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Do you head for the keyboard every morning even before having your coffee?
Do you sometimes turn down invitations so you can stay home and write?
Would you rather work on your book than join neighbors for a pool party?
Do you even enjoy writing lists, emails and thank you notes?
Do you sometimes work right through mealtime?

If you answered yes to these questions, you could be a write-a-holic.

I don’t believe there is a cure. But then, I’ve never met a write-a-holic who wanted to be healed. There’s just too much pleasure in writing for those of us with the passion.

Having enjoyed the process of writing for around 45 years and writing for publication for over 30, I can give you a few reasons for stepping away from the keyboard a little more often than you actually want to.

• Repetitive stress syndrome.
• Eye strain.
• Stiff neck.
• Electromagnetic hazard.
• Deep vein thrombosis or e-thrombosis dangers.

We’ve known for years that exposure to an electromagnetic field might not be good for us and that repetitive movement and poor posture for extended periods can cause stress and damage to our bodies. But now, add to that list of dangers, the one that airplane passengers face—deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or, for computer users, e-thrombosis.

What can we do to avoid these dangers?

• Get up at least once every hour and move around for 10 minutes.
• Keep hydrated—drink plenty of water.
• Test your computer to find out how much radiation is seeping.
• Reconfigure your work station so it is ergonomically correct.

Part of the problem results from our habits and patterns. Take these additional steps toward better health:

• Cut long fingernails which can interfere with your natural way of typing.
• Uncross your legs.
• Move equipment so that you have to get up and walk in order to use it.
• Get a headset to use when on the phone so you can walk around while talking.
• Wear compression hose.
• Play music while working. You’ll tap your feet and keep the blood from pooling.

Sites where you can get more information about these issues:
http://www.office-ergo.com
http://www.mercola.com/article/emf/emf_dangers.htm.

Changing long-held habits is not easy, but I think we should all try to take better care of ourselves so that we can continue enjoying the writing life.

Would you excuse me? It’s time to jog around my office.

If you’re a writer/author, you really must check out my list of writing/publishing-related books. My latest and greatest is: The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. You should read this book if:

• You are thinking about writing a book for publication.
• You are in the process of writing a book for publication.
• You know nothing about the publishing industry.
• You are considering self-publishing.
• You want to go with a traditional royalty publisher.
• You are considering a fee-based, POD “self-publishing” company.
• You are promoting a book.
• You are seeking an agent or a publisher.
• You want to know how to write a book proposal.
• You have any questions about the publishing industry or process.

Learn more about this book and my others at http://www.matilijapress.com

You’ve heard of Dancing With Wolves. Well, how many of you out there write with cats? By this I mean do you have cats around while you write. Do you sometimes have to move a cat in order to locate a project? Must you crawl around on the floor in search of your favorite pen from time to time? Do you frequently go to your cat’s favorite play spot in search of a sticky note with an important phone number on it? And does your tech guy scold you after he cleans wads and wads of cat hair out of your computer?

Ah the inconveniences of writing with cats.

But what’s the alternative? I actually know writers who ban their cats from their offices. I, too, do this on occasion—when I’m attempting to take down information from someone on the phone and Sophie (our playful tortie) is chasing the pen. I’ve been known to close my office door when I’m doing an assembly-line job such as collating and stapling handout material, reorganizing my filing cabinet or hardcopy cutting and pasting a book, for example.

Since our cats sleep much of the day and the morning sunlight doesn’t come through my office window to lure them in here, our two fur kids don’t spend a great deal of time in my office while I’m working. So, mostly, I acquiesce when they do wander in and insist upon a little snuggle time. I just take care of tasks that I can do with a large cat curled up on my lap or a small one draped across my shoulders. Sometimes our kitties just sit on my desk watching the hummingbirds and yellow finches feed outside the window.

While cats can be a distraction to a writer and even an annoyance, I prefer an open-door policy where Sophie and Max are concerned. I even allowed cats in my office when there were four. I’ll never forget the time that our Himalayan, Katy, deleted a book I was editing in one motion of the paw. In an instant, the entire book had vanished. Luckily, I knew how to get the file back. I’ve had more than one cup of coffee spilled in my office. And since we adopted Sophie, now things go missing. You see, she is a kleptomaniac.

