This will most likely be my last post on this blog, as all future posts will be made on my website blog. It has been fun and interesting posting on this blog, but I feel my efforts should be concentrated on my site. It has become too chaotic to be posting on different blogs in addition to writing articles and working on course materials. I would like to thank everyone for reading my posts and hope you will follow me over to my website.
Please join me as I continue to personally expand my horizons and enjoy the career I have chosen.
Have a great day!
Diane
Saturday 3 March 2012
Thursday 16 February 2012
Do You Want to Write?
It is another beautiful day here in sunny Alberta! The sun has overpowered the clouds that were floating around this morning and we have another gorgeous day! It is days like these I am glad I'm not stuck in an office somewhere.
Do you want to write?
I have been working on the lessons for my writing course, and the first three are now available in the Membership Section of my website. I have the entire course outline available so members can see what all it entails, but lessons 4 - 12 need some tweaking before I will add them to the site for download. The first three will keep new members busy for a few days. I will be adding the rest of the lessons over the next week.
The lessons are as follows:
1. Finding your Niche
2. Your First Article
3. Getting Yourself Out There
4. Utilizing Blogs and Websites
5. Outlining Your First Book
6. Researching Your Topic
7. Writing Your Book
8. Editing and Final Proofing
9. Self-Publishing Your Book
10. Social Networking and Marketing
11. Book Signings and Sales
12. Wrapping It Up
I have taken a no nonsense approach to writing and want to make it as simple as possible for others who are just getting started. There are many books available on the subject, and I have read several of them. I have taken what I learned and put it into an easy to understand method of writing. The course materials are focused on books but the basic principles may be applied to anything you write, be it articles, How To manuals or books.
The best part about writing is it can be done almost anywhere. Many people have proven themselves in the writing field and work from their homes, while on vacation or while traveling abroad. I personally enjoy the fact I can work from my home office or from my garden surrounded by the sounds of the birds. It is possible when you learn the basics.
Please take a moment to review the course outline and enter comments below.
Have a great day!
Diane
Do you want to write?
I have been working on the lessons for my writing course, and the first three are now available in the Membership Section of my website. I have the entire course outline available so members can see what all it entails, but lessons 4 - 12 need some tweaking before I will add them to the site for download. The first three will keep new members busy for a few days. I will be adding the rest of the lessons over the next week.
The lessons are as follows:
1. Finding your Niche
2. Your First Article
3. Getting Yourself Out There
4. Utilizing Blogs and Websites
5. Outlining Your First Book
6. Researching Your Topic
7. Writing Your Book
8. Editing and Final Proofing
9. Self-Publishing Your Book
10. Social Networking and Marketing
11. Book Signings and Sales
12. Wrapping It Up
I have taken a no nonsense approach to writing and want to make it as simple as possible for others who are just getting started. There are many books available on the subject, and I have read several of them. I have taken what I learned and put it into an easy to understand method of writing. The course materials are focused on books but the basic principles may be applied to anything you write, be it articles, How To manuals or books.
The best part about writing is it can be done almost anywhere. Many people have proven themselves in the writing field and work from their homes, while on vacation or while traveling abroad. I personally enjoy the fact I can work from my home office or from my garden surrounded by the sounds of the birds. It is possible when you learn the basics.
Please take a moment to review the course outline and enter comments below.
Have a great day!
Diane
Friday 10 February 2012
Inspiration by Animals
It has been an interesting couple of weeks for me, and productive as well (considering the circumstances). With the help of my Kobo Vox, I have been able to write material and add content to my website. Typing on the computer is slowly getting easier, but I can only type for short periods. I had no idea a dislocated shoulder could cause so much pain, discomfort and damage.
This has been a good learning experience as well: lesson learned, never take anything for granted. I have always been able to do almost anything I wanted to, and suddenly having limitations has been frustrating to say the least. I am working through them and am thankful I am still able to write, even if the sessions are shorter than I would like.
I am happy to say the addition to our alpaca herd is doing well, even with our recent colder temperatures. It is good to know this cold spell will be short-lived. Seeing something so tiny and helpless come into this world and survive with minimal intervention just proves that big things can be achieved by determination. The animal kingdom has to be the biggest teacher in some aspects of life.
Inspiration also comes to me when I watch my animals. The arrival of the baby alpaca inspired and prompted an article on their care, which is now live on HubPages. I have noticed many articles and blogs inspired by or dedicated to creatures ranging from ants to zebras and everything in between. If you are at a standstill in your writing career or have hit a roadblock, visit your local zoo or arrange to visit a farm in your area. If you live out in the country and have animals, just take a walk outside and observe their behaviour. Chances are you will soon find the makings of an article or perhaps an entire e-book.
Speaking of animals, it is time for me to check on mine. Has any of your work been inspired by or about an animal? Please share and provide links if it is published online.
Have a great weekend!
Diane
This has been a good learning experience as well: lesson learned, never take anything for granted. I have always been able to do almost anything I wanted to, and suddenly having limitations has been frustrating to say the least. I am working through them and am thankful I am still able to write, even if the sessions are shorter than I would like.
I am happy to say the addition to our alpaca herd is doing well, even with our recent colder temperatures. It is good to know this cold spell will be short-lived. Seeing something so tiny and helpless come into this world and survive with minimal intervention just proves that big things can be achieved by determination. The animal kingdom has to be the biggest teacher in some aspects of life.
Inspiration also comes to me when I watch my animals. The arrival of the baby alpaca inspired and prompted an article on their care, which is now live on HubPages. I have noticed many articles and blogs inspired by or dedicated to creatures ranging from ants to zebras and everything in between. If you are at a standstill in your writing career or have hit a roadblock, visit your local zoo or arrange to visit a farm in your area. If you live out in the country and have animals, just take a walk outside and observe their behaviour. Chances are you will soon find the makings of an article or perhaps an entire e-book.
Speaking of animals, it is time for me to check on mine. Has any of your work been inspired by or about an animal? Please share and provide links if it is published online.
Have a great weekend!
Diane
Monday 30 January 2012
Minor Setback Prompts Members Only Section
It has been an interesting few days for me, and not interesting in a good way. I dislocated my right shoulder last Tuesday, so I have been doing minimal everything. I realize that although I am unable to do much in the line of chores and housework, my Kobo Vox will come in handy so I can get some work done. Typing on the computer keyboard is difficult, but my Kobo has a touch screen that works quite nicely. The best part is it is saved on Catch.com so I am able to access it from any computer.
I have spent the last couple of days working on the membership section of my new website. The website is now live, but I do have some tweaking to do in the membership section. I am very excited about it and being able to help fellow authors achieve their goals and dreams.
The membership fee is $29/month, which entitles you to access to information and resources to improve and advance your writing career.
Upon receipt of payment, members will be given access to the Members Only section of the website. There they will find information which will help them pursue their writing career, whether it is in advertising or writing a novel. I will be posting the link to the site as soon as I have the Membership Section tweaked and operational. I will be taking orders by the end of this week, so please check back.
I have spent the last couple of days working on the membership section of my new website. The website is now live, but I do have some tweaking to do in the membership section. I am very excited about it and being able to help fellow authors achieve their goals and dreams.
The membership fee is $29/month, which entitles you to access to information and resources to improve and advance your writing career.
Upon receipt of payment, members will be given access to the Members Only section of the website. There they will find information which will help them pursue their writing career, whether it is in advertising or writing a novel. I will be posting the link to the site as soon as I have the Membership Section tweaked and operational. I will be taking orders by the end of this week, so please check back.
I am looking forward to helping others, just as I have been helped by people such as Yaro Starak and Sandi Krakowski. I have read through their materials and applied their strategies to achieve personal success in writing and life in general. I welcome any challenge, and my temporary physical limitations are just making me work harder.
Join me at http://www.dianeziomek.ca for updates on my progress and a look at things to come!
Have a great day!
Diane
Saturday 21 January 2012
New Website
I would like to inform everyone of my new website featuring my written works and services. Please take a few moments to have a look at it and let me know what you think.
I will be updating it on a regular basis; adding new books and other information products as they are produced. My goal with the site is to showcase all of my work in one spot as well as offer my freelancing services to others.
Be rest assured this blog will continue to provide tips and information to the writing world. I have a wealth of information to share with fellow writers, and wish to see everyone succeed. Whether it be poetry, fiction or nonfiction, all writers deserve a place in the sun.
