I'm Back!

Yes, it has been ages since I last wrote here - almost a year in fact. I was debating on letting this blog go entirely but I've decided to move back to mainstream writing to a certain degree. I have some ideas floating around and would like to spend some time developing them. I'm just not entirely sure how I'm going to go about it.

The day job is going relatively good but I haven't given up on the idea of working from home. It's just not going to be tomorrow, or next week, or next month, or likely even next year. The fact remains - I have a family to take care of and I need to put them first. But I only have 8 more years - actually closer to 7 - before both of my children are adults and then it will be time for me. Meanwhile, I'll keep my hand in writing and blogging, learn, develop my skills and ideas.

I'll also continue working in adult writing. For one, it is easy money. Secondly, there is a huge demand for it. And it's easy money. I know it is not for everyone but it turns out it is something I'm really good at!

So, if anyone happens to be reading, I hope you'll stop by and say hi!

A Decision

Well, my company came through and finally made me an offer on that promotion and I can't refuse it. It is exactly what I asked for and I didn't think I was going to get it. I thought I'd have to fight a little bit for it. So, not quitting my job for at least the next two years.

But I'm not giving up writing either. I just need to get a little more organized. I have two regular clients that keep me hopping and I'm working on some PLR content. I have to decide whether or not to go with another site that offers PLR (and already has Google ranking) or to go on my own site.

Writing will never be something I can stop.

Showing Some Love

I feel like showing some love to all the other great writing bloggers out there. This is who I'm haunting lately and what I'm loving at their blog:

First a little bit of humor that has nothing to do with writing what-so-ever but is bound to give you a giggle:
Being Five - this is one of the cutest comics I've seen since Calvin and Hobbes first came out. It's a comic blog of a kid who blogs using voice recognition software. You can't help but laugh.

Chris Blogging - Your Freelance Writing Worth - Chris has obviously been at the freelance writing biz for awhil and has some great advice. Freelancers - especially those of us who are still kind of new - ask themselves often what they should be charging and it is hard to figure out how to determine prices. Sometimes I've doubted myself when I didn't get a gig and have wondered if my price quote was too high. This is a good article to give you some idea of how to set your prices.

Freelance Writing Gigs - Deborah Ng - (confession: my husband laughs at me because I never remember how to say her last name and call her Deborah "EN-GEE") besides the fact that she has one one the best job listings around that saves a lot of time from pouring through other job sites, she has had increasingly better and better content. As of late, she's been running a cover letter workshop. Everyone can use a little help and constructive criticism.

Get Paid to Write Online - Sharon Hurley Hall - Is It Time to Quit the Day Job? - I think everyone should know that I think Sharon is one of the best and most genuine people out there but she's truly got a wealth of information at her blog that beginner's and seasoned writers can learn from. Is It Time to Quit the Day Job is something I'd asked her a couple times and this blog sums it up great. Which is why I haven't quit yet. I know I'm not ready. Someday, but not now. But if you can't find something valuable at Sharon's blog then you shouldn't be writing.

Web Writing Info - Courtney Ramirez - Some Extra PLR Selling Tips - This blog is of special interest to me because I'm thinking of getting into the PLR scene. I've got a zillion articles that can be re-written and it's interesting to think where it might go. Courtney is an experienced ghostwriter and has some great content on marketing as well.

I'm leaving it at that today. Take a browse and enjoy

What Keeps You Writing?

You know, writing is not always an easy life. Sure, there are times when the words are flowing like crazy and you can barely tear yourself away from your laptop/computer/notebook but there are lots of times when writers struggle. Not just for words either. For ideas. For discipline. For faith. For lots of things.

Being self-employed, not matter what the job, is never the easy way out. In fact, I think you have to be at least a little bit of a workaholic to keep on working in whatever your field is. You need to have a bit of a healthy fear of the work not being there tomorrow. If you have too much confidence that you'll always have work, it's pretty easy to get lazy.

"I'll write more tomorrow."
"I've done well - I can skip out early today."
"I can take a couple days off."
"I deserve a break."

These are all things that can be ok to say to yourself - once in awhile. But if you start saying them to yourself too often it can become a habit. Then you're likely going to be in trouble.

So - what keeps you writing?

For me, it's knowing that my family depends on the money I make from writing. But it's also knowing that it's way to easy to take it easy. Knowing that I am the type of person who if given an inch will take a mile. So I give myself half an inch at a time. LOL. I know that if I don't be my own boss, no one else will.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

I don't even know if I'm using that cliche properly but that's how I feel. I'm up for a promotion at work. I don't even know for sure that I'll get it yet as it's just been put on the table but if I do get it, it will mean more money, same hours (roughly), less of the type of work I don't like, less working with someone I prefer not to work with and more working with someone(s) I do like working with, my own office space (possibly shared, but I can deal with that), challenges everyday. Overall, it's a much better position within the company and considering I don't have the education for that position I'm lucky to even be considered for it.

But, you all know what I really want to be doing is writing full time. Unfortunately, money has become a huge issue. We have debts that need to be cleaned up, dental visits that need to happen, a car that keeps breaking down and needing to be fixed, cats that will need to go see the vet soon, and kids that need school supplies.

So, I need regular income and those wonderful benefits to be able to handle it all. Too bad pet insurance and car repairs weren't included in those benefits.

I need to make a choice. And truthfully, the choice is already made because I'll always put the needs of my family first. Does that mean I'll stop writing? Hell, no. I have a good gig right now that I'll carry on until I'm not needed anymore and I'm working on some projects (blogs) that will hopefully get the money coming in on a semi-regular basis at some point in the future.

I haven't given up but I expected to be able to quit by now.

I guess it's better to be moving up and at a day job than stagnating at a day job, right?

Rewards of Writing

You know, a year ago I never would have believed that I could actually be making some income from writing online. I thought it was truly a myth. Now I know different.

I have two regular clients plus blogging plus adult fiction. And yes, I'm actually making money. And it is more rewarding than I ever would have imagined. Yes, there are some really late nights. And yes, the day job is really tough to concentrate on some days. But it is good to know that I can make an income.

I'm getting to the point where I'm going to have to make a choice between the stability and benefits of a full time salaried job or doing a job I love and maybe working a little harder for awhile. I don't know how to go about making the decision. I'm not great at decision making at the best of times.

Other writers, how did you decide to move into writing full time? I'd especially like to know if you're the main income earner in the family.

Tagged!

Weeks ago, Sharon tagged me for a writing meme and I have completely neglected this blog but I'm finally going to get around to doing it.

The Rules:

Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write their own blog post with their 7 things as well as these rules. You need to tag 7 others and list their names on your blog. Remember to leave a comment for them letting them know they have been tagged and to read your blog.

Here are my seven things:

1. I consume a lot of caffeine - preferably coffee but coke or pepsi will do the trick as well!
2. Someone actually did a search for my name to find this blog! I'm shocked and curious as hell to know who it was. Speak up whoever you are! Likely my ex! Heh, heh.
3. I have to dye my hair regularily otherwise I would be almost completely gray! Pretty sad for only 37.
4. I want to develop a line of t-shirts someday called "white trash" - one of the slogans will say, "I'm the middle class' worst nightmare - educated white trash!"
5. I have four cats - Matt, Minky, Kiwi Kijiji, and Duke Hoobly (don't ask why only the last two have middle names).
6. I am a horrible house keeper. Seriously. Anyone who knows me well knows not to expect a clean house when they come to visit. If I have clean coffee mugs they are doing good!
7. My favorite scent is vanilla