Through the last several months I have discovered some great sites to write for and some duds. It takes time to navigate your way through the mess before you find sites that not only pay, but truly help mentor you.
Tip #1 Helium
I stumbled across this site and was wary at first. It takes awhile to build up your profile. It can be extremely daunting writing articles, rating articles and only earning pennies in the beginning. Take your time to read the FAQ's and use the forum to ask the experts questions. I found this to be the best site to start my online career. There are dozens of people to help you and mentor your. The best part is the members of this community will actually HELP you make money. It is truly the perfect starting point. The other wonderful aspect of Helium is you own the rights to your articles. You can take them and publish on other websites.
Tip #2 WikiNut
This newer website is much more challenging to earn money. However you can take previously published work from Helium and re-publish it. You can make the article pop a bit more by adding pictures to it and get more views. The pay is not quite as much, but it slowly adds up. To check out WikiNut http://www.wikinut.com/in/xfelg/
Tip #3 RedGage
This website still has several glitches. Again the benefit is being able to upload links from any website you have published work. You can add links from both Helium and WikiNut. It also a site you can add your personal videos and pictures. For each view you get for your information you get a small amount of money. RedGage pays by a gift card $25 at a time. I received my first g/c and immediately used it for some groceries! (pay the bills first) http://www.redgage.com/?refby=scarlet
Tip #4 Bright Hub
I just discovered this website thanks to the recommendation of one of my fellow Helium writers. She showed me one more site to make some extra money with. I have two published articles and I am hoping for more.
There are several sites out there that can help you earn money while freelancing. It can be tough to navigate through the web finding real sites that pay, and pay well.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
It has been awhile
I have been concentrating on writing a lot for Helium. It has been a nice outlet and working well so far. My freelance writing with the local magazine has proven to be a regular gig with one or two assignments for each issue.
I feel almost at a stand still with writing. Not necessarily writers block, but frustration would be the best word. It is almost as if I am spinning my wheels and getting nowhere. I follow tips, tricks of the trade and am making some nice extra money. But instead of being inspired it is becoming a chore.
I think it is time to try and write outside of my comfort zone. Do something new. I had a chance to write a story on something very uncomfortable for me, drug addiction. Speaking to addicts and former addicts was an interesting task. I could have kept writing the story for pages, but sadly that wasn't the assignment.
I feel almost at a stand still with writing. Not necessarily writers block, but frustration would be the best word. It is almost as if I am spinning my wheels and getting nowhere. I follow tips, tricks of the trade and am making some nice extra money. But instead of being inspired it is becoming a chore.
I think it is time to try and write outside of my comfort zone. Do something new. I had a chance to write a story on something very uncomfortable for me, drug addiction. Speaking to addicts and former addicts was an interesting task. I could have kept writing the story for pages, but sadly that wasn't the assignment.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Come and follow my Blog
Freelance writing can have so many ups and downs. Call me a cynic, but with my writing up this month I am afraid of the other shoe to drop. I am truly enjoying Helium as a freelance writing site. For those of you looking for a place to start and get your feet wet, this is a wonderful place to start. The money takes awhile to kick in, but it does.
I have had two freelance writing gigs for local magazines. This has been fantastic. I would like to continue to do both and have success. Hopefully things will keep going well and success will keep coming my way. After all it can happen!
Working on my Blog has been my biggest challenge. Many writers have some fantastic Blogs. Both writing and layouts. So hang with me while I change it up a little bit and discover more of how to be successful! Also feel free to check out my articles on the right hand side.
I have had two freelance writing gigs for local magazines. This has been fantastic. I would like to continue to do both and have success. Hopefully things will keep going well and success will keep coming my way. After all it can happen!
Working on my Blog has been my biggest challenge. Many writers have some fantastic Blogs. Both writing and layouts. So hang with me while I change it up a little bit and discover more of how to be successful! Also feel free to check out my articles on the right hand side.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Writing Success
I am hitting a mental block again for writing. It is a frustrating path I am embarking on. Trying to become somewhat successful at writing articles that are pithy or meaningful. I find myself at a stopping point.
My friends who are writers have blogs with hundreds of people following them. Their posts are funny and engaging. I need to get over that hurdle. I am having some success with my online gig. If you are visiting my blog, take a look at the links of stories next to my posts. The more clicks, the more known I become. That is the thought I hope!
I hope my assignments keep coming in and this block will soon go away. It is a double edge sword. You can't get paid of you don't write and with my block I can't get paid. Being a freelancer well....what am I getting myself into?