Sometimes I weigh the pros and cons of allowing cats in the office. Without them:
• My computer (and my office) would need fewer cleanings.
• I would have to take full responsibility for any spills, losses or damage.
• There would be no little nose smudges on my window.
• I could do my choice of tasks when I want to do them.
• There would be fewer interruptions.

So what do cats bring to a writer’s office?
• A sense of Serenity. Cats are natural stress reducers.
• Humor. Cats cause smiles and even laughter.
• Affection. Is there anything more loving and cuddly than a cat?
• Support. A cat is there for the long haul.
• Approval. In a cat’s eyes, you can do no wrong.
• Ideas for articles and books. I’ve written dozens of cat-related articles and I’m even working on a book of stories inspired by my cats.

I wrote this entire blog entry, this morning, while being entertained and snuggled up by our office kitties, Max and Sophie.

Have you visited my web site, lately? I have tons of information, inspiration and resources for freelance writers and authors. I offer 3 courses on demand. I have some excellent books for sale. Check it out at http://www.matilijapress.com

Most activities are purpose-based. There’s a reason why you make a doctor’s appointment, take a friend to lunch, apply for a job at a particular company, take a class, study, exercise, get married… You don’t travel without a reason. You go someplace to relax, to see the sights, to visit someone or for business.

And there is a reason why you write. In fact, your writing or publishing success depends on that deep down personal purpose.

Let’s examine your purpose and determine how it computes into your ultimate success.

1: You write to become somebody. Fame has long been the incentive for some would-be writers, musicians and actors. From afar, the attention, the recognition, the constant kudos seem oh so delicious. You dream of being in the limelight. And it happens. You’ve seen it happen and it could happen for you. However, the odds against it are so huge that it is practically a non issue.

But, as a published author, you can feel like somebody among your family and friends. I’m kind of a celebrity in my community because of my local history books. You could become well-known in your area of expertise. I’m known within the writing/publishing community because I do so much writing within the industry and because of my affiliation with SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) http://www.spawn.org

If extreme publishing fame is your goal, however, I’d suggest that you pursue a less competitive field.

2: You’re motivated by money. There’s money to be made as a writer—I’ve been supporting myself through writing for nearly 20 years. And some freelance writers and authors are earning six figure incomes (and more). But I doubt that any of them are in this business purely for the money. With very few exceptions, it takes a lot of promotion, persistence and patience to get anywhere in this business. And a love for writing is a major prerequisite.

I’ve actually seen people try to enter into this field without the talent or the love for writing. Sure you can make money as a writer, but it is not as easy and straightforward as most think. You don’t just sit down and write a wonderful book and become wealthy. It’s often a matter of writing what’s needed, rewriting, meeting deadlines, withstanding rejection and promotion, promotion, promotion.

3: You have something to say. I think that most writers have this in common. And most of us start out by sharing our thoughts and expressing ourselves. While there certainly are some writers who continue to make a good living through opinion columns, for example, this is not a very realistic goal for most. You will succeed in this business only if you are willing to branch out and expand your writing repertoire.

4: You want to change hearts and minds. More people than ever before are writing about their experiences. They want to share, to be validated, to help ease their own personal pain through writing. They want to touch people—to help them—to make them laugh or cry. And most of these people are one-time authors. They write that one book and they are done. Some writers, however, continue writing on their original theme of losing a child, being cured of a disease, overcoming an addiction and so forth. They build a website, launch a newsletter and write articles for magazines, thus building a career as a writer.

5: You want to see your words in print. While this is part of the thrill of writing for most writers, it isn’t a strong enough motivation to stand alone.

6: You write as a teaching tool. Countless people become writers in order to teach their craft or their business. By writing books and/or articles, you can position yourself as an expert in your field. This is certainly a valid reason to become a writer. I know educators, therapists, psychologists, artists and others who have produced books to use in their workshops and classrooms. Some of them continue teaching through magazine articles.

