Writers Cafe - What Are You Up To Writing Wise Behind The Scenes?
As I visit the blog neighborhood, I see all sorts of exciting things happening. But I’m interested in taking a peek behind the scenes writing and blogging wise… so we can get to know each other a bit more.
What are you doing in the writing or blogging world that isn’t revealed on your blog? What would you like to do that you haven’t tried yet?
Also - anything goes… any writing or blogging related questions, networking, discussion or useful links. Over to you….
I’ll start. I’m working on a book… no publisher yet, just ideas and drafting. Can’t share with you what it’s about just yet, except that it’s non fiction and about writing (sort of).
I’ve joined a Mastermind group which has been invaluable… just discussing business ideas and networking. I can recommend starting or finding a Mastermind group in your area. What else? I’ve just signed up for another course with Yaro Starak about building an online membership site.
Still on the “to do” list is to learn more about podcasting and to give it a try. As usual, I have more ideas than time…
Okay, How about YOU? What have you been up to? What do you want to try?
Catch me on the web - Yvonne Russell
www.growyourwritingbusiness.com
www.smallbizmentor.com
www.homebiznotes.com
Welcome back (I missed last week´s cafe because of too much work. :S)!
I´m doing a lot behind the scenes . . . actually, my blog has been a tad neglected of late. I´m ghostwriting for 12 other blogs and doing regular assignments for a content company, running my own PLR article website and working on a course that will teach people to become online freelance writers, as well as testing that on some guinea pigs (namely my sisters and a fellow expat!). On top of looking after two very small boys and trying to build a house.
I hope you´ll give us updates on the Yaro course, I´ve always wanted to try one of his courses, but never have the time!
I am just someone who writes occasionally, for my own enjoyment.
Is there anything out there to check general grammar, commas, semicolons, etc., that does not cost an arm and a leg, and actually works?
Not enough! I WANT to, and I SHOULD be, but I’m not getting enough focus to actually get anything done. It’s my own fault, but, still. I’m also in Yaro’s Mastermind course, and I’m in Teaching Sells (which is fabulous), but actually getting things done for either program? Um…
The question is what aren’t I doing behind the scenes. In addition to my blogs, I’m:
(theoretically) still writing a novel
ghostwriting a couple of blogs
working on a long-term writing project for a big client
working on my free report for Writing Journey (hoping to have that one done next week)
helping my eldest daughter get her blog up and running
getting things ready for our Asperger’s/Autism blog
Wow.
No wonder I feel stressed!
Hi Yvonne,
What a great question and I’m already delighting in reading the responses posted. Behind the scenes I’m in a season of change. I’ve added more long term client partners this year that have kept me plenty busy, just decided to finally write a business book instead of continuing to ghostwrite them for everyone else, planning a blog move from blogger to WordPress and focusing more on my own creative writing, um yep that covers today! LOL!
Karen
Hi Yvonne and all
Like you I have a lot of ideas - some I’m actively pursuing, some are on the back burner.
I hope you get on well with the Yaro course. I’ve just cancelled my Teaching Sells subscription. I’m afraid unlike Deb I didn’t find it wonderful it all, it hasn’t given me the map, knowledge, inspiration towards a membership/teaching site that I thought it would. Or maybe it’s just me, and I’m not ready for that.
I’m trying to focus on premium content instead, including making better use of the teaching material I’ve already created on the blog. So I’m trying to think about an audio based writing course, and have two books in the pipeline. One was supposed to be ‘quick’ but has got stuck. Must try and get back to it!
My other big project is the writing holiday in Sardinia in October. I wish it was a bit sooner though - could do with the holiday myself right now!
On podcasting - it’s worth giving it a whirl, honestly! If you want to dip your toe into getting your voice out there first, you could try something like instant audio (record a welcome message on your site) or voicethread, which combines photos and commentary, extremely easy to use.
@Steve C Someone sent me a link to this site during the week - I haven’t had the chance to look into it properly but it might provide the kind of service you’re looking for
http://www.gramlee.com/
Joanna
Hi Genesis
Ghostwriting for 12 other blogs. Wow! Where do you fit it all in. The course sounds exciting too. Offering online courses or coaching is something I’m exploring too.
Hi Steve
I don’t know of a program. Reading your work aloud is a good way to get a sense of where punctuation should be.
Hi Deb
I’m doing Teaching Sells too, but like Laura, I can’t say I found it very useful. I have higher hopes for my other course. I’ll do a review when I’ve been with it a bit longer.
Hi Bob
This all sounds great. I look forward to your report. That’s another thing on my “must do” list.
Hi Karen
It is interesting and inspirational to read what fellow writers are up to. Writing your own business book after ghostwriting for others sounds great.
Hi Joanna
You are always an inspiration. The trip in Sardinia sounds divine. You’ll be making us all jealous… It’s an absolutely brilliant idea. Keep us posted on progress.
