FROM CINDY…
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Hi!

Thanks for your email. Great question!

Last year, I used Blog Talk Radio for my show host. I had horrible technical problems toward the end of the year. It was so severe that I have had to set up other options. I plan to re-launch the new version of the show as soon as I get some of my current projects finished. We will be back going strong soon—hopefully by mid-month. But, we will DEFINITELY be back going strong! Can’t wait!

If you want updates, check out our mailing list here at my website (look to the upper right sidebar) and we will keep you posted.

Have a super day!

Love,
Cindy

It is time for our “Mailbag” show again! Talk about a great show!

Join us today as I dig into your questions! We covered a TON of material today. Here are some of the topics:

About finished with my book, WHO do I get for feedback?
Been blogging, want to make money, where should I write?
Using the “MORE” tag in Wordpress
Beginning a podcast, so what do I choose–Blog Talk Radio…Feedburner…or iTunes???
How to promote a podcast
I AM writing!
Writing when the traditional publishers reject you
Ideas for domain names
What do I do with MY story???
What about shipping costs?
How to get your book in E-book format?
Finished the book, now how do I reach my market???
How to make your download pages private?
What is a conversion rate?
AND MORE! Of course!

You will LOVE this show! It does go into “overtime” but it is loaded with great information. We had a blast!

Still don’t cover your question OR need more help? Just zip me an email at cindy@cindyrushton.com and I will be sure to dig into your question next time.

Don’t miss this one!

Download by Mp3

SHOW NOTES:

See us Online!
http://www.Writers-Nook.com
http://www.WritersRadioShow.com

Subscribe to our Mailing List!
Look in the upper right hand corner of our site!
http://www.Writers-Nook.com
http://www.WritersRadioShow.com

Email questions for next Mailbag to:
cindy@cindyrushton.com

Connect with Us On Our Yahoo Group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChristianBlogandPodcast

Kim’s Yahoo Group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ParentsHTH/

Jane’s Website:
http://www.OnlyByPrayer.com

Anne Elliott’s Website:
http://www.AnneElliott.com
http://www.AnneElliott.com/blog

Jerilyn’s Website:
http://abroadcastblog.wordpress.com

Debbie Ball’s Website:
http://www.bethel-nz.blogspot.com

Beth Jones’ Website:
http://www.BethJones.net

Janet Eckles Website:
http://www.JanetPerezEckles.com

CUTE PDF

Patti Handy’s Website:
http://www.TeensCashCoach.com

Join Us For Our Next Show!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Writers-Radio-Show

NEW SHOW! JOIN US!

Mailbag! with Cindy Rushton

It is time for our “Mailbag” show again! Talk about a great show! Join us today as I dig into your questions! If you have a question that you want answered during this mailbag, just zip me an email at cindy@cindyrushton.com and I will be sure to dig into your question too. We will have a blast! Don’t miss this one!

Tune In Online:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Writers-Radio-Show/

Or! Call In:
(646) 727-1339

*******************************************************

Fun? Oh! This week will be a blast! Make plans to join us!

AND…

Have you seen our most recent shows? We have some great shows available by replay at your convenience. Check them out online at the following link for lots of great replays:

Writer’s Radio Show
Our latest show was BE MOTIVATED–don’t miss that one!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Writers-Radio-Show

I will see ya there!

With Much Love,
Cindy

On Facebook? I am! Find me here:
http://www.facebook.com/Cindy.Rushton

AND! I am on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/cindyrushton

Setting up a product for sell on your website
Getting organized–making time to write in your busy home
The book is done–now, what?
Building a responsive mailing list
Introduction to Marketing
Tracking and measuring
How to upload audio and video into your site

Get ready for a big show! Also, if you have a question that you want answered during the next mailbag, just zip me an email at cindy@cindyrushton.com and I will be sure to dig into your question too. We will have a blast! Don’t miss this one!