7: You are attracted to what you perceive as the writer’s lifestyle. I’ve been writing for publication for over 30 years and I don’t think I have a lifestyle much different than I would had I gone to work for a large corporation all those many years ago. Actually, I might be retired now and traveling on a large pension. Any lifestyle is whatever you make it. No matter what work you do, you should also be doing the things you love. For me, writing is my love—my passion. I’ve been fortunate enough to find a way to earn a living through my writing. My lifestyle consists of time writing, of course. But much of my time consists of self-promotion, facing rejection, rewriting, pounding the pavement (so to speak) for assignments and freelance work and so forth.

8: You can’t not write. Those who seem to find their place in the world of writing are those with a passion for the process. Their passion motivates them in establishing a writing lifestyle; that is, if they can direct that passion realistically.

The thing is, if you love writing and you really want to see your work in print, go for it. But enter into this extremely competitive field with a sense of reality. Publishing success is relative. Attaining the highest level of success is a real crap shoot. There are no guarantees. But I would venture to say that those of you who put in the time and work studying, learning and promoting yourself AND who are willing to be flexible and adaptable, have the greatest chance of grabbing that brass ring.

While I urge you to look toward all possibilities—even fame and fortune, I also want you to be realistic. Write for the right reasons, reach for the top and be prepared for anything.

If you are ready to write a book, find a publisher for your manuscript, write a book proposal, promote your finished book or you just want to know more about the publishing industry, order my book today: The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html

I’m teaching my online article-writing course this month and I’m enjoying it immensely. I love helping good writers channel their energies and talent in a way that computes into cash. I like watching writers finally see their work in print—to hold a magazine with their article and their byline right there on the printed page.

A variety of students have gathered to take my course this time. Some of them want to promote their book(s) through targeted articles. Others want to bring in some money writing for magazines. A few of them hope to jumpstart a writing career—to ease into full-time or even part-time work as a writer.

Many of you know that I supported myself for quite a few years by writing magazine articles. There were times when I was sending out 100 query letters each month on 20 different subjects and writing as many as 5 articles per week.

People would ask me, “How do you find the time to do all of that writing?” What most non-writers don’t understand is that writing is my full-time job just like accounting or real estate sales or running a retail business is theirs. It’s what I do.

What my students will be learning over the next few weeks is that freelance article-writing is not always fun. Writing is just part of the equation. You must constantly come up with viable article ideas. You have to pitch those ideas to editors who are not always open or even cordial. There’s a lot of rejection. There’s also a lot of bookwork involved and, sometimes, you have to become a hard-nosed bill collector.

Many writers fail because they find some of these tasks so distasteful. For some, coming up with ideas and pitching them is pure torture. Some balk at the necessary bookkeeping. Still others hate the research.

I tell writers that if they truly dislike some aspects of their work and feel that they are really no good at it, hire someone to handle those tasks. Throughout my career, I’ve hired help. I hire printers, of course and book and cover designers, but I’ve also hired a secretary to print out and send query letters for me. And recently, I’ve hired a researcher to help me discover new promotional opportunities for some of my books. I also used to hire my grandchildren, when they were younger, to help with bulk mailings, large shipments and such.

These days, most article-writers are supplementing their income by taking on corporate work or editorial jobs. Actually, those writers who have landed jobs with organizations, companies and/or agencies typically have less stress and make more money. You have to be assertive enough to sell yourself and land the job, but then you simply do what is commissioned. Typically, there’s no pitching, waiting, rejection, etc. The corporate representative simply contacts you with assignments.

As a corporate freelance writer, you might be asked to write newsletters, rewrite business manuals, compose letters, edit business plans or contracts, design brochures, write or rewrite copy for their Web site or even compile the company history. I’ve done all of the above. I also now work with individual authors and freelance writers on their projects. That, I am really enjoying!

What’s it like being a freelance writer? After 33 years, I can say that it has been and continues to be a great ride. This lifestyle has suited me nicely. I like being at home. I am disciplined enough to actually work at home and, most of the time, I’m pretty good about balancing my work with a little play, as well.