My friends who are writers have blogs with hundreds of people following them. Their posts are funny and engaging. I need to get over that hurdle. I am having some success with my online gig. If you are visiting my blog, take a look at the links of stories next to my posts. The more clicks, the more known I become. That is the thought I hope!
I hope my assignments keep coming in and this block will soon go away. It is a double edge sword. You can't get paid of you don't write and with my block I can't get paid. Being a freelancer well....what am I getting myself into?
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Having a great time
I have been really enjoying freelance writing the more I explore. I have met some wonderful people along the way and learned more (maybe more than I care to) about writing for websites and hard copy magazines.
I have successfully landed a gig with a local magazine and could not be more thrilled. I am hoping this will lead to more jobs with magazines, papers and online. I have received great feedback from many people along with great leads to expand my horizons.
Blogging is still challenging for me. I want to write something each day and for it to be important to capture someone's attention to follow my blog. But there are days there is just not much to say. Today is one of those days.
With my full-time job and volunteering I feel overwhelmed. However, I don't want to stop while my momentum is picking up.
I have successfully landed a gig with a local magazine and could not be more thrilled. I am hoping this will lead to more jobs with magazines, papers and online. I have received great feedback from many people along with great leads to expand my horizons.
Blogging is still challenging for me. I want to write something each day and for it to be important to capture someone's attention to follow my blog. But there are days there is just not much to say. Today is one of those days.
With my full-time job and volunteering I feel overwhelmed. However, I don't want to stop while my momentum is picking up.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Thrilled with success!
Bicycle enthusiast Sam Nicholson, a resident of Friends Village retirement community in Newtown Township, is no different from many people who love the hobby as a simple form of relaxation and exercise. But Sam is unique in that, at 86 years of age, he still races competitively on his bike. This month, Sam plans on competing in the New Jersey Senior Olympics in Woodbridge, NJ.......
http://www.timespub.com/ngazette-cg.html
http://www.timespub.com/ngazette-cg.html
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Triumph
Today I ran my first triathlon. I had all intentions of training to make it through without injury and finish in a decent time. However life doesn’t always work out the way we’d like it to.
Four a.m. I was on the road, pitch black without a car in sight. It is a serene time in the morning, nothing but your own thoughts. Sometimes your thoughts can get into your head a bit too much and create crazy feelings. Today however the thoughts were more of excitement.
I resolved to myself I would finish the race in about three hours. My training had been lackluster at best. Arriving at the beach with hundreds of other women made all my fears go away. That is one of the wonderful things about athletic events. Everyone is willing to help and give whatever advice you may need.
It didn’t matter who I asked, they would give me advice that was helpful. I found several friends that were doing the triathlon also. I began this journey as a self-exploration. Pushing myself doing marathons had helped me reach feelings deep inside. I was blessed with dozens of other women I knew signed up for the same triathlon.
Walking to the starting line the wind started to pick up a bit. With the clouds overhead the air was crisp and cold, not your typical September morning. While waiting my fingers, toes and lips started turning blue. I thought what had I gotten myself into.
When my wave was about to start I stepped into the ocean. This was my biggest fear. I am not an open water swimmer, and have trouble even walking into the water. With so many women supporting me the thought of getting into the ocean didn’t cross my mind.
I started to swim and realized the panic of other swimmers around me was a bit too much. I slowed as to not get kicked and slapped by others. The swim cannot be described. It was both more difficult and easier than I had expected. When I got out of the ocean and started to T1, the perseverance of what I was accomplishing started to become a realization.
Crazy things happen you may not realize. I went to put my shoes on, but my feet had swelled making them difficult to get onto my feet. Once I had dressed it was off to biking. The biking was for me like a Sunday morning ride. I was not here for the competition, but the thrill of the finish.
I finished biking and off to the 5K run. Running the course I was motivated by seeing women in their 70’s continue with determination. Knowing they had started the race well before me but kept pushing forward inspired me. Where I thought I would be walking I kept running.
I crossed the finish line sprinting to victory, in under two hours. I was thrilled with my time. The slowest out of my friends, but for me it was success. I overcame my fear, and went on to complete my first triathlon. It was triumphant.
Four a.m. I was on the road, pitch black without a car in sight. It is a serene time in the morning, nothing but your own thoughts. Sometimes your thoughts can get into your head a bit too much and create crazy feelings. Today however the thoughts were more of excitement.