Download by Mp3

Show Notes:

www.Writers-Nook.com
www.WritersRadioShow.com
www.BethJones.net
www.LuciaClaborn.com
Filezilla
www.Lois-Graham.com
Mom Webs
YouTube.com
Cindy Rushton’s YouTube Channel
Cindy’s Desktop (Proposal Videos)
www.onlybyprayer.com
Kelly with FreshNets
Aweber
YahooGroups
Christian Blog and Podcast E-Group

Join Us For Our Next Show!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Writers-Radio-Show

I have a website right now that is hosted by a Canadian company. Nothing wrong with that except if I need help, the phone calls are really, really expensive. I’m wanting to get a web host here in the USA but don’t have any clue about who is good and who isn’t. The company I’m with now was recommended to me by a friend, so I knew they were ok.

I thought of you when I was looking around. Do you mind telling me who you’re with and if you’re happy with them? I’m really wanting to get my writing off the ground this year and do more on my website to promote the things I’m doing. My website is okay, but nothing great. It could be better. One of my goals this year is to finish the homeschool book I’m working on and to start selling some of my things on my website.

I really appreciate your input. I think so highly of you! You have no idea what you have done for me in my homeschooling journey. You were one of the first authors I read and you made me feel like I could do it! I’ll be graduating my baby (read: youngest) this year! It’s so hard to believe!

Thanks again, Cindy!!

Love in Christ ~ Julie

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FROM CINDY…
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Hey!

Thanks for your note!

I host with two hosts–one is for most of my normal sites. The other is for my podcast site.

I use GOT-Hosting for my normal sites. They are very reasonable. I have wonderful service and 99% up time. Here is my link to them: CLICK HERE

I use Mom Webs for my podcast site. It demands a lot of bandwidth. They handle our demands very well. They were our hosts for our Ultimate Homeschool Expo and all of our radio shows. They were amazing. Here is our link to them: http://www.writers-nook.com/MomWebs.html

Hope this will help you. You can’t go wrong with either company!

Love ya!
Cindy

Sorry to be SO QUIET. I have been swamped with getting ready for the holidays, then I have taken family time the past two weeks—my soldier is HOME! We look like a family of geeks. We came to Elisabeth’s coffee shop to visit and the WIFI is soooo good that we have to succumb to the temptation to get online for a bit. LOL

I wanted to answer Lisa’s question:

Judy and anyone else that cares to chime in,

Have you found what you need – to learn to make the changes in your WP
template? I may be jumping into this sooner than thought and would
appreciate any help that may be given.

I am doing a bit of remodeling of my website and wanting my blogs to
look like the departments of my site that they are patterned after. I
don’t know yet if I will be hiring someone to design the blog
templates for me, or if I will tackle it myself. (I should hire, I
don’t have time. But I am the only one that sees the picture in my
head. And finding just the right graphics is probably what I need
to do first.

I have skimmed through many pages at WP.org for info on changing and
designing themes, and also came across a software that works with
Dreamweaver to design WP Themes. Since I use Dreamweaver for designing
my site, this may be a good possibility. It is called ThemeDreamer.

Let me know what you’ve found.

For Me and My House,
Lisa @ Me and My House ministries
http://frommeandmyhouse.com
Discipleship for Life!

Articles, blogs and resources for Christian Growth, Biblical Home
Discipleship/Education, Family Living, and Biblical Nutrition.

Lisa, I have two suggestions. First, I want to tell you my experience. I CAN DO web design with Wordpress and CSS, but about 6 months ago I decided to take the counsel of some of my dear friends who were gurus in internet marketing and just outsource somethings. Obviously, I cannot outsource writing—THAT is what I am all about. I feel the same about blogging and many of the other thousand tasks that we do every day in business. Finally, it hit me that I COULD outsource some “jobs” that were just nagging at me. One was my web design templates. I am SO glad that I did.