Every year and sometimes twice throughout the year, I examine my business. I look at my bottom line and compare it to my accomplishments and my level of satisfaction. Periodically, I will change something. I’ll decide to do more teaching, conduct more workshops, solicit more editorial work or promote my books more widely. Recently, I have decided to get back to writing. I realized that, other than my blog, the work I do for SPAWN and the promotional articles I write for writing/publishing-related magazines, I haven’t been doing much writing. And so for the next few months, I’ll be working on my Catscapades book. That is Catscapades, Tales of Ordinary and Extraordinary Cats. I’m thinking about putting it in ebook form and offering it from my Web site. My projected completion date is July. So watch for my big announcement.

In the meantime, if you have any cat stories you’d like to contribute, let me know.

Finally, it’s not too late to sign up for my article-writing course. Lesson two comes out tomorrow (April 17, 2007). If you are interested in any of my other online courses, How to Write a Successful Book Proposal or Self-Publishing Workshop, let me know. I am now offering these courses on demand. If someone is interested, I will set a date to start and begin promoting the course to get additional students in order to make it worth my time.

http://www.matilijapress.com/courses.htm

I’ve been doing quite a bit of editing, lately and I’m loving the work. I’ve edited a fantasy, a thriller, a few spiritual books and memoirs as well as a true crime, a historical, some how-to and self-help books and mass market novels.

While the books are different in content and purpose, there are some similarities between many of them as far as editing goes. Are you curious as to what they are? Here’s my tell all:

1: Most writers still leave two spaces after a period, question mark, etc. The rule now is one space after all punctuation. You’ll save yourself some money if you will correct this problem throughout your manuscript before turning it over to an editor. If your editor doesn’t know about the one-space-after-a-period rule, maybe she/he isn’t the right editor for you.

2: Many authors still leave the em-dash dangling between two words. The em-dash is correctly placed when it is about the width of the letter “M” and it connects the two words—thusly. Also, make sure that you use the em-dash appropriately within your text. I can see that I need a new Associated Press Stylebook. While there is text within the book in which the em-dash is used correctly, the punctuation section of this 1992 edition still shows the em-dash as a dangler. Use the em-dash to denote an abrupt change in thought within a sentence, to set off an explanatory element of the sentence and sometimes it’s used in place of a comma. My 2003 edition of the Chicago Manual of Style shows the em-dash (or dash) used correctly.

3: Many authors engage in what I call “muddy writing.” They sacrifice clarity for some sort of desire to use complicated, go nowhere sentences. Write so that you can be understood, or why bother.

4: Writers use incomplete sentences. Make sure that your sentences can stand alone—in other words that it has a subject, an action and appropriate connecting words.

5: New authors commonly write sentences that are too long and/or too complex. If someone has to read a sentence through again just to figure out what it means, the author has failed that reader.

6: Novice writers tend to repeat themselves. As an editor, I spend a great deal of my time suggesting that authors replace copycat words with fresh ones. When you finish a paragraph, read through it again to make sure that you haven’t repeated words such as, “had,” “also,” “very,” etc. When you are writing about a dog, vary the way you refer to him. Use his name, call him pup, the old guy, pet, canine, four-footed friend, fur kid, man’s best friend, etc.

7: I see some excellent, fresh writing and some boring, stale text. Make your paragraphs more interesting by varying the size and style of sentences and using unexpected words and phrases. One way to jazz up your writing is by increasing your vocabulary.

8: I also see manuscripts where authors use words that are too fancy and even obscure. Again, think about your audience. Ask, will they enjoy reading this or will it become a chore for them to make their way through unfamiliar territory?

9: Many authors aren’t sure where to break for a new paragraph. I deal with a lot of paragraphs that are too long.

10: Most authors use far too many instances of quotation marks. Often, it is Italics that they should use in order to emphasize a word or a phrase. Use Italics sparingly, however. Likewise, authors use quotation marks incorrectly in dialogue. They put punctuation outside of quotation marks and omit the comma before the quote, for example.

11: Many writers today still use the passive instead of the active voice. Instead of writing, “The worm was put on the hook by the fisherman.” Say, “The fisherman baited the hook.” Rather than, “The chick was thought by us to be stunning.” Say, “We all agreed that the chick was hot.”