I resolved to myself I would finish the race in about three hours. My training had been lackluster at best. Arriving at the beach with hundreds of other women made all my fears go away. That is one of the wonderful things about athletic events. Everyone is willing to help and give whatever advice you may need.
It didn’t matter who I asked, they would give me advice that was helpful. I found several friends that were doing the triathlon also. I began this journey as a self-exploration. Pushing myself doing marathons had helped me reach feelings deep inside. I was blessed with dozens of other women I knew signed up for the same triathlon.
Walking to the starting line the wind started to pick up a bit. With the clouds overhead the air was crisp and cold, not your typical September morning. While waiting my fingers, toes and lips started turning blue. I thought what had I gotten myself into.
When my wave was about to start I stepped into the ocean. This was my biggest fear. I am not an open water swimmer, and have trouble even walking into the water. With so many women supporting me the thought of getting into the ocean didn’t cross my mind.
I started to swim and realized the panic of other swimmers around me was a bit too much. I slowed as to not get kicked and slapped by others. The swim cannot be described. It was both more difficult and easier than I had expected. When I got out of the ocean and started to T1, the perseverance of what I was accomplishing started to become a realization.
Crazy things happen you may not realize. I went to put my shoes on, but my feet had swelled making them difficult to get onto my feet. Once I had dressed it was off to biking. The biking was for me like a Sunday morning ride. I was not here for the competition, but the thrill of the finish.
I finished biking and off to the 5K run. Running the course I was motivated by seeing women in their 70’s continue with determination. Knowing they had started the race well before me but kept pushing forward inspired me. Where I thought I would be walking I kept running.
I crossed the finish line sprinting to victory, in under two hours. I was thrilled with my time. The slowest out of my friends, but for me it was success. I overcame my fear, and went on to complete my first triathlon. It was triumphant.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Reflection
On a day like today it is hard to write about anything except September 11th. A day where we remember where we were when the first tower hit, who we were with, the shock, the silence.
At the time I lived ten minutes as the crow flies from New York City. I was pregnant with my second child and watching the morning news. My husband was just about to leave for a meeting in CT. We were watching the first tower up in flames when the second plane started to circle. The TV went blank.
In horror we flipped the channels to try and figure what was happening. As the information was slowly being released the shock and horror was growing in the community. I took my two year old son outside to play and the silence was deafening. I wouldn't let my husband or my son leave my side for two days. I couldn't think of not being able to reach out and touch them, knowing they were safe and close.
Being pregnant with my daughter brought panic to the future. What kind of world would we live in? Would she be safe? Would the family be safe? I was terrified and never admitted it to a sole, until today.
Still years later I tear up when talking about it. My son and daughter still not quite grasping the tragedy asking questions. It is an awful day that America together rose from tragedy to show we will stay united, together and triumph.
At the time I lived ten minutes as the crow flies from New York City. I was pregnant with my second child and watching the morning news. My husband was just about to leave for a meeting in CT. We were watching the first tower up in flames when the second plane started to circle. The TV went blank.
In horror we flipped the channels to try and figure what was happening. As the information was slowly being released the shock and horror was growing in the community. I took my two year old son outside to play and the silence was deafening. I wouldn't let my husband or my son leave my side for two days. I couldn't think of not being able to reach out and touch them, knowing they were safe and close.
Being pregnant with my daughter brought panic to the future. What kind of world would we live in? Would she be safe? Would the family be safe? I was terrified and never admitted it to a sole, until today.
Still years later I tear up when talking about it. My son and daughter still not quite grasping the tragedy asking questions. It is an awful day that America together rose from tragedy to show we will stay united, together and triumph.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Come follow me and stay awhile
This is my second Blog I have started. Gaining a following is an entirely different challenge. For me it is a great outlet to read, and see where I was a month ago or a year ago and the progress I made.
Over the weekend I spoke to several people who follow many Blogs and if the person did not update it daily they would get angry. So here is my quandry, figuring out how to keep people engaged and want to read what I am doing and gain followers. You can invite people to come, but getting them to stay....
It reminds me of holding a party. There are people that hold a party and you want to attend and look forward to it every year. They have that 'something' that attracts people.
I am new to this, finding my hook to get people to not only follow but stay. The new freelancer is always looking for suggestions. (that is me by the way!)
Over the weekend I spoke to several people who follow many Blogs and if the person did not update it daily they would get angry. So here is my quandry, figuring out how to keep people engaged and want to read what I am doing and gain followers. You can invite people to come, but getting them to stay....
It reminds me of holding a party. There are people that hold a party and you want to attend and look forward to it every year. They have that 'something' that attracts people.
I am new to this, finding my hook to get people to not only follow but stay. The new freelancer is always looking for suggestions. (that is me by the way!)
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Success!
I have been having decent success with Helium and Wikinut. Pleasantly surprised when the second month came to a close. I can see this slowly building to a nice small income.
I have started on a new site Red Gage. http://www.redgage.com/links/scarlet/ while I am not the best photographer, I thought it would be something different to give a go.
The other great part is I have landed a gig with a local magazine. While the pay isn't great, it is a start. Slowly but surely it is adding up and making me feel like a true writer.
I have started on a new site Red Gage. http://www.redgage.com/links/scarlet/ while I am not the best photographer, I thought it would be something different to give a go.
The other great part is I have landed a gig with a local magazine. While the pay isn't great, it is a start. Slowly but surely it is adding up and making me feel like a true writer.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Running out of ideas
The writers block has hit. Every time I start an article I cannot finish. I have words jumbled in my mind and can't seem to get them onto the page. Beyond frustrating. I took a few days off before starting up again. Still I am having difficulty.
I will get back to it, just need to clear my head and have fun!
I will get back to it, just need to clear my head and have fun!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Suddenly picking up
Slowly but surely getting the hang of the online writing. Things are starting to pick up as I am getting a better grasp of how to create thoughtful and in demand articles.
I have to learn to take my time and be patient while writing. As I look at some of my articles I realize really crazy mistakes I have made. But these are lessons learned.
I am gaining exposure along with getting more offers to do freelance articles that pay upfront. Making it!!
I have to learn to take my time and be patient while writing. As I look at some of my articles I realize really crazy mistakes I have made. But these are lessons learned.
I am gaining exposure along with getting more offers to do freelance articles that pay upfront. Making it!!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
New gig
Slowly but surely my writing arena is growing. I have written for two websites so far. These sadly seem to be more work than pay. I am hoping eventually it will pay off. Only time will tell.
However, they did help me get a new freelance gig with a local paper. This is wonderful and hopefully will help me move on up the ladder. Slowly but surely.
I have been giving it a try at how to use guides on various subjects. Needless to say, the payoff has been less than stellar.... feel free to check them out:
How to make a chocolate martini
However, they did help me get a new freelance gig with a local paper. This is wonderful and hopefully will help me move on up the ladder. Slowly but surely.
I have been giving it a try at how to use guides on various subjects. Needless to say, the payoff has been less than stellar.... feel free to check them out:
How to make a chocolate martini
Monday, August 9, 2010
Wikinut and Helium
These two sites so far have been very easy and upfront about your earnings and payments.
Helium so far seems to be the more profitable. However, you have to do a lot of self-promotion. Sometimes I feel as if I am promoting myself more than writing. That said, it is enjoyable.
Wikinut has been great so far. I have been able to duplicate any article I have written I own the rights to. One step at a time it is working. Let's just hope these two sites pan out for me as much as I am for them.
Chocolate Martini
Helium so far seems to be the more profitable. However, you have to do a lot of self-promotion. Sometimes I feel as if I am promoting myself more than writing. That said, it is enjoyable.
Wikinut has been great so far. I have been able to duplicate any article I have written I own the rights to. One step at a time it is working. Let's just hope these two sites pan out for me as much as I am for them.
Chocolate Martini
How to Guide
One of the easy parts of freelance writing for me right now is the How to Guide. These are fairly simple. A straightforward format you follow. The glitch is getting 'hits' on the link. Investigating what SEO words will get most people to visit the site.
Then of course there is the promotion of yourself. You must promote yourself and your work to increase your earnings. In theory it is easy. Some people are extremely successful. They have a wonderful following and a portfolio already strong. So.... this blog is my shameless self-promotion along with learning so much more. Here is one of my newest guides. Click, learn, and help me earn!!!
Losing Belly Fat--Click here for one of my HTG.
Then of course there is the promotion of yourself. You must promote yourself and your work to increase your earnings. In theory it is easy. Some people are extremely successful. They have a wonderful following and a portfolio already strong. So.... this blog is my shameless self-promotion along with learning so much more. Here is one of my newest guides. Click, learn, and help me earn!!!
Losing Belly Fat--Click here for one of my HTG.
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