By

Michele L. Tune

Just popping in to share a contest with you….

Head on over to AnyLuckyDay.com for your chance at winning a Flip Ultra Video Camcorder! It’s simple. All you have to do is comment on the Flip Ultra Video Camcorder Contest post and that gets you one entry. You can also follow @anyluckyday and tweet about the contest if you’re on Twitter and for another entry, post about the contest on your blog.

From Any Lucky Day’s site, here’s the rules:

**********

How to Enter:

• YOU MUST visit Flip Video and check out their website. They are providing you with this awesome opportunity to win a camcorder!

• You must make one (1) comment on this post in order to qualify. If you do not do this, your other entries will not count

• If you have a blog, posting about this contest will earn you another entry. Make a post that links back to this page to earn another entry. Contact me with the link to your blog so I can give you another entry.

• If you are on Twitter, simply Follow Me, then tweet this message: “I just entered to win a Flip Ultra Camcorder from AnyLuckyDay.com. You can win by following @anyluckyday and RT http://tinyurl.com/csfuch”. Once you’ve done this, let me know you tweeted the message so I can give you another entry.

In total, you can receive 3 entries in this contest. You must comment on this post first or else the other 2 entries will not count.

**********

NOTE: A special thanks to Matt over at SmallBizBee.com for letting us know about Any Lucky Day in the first place!

Perhaps you’re wondering where I’ve been, what I’ve been up to, and why the cyber highway has been so quit and lonely lately. Come on over, I’ll let you in on a little secret.

By

Michele L. Tune

Hope you’ve been having a fantabulous weekend! Here’s a few fun facts you may not know about me. Enjoy!

Thanks to Steve, over at My Wife QUIT Her Job, I’ve decided to share 25 random things you don’t know about me. (I can’t forget Angie from Freedom Freelance. She recently tagged me for a meme requesting I share 7 things about myself–hopefully she’ll think 25 is even better!)

1. I know you don’t know this: My Mom named me after Michelle Lee (from Knots Landing)–only she chose Michele with one “L” and spelled my middle name differently. Can you guess how she spelled “Lee” in my name?
2. I lived in California when I was a kid, from the time I was 2 until I was 4 (although I have no memories of it). That’s a shame, considering I supposedly got to go to the beach and play in the ocean all the time.
3. My favorite place to go (according to my parents) was Der Wienersnitchel — a cool place that sold hot dogs. That’s hilarious, ’cause now I wouldn’t eat a hot dog for a million dollars! Oh, and Mom and Dad still laugh at how I tried to pronounce the name. Every time I said it, they knew where I wanted to go though.
4. When I was in the 2nd grade, my teacher told me I’d be a writer when I grew up. When I asked her why I wrote so much, she replied: “It’s because you have so much to say you can’t say it all, you have to write a bunch of it down.” She was right; I’m a writer–although I wonder some days if I’ve really grown up.
5. I attended both public and private schools growing up. Both experiences were totally different. While I missed my friends from public school, and had some issues with my experiences at the academy, I do have warm memories I’ll always cherish. (And, yes, I had to wear a uniform: tan skirt, white oxford shirt, navy blue vest, panty hose, closed shoes [meaning no open toes/heels]–go ahead and laugh. I’ll wait.)
6. Spelling and English were my two favorite subjects in school. I always made 100% on my spelling tests and my teachers were always pleased with my enthusiasm–and talent–for writing essays and doing book reports. While other kids cringed, I jumped for joy.
7. P.E. was my least-favorite part of school. Well, that and the bullies!
8. I was a Brownie and a Girl Scout. I never became a Cadette, though, because I left public school and went to private (see above).
9. My parents paid for professional swimming lessons–I still can’t swim and don’t like to be in the water! (Sorry Mom and Dad.)
10. I almost flunked Home Ec. Why? ‘Cause I loved eating the cookie dough.
11. My grandma always wore shawls in cool weather–with panty hose and white sandals. I wanted to be just like her, so I insisted my parents buy me the same exact shawls and sandals–I was her shadow and I looked the part, too!
12. When I was in 5th grade, my teacher asked us to write an essay starting with: If I were a turkey on Thanksgiving Day... He gave me an A+ and proudly put it on the bulletin board out in the hallway for everyone to enjoy–I’ll never forget that achievement! However, I’m convinced someone morphed my words and ideas into the movie Babe. Seriously!
13. Judy Blume was one of my favorite authors. I read Blubber, Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, and so many others. I loved her! I dreamed of having my name on the cover of books someday, just like her–I’m on my way! Wahoo!
14. Some shows I loved were: Charlotte’s Web, Reading Rainbow, The Patty Duke Show, Mork & Mindy, Different Strokes, Laverne & Shirley, I Love Lucy, The Brady Bunch (I still remember the entire theme song!), The Courtship of Eddie’s Father, The A-Team (gotta love Mr. T!), Silver Spoons (Rick Schroeder, anyone?)–ah, those were the days, eh?!
15. As a kid, I went to see Tojo Yamamoto. Can any of you tell me who he was–without a Google search?
16. Growing up, I was one of the few children in a neighborhood made up mostly of elderly folks. I had lots of grandmas and grandpas and I loved every minute of it. They’d spoil me with special baskets on the holidays filled with freshly-baked cookies, old-fashioned candies (that they remembered and loved from their youth) and other goodies. I’ll never forget those baskets–or those special people who loved me like I was their own granddaughter. It’s a huge reason I’ve always loved making baskets filled with homemade goodies and taking them to nursing homes, shut-ins, the sick, or any elderly person I adopt.
17. I sing. Not all of you know that I sing. I have since I was a little girl. Surprise: I’m working on another website and will eventually have both audio and video of me singing up there. It might be a little while, as I’m doing it in my spare time. I’ll let ya know when it’s up.
18. I have the uncanny ability to turn (most) extremely stressful situations into bearable moments by finding humor or the silver lining right away. Not everyone appreciates my enthusiasm, but I try…
19. When I was obese (near 300 pounds), I went to a doctor and he accused me of going to the all-you-can-eat buffet every single day (like I could afford that?!) and he ticked me off–I lost over 100 pounds. Anger is a good thing when focused in the right direction.
20. I’m blessed with empathy. I not only have compassion for people going through crisis or any trouble or pain, I am overwhelmed with empathetic feelings and always do my best to comfort the person/people any way I can. I don’t take this gift lightly, and I feel it truly is that: a gift.
21. I fantasize about sitting on a porch/deck in Hawaii and writing as the sweet scent of Plumeria wafts with a gentle breeze for my enjoyment. Oh, and I’m sipping herbal tea. And since I’m dreaming here, I’m eating a ginormous piece of German chocolate cake–which just happens to be my favorite.
22. My favorite color is pink. Always has been. I love pink clothes, pink flowers, pink office supplies…
23. Another fantasy I have is to win a shopping spree in an office supply store. Oh, my! I know, I’m a sad, odd gal. I’d be a happy odd gal if that happened, though!
24. At this point, I really don’t want to travel the world or anything, but if I ever get to New York, the first place I want to visit is the library. Yes, I’m serious. When I was in college, my Speech Instructor told me she was astounded when she walked in the door. She said as far as you can see bookshelves spiral up, up, up. That is so intriguing to me! (What, I’m a writerly kind of gal.)
25. Something I’ve always wanted (since I was a young girl)… a classic Mustang: candy apple red, black leather interior, with a black convertible top. My favorite styles are the Mustang GT Coupe and the Mustang GT convertible. I don’t like the Shelby–or the late 60/70 body styles. Only the 64 1/2 and 65-66 body styles appeal to me.