I worked with Kelly from Freshnets. Here is my link to learn more about her services (please do use it if you use this advice. J):

http://www.Writers-Nook.com/FreshNets.html

Kelly did a super job at taking time to really get to know me and my businesses. We had known each other through several business seminars and through online business fellowship before she took on my sites, but she “knocked it out of the ball park” by really getting to KNOW me, my style, my brand, my heartbeats. The first banners she sent my way SO CAPTURED me and the spirit of my “home” on the web. They took everything to another whole level that would never have been possible for me to do without a HUGE learning curve and much time away from the things that ONLY I can do. Take a peek at some of her designs for me:

http://www.CindysDesktop.com
http://www.Talk-a-Latte.com
http://www.MomtoMomRadioShow.com
http://www.CindyRushton.com
http://www.Writers-Nook.com

Also, go to her site and peek at the other sites she has designed:

http://www.Writers-Nook.com/FreshNets.html

I think that you will find that she is well worth hiring. First, the time and energy saved. Secondly, the way she can capture and pull your brand together.

I wanted for all of them to be cohesive, yet individual. She helped me to continue “the look” through all of them without getting redundant. She also helped each site to show its heartbeat and purpose. I loved it!

Lisa, I cannot articulate how much it helped me to turn Kelly loose to do what she does best. Kelly can help you simplify, get on target with your real vision, and step out there into the things that you have been putting off. I think you will find that she will do more for your sites than 20 other businesses. J

Now, saying that…I did say that I have two suggestions.

If you want to try it yourself, I do have one other suggestion. Kelly is teaming up with Lynette Chandler to offer a fabulous FTM that teaches you the ins and outs of blog design. It is intended to help those who want to have a web-design business to get started and learn the secrets behind setting up a professional website. I LOVE IT! Here is my link for it:

http://Writers-Nook.com/BlogEvangelist.html

Not only do you receive lessons on how to build and market your business, but you also get amazing help with Wordpress. I love it! It is not as fast paced as you may need if you are in a hurry setting up your sites with a new fresh template, but the lessons are super! Now, if you are in a hurry, that brings me to another recommendation-oops! That is THREE!

I recommend Lynette’s Blogging Starter Pack. It is absolutely the best resource out there to help you learn how to use Wordpress fast. Here is my link to that:

http://www.Writers-Nook.com/bloggingstarterpack.html

I had NO idea how to do anything in Wordpress before I got her set. In one weekend, I GOT IT! It will really help you understand Wordpress better very fast. Do note: the videos show the older admin panel, but Lynette does a super job of keeping you updated with changes on her members-only blog that you can access for free with your purchase. I think you will be pleased.

So, what do you do if you have no idea where to begin and you are in a hurry????

I would first suggest going ahead and hiring Kelly to help you get going. You will love her. She is just fabulous to work with. If you are in a bind for money or you think you can handle most of it yourself, then go for Blog Evangelist and the Blogging Starter Pack. I think you will love them! They are ALWAYS on my laptop! J

Hope this helps!

Love ya!
Cindy

Get ready for a BIG NEW YEAR with the Writer’s Nook!
http://www.Writers-Nook.com

What is the ideal length for an ebook?
What is the usual font size for an ebook?
Do color “covers” make them sell better?
What is the best download size for an ebook?
If I sell 10 as part of a package, do I create one massive download file that contains all ten? Or, do they download individually?

I know that’s a lot of questions – thanks for any input!

Gail

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FROM CINDY…
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Hi Gail!

Great questions!

Let me answer your questions with what I have found with my business:

What is the ideal length for an ebook?
I use the same books that I write and publish in print. Most of my books are anywhere from 110-500 pages. How do you download books that size? I set each product that I sell–whether an ebook, audio download, audio seminar, membership site, or study series—on a private download page on my websites. I break up the ebook into sections that include 25 pages per section. For audios, I break them up at 1 ½ hours into recording. We have the links on the website for download. When a customer orders, I send them a confirmation email with directions of where to find the download page.

What is the usual font size for an ebook?
I use the same size that I use for my printed books. The computer is very helpful to a reader who needs to adjust the font. They can increase the font on their screen. For print, the standard font for adults is 12. The standard font for children is 14. Of course, your titles/chapter titles/section dividers will be adjusted to your preference.

