Freelance writers often work from home. Sometimes you will have to avoid distractions throughout the day such as emails, pets, kids, neighbors, condo or apartment maintenance crew, sirens, and anything else that can distract you from writing. Combating distractions is an art form!

Working from home has it perks, but it takes discipline. Freelance writers have many clients, some of which enjoy using instant messenger. Make sure your clients know that during the day you’re writing and working on projects. This is why it’s imperative to set your hours. Let clients know when you are available. Of course, in the event of an emergency, you’ll want to speak with your clients.

Throughout the day, freelance writers can be distracted by thoughts and ideas. Make sure you take the time to write down your ideas then get back to work on your writing project. After all, one of those ideas could be a Million Dollar idea.

Stay-at-home moms enjoy working from home because they get to spend time with the kids instead of putting them in daycare. However, kids who constantly want “mommy” can distract you from completing your writing projects. You may consider hiring a baby sitter or putting your kids in a play group for the day. It sounds the same as day care, but it can be more fun. Sometimes play groups are limited to the amount of kids who can attend so it’s a win-win situation.

Tips to combat distractions

• Turn-off the television
• Wear ear plugs
• Work at an office
• Stop and write down any ideas you have then immediately go back to writing
• Turn off instant messenger for some time (make sure your clients can reach you by phone)
• Set your hours
• Hire a baby and or pet sitter

Freelance writers want to stay focused on their activities. Noise from the outside such as lawn maintenance can be very distracting (I know) when you’re writing. Do your best to “block out” the noise. You may want to wear ear plugs if the noise is too much for you to handle. The other alternative is to move, but that could be expensive.

Staying focused can be challenging for some freelance writers because they’re always in their head! One thought or idea can send you off on a tangent. Before you know it, you’re spending hours on Google researching “this or that.” The challenge for some freelance writers (me) is they enjoy researching and learning. You can always research on the weekends or on your free time — not on your clients’ time!

Rebecca

What distracts you from writing?

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The new FTC Disclosures for bloggers can be confusing. The bottom line is…if you’re getting paid to write about a product, service, or destination, you must disclose that you’re being paid for it. The reason for this is people who write reviews may not give their honest assessment. Bloggers who mislead readers could face serious ramifications from the FTC.

Here’s a disclosure that I wrote for Savvy-Writer.com

Disclosure: Savvy-Writer.com earns a small commission if you click on the ads or links and make a purchase. Rebecca will not recommend products or services that she would not use herself. Every little bit helps Savvy-Writer.com stay afloat in cyberspace while providing valuable information. Rebecca appreciates your support!

Some people believe I did not have to write a disclosure since I have affiliate links on my site and readers can see they’re ads. However, I will not put anything on Savvy-Writer.com that I would not use. I know what it feels like when you purchase a product or service and it lets you down. Of course, to each his own, but I’d rather err on the side of caution.

CLICK HERE to read more about the FTC Disclosures. Make sure your blog/website is in compliance because you never know who is reading your blog. You don’t want the FTC commenting on your blog telling you it’s not compliant!

Rebecca

How is the new FTC Disclosure affecting your website?

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Many people comment on blogs for different reasons. Readers comment to gain backlinks, others like to “spread spam” around the internet (spam is deleted), and some want to connect with the blogger and readers of the blog. Whatever your reason is for commenting, you have the option of leaving your website URL. Unfortunately, you may be asked not to enter your URL.

When you leave a comment, you have the option of entering your website’s URL on the comment form. It’s a great way of saying “thank you” to visitors who take the time to read your blog. If this is true, why would a blog administrator email a reader and ask her to “kindly stop leaving your business website URL on the blog posts? It’s very perplexing. Aren’t business owners allowed to comment on blogs? Perhaps the blog is following the “No Follow” rule.

No Follow: “nofollow is an HTML attribute value used to instruct some search engines that a hyperlink should not influence the link target’s ranking in the search engine’s index. It is intended to reduce the effectiveness of certain types of search engine spam, thereby improving the quality of search engine results and preventing spamdexing from occurring” (from Wikipedia)

Some websites use the “no follow” rule which is fine. However, when you use a comment form box that includes a space your website URL, the rule becomes confusing. It makes more sense to take out the website URL from the comment form to ensure visitors do not enter their website URL.