12: Probably the most consistent problem I see in editing is lack of consistency. Rather than charging my clients for me to fix inconsistencies, I generally suggest that they use the find and replace tool on their computer and do it themselves. When you finish your manuscript, make sure that the words you want capitalized are all capitalized, that the names of your characters stay true, without different spellings throughout, and that your facts stay the same.

13: Some authors lean too much on their editors. When I edit a manuscript for a client, I provide lessons as I go along. I teach the rules and techniques in hopes that the author actually learns from the experience. But, alas, some of them send me their second manuscripts with the same mistakes I encountered in their first. I guess some writers just aren’t interested in developing new skills.

For information about self-editing, read Chapter 9 in my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.html
Are you looking for a networking organization where you can learn more about the publishing industry, authorship and opportunities for writers, authors and artists? Join SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) http://www.spawn.org

We all give on occasion. Sometimes we recognize an unexpected opportunity and we give joyously. Other times, we feel uncomfortably coerced into giving up some of our time or belongings.

This has been a period of “giving” opportunities for me. In some instances, I’ve felt pressured to give and in others, I’ve felt moved to do so.

I learned the joy of giving very early in life. It is still a high for me when I offer something from the heart and it brings a smile to someone’s face. The simple phrase, “thank you” is music to my ears. But I have also discovered, with time, that one must establish a balance between giving and withholding. During the first few months of this year, maintaining this balance has been a challenge.

Because I’m constantly putting myself out there, freelance writers and authors have no trouble finding me. Some email me through the SPAWN Web site and others locate me through my Web site, my writing-related books or as a result of one of my workshops or articles. Most of them want my help. Some of them want a resource recommendation, others want information or guidance and still others are seeking financial help. I respond to them all.

Just as I can’t “not write,” I can’t seem to avoid responding to freelance writers and hopeful authors. Sometimes I get a “thanks” in return and sometimes not. Sometimes, the author wants to argue with me or pick my brain beyond what I believe is a fair limit. Occasionally, they seem to feel that I don’t give enough. I guess it’s all relative.

A friend of mine experienced a disturbing incident in a local yarn shop this week. Marilyn walked in with her knitting project and asked for a little help. The owner said, “I can see that you bought your materials elsewhere, so that will cost you $8.00.”

While it is certainly important for professionals to set limits, they must be realistic. In my opinion, this proprietor turned down a wonderful opportunity. She chose quick money instead of a chance to develop a happy new customer. And she lost all the way around. My friend did not pay for her services and she will not be back.

And then there is the other end of the spectrum—this is where balance comes in. When do you stop giving? I’ve learned to speak up when a particularly needy writer, after four or five detailed emails back and forth, wants even more from me. Some of these folks, when I say that I have given all that I can and that I will have to charge for additional time, leave in a huff. Some promise never to bother me again! It’s no bother, people. It’s just that this is how I make my living—and I can do only so much work for free.

These past few weeks, I’ve had a real variety of emails to answer and decisions to make. One gentleman wants me to read his 75,000-word manuscript out of the goodness of my heart because his book is that good and I will surely want to become a publishing partner. I spent about 30 minutes discussing publishing options with him and trying to steer him in a direction that would likely benefit his project.

Another man contacted me about a book that is “so unique that it will sell itself.” All he needs is financial backing. When I found out that he knew nothing about the publishing industry, I spent nearly an hour with him attempting to educate him and help him to engage in further educational opportunities.

A woman emailed me to ask a whole list of questions, only some of which I could answer off the top of my head. I responded to those that I could and provided resources for the others.

Another woman called me asking for help in writing a memoir. If I go along with what she wants, I could make around $100,000. But, when we meet next week, I will advise her that this is not a viable project. If she really wants the book written, I will suggest that she write it just for family and friends. I can help her with the organization and editing of the book, if she wants. She’ll have her book and she will have saved about $99,000.

I met with a lovely trio of women this week who hired me to help them promote a local history book which they spent eight years producing from an old manuscript that a husband wrote before his death. I’m convinced that I can save them the money that they planned to spend on advertising while helping them to focus on promotional efforts that will actually result in sales. And so I hired on.