Do color “covers” make them sell better?
I use color covers because I LOVE them personally. I use the same covers that I use for my printed books, except with a difference that denotes that it is an ebook (for security purposes). Your customers are not going to “see” that until after the purchase. BUT! I use the cover as a thumbnail on my sales pages. It makes a big, big difference for me. I print out ebooks and place them in either a notebook or a comb-binding. I want for them to look nice. It makes a difference in whether I purchase again.

What is the best download size for an ebook?
I recommend 25 page increments—downloaded from a web page. Do not send them by email. Host on your website, send links.

If I sell 10 as part of a package, do I create one massive download file that contains all ten? Or, do they download individually?
Same thing. I recommend setting up a download page so your customer can systematically download each item. Do not send a file like this via email. Also, unless you are dealing with businesses, don’t zip your files for download. Create a download page with small bits for the customer to download.

Hope this helps!

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

Plan to join us for our Writer’s Radio Show this week! See details here:
Click Here

Thanks,
Christine

-

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FROM CINDY…
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Hi!

Great question!

My iPhone is my little brain. It helps me stay on target in so many ways. Keeping track of all I need to do is one of the main ways it helps me.

I use Outlook 2007 (used to use Outlook 2003 and recently updated everything) on my laptop. I add all of my contacts, events, and details into Outlook. When I plug my iPhone into my computer to sync with my computer, it is set to sync all of my contacts and events on my phone too. It helps so much! It is simple and easy. I have all of my data and details with me anywhere I go.

It also syncs my iPhone with my computer. So, if there are any details that I need to add to my calendar when I am away from my computer, I can add them and they sync with my calendar on the computer when I plug the phone in as well. This helps sooo much to have everything together in “one place” although it is actually several places and very easy to carry with me all along the way.

One other thing! It helps me to always have a back-up of my data. If my phone loses its info (never has) it is in my computer and I can just plug another phone into my computer and sync all of the info into it. Same thing with my computer. Actually, I needed this recently. I got a new computer. All I had to do to add my contacts into the new computer was to sync my iPhone into my computer and all of the addresses, phone numbers, links, and details were transferred directly into my computer. I love that now I have all of my information backed up so that any computer I use in my home/office has all of the information I need to stay in touch with others and stay on task. Very, very helpful!

One other thing that I use is my notes section of my iPhone. I add any brainstorms that I have along the way whether they are ideas for my blog, article outlines, workshop points, etc. I have also set up checklists so that I have my to-do lists with me all of the time. Talk about a big, big help. It helps sooo much to have those to-do lists in my phone as checklists so I don’t forget steps when doing things like setting up a webpage, gearing up for a new study online, etc. I love having my info right there on my phone. Very helpful. Yep, it is my little brain!

Hope this helps you!

Love,
Cindy

Also, I wonder if you have a good sense of how long of a podcast people generally like to listen to. I know that I have listened to some as long as an hour, but often find it difficult to have time to pay attention to something more than 15 minutes long.

For those of you that podcast in relation to a business, do you find that your customers are more loyal/attached to you when they can hear your voice and get to know your personality more? Do you find that your bottom line sales improve?

I look forward to hearing from you

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FROM CINDY…
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Hey!

Sorry it took a bit to get back into my emails. I do save them when I am busy and love to try to help where I can.

Erica, first off, I am excited to hear that you are planning a podcast. It will be one that I will definitely want in my iPhone as soon as you launch. Can’t wait!

You are asking all of the right questions. The answer? Well, it is never the same for everyone. It is going to be totally dependent upon you, your style, your information, etc. This is the point that honestly you will need to pull back and look at your own personality, preferences, and passion.

Most of my podcasts are 1 ½ hours. That is because they are recorded in TAL and our ladies love REAL WORKSHOPS and detailed info. Actually today’s session was over 2 hours. So, we will have two parts. They still hung around and chatted after that. So, obviously moms want great content and definitely do not have a short attention span. That is the only common denominator that *our listeners* seem to share. Of course, your audience might be totally different.