Today's Tip:
No matter how much you think you know, never stop learning new things. This is especially true for authors and freelancers, as the publishing world is changing.
Note: For those of you who are looking for writing jobs, please click on the "Real Writing Jobs" link on the right side of this page. I have secured writing contracts that have more than paid for the membership fee they charge. It was a small price to pay for some wonderful opportunities.
Have a great day!
Diane
I will be updating it on a regular basis; adding new books and other information products as they are produced. My goal with the site is to showcase all of my work in one spot as well as offer my freelancing services to others.
Be rest assured this blog will continue to provide tips and information to the writing world. I have a wealth of information to share with fellow writers, and wish to see everyone succeed. Whether it be poetry, fiction or nonfiction, all writers deserve a place in the sun.
Today's Tip:
No matter how much you think you know, never stop learning new things. This is especially true for authors and freelancers, as the publishing world is changing.
Note: For those of you who are looking for writing jobs, please click on the "Real Writing Jobs" link on the right side of this page. I have secured writing contracts that have more than paid for the membership fee they charge. It was a small price to pay for some wonderful opportunities.
Have a great day!
Diane
Thursday 19 January 2012
Why Do You Want to be a Writer?
As I advance further in my writing career I find myself coming up with ideas for informational products I never would have dreamed of even 5 years ago. Writing has opened up a whole new world of opportunity for me. I now can put my thoughts on paper and everything I write has the potential to earn money.
For those of you who are just starting out it is important to know why you want to be a writer. Do you want to see your name in print when you visit bookstores across the country? Do you have a story to share with the world? Are you someone who has a lot to say, but want to stay out of the limelight? Everyone has their reasons; what's yours?
There are many different roads a writer can take. Some prefer the route of copywriter and some want to take on bigger challenges, like plunging straight into a novel. That is not to say copywriting isn't challenging; it most certainly is. A copywriter has to write in such a way they could "sell ice to the Eskimos". A successful copywriter can easily make a six-figure income, but there is a lot of hard work that goes into it.
Personally, my goal as a writer is to publish literature that helps others in some way. Sharing my experiences as a writer and a homemaker is helping me fulfill what was once only a dream. Many years ago I told my husband (ex-husband now) I wanted to write a book so I could make a difference in people's lives. He was less than supportive. My partner now is very supportive of my writing as are my children. It is a good feeling to have the support of loved ones.
It is important to have a support team, whether it is immediate family or friends. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have family members on their side, and that is too bad. Even if you do not have the support of immediate family or friends, find it through friends on social media such as Facebook or LinkedIn. As you earn money through your ventures you may begin to see more immediate support. Many people think the writer has an easy job; that is not the case. It takes a lot of diligence and hard work to become a writer; don't give up your dreams just because a few people think you are wasting your time. You will have the last laugh when you are earning a five or six-figure income from your venue.
For those of you who are just starting out it is important to know why you want to be a writer. Do you want to see your name in print when you visit bookstores across the country? Do you have a story to share with the world? Are you someone who has a lot to say, but want to stay out of the limelight? Everyone has their reasons; what's yours?
There are many different roads a writer can take. Some prefer the route of copywriter and some want to take on bigger challenges, like plunging straight into a novel. That is not to say copywriting isn't challenging; it most certainly is. A copywriter has to write in such a way they could "sell ice to the Eskimos". A successful copywriter can easily make a six-figure income, but there is a lot of hard work that goes into it.
Personally, my goal as a writer is to publish literature that helps others in some way. Sharing my experiences as a writer and a homemaker is helping me fulfill what was once only a dream. Many years ago I told my husband (ex-husband now) I wanted to write a book so I could make a difference in people's lives. He was less than supportive. My partner now is very supportive of my writing as are my children. It is a good feeling to have the support of loved ones.
It is important to have a support team, whether it is immediate family or friends. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have family members on their side, and that is too bad. Even if you do not have the support of immediate family or friends, find it through friends on social media such as Facebook or LinkedIn. As you earn money through your ventures you may begin to see more immediate support. Many people think the writer has an easy job; that is not the case. It takes a lot of diligence and hard work to become a writer; don't give up your dreams just because a few people think you are wasting your time. You will have the last laugh when you are earning a five or six-figure income from your venue.
Stay focused and if you need any additional support, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Have a great day!