I also met recently with a mentally handicapped poet I’ve known for years. She teaches poetry at a mental health facility and takes her teaching and her poetry very seriously. Every once in a while she talks to me about publishing her poetry. The closest she has come to this on her own is to type up copies of her poetry (yes on a typewriter) and put them in manila folders. She sells these as books.

Recently, she spent a few months saving up money until she could afford a consulting session with me. (Of course, I gave her a discount.) Again, she discussed someday having her poetry published in a real book. When I got home, I decided to publish her book of poetry. I will ask her if she would like to give $25 toward the project and then I will do the rest. I’ll prepare the pages, create a cover (hopefully from her own artwork) and have 25 or 30 books comb-bound for her. I hope she is as thrilled as I am to be able to offer her this gift.

While the reason that I work with clients is to earn a living doing something I enjoy, I certainly do some giving along the way, as well. My clients may not even know it, but I will sometimes go off the clock to discuss something with them or respond to a question. My clients are a gift to me and I often find ways to give back.

Of course, this blog is also one of my gifts—it’s free for anyone who wants to take the time to learn and to grow as a writer or an author. Some of my most valuable altruistic efforts come in book form. Be sure to order your copy of The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book. Check out all of my other books at my Web site. http://www.matilijapress.com Contact me at plfry620@yahoo.com

I’ve discovered over the years that writing is more than just a hobby or a craft. In fact, it has become my mode of earning a living, my passion, a way to gain credibility in my field and my favorite promotional outlet. But it is so much more. Writing has brought me some fabulous opportunities.

I’ve discovered that unusual, and often marvelous, things happen when I put myself out there through my writing.

1: I meet interesting people. Both in person and over the Internet, I’ve met many high profile movers and shakers in the world of independent publishing as well as some extremely talented and successful authors. One can never have too many friends and business associates. Personal and professional connections are vital to establishing a successful writing/publishing career.

2: I get some lucrative writing assignments. After writing articles for The Toastmaster Magazine for about six or seven years, they rewarded my loyalty and reliability with a new job offer. For a tidy sum, I rewrote several of their member manuals.

We complain when we find our articles or stories posted on the Internet. But wait, sometimes this can be a good thing. A member of a school district in Arkansas saw my article, “The Rewards of Exercise” on the Internet and contacted me for permission to make 1,000 copies to distribute at an upcoming event. Next, he wanted to know how much I would charge him to do this. I suggested $1,000. He agreed, without hesitation.

Here’s a bit of that article’s history: I had already sold first rights for $300. Later, another organization came along and purchased reprint rights for $350. When I wrote that article, I knew it was a good one, so I am pleased that it has earned $1,650 so far.

See this article posted at my Web site: http://www.matilijapress.com/articles/rewardsofexercise.htm

3: I receive interesting invitations. Last year, Scott Flora, Executive Director of SPAN noticed my byline on writing and publishing-related articles in a multitude of magazines and ezines such as: Writer’s Digest, Writers World, Writer’s Weekly, SPAWNews, PMA Independent, Fiction Factor, Dabbling Mum, Author Me, RJ Publications, Book Promotion Newsletter and so forth. He figured that I had something of value to say, so he invited me to be the lead speaker at their annual marketing conference in San Francisco that fall.

Last year, something really remarkable happened to me and this, too, was a result of my writing. Because I’m known as a regular contributor for The Toastmaster Magazine, I’ve been invited to many Toastmasters events as a speaker or a workshop leader. Toastmasters is an international organization. And it was because of my writing history with this magazine that I traveled, all expenses paid, to Dubai—yes, in the Middle East—where I was the first woman ever to present a keynote speech before 800 people at their annual Toastmasters convention.

4: I attract some fascinating clients. A few years ago, I conducted a publishing workshop for a group of home-schooled students as a SPAWN project. (That’s Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) http://www.spawn.org We actually produced a perfect-bound book of the students’ work—a book that they also designed. The local publicity for this volunteer project, landed me two wonderful new clients.

A search for people to interview for an article on learning public speaking when English is your second language, resulted in my meeting a lovely woman living in Florida. She just happened to be finishing up a book and needed some help. I am currently editing her book.