I got an email from a dear friend tonight that shares what I hear from my audience. Here it is:

I put the workshops on my mp3 player and get on the elliptical. I will stay on longer and be more consistent that way. I bet you never expected your workshops to make someone healthy, did you? Judi

What do YOU do for your show? Do what works for you.

I hear from podcasters all of the time about the need for short shows, but honestly I unsub from short shows. They are usually very twaddly and do not have really have any depth. Most of the shows I have listened to for the past few years have shows that are around 1-3 hours. Wonder how I do it? I plug in while I am working at home, in the shop, driving, or working out. I use them as my companions to join alongside of me and keep me company. I don’t like having a show that lasts for 15 minutes with 5 of those minutes filled with promos and information about their business. If it is over quick, I have to take time to find something else and it aggravates me. That is just ME. But, obviously our audience feels similarly—we have about 2000+ regular downloads of each show.

One other thought…DON’T plan a long show if YOU lose interest. Only record as long as you are passionate and INTO your material. Remember that there are so many options out there. You are going to have to really grab them to keep them on your show regularly. Plus, you are going to have to have regular content. So, if it is too much for you to keep going, don’t plan that much. If you are going to get tired and weary, don’t plan that much. Of course, if you are anything like me, once you get going, keeping on is not an issue. Just make it work for you. ?

One more thing about the length… I am not sure if you have an iPod or not. For those with mp3 players like the iPod that can pause and come back to the place you left off, those listeners CAN listen for short bits and come right back to where they were. That helps for those that can’t snag time for longer shows without cutting the quality of the show.

Of course, all of this to say that the best thing to do is what YOU DO BEST. If you don’t like to listen to things over 15 minutes, then I hate to say it this way, but you will probably be very boring for others to listen to over 15 minutes. You will be more likely to space out and lose your passion. Only you can determine if you can hold it longer without losing interest yourself. There is nothing wrong with a short show. I just don’t bother downloading them because they don’t work well for me and my lifestyle. Maybe this will give you a different perspective. I think podcasting has shown me that preachers have bought lies in our pulpit that people can’t pay attention for long times. That is not my experience at all. I guess I attract people who want depth and detailed content. They want information that is worth their time. I try to give more than they ever bargained for.

You were asking about how this will affect sales and customer relations. There are two things that I personally look for when I am checking out a business. First, I look for their blog. I want to read good, solid content over time. That is their first place to capture me as a customer. A website is one thing, but a blog sells me. Secondly, I look for a podcast. I want to hear them speak. I am very, very busy. If they offer a podcast, they are more likely to connect with me. I can listen, learn, and make my wish list as I work. Yes, audios DO help.

Hope this helps!

Have a great week!

With much love,
Cindy

~Tamera from ND

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FROM CINDY…
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Hi!

Great question!

I recommend two different notebooks because you actually have two different disciplines and both of these are essential for success.

For my “goals” journal (AKA–my little black book), I use it to dump my brain. I set aside regular time to dump my brain into my little black book. I include my goals, my dreams, my project ideas, my brainstorms. I carry it with me all the time in my purse. I love having it with me at all times so I can add any ideas that come across my brain. I also use it to add the little things to do to my schedule when I have free time to work on a project. It is a key to my productivity.

Of course, when there is more detail than the title or brainstorming outline, I work on those details in a notebook devoted to that project.  For example, I have several notebooks devoted to just articles that I have written or want to write. I also have MANY notebooks with my teaching notes from workshops, seminars, and podcasts. In fact, right now I am finishing up my notebook devoted to my Training Sons, Training Daughters Seminar that I will be teaching next weekend. I also have a notebook for all of my work on my upcoming e-course for Writer’s Nook. Another for A CRASH COURSE ON SPIRITUAL WARFARE, a seminar that I am teaching in December. On and on…

Make sense? I have one “Idea Notebook” (in my tote that I have with me) that has my notes on things I am working on right now. They will actually be filed away in the notebooks for those topics, but I bring my general “Idea Notebook” with me all of the time. Then I can have a PLACE to jot down ideas and brainstorm. The notebook that I have with me has a ledger pad, extra sheet protectors, etc in it so I am ready to write at any time!