One reason to eliminate the “website” URL option is you’re afraid of competition which is why you choose to use “no follow.” You can say it has to do with page ranking, but what’s the real reason? Maybe you’ve built it up in your mind that visitors will not stop by your website if you allow readers to leave their website URL. You don’t want visitors to leave a link to their website because you’re afraid they may not come back to your website. This is hogwash. There’s opportunity for everyone on the internet. How many times have you visited a blog/website that didn’t fit your needs? What did you do? You probably looked at other websites!

The next time you post a comment and leave your website URL, you may receive an email asking you not to do that. FYI to owners of blogs/websites who request readers not to leave their website URL: take out the option to leave a website URL!

Rebecca

What are your thoughts on the No Follow rule?

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Screenwriting appeals to people who are “visual” because you show and do not tell your story. The writing is precise and to the point. The key to becoming a successful screenwriter is to be passionate about your story. Writing without passion will ensure your story will be a flop.

Some people believe being a screenwriter is tough because many people want to sell their ideas. This is true and not true. Have you ever heard the phrase “it’s who you know not what you know?” There is some truth to that saying. Attract the right people to you and selling a screenplay could be easy. Where is it written that it must be difficult to sell a screenplay? There are people who have the same dream, but how many of those people will do what it takes to bring their dream to fruition? Most will give up which leaves the door wide open for you!

I finished two screenplays, one is for TV pilot and the other is a short film. I’m not thrilled about the short film — it’s more of a rant about a twenty-something couple in my apartment complex. However, I’m excited about the prospect of selling my TV pilot screenplay. My screenwriting coach believes in my ideas and so do I. My next project will be a feature film, but I’m not sure which idea I will develop. The advice my screenwriting coach gave me is, “…write the project which you are most passionate about right now.” This will require me to do some soul searching.

Being a screenwriter takes dedication and perseverance. What are you doing to improve your skills? Are you reading screenplays? Have you joined a screenwriting group? What books have you purchased? How many classes have you taken? Learn all you can about the art of screenwriting; study it like you would any other subject.

The best advice about becoming a screenwriter is from Oscar winning director, James Cameron. He says, “…write a bad screenplay first then go back and write a great one.” I agree with this advice because the key is to write your first screenplay. Most people love the idea of writing a screenplay; they will not actually write one. What about you? Do you want to write and sell a screenplay? Do you love the idea of writing a screenplay? It’s best to find out now to avoid wasting time and the time of others. Good luck!

Rebecca

How passionate are you about becoming a screenwriter?

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This blog will address the common mistake that most business owners, especially small business owners make. It applies to ALL business owners, this includes freelance writers!

When you ask a business owner, “…what business are you in?” and you’ll receive many responses from “I’m a photographer to I’m a dog groomer.” Unfortunately, those are the wrong answers. The business that you’re actually in is the “marketing” business. Furthermore, you are a problem solver!

Let’s review why you are in business. You are NOT in business to make a profit. You are in business because you are a PROBLEM SOLVER who solves clients’ problems. It’s that simple. Unlearn what you learned in college business courses, especially the MBA program!

People seek your business because they have a problem. They are not coming to you because they have nothing else to do with their money; they need help! They are putting their trust in you to solve their problem in the most efficient and economical way. When you sell and over deliver your products or services, clients will be knocking on your door for a long time.

Many people falter when it comes to their 30-second elevator pitch. When you’re at a networking event, you’ll hear people tell you they are a lawyer, writer, journalist, real estate agent, hair stylist, doctor, chiropractor, or fitness instructor. The list goes on forever. There’s just one problem, you don’t actually tell people what you do. Are you lost yet? You are NOT a fitness instructor, you are a life changer. You are not a hair stylist; you are a beautification expert who transforms the look of men and women with the proper hair style and color. Are you beginning to understand? It boils down to MARKETING you and your business.

The next someone asks you, “what’s your business?” give them a solid response. Don’t say, “I’m a painter.” Say, “…I bring joy to peoples’ lives through vibrant imagery on canvas.” As a business owner, you want to convey an emotion within people, and of course, a sense of urgency that they must contact you NOW for your services.

Business owners, cultivate a 30-second elevator pitch that sells and attracts clients to your business. Hire a freelance writer who can write you a stellar 30-second elevator pitch if you’re not a strong writer. Remember, you are a problem solver and marketer. Remind yourself daily of this and your business will take-off in no time!

Rebecca

What business are you in today?

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