Diane
Wednesday 18 January 2012
Are You Serious About Writing?
Good morning! Are you serious about writing?
If your goal is to earn some money relatively quickly from your writing, I suggest you choose nonfiction. Sites such as HubPages, Triond, and Helium let you earn money with ad revenue shares. Helium is a bit different than the first two as it pays on number of views. It also occsionally requests articles for certain titles and pays a flat rate in addition to the views. The key point to remember with these sites is the more articles you submit the better chance you have at earning.
Another site that pays a decent rate is iWriter. I have submitted several articles and have been paid quickly for them. Please note they do have higher rates for those who submit quality articles frequently. I have not reached the higher paying milestone yet as I have not submitted enough articles due to my obligations elsewhere. They always seem to have a variety of topics to choose from. It is also important you follow the article instructions,; otherwise your article will be rejected. The higher standards ensure quality content available for those requesting it. Their web page (recently updated) is also easy to navigate whether you are a new writer or a returning writer.
My personal favorite is HubPages as they have a few different ways a writer can earn money. In addition to Google AdSense ad revenue, you can also earn through Amazon, ebay, the HubPages Ad Program and Kontera. For more information on these methods it is best to visit their FAQ page. I currently have 44 articles on the site and just this month am noticing an increase in earnings. I must stress it does take awhile to earn money via their programs, but it will happen with good quality articles. Do not rely on HubPages alone to pay your bills, as it may take awhile to earn a substantial amount.
If you are looking for a good source for online work, I have had good luck with oDesk. They are an agency for finding bookkeepers, copywriters, editors, ghostwriters, blog and article writers, customer service workers, order processors, etc. Please note they do have a series of tests you may take to highlight your qualifications. It is important to take these tests, as they will give you more options. I have recently applied for and been accepted for a couple of promising contracts. The best part is you can work for someone half way around the world and never have to leave your home.
If you are serious about writing, the above sites are only a few of the options available. If you are just starting out, I suggest you visit HubPages. If money is a factor, register with oDesk and browse the thousands of jobs available. There is no reason why a determined freelancer shouldn't be getting a regular paycheque.
Good luck and have a great day!
Diane
p.s. If you are interested in learning about other sites please let me know.
If your goal is to earn some money relatively quickly from your writing, I suggest you choose nonfiction. Sites such as HubPages, Triond, and Helium let you earn money with ad revenue shares. Helium is a bit different than the first two as it pays on number of views. It also occsionally requests articles for certain titles and pays a flat rate in addition to the views. The key point to remember with these sites is the more articles you submit the better chance you have at earning.
Another site that pays a decent rate is iWriter. I have submitted several articles and have been paid quickly for them. Please note they do have higher rates for those who submit quality articles frequently. I have not reached the higher paying milestone yet as I have not submitted enough articles due to my obligations elsewhere. They always seem to have a variety of topics to choose from. It is also important you follow the article instructions,; otherwise your article will be rejected. The higher standards ensure quality content available for those requesting it. Their web page (recently updated) is also easy to navigate whether you are a new writer or a returning writer.
My personal favorite is HubPages as they have a few different ways a writer can earn money. In addition to Google AdSense ad revenue, you can also earn through Amazon, ebay, the HubPages Ad Program and Kontera. For more information on these methods it is best to visit their FAQ page. I currently have 44 articles on the site and just this month am noticing an increase in earnings. I must stress it does take awhile to earn money via their programs, but it will happen with good quality articles. Do not rely on HubPages alone to pay your bills, as it may take awhile to earn a substantial amount.
If you are looking for a good source for online work, I have had good luck with oDesk. They are an agency for finding bookkeepers, copywriters, editors, ghostwriters, blog and article writers, customer service workers, order processors, etc. Please note they do have a series of tests you may take to highlight your qualifications. It is important to take these tests, as they will give you more options. I have recently applied for and been accepted for a couple of promising contracts. The best part is you can work for someone half way around the world and never have to leave your home.
If you are serious about writing, the above sites are only a few of the options available. If you are just starting out, I suggest you visit HubPages. If money is a factor, register with oDesk and browse the thousands of jobs available. There is no reason why a determined freelancer shouldn't be getting a regular paycheque.
Good luck and have a great day!
Diane
p.s. If you are interested in learning about other sites please let me know.
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