Hope this helps! If you need more help, just ask!

Love,
Cindy

Thank you so much for praying often for me as a writer. Please keep doing that! I write every day, but I still don’t send anything in or work on anything that could make money. And I really need to do that! I think I’m having a hard time narrowing down my thoughts to just one idea. I have a dozen — no, dozens — of book ideas. (you’re going to say to just choose one and start with it, aren’t you?)

Answer…

Hi!

Great to hear from you!

Just last night, I realized that my handouts were too large for typical handouts and needed to be a—GASP—BOOK! hehe! It happens all of the time. I am just pitiful at making things brief. Guess that is an evidence that I am SUPPOSED to write books! hehe!

I know what you are saying about all of the ideas. What you may want to do is set up files for each project and a regular file for misc (they will eventually become something like a BEST OF book). Then, you can work on whatever is on your heart the heaviest. I do this all of the time. I am working on about 20 books right now–3 that could really come out in the next few weeks to a month. I get in a mood to work on one and work real heavily on it. Then, when it is just not flowing, I work on those that I am in a mood to work on. It frees me up to write by the Holy Spirit and I really think it has made more more productive over time. When a book is ready to be birthed, pretty much it takes all of my focus, but it is more addictive at that time. Something gets in me that wants to see it IN PRINT…so, then it is easier to finish up!

I am SO excited to see what God is doing with you. Your heart for other moms is precious! I am glad to see other moms stepping up to the call. God is going to really bless you AND those that read your goodies richly!

Well, better get running! I love you!

Love,
Cindy

We have a wonderful question about Idea Notebooks. Here is the question:


OK, Ladies, I’m a VERY visual person (something I have begun to understand about myself only in the last few years, LOL…..I’m almost 41!). I’m not sure I understand this concept of an idea notebook. Could someone paint me a picture in words, or better yet, post snap shots of theirs? Tamera from ND

Hey Tamera!

Great question!

I am actually going to pull out some of my old articles and posts that I have written about writing professionally so I can share them with all of you. I will make some time this week to begin posting them. These questions really made me think that it just might help to pull those out of my files and folders in my laptop!

Until then… Let me see if I can help you a bit more with your Idea Notebook.

First, your idea notebook can be anything you want—a 3-ring binder…a pretty journal…a spiral notebook…even (you know I would HAVE to admit this!) a BlackBerry! I personally have my “little black journal” in my purse that houses my to-do’s and keeps a list of projects I want to work on with outlines. When I have more than a title or list of chapters, I develop a 3-ring binder to house my topic. That may be something you may want to go ahead and do. Actually, I have about 25 notebooks that are full to overflowing that have not been developed into books yet—they have been articles, seminars, workshops, podcasts, etc. I don’t keep those in my purse—obviously they are too big and have too much detail. I also have a few of my current projects brainstormed in my BlackBerry—in the notes (I can also access the notes in Outlook). Just depends on what I am doing.

Moral to this? You can do what works for YOU!

The most important thing would be to get started. You can tweak it as you make the discipline part of who you are. So, pick a format and dig in!

What do you do? Well, first of all, Keep your Idea Notebook (With YOU!)! You can seize time to brainstorm topics or outlines or even sections of your book along the way. It will become the place where you keep your ideas, brainstorms, outlines, work, rough drafts—not on bits of paper, napkins, or in your head!

Just keep it simple! Get started!

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!

Hope this helps!

Love,
Cindy…who obviously LOVES Idea Notebooks!
http://www.Writers-Nook.com

So…You Want to be a Writer???
Check out our NEW Audio Seminar and Membership Site!
http://www.writers-nook.com/onlineseminars.html