Wow! Everybody is doing so much!
I’m creating several new Web sites for clients as well as finishing up the formatting on a book and continuing to work for several business clients. I do less writing than editing, consulting, formatting, Web site creation (not design because I use WordPress), even a little virtual assistant work for one of my clients.
Hi All!
I canceled Teaching Sells too. I found that I simply didn’t have the time to devote to it. I’m in the Performancing Hive now and I love it! (This would have been a good time to insert my affiliate link, alas.) The Hive is not a course, however. It’s more like a networking group where you have the opportunity to learn.
My big news is that I’m preparing for a rest that will give me a chance to recharge my batteries. I’m really looking forward to it.
Behind the scenes, I have several clients that I’m writing web content for. (One of them is filling his entire site with my ghostwritten content.) I’m also editing textbook chapters.
Steve,
This may not be what you’re looking for, but I use Guide to Grammar and Writing when I have grammar questions. It explains the “rules” in a way that’s easy to understand, and it’s easy to navigate.
I took a look at the link Joanna gave, and I’m flabbergasted at the low prices. I don’t know anything about the quality of the work, but it’s definitely affordable.
Yvonne,
While I have mentioned on my blog that I’m writing business guides at Work.com, I haven’t mentioned that Work.com featured me as their “Expert of the Week” in the February 28th edition of their Weekly Roundup. I was really quite surprised, since I’d only been writing guides for the site for about two weeks, at the time. Since that time, I’ve published 19 guides, covering various business topics. I’ve also been doing some ghostwriting for a regular client who hired me through the Constant Content website.
Jeanne
Joanna,
Thank you for the link http://www.gramlee.com, looks interesting and not all that expensive. Unfortunately, they are overloaded right now on their 100 word free try out.
Yvonne,
I usually do read my work aloud, during my proof reading, and it does help.
Lillie,
Guide to Grammar and Writing ( http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/ ), looks like a great resource, in the short time I have had to check it out.
To All,
Keep it up and thank you.
Next time I will hopefully have more time to spend in the Cafe.
Hi Steve
The Writers Cafe community are a great bunch, so pleased to see these suggestions were useful to you… hope to see you back here often.
Hi Yvonne! Glad to be back. Sorry I haven’t been visiting earlier…
Actually I reckon I am telling too much in my blogs! LOL I’ve picked up four more blogs on various topics and one of which I’ve decided to turn into a reminiscence in my past love lives. Now all my readers are going to know too much about me…
I too am also planning a book, but that’s not unknown either, as I am planning and outlining it all out as part of my Masters in Writing course…
*sigh*
I have no more secrets…
Hi Yvonne, I too was working on a business book, but with everybody else doing the same, I might switch gears! In addition, I’m trying to revitalize my business cartoon business and just sold 12 to a major industrial trade magazine. I’m also busy with a client developing a sustainable packaging business, which is great, because it allows me to do something positive and take advantage of my work background at the same time. Very cool stuff we’re working on. And PS, Karen — I made the Blogger to Wordpress switch last August. You won’t be sorry!!
Hello Everyone! Yvonne, I really enjoy the writing cafe and especially love learning from others here.
@Steve, in addition to style guides and the classic resources, I often google when I’m writing and want to check grammar, style, etc. It’s quick, easy and free and I have never failed to find my answer in under ten minutes.
@Brad, thanks for the encouragement! Your new ventures sound exciting, thanks for sharing!
I really look forward to the next cafe. I’ll be here with a cup of tea (or coffee).
Karen
Oh yeah, are there still muffins left?
Hey Amy
Great to see you here. A blog about past love lives… you’re brave.
The Masters of Writing course sounds an interesting way to get your book moving. What topic is it on?
Oh… and yes… there are plenty of muffins left… and I see some chocolate cake too. Help yourself.
Hi Brad
You sound like you have a full, but rewarding work mix. The cartoons are great. I really enjoyed your group writing project inspired by one of your cartoons.
I much prefer Wordpress over Blogger too, especially with Blogger’s awkward commenting system… not user friendly for commenters.
Hi Karen
Pleased to hear you’re enjoying the Writers’ Cafe and that you find it useful.
There are lots of talented writers and bloggers here who are very generous with sharing their knowledge and experience.
And of course… catching up with friends at the Writers’ Cafe with a coffee and delicious food at the end of the week is always a bonus.
See you next time.
The book will be a semi-biography of my grandmother’s life. She is an indirect descendent to the last emporor of China, ended up marrying a revolutionist that overthrew the imperial families and ended up having to flee to Taiwan because of the Communist uprising with the army general she married. I thought her life not only had a political outline of the whole Chinese/Taiwan struggle, but also with a lot of life elements to it.
She is dying tho and a lot of the past records and letters have been destroyed to protect the family from further pursuit by the Chinese, so unfortunately I have to make it fiction based on true events.