Whew! I never thought I’d think up 25 things about myself–this is hard! So, there you have it. I’m assuming most of you didn’t know these 25 things about me.

What about you? Have you done this meme? Do you always share stuff like this with your readers? Share your thoughts and 25 things links with us in the comments!

Be sure to subscribe to Writing the Cyber Highway’s Feed or by email, so you won’t miss upcoming posts and updates. Look for news from my own writing life, as well as interviews with amazing and inspiring folks. I’ll even be sharing the links to my mom’s  new website and blog!

Following is a guest post from none other than Devon Ellington! She’s very successful and has a solid writing career. I know you’ll be inspired by her post and her success. Be sure to visit her blog, too. She tells it like it is and shares her real writing experiences. Can’t beat that!

NOTE: I’m working on upcoming posts and will focus on keeping fresh content coming (regularly). I have lots of news to share with you! Oh, and don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss any of my juicy updates. See that feed dolly over there? She was a gift from one of my readers! Ain’t she pretty? (More about her early next week!)

Without further ado, here’s Devon Ellington…

Don’t Lose the Joy!

By Devon Ellington

Writers who take the first steps on this path are always looking for the magic “something” that will make them published, well-sold, and well-received.  Writing full-time isn’t for cowards.  One needs an incredible amount of grit, stamina, and determination, in addition to all the creative and business aspects required to make this your business and your vocation as well as your passion.  There’s no one trick, no one magic anything, and everyone’s path is slightly different.

The caveats, however, include:

• Sit your butt in the chair and write. No excuses.  It doesn’t matter if you’re tired or your family interrupts you or you “don’t wanna”.  Write.

• Write every day or almost every day. Writing is like training for a marathon.  You build up stamina, you get into the flow, it gets easier if you do it every day.

• There will never “be” time. You have to “make” time.

• Writer’s block is a luxury only those who rely on another source of income can afford.

• Every project will cause you, at some point to ask yourself, “How badly do I want this?” Because every project will require you to say no to something else, whether it’s in your professional life or your personal life.  No one else can make that recurring decision.  Only you can.

Something that we often forget as we crack the whip on those who claim to want to join us on the writing path, or as we moan to each other about difficult clients or late-paying clients or whatever,  is Joy.  With the capital “J”.

Most of us got into this profession because we love to write. We love to feel pen moving across paper, or watch the words march across the screen.  We tell stories.  Even when we write for a business client, we’re creating a story to present the client’s product in the best and most fascinating light.  We bear witness, we seek justice, we figure out what makes human beings tick.  We’re fascinated by the world and by everyone and everything in it.

It’s hard to remember that on the days when you’re juggling multiple projects, Microsoft fails yet again, the toilet backs up, the cat pukes all over that brand new silk cocktail dress you planned to wear tonight, a client is six weeks late with payment, and all your own bills now carry late fees.

Yet, when things are at their worst, take a moment to remind yourself why you’re doing this.  What part of this process, even on the bad days, give you joy?

The worst days are the days it’s the most important to pull out your personal handwritten journal, or shoot off an email to vent to a friend, or kidnap your neighbor next door for an impromptu glass of wine in the middle of the afternoon.

One of the reasons we freelance is so we don’t get caught up in a typical nine-to-five lifestyle. I’m very disturbed at the number of people who’ve left the corporate grind for more freedom only to build a similar prison of their own design.

And another reason we freelance as writers is because we love what we do. So don’t forget the Joy.  And on the days when you feel like it’s buried at the bottom of the cat box, take the time to dig it back out.

You’ll be glad you did.

Devon Ellington publishes under a half a dozen names in both fiction and non-fiction, as well as supplying her business clients with outstanding writing.  She writes the Jain Lazarus Adventures, published by FireDrakes Weyr Publishing, and “The Literary Athlete” column for THE SCRUFFY DOG REