Freelance Writing: Sharing Our Hearts
Written by Michele T on June 9, 2008 – 10:58 pm -Travel the cyber highway with me! Subscribe to Writing the Cyber Highway Blog:
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Photo Credit: Me 
First of all, I’d love to thank Jeanne Dininni of Writer’s Notes, for the beautiful, generous guest post she shared with us last week. In case you missed it, please do check it out. She shares tips on how to find motivation to finish that work when you’re just not feeling it. Also, her amazing guest post at John Hewitt’s Writer’s Resource Center is filled to the brim with advice! In 7 Secrets to a Striking Essay, Jeanne will lead you through each step with such inspiring wisdom, you’ll be to the last secret before you know it–wishing you had thought to write this awesome piece!
Moving along….
I’m always emphasizing how I love sharing my heart–opening my very soul for my reader to see, feel, and relate to. I think pouring our heart and soul into our work is the ultimate way to gain readership, build a great community, and/or win those big ole clips!
As I’ve traveled across the blogosphere lately, I’ve noticed that very trend popping up more and more! It excites me because I love to feel that connection. I love to see folks sharing their hearts, reaching out to their reader, showing that they’re human and not just a set of typing fingers on the other side of the computer screen.
I’ve decided to list a few of the posts where I feel the author really opened their heart, revealed their true feelings, and did so in an inspiring, encouraging way–in a way that really spoke to me, and I’m sure to the other readers as well.
1. Melissa Donovan, at Writing Forward, recently posted: How I Launched My Freelance Writing Career. She went into great detail, revealing step-by-step how she happened upon the freelance life, how she researched, studied, planned, and just went for it.
A few words that grabbed my heart:
The past nine months have been crazy. There are ups and downs, moments of sheer excitement when I realize that I’m doing this all on my own and moments of sheer exhaustion when I realize it’s all riding on me.
Melissa presented herself vulnerable to the world. Some people think of exposing our naked heart negatively. I disagree. There’s a priceless beauty in unlocking the heart and inviting readers in, encouraging them to kick of their shoes and stay awhile. Melissa does this with grace and dignity! She brought the realness of freelance writing to the table. It isn’t about lounging with a view of the beach and a laptop–although some writers are able to do that (bless ‘em!) and it’s a life we fantasize about. In reality, it’s exhausting, and it takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I personally think fate pulled Melissa to the freelance life. As she explains in her post, she had no choice but to come up with a plan–and quick!
Melissa’s blog, Writing Forward, is an invaluable resource for writers and bloggers alike. You’ll find writing tips, writing exercises, lessons with poetry, grammar, and more. She’s the friendly, cool “English teacher” you always wish you had! Keep up the great work, Melissa! You’re shining brighter each day!
2. Blogger and up-and-coming freelance writer, Mary Grandy, displayed her heart in a post titled: The Last Good-bye. Unlike Melissa, Mary’s topic was sad. But you’ll find as you read it, that not only is she expressing herself through words as a way to grieve a loss, but she’s honoring a loved one with words that inspire, stir emotions, and rekindle memories of the readers’ own loved ones. If you follow the comment thread, you’ll see first-hand how Mary’s passionate words sent her readers on a walk down memory lane. Words are powerful, people, very powerful!
Of the words Mary shared, these are the ones that made me sad yet caused me to smile at the same time:
I should be going now, but I selfishly don’t want to. I don’t know if you realize this, but there are others reading this letter. You wouldn’t understand why I write this here, but then you never understood the concept of call waiting.
I think we can all relate to trying to explain to grandparents or parents why on earth we’d expose our “diaries” for all the world to gawk at!
Mary, since I first started following your blog, I’ve watched you gain blogging confidence. You’ve learned to hyperlink, started a blazing trail of guest posts, and have built up your comments in those beloved double digits! You were destined to blog, my dear. And, what a writer you are!
3. Another post I had to pull off the cyber highway for, was written by none other than Rebecca Laffar-Smith. This brilliant writer always writes from her heart, shares her soul, and has a magical way with words. She recently flew to California to attend the Writer’s Conference and Book Expo. While she waited for her plane, and a couple more times throughout her adventure, Rebecca wrote letters and published them on her blog – The Writer’s Round-About – starting them out with “Dear Reader” and signing each one, “Sincerely, Rebecca.” I thought this was a fabulous idea, keeping her readers updated while she was away–and with such a personal touch!
One letter, A Sax Outside My Window, gives us a glimpse into a writer who feels like she’s landed in another kingdom, a faraway kingdom she’s always dreamt of visiting. Like a princess, she sits by her window, soaking up all the activity around her, finding inspiration in every detail of movement her eyes behold.
Read for yourself. Here’s an excerpt:
The city is a magical place to be a writer…. It is so nice to simply sit, listen, and ponder. Isn’t it amazing that doing this, right now, is considered working? Sometimes I imagine this as the life I could have had, a lonely writer sitting up in her one room apartment above the city streets, writing, and listening to life passing by down below.
Even when Rebecca writes a series, using Star Trek as the theme – even though I totally do not like that show! – I find myself captivated, hanging on each syllable until, before I realize it, I’ve read a long post on a topic I don’t even remotely care about! That’s the beauty of Rebecca. She can draw you in before you know what’s hit you! I’ve watched her blog grow, change, move to WordPress, and flourish right before my very eyes. Write on, Rebecca! I know I’ll see your novel on store shelves some day!
There are so many more examples of writers and bloggers writing from their hearts, just like these I’ve highlighted today. If time allows, and if I see you are interested, I may expand on this topic and do a part two.
The one thing Melissa, Mary, and Rebecca have in common: heart. They’re not afraid to share it.
So, what about you? Do you share your heart? Or do you detest posts like these? Why? Would you come more reading a post if it has that special, heartfelt touch? Or do you prefer just basic information: get to the point and move on? If so, why? Please share in the comments. And, if you feel like it, leave a piece of your heart!
Here’s to sharing your heart, writing the cyber highway!
Writing the Cyber Highway Copyright 2007-2008, Michele L. Tune All Rights Reserved.
Tags: Inspiration
Posted in Writing, Writing Wisdom | 25 Comments »
June 10th, 2008 at 1:54 am
Michele,
These wonderful writers, including you, write beautifully from the heart.
Your question kind of threw me. My immediate response was – no, I don’t write from the heart. I’m a shy and reserved person. But then I started thinking of some of the writing I have done. My Chicken Soup piece about my grandson was definitely from the heart. Most of the short stories I wrote were from the heart, not necessarily a happy heart. Even the political pieces I have written are based in caring about what is going on in the world and how it affects people, animals and our planet. I do enjoy reading heartfelt blogs and articles. Thank you for helping me to realize that this shy, reserved, old yankee does write from the heart!
Tina
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June 10th, 2008 at 2:03 am
….shy, reserved, old yankee…
What a way to describe yourself, Tina!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this. It’s something I’ve had swirling in my thoughts for days. I really love reading stories, blog posts – even comments! – written from the depths of someone’s soul. You’re right, sometimes it’s even about something political–but it’s from the heart, and that’s the beauty of it!
Some day, my words will find a home in a Chicken Soup book–my time just hasn’t come yet!
Congrats on your Chicken Soup clip(s)! The story about your grandson sounds great!
And…. thanks for complimenting my writing. I really do take that to heart!
*smiles*
Michele
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June 10th, 2008 at 5:54 am
Your kindness and generosity have again touched my heart, lovely lady. Thank you!! Not for the linky love, but for the touching comment. You know how I respect your writing style and want to be like you when I grow up (although I think I’m older than you are).
Thanks sweetie!!
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June 10th, 2008 at 6:02 am
Aw, you’re gonna make me cry! *blushes* I don’t think I’m grown up yet, but that’s ok–we can grow up together!
I appreciate your words about my writing style as well. I’m so glad you enjoy reading what I write. That makes a writer girl’s heart happy!
And, it’s true what I said about you! You have a gift with words, and that letter you wrote to your grandma–still stirs my very soul!
Keep blogging–and writing!
*smiles and hugs*
Michele
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June 10th, 2008 at 7:08 am
Michele,
This is truly a lovely post! Your words have captured so much of the grace and beauty of sharing our innermost thoughts–our very hearts and souls–with our readers through our blog posts. And your descriptions of each of the three posts, the three blogs, and the three bloggers are written with a beauty and elegance of expression that are truly a pleasure to behold–and an even greater pleasure to read.
Though I’ve worked pretty much non-stop all day and all evening completing writing projects today, and I’m totally exhausted and aching all over, I simply had to read every word of this fantastic post–and write this comment to tell you my thoughts. Thanks so much for sharing these generous, heartfelt sentiments and these three touching posts with us. Though I simply couldn’t read them tonight, I certainly plan to do so tomorrow.