5: I do a lot of networking. This is a marvelous practice for anyone who needs people. And don’t all authors and editorial consultants need people? I make important connections anytime I attend a gathering of writers/authors/publishers. It is through networking that I discover new writing organizations, potential clients and customers, new distribution programs and conferences where I can present workshops.

6: I stay connected. I don’t consider any of my customers to be former customers. They are all current customers who, if ever they need a question answered or a few words of support, I’m there to offer it up. Twice a year or so, I contact my customers to ask how they’re doing with their writing or publishing projects. Not only is it enjoyable to get to know some of these talented writers, it is a pleasure to help them. And some of them will hire me to help them move their project forward in some manner. Sometimes they need an editor or help writing a book proposal. Maybe they need counseling with regard to their marketing plan. As you can see, some of my good customers also become treasured clients.

Writing is not just about writing what you wish at a particular moment in time. It’s not only about developing characters and writing clear instructions. If you aspire to earn a living as a freelance writer or succeed as a published author, keep putting yourself out there in a positive, professional way. Become active in your field or genre. Seek constant exposure in the ways I’ve mentioned above. And you, too, will experience greater success and some marvelous opportunities.

The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book is continuing to help authors wade their way through the myriad of options available today. Authors contact me every week to tell me how much more well-prepared they were when it came time to enter into the world of publishing only AFTER reading this book. Purchase your copy today at: http://www.matilijapress.com/rightway.htm And contact me with your questions and concerns at plfry620@yahoo.com

I knew the day would come when I am too busy to add to my blog and too scattered to be able to pull together a cohesive message. Yet it has been weeks since I have posted something and I feel that I must. I guess that’s coming from two things: my tremendous sense of responsibility and my overbearing and ongoing desire to communicate.

So what is keeping me so busy? I’m writing the monthly SPAWN Market Update for the member area of the SPAWN Web site. I am also teaching an 8-week online self-publishing class. Each Tuesday morning, I send students a new lecture and assignment. I just completed the editing on a manuscript for a new client. The day that I finished it, another client sent me her manuscript for a second look-over. My book promotion column for SPAWNews is due soon. And it’s tax time, you know. I’ve been adding and subtracting figures related to my business over the last few days.

On Saturday, I drove two hours to Orange County where I spoke at a writers’ group luncheon. What an absolute delight. Everyone was so nice and so inspired and excited about their craft. It was a great day. Sunday, I sent personal thank yous to all 35 (or so) people I met at the event. That’s also the day I started working on the SPAWN Market Update. It is quite a project. I generally try to provide around 11 pages of information, opportunities, industry news and resources for freelance writers and authors. This means conducting a lot of research.

I often receive emails from colleagues wanting me to respond to someone who contacted them or from individuals who discovered my Web site or the SPAWN site. Over the last few days, I’ve received two such emails requesting benefit of my experience. A grandmother wrote asking how to go about publishing a stream of consciousness poem she wrote reflecting her near-death experience. She wanted to produce it as a children’s book, but I think it is a bit deep and heavy to be promoted as such. Her idea was to buy a blank journal book, write the words on one page and have her illustrator do some drawings on the opposite page. Then she would present this to a publisher.

I spent a good 30 minutes counseling her.

Then I received an email from a woman who mentors a teen who is an amazing poet. She wanted guidance in how to share her poetry with others. The girl wants to help other teens who feel as she does. My response to the mentor and the young poet took a lot of thought and time. I just hope that the people for whom I spend this time actually benefit from what I offer.

The trick is to speak at their level of understanding about the publishing industry and to offer suggestions that aren’t too far out of their grasp. It’s a matter of teaching without overwhelming.

Sunday, I awoke to a black monitor. Yes, overnight, my computer monitor died. It had a one-year warranty and we bought it one year and 5 days earlier. I am actually glad to have this new monitor—it is really sharp!!

So that is my life in a nutshell. I always enjoy hearing from those of you who find and read my blog. I’ve closed my blog to comments because of the tremendous number of spam coming in. Even with the comments feature off, I still get lots of spam. I deleted 93 spam comments this morning from my blog. Those of you who are legitimately reading my blog can contact me directly at plfry620@yahoo.com.