If you use WordPress.org, you’re probably familiar with plugins. Make sure you don’t go overboard with plugins because your hosting company may not have the ‘space’ for your website if it contains a lot of plugins. Of course, you could purchase a ‘higher’ hosting package that gives you more space on a server. It’s something to think about. Anyway, here are cool and useful WordPress plugins for you to check out and use on your website.

If you’re worried about spam, WordPress.org has an Askimet plugin that catches spammers. For example,I have the following message on my WP Dashboard, “Akismet has protected your site from 21,271 spam comments already. There’s nothing in your spam queue at the moment.” I’ve been using WordPress.org since 2009 and never had a problem with Askimet.

To make your blog posts easy to retweet, use TweetMeme. It’s simple to download and upload to your plugins folder via your FTP system. Hint: Most hosting companies have their own FTP. But you can always use an external FTP.

How many times do you ‘thank’ people for leaving comments on your blog? If you don’t, consider using Thank Me Later which automatically sends a ‘thank you’ to visitors that leave comments on your blog posts. BTW: I wish I knew about this one because I was ‘manually’ sending emails to visitors. Better late than never!

Does it irk you when readers don’t leave thoughtful comments? Install Minimum Comment Length to improve the quality of comments left on your blog posts. Let’s face it; leaving a “Great post! Good post! Thank for the information!” doesn’t cut it. You want people to leave engaging, thought provoking comments.

Unfortunately, some visitors to your website may not have good intentions. Use WTC Comment Cleaner to strip out malicious and unwanted code such as css, javascript tags, etc. It’s good to have a ‘high level’ of security on your blog/website.

Some visitors may or may not appreciate the Comment E-Mail Verification plugin because they’ll have to login to their email and ‘verify’ their comment by clicking on the link that’s sent to them. Once they click on the link, their comment will be approved and automatically posted. This is a good way to engage visitors. No email is send if Askimet or some other plugin recognizes the comment as spam.

Do you have a newsletter? How would you like to build your list? Use the WordPress Newsletter plugin to ‘collect’ subscriber information such as name and email address. Please read the user guide to get the most out of this plugin.

Do you feel like a ‘head case’ when it comes to SEO? You could use the All in One SEO plugin or try HeadSpace 2 SEO. If you spend too much time worrying about SEO, HeadSpace2 SEO will make your troubles disappear. HeadSpace provides a video that explains ‘How To’ use the plugin.

How many times do you backup your WordPress website? Download and use WP-DB Manager to backup your files. You can backup, repair, restore, delete a backup, etc. with this plugin.

*Some of the plugins are compatible up to 3.2.1. If WordPress upgrades to WordPress 3.3, some plugins may not work unless they’re updated too.

Rebecca

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Question: Rebecca, why did you become a freelance writer? What’s appealing about it? How difficult is it to think of blog post and or article topics? What is your writing process? Do you suffer from writer’s block? How do you stay ‘sane’ in a competitive market? I want the 411!

Answer: Thank you for asking. I became a freelance writer for many reasons. Read them below.

Why Rebecca aka Savvy-Writer Became a Freelance Writer

1. I love to read and write; I’m grateful for my literacy. My favorite high school classes were art and history; English and literature; and marketing. Writing was natural for me. Completing writing assignments such as book reports, poems, and short stories was easy for me. I enjoy the creative process and creating in general.

2. I fell into freelance writing by applying for a marketing and writing opportunity with a travel company in Arizona. I was given a 2-week ‘trial’ period to see which position I was suited for. The writing position won hands down. The rest they say is history.

3. I enjoy freelance writing because of the variety it offers. I love variety and options! I have my favorite industries and writing specialties but the beauty of freelance writing is you get to decide what you want to write and who you want to write for.

4. It’s not difficult for me to think of a blog post or article topic. This goes hand-in-hand with writer’s block. I can write a blog post or article based on a phrase or word I hear or read. I read blogs, books, newspapers, and magazines. I brainstorm to discover different angles for ‘hot’ topics. I participate in the Creative Copy Challenge and play brainy and word games. I also pay attention to conversations. This may sound like voyeurism (Lol!), but I really listen to what people say. Believe it or not, there are many writing ideas within these conversations.  Finally, I used to believe in writer’s block but not anymore.

5. My writing process differs for each project. For example, if I’m working on YA, fiction, or non-fiction, I’ll create an outline. I never liked using outlines but it helps to keep me on track with my writing. I’ll write the synopsis and plot. I then move into character development; I use a character/action grid. I use this same process for screenwriting. The next step is to research.

Blog posts and articles are different. I research when it’s necessary, but I usually write directly in WordPress. I’ll journal ideas or keep a list in a Word document. Sometimes, I’ll keep ideas in WordPress. I review ideas and will delete the ones I know I won’t develop.

6. I stay ‘sane’ in a competitive market by realizing that which is mine can’t be taken away from me. I believe in the saying, “If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.” I can’t force clients to work with me, nor would I want to. I like what Oprah says, “If you don’t want me, I don’t want you.” I also stay on my side of the road which means I don’t pay attention to what other freelance writers are doing or the accolades they may receive. If I constantly paid attention to what other freelance writers are doing, I would lose focus on what I’m supposed to be doing. I’m all for ‘congratulating’ writers on their accomplishments, but I have writing to do.

7. Becoming a freelance writer is a business. Luckily, I have business degrees and am comfortable in business. Sales and marketing are a part of the freelance writer’s life. There’s no getting around it. I’m confident in my writing ability and talent. I keep my writing skills sharp by taking writing classes and workshops; I read books about writing. I love education and enjoy educating myself.

Rebecca

Bonus!

*I love researching and solving problems! I’m a stickler meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations. First, I’m a natural problem solver and researcher. However, I can sit in front of my laptop and research for hours. I adhere to a ‘researching’ schedule. Second, I worked in accounting (real estate) and had to meet deadlines. Most of the time ‘corporate’ increased the closing deadline. I also had to solve problems like “Why is the marketing department over budget?” My controller would forget about the opening of a new property. Sometimes, we had to hire more temporary workers than anticipated. It happens!

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Question: As a self-published author, I edit and proofread everything I read. I read books, blogs, eBooks, magazines, and newspapers with an eagle eye. I can’t stand to read long-winded sentences. I want to shout, “Say what you want to say and say it!”

My issue is I spend countless hours editing and proofreading my work. Once I begin editing, I can’t stop. What can I do to release my editing fetish? It’s driving me crazy!

Answer: It’s good to edit your work but at some point, you must stop. Give yourself a deadline and stick to it. Another alternative is to hire an editor to edit and proofread your writing. An editor-for-hire can make suggestions on sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, and point out overused words. An ‘objective’ eye and voice can strengthen your writing.

Many authors and writers are tempted to over edit their work because they want it to be absolutely perfect. If you do this, you may never get your book published. Writing mistakes happen, and they appear in books written by well known authors. The next time your favorite author publishes a book, scan it for spacing issues, typos, and other mistakes. Obviously, a few mistakes here and there haven’t hurt book sales of famous authors. They may receive an occasional email from fans informing them of mistakes, but that’s it.

How to overcome over editing your writing

1. Set a deadline for editing and proofreading your book and stick to it.

2. Hire an editor-for-hire and allow an ‘objective’ party review your writing and make necessary changes and or suggestions.

3. Realize that mistakes happen; it’s not the end of the world.

4. Join a writing group. If you’re already a part of a writers group, ask members to read your book and make editing suggestions.

5. Take a workshop on how to edit your book quickly and efficiently.

6. Attend writing conferences and speak to editors. Ask them questions about their editing practices such as: How do they edit quickly? How many hours do they spend editing? When do they know they’re finished editing a book? Ask these and other questions — get inside an editor’s mind. This will help you curb your over editing tendencies.

7. Hire a writing coach. A writing coach will help you become the best writer you can be. You’ll learn the reason ‘why’ you over edit and how you can ‘shift’ this habit. Procrastination could be the key or fear of rejection.

Rebecca

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“]

Cover of A Time to Kill [Blu-ray

The July 10, 2011 issue of Parade Magazine featured an interview with John Grisham. His first novel, A Time to Kill was turned down and rejected 30 times; he still has the files. According to John, “I saved all of that stuff.” It makes you wonder if those in the publishing world really know a good thing when they read and see it. Not only is A Time to Kill a wonderful book, it’s a thought provoking movie. Matthew McConaughey’s performance as young lawyer Jake Tyler Brigance shines through at the end when he delivers his closing statement before the jury. I won’t give away the ending in case you haven’t read the book or seen the movie.

Reading that famous author John Grisham was rejected will put you at ease. John eventually was published and has experienced major success since the publication of A Time to Kill. It makes you wonder about the publishers and or literary agents who rejected John’s novel. Are they still in publishing? Are they kicking themselves in the behind? Do they have publishing remorse? How could they not see what a great book A Time to Kill was? Let’s face it; John’s books make great movies. More importantly, they make a lot of money for the arts and entertainment and publishing industries respectively.

John Grisham’s story will inspire you to keep writing every day. Forget about the naysayers because it’s obvious they don’t know what they’re talking about! Whenever you receive a rejection letter from an agent or publisher say the following, “Thank you for rejecting my novel or non-fiction book. I’ll find another literary agent or publisher. No biggie. After all, look at the success of John Grisham. He was rejected 30 times!” Now, go forth and write your novel and know that it will be published.

Rebecca

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I’m a writer and can’t help but read, proofread, and question everything that cross my path; from newspaper and magazine articles to newsletters; from eBooks to flyers; from blog posts to catalog script; from sales letters to email blasts; from Twitter and Facebook updates (including my own); and everything in between. Last week, I received an email reply from someone and chuckled when I read it. As the reader, I felt the ‘tone‘ of the email was matter-of-fact and sharp. It started off with, “I suggest you…” and carried on from there. Of course, I could have read it with a soft “I suggest you,” but I read it as a forceful “I suggest you…” Perhaps I was feeling the pull of the partial solar eclipse on July 1! Then again, it could be I have more experience than the person who wrote the email. I would have begun the email with, “Thank you for contacting so and so,” and would have written it from there.

According to Dictionary.com the word tone has the following meanings:

1. any sound considered with reference to its quality, pitch, strength, source, etc.: shrill tones.
2. quality or character of sound.
3. vocal sound; the sound made by vibrating muscular bands in the larynx.
4. a particular quality, way of sounding, modulation, or intonation of the voice as expressive of some meaning, feeling, spirit, etc.: a tone of command.
5. stress of voice on a syllable of a word.

Your tone of voice does matter, especially in sales and marketing. While you’re not responsible for the reactions of others, you don’t want to use a tone of voice that deters them from purchasing your books, eBooks, teleseminars, webinars, and or writing services. It would behoove you to read and re-read your newsletter content, email blasts, and other marketing materials you send out. Also, make sure your personal assistant or staff knows how to write effective copy. You want people to buy your books, CDs, and other products. You don’t want them ‘tweeting’ or posting something on Facebook about their horrible experience with you or your company. Like it or not, this does happen from time-to-time.

FYI: Your tone of voice could override the words you speak and write.

Before you or your staff writes an email blast, sales letter, newsletter, or replies to an email, make sure the tone of voice matches you and your brand. Read your writing out loud to ‘hear’ the tone of voice. How does your writing sound? How does whatever you’re sending out read? What will readers get out of your writing? Make sure the tone you use is one that you want to convey instead of being misinterpreted.

Rebecca

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I read a compelling blog post by Steff Metal about writing without color. Steff is legally blind and doesn’t have the luxury of sight that most writers have. Sight is one of the five senses. The others are hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching. Would you continue to be a writer if you lost one or all five of your senses? How much do you rely on your five senses? How much do you take them for granted? For one day, put yourself into the writing shoes of a blind or color blind person and write a blog post and article. Track how long it takes you to write the post or article. Write down how difficult it was for you. Finally, be grateful for your eyesight and can easily write, “The corner house was painted mint green; it had white plantation shutters” instead of having to reach beyond your sight. Then again, reaching beyond what your sight can see could improve your writing.

Sometimes a writer can rely too much on their five senses. Some ‘spiritual gurus’ believe we have six, seven, or even more senses than are basic five senses. However, you must be open or sensitive to this. Meditating for at least 15 minutes per day can open and expand your senses. Think about what it will do for your writing. Ideas may come into your mind that would not have before. If you don’t feel like working on your novel, you can meditate and release any negative energy surrounding it. Let go and float down the river of creativity. You may be surprised at what you find.

Before you sit down at your laptop, computer, or pad of paper to write, think about the writer who can’t see, smell, taste, touch, or hear. How would they approach a writing project? Keep the dictionary and or thesaurus close by or use an online reference guide. It’s time to harness the power of your mind and push beyond your writing comfort zone. It’s time to stop churning out boring and generic writing that doesn’t have any depth to it. Go beyond your five senses, you’ll like what you find.

Rebecca

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Sometimes a writer can benefit from hiring a writing coach. There’s no shortage of writing coaches — take your pick. A coach can help you become unstuck and move you and your writing forward. A coach can help you see the ‘big picture’ when it comes to your writing career. Maybe it’s time for you to begin writing in a new genre or find a new literary agent. Whatever you need help with, a writing coach can be of great support. What’s the problem with this? A writer buys results not coaching. Hire a writing coach that gets results.

You, the writer, hires a writing coach because you want something to change in your career. Perhaps you want to break into screenwriting or become a #1 fiction writer. Maybe you want to have a more prosperous freelance writing business. A writing coach can help you set and accomplish goals. Sometimes a writing coach will assign homework. It’s up to you, the client, to complete it. However, a writing coach should do more than give you assignments to complete. They should provide you with processes and systems to move you forward. If you follow a coach’s guidance, you’ll see results. If you don’t, you could stay stuck for a long time.

The key is to selecting the right writing coach is to ask the following questions:

1. How many years have you been a writer’s coach?

2. Are you a current or former writer?

3. Why did you become a writing coach?

4. Where can I read testimonials?

5. What has been the most challenging aspect of being a writer’s coach?

6. Who is/was your favorite client?

7. Who is/was your least favorite client?

8. What benefits will I receive from writing coaching?

9. How much is your fee?

10. What is your coaching style?

11. What makes you a good teacher?

The only way you’ll know if writing coaching is right for you is to hire a writer’s coach. Most coaches provide a 30-45 complimentary coaching session. They want to make sure the client is right for as well. There’s no use wasting time if either one of you isn’t a match. Coaching can be done via email, face-to-face, or SKYPE. Select the method that is best for you. Keep an open mind when you hire a writer’s coach, especially if you fear change. Remember what FDR said, “Only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

Rebecca

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Cover of The Partner (John Grisham)

If you’d like to write a book or keep up with your blog, you may consider finding a writing partner who’ll motivate and inspire you to accomplish your writing goals. If you find the right writing partner, you could co-author a book together and wind up on the #1 Best-Sellers List! The key is to find someone who’s like-minded but also balances you. For example, if time management isn’t your strength, find a writing partner who has impeccable time management skills. You’ll learn how to cultivate this skill which can help you grow as a writer.

A writing partner can encourage you to say goodbye to writing gigs that keep you stuck. It may be scary at first but when you have someone supporting and telling you, “You’ll be all right,” it can make the transition smoother. You’ll earn more money because you’ll work on projects you enjoy. This will attract new clients to you because you raised your ‘vibration’ which makes you more attractive to clients.

Benefits to working with a writing partner

1. Professional criticism. Constructive criticism will improve your writing. After all, you don’t want to send shoddy writing to an editor, do you? Your writing partner can suggest how you can simply your sentences or more descriptive words. If you haven’t channeled your “inner editor,” a writing partner can point out errors such as the misuse of quotation marks (periods and commas go inside them). A writing partner can point out the overuse of exclamation points or the em dash. The feedback you receive is invaluable.

2. The melding of genius minds. Two heads are better than one, right? Perhaps you have an idea for a book but would like to co-author it. Finding the perfect writing partner means you know the idea or concept backwards and forwards; you know and understand the message. You have a clear vision and know the target audience. Choose a writing partner that isn’t caught up within their ego — this is why lawsuits unfold. The right writing partner is someone who’s open to brainstorming, adds value to you and the project, and is professional.

3. Motivation. Sometimes you’re not in the mood to write. A writing partner can motivate you to stay the course and accomplish your writing goals. If you’re stuck in your comfort zone, a writing partner can push you out of it. They can encourage you to take a risk and apply for writing projects you never dreamed of applying before. A writing partner will push you towards success and cheer you on without taking any of the credit.

4. Inspiration. Choose a writing partner that inspires you. Perhaps they wrote and published three books and coach other writers. Maybe they volunteer at a children’s organization and help young kids find their inner writer. Find a writing partner that will make you want to succeed in your writing career and do better.

5. Accountability. This word has been thrown around over the years by life coaches and therapists and has become overused; however, it still has some value. You are responsible for you. No matter how much a writing partner pushes you, they can’t use Harry Potter’s magic wand and magically make you accountable for your writing. You can only do this. Hold yourself accountable if you want a successful writing career!

Where to find a writing partner?

1. Networking events.

2. Social media websites.

3. Your local bookstore.

4. The library.

5. Local and online writing groups.

If you think you’d like a writing partner, start ‘tweeting’ about it or post something on FB. Reach out to writers in your community and attend local writers groups. Make a list of the qualities you want in a writing partner. List your strengths and weaknesses and see where you could use improvement. Find a writing partner that’s willing to commit to the process, and you’ll be on your way to a fun and successful writing career. Good luck!

Rebecca

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I read an article in Daily Variety about filmmaker Richard Cunningham who created a “fictionalized” Twitter account for one of his character’s from his short film “Year Zero” which was featured at the Tribeca Film Festival. This isn’t a bad idea. If you wrote a book, screenplay, or teleplay, consider creating a Twitter account for the protagonist and antagonist (or both). It’s a great way to engage readers and followers of your work. They can interact with the character(s) and get to know them better. Take advantage of social media platforms. They’re a fast and easy way to interact with your audience or readers.

Creating a fictionalized Twitter account for one of your characters or an interactive game on Facebook is the next big thing in marketing. In the Daily Variety article Fest Fosters Social Ties, Marc Schiller, CEO and founder of the digital marketing firm Electric Artists says, “Filmmakers have to engage and inspire their audience and make them feel a part of the film with an intimacy and closeness that allows them to be true advocates of their success.” Filmmakers are chronicling the production of their films on Twitter. Audience members can follow a filmmaker every step of the way. Authors can do the same with characters from their books. It’s quite exciting!

Authors, screenwriters, and filmmakers can hold a contest, soliciting poster art, book illustrations, and song submissions from fans. It’s the ultimate experience for any fan of a book or movie. To see their artwork, illustrations, or songs become a part of a book or movie is a dream come true — they won’t forget.

As an aspiring author and screenwriter, I love it when authors and filmmakers engage their fans. It’s a bit disappointing when you “Like” your favorite author or filmmaker on Facebook and they don’t interact with you. I’ve experienced this recently and am considering “Unliking” Facebook Fan Pages. After all, there are plenty of interns or experienced social media experts (and firms) who can take over social media activities. There’s really no excuse not to engage with your fans. After all, fans are the ones buying books and tickets to movies along with merchandising that’s created from these endeavors.

Marc Schiller, a moderator of the Tribeca Talks panel on social media called “Amplify the Message” says, “It’s not enough to create a Twitter or Facebook account. Artists must engage with their audience and fans.”

The Daily Variety article Fest Fosters Social Ties really hit home with me. I finished my non-fiction book for teens and have a couple of short films that I’d like to have made; the feature film is next on the list. I’ll take what I learned from the article and apply it to my social media outlets. I actually want to engage with fans — I enjoy meeting new people. If fans take the time to buy and read my books and watch my movies, I can take the time to interact with them (great feedback) and provide them with a memorable experience. After all, what’s the point of being in the arts and entertainment business or publishing industry if you’re not willing to meet your fans?

Rebecca

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If you’re an aspiring screenwriter, attending a conference is a fantastic way to meet other screenwriters and unearth valuable tips and tricks about writing a screenplay. Conferences usually have industry experts such as producers, directors, and other executives. It’s an opportunity to ‘pick the brain’ of these influential people in order for you to write the best screenplay you can write.

2011 Screenwriting Conferences

The Screenwriting Conference in Santa Fe — Sponsored by Rio Grande Studios. Who doesn’t want to go to Santa Fe, New Mexico? It’s a beautiful state and a travel writer’s paradise.  The conference is from May 27 – 31 and is divided into the Screenwriting Symposium and The Hollywood Connection.

Toronto Screenwriting Conference. This one takes places from April 9 – 10. Toronto is a cosmopolitan city that offers a great nightlife. If you’re interested in travel writing, you’ll have a lot to write about.

13th Annual Nashville Screenwriters Conference. If you love country music, screenwriting, and travel writing, you’ll want to attend Nashville’s Screenwriters Conference on May 20 – 22 at the Union Station Hotel. You’ll meet Hollywood’s top producers, writers, directors, managers, and other studio executives. I can tell you from experience that Nashville is a vibrant city. Don’t leave there without visiting Music Row and The Grand Ole Opry!

American Screenwriters’ Conference with Dr.Lew Hunter. Visit beautiful California and Crocker Art Museum on April 16th. “Learn screenwriting tips from some of the best: UCLA Dean Emeritus Dr. Lew Hunter and William Morris agent Christopher Lockhart. Additional panel members TBA.”

If you’re serious about screenwriting, consider attending one of these conferences. Take advantage of panel discussions and any ‘meet and greets’ that are offered. The more connections you have the better. If you’re looking to collaborate with another screenwriter, chances are you can find the ‘right’ person to work with at one of these conferences. If you’re an aspiring screenwriter and travel writer, you’ll benefit from these conferences because they’re held in beautiful locations in the U.S. and around the world. Think of all the travel articles you could write. Good luck!

Rebecca

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• Screenwriting Master Classes ONLINE with Max Adams (theshebeenclub.com)
• Reader Question: Is it worth it for an aspiring screenwriter to spend some time in LA? (gointothestory.com)

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