Blessings,
Jeanne
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June 10th, 2008 at 7:27 am
Thank you, Jeanne! I’m tickled pink that you think so highly of my writing!
It is such a blessing to have portrayed these three ladies the way I had hoped–they truly deserve it!
How amazing that you would hang around my wee blog to read my words when you’re so exhausted from a hard day’s work! Thank you so much for taking the time – even with being so tired – to read this post and comment as well!
You’re most welcome. It was a joy to share these ladies and their heartfelt posts with my readers. When you do find time – and strength – to read these three posts I’m talking about, you’ll definitely be glad you did!
Here’s to a good night’s rest and waking refreshed and energized!
*smiles*
Michele
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June 10th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Hey Girl,
I am always trying to find a balance: share my heart, but stay reader-focused.
It’s a bit tricky, but I can’t imagine not writing about some personal things every now and again.
Great post!
Sylvia C.
Sylvias last blog post..Photo Excitement
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June 10th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Hi, Sylvia!
Yes, it is a balancing act, isn’t it?
I think there’s a way, though, to put our heart into our writing without sharing every detail of our personal lives–maybe not even one detail. In sharing our heart, we add personality, pizzazz, and “umph” to our words.
I think your writing is screaming with heart, Sylvia. You’re definitely doing it right!
*smiles*
Michele
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June 10th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Great way to talk about sharing your heart by giving some excellent examples. Yes I do that although you won’t find it in every single posts I let people get a glimpse of whom I am as a person. You can find that all on my main website.
Besides writing about writing I don’t think I’ve shared my heart as much on Addicted to Writing mainly because I’m still caught up in the feeling of freelance writing so I’m sharing what I’m going through.
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June 10th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Thanks, Opal! I thought my readers would love these examples. I know I do! I still have so many other examples running through my head, but I thought this post was already too long.
It’s why I’m considering a part two, if anyone shows interest.
I think you share your heart on all your sites, Opal. It doesn’t have to be airing your dirty laundry to share your heart. I feel like your sparkling personality comes through brightly in each and every post you write–no matter the topic, or which site it is on. It’s that you are so personable, cheerful, friendly, and successful too!
You’re doing a great job of sharing your heart and writing beautifully. Keep it up!
*smiles*
Michele
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June 10th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Don’t mention it, Michele!
I truly enjoyed the eloquent manner in which you penned this post. And tired as I was, I simply had to read it–and comment. Your generosity of spirit really shines through this piece, making it truly beautiful–and, of course, the writing itself is beautiful, too. Your heart really gives it an elegance that it wouldn’t otherwise possess–no matter how eloquently it had been written.
Absolutely love it!
Jeanne
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June 10th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Writing is an art form. I like straight to the point posts often times — but do it with grace, style, and maybe just a little humor? I’ve never seen a post like this, a very unique idea. Excellent post.
Bamboo Forests last blog post..Act as If You’ve been Succeeding and You will Succeed
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June 10th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Michele, your words are so kind, they are encouraging and they touch my heart! I started blogging almost ten months ago and it’s only been recently that I’ve been able to open up and as you say, “be vulnerable” for all the world to see. I still have a ways to go before I’m truly comfortable with that and while I look forward to reaching the destination, I’m loving every step of the journey.
Thank you so much.
Melissa
Melissa Donovans last blog post..Improve Your Writing: Get Feedback
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June 10th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Aw, Jeanne, how nice of you to say these wonderful things about my writing and me! You just keep making me blush!
Thank you so much for your generosity of spirit and heart in this very comment!
*smiles*
Michele
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June 10th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
I love posts like these because I love being introduced to new writers.
Thanks for sharing! BTW – I love the picture of that flower.
Katherines last blog post..7 Simple Ways to Get Traffic to Your Website
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June 10th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Thanks, Bamboo!
I’m very honored by your compliment–especially considering you normally like to read posts that get right to the point!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
*smiles*
Michele
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June 10th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
Hi, Melissa! How amazing that my words touched your heart! I actually considered not saying “vulnerable” but I thought it was just the way it should be said. Your journey is spectacular, Melissa, and I’m so glad you’re sharing it with us! Keep up the great work!
*smiles*
Michele
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June 10th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Katherine, I’m so glad you’ve realized what gems these ladies are! Their blogs are just fantabulous!
And, I’m glad you like my flower picture. I took it a couple of days ago. It’s my favorite flower in the world.
*smiles*
Michele
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June 12th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Thank you for sharing those writers with us.
I think of blogging — both the writing I put up and the writing I read — as morning coffee with friends and colleagues, where we get to share what’s on our mind.
I do like posts with heart — providing they’re actually insightful and honest and not victimization posts or whining posts. We all have times when we’re down or conflicted or upset, but one of the great gifts of the writing process is that the act of writing can bring us through it and out the other side.
I respond to vulnerability, but I’m turned off by the choice of self-victimization or blame.
At the same time, if someone is working his or her way through a tough time and is reaching out, if I can give something positive, helpful, and constructive in return, I’m glad to do it. We all need to know we’re not twisting out there in the breeze alone.
As for my own posts — I’m ferociously protective about many things in my life, but I’m also pretty open about how life affects the writing, and how I respond to difficult times (which is not always as gracefully as I would like).
I’m as open as I’m comfortable being, but not as open as many others.
Devon Ellingtons last blog post..Thursday, June 12, 2008
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June 13th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
You’re most welcome, Devon! I thought my readers would love discovering (if they hadn’t already) these three amazing writers. They are so fun, talented, and it’s always such a joy to read what they’ve written.
Yes, I agree. Some posts with “heart” can get quite crazy at times. The heart I’m talking about is passion for the topic. Jazzing it up, throwing ourselves into it instead of halfheartedly putting some words on paper just to get them down. Pretty much anyone who can spell and form a sentence can write. But a writer with heart, soul, and endless passion… that’s a different story! It’s kind of like it doesn’t take a real birth parent to be the parent. Sometimes they aren’t a “parent” at all, but it’s someone who comes along and is a rank stranger who scoops that little one up and loves and nurtures them and is a far better parent than the biological one was or could have been.
Yeah, the self-victimization isn’t good, or blaming. The vulnerability I talked about with Melissa was that she’s exposing her feelings. She was excited to be pursuing her freelance dream, yet terrified that it was all riding on her shoulders. That’s a vulnerability we writers can relate to. She opened up and shared those feelings. I love that!
I think your posts are always written with heart and passion, Devon. I don’t always comment, but I catch several of your posts. I can always pick up on how passionate you are about your work. And I love how passionate you’ve been about the “dork” stealing your mail! I guess I missed what happened with that… You write with heart, that’s for sure!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Devon, and sharing your opinions. They are greatly appreciated and you’re always welcome to chime in and share your heart, wisdom, and anything else you feel might need to be added to the conversation or topic!
*smiles*
Michele
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June 18th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
[...] Freelance Writing: Sharing Our Hearts I love to see folks sharing their hearts, reaching out to their reader … 3. Another post I had to pull off the cyber highway for, was written [...]
June 19th, 2008 at 3:09 am
Michele, I love writing that comes from the heart – for me, it’s what writing is all about, sharing our deepest feelings and the things we’ve learned about life.
You do that so beautifully, and are able to inspire, entertain, and make us think.
Beccas last blog post..Write On Wednesday-Where in the World Do You Come to the Page?
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June 19th, 2008 at 5:53 am
Aw, Becca, your comment brought tears to my eyes! I’m so honored by your words… Thank you!
Writing from the heart is what it’s about. If we can’t share our heart and soul, what are the words worth? I don’t mean airing dirty laundry. I mean really giving of ourselves as we put words to paper, letting our passion show, and bringing the letters and words to life.
It’s about more than a sentence that’s grammatically correct. It’s about heart, soul, passion, feeling, being able to relate… When the reader relates to what the writer is saying, or maybe doesn’t even relate to the specific topic but is moved by what they’re reading and feel goosebumps, tears, laughter – just some feeling – we know we’ve shared our heart. We’ve done our job as a writer. We’ve brought words to life, words that evoke emotion.
I so appreciate your kind words and compliment. I do try to share my heart, inspire, entertain, and make my readers think. I’m blessed to know you feel I’ve accomplished that.
*smiles*
Michele
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June 22nd, 2008 at 3:52 am
Michele, I have no doubt that your words will find their way into a Chicken Soup book!
Tina
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June 22nd, 2008 at 3:55 am
Thanks for the encouragement, Tina! I’d skip all the way to the moon if that happened! Ok, well maybe not the moon but you know what I mean.
*smiles and hugs*
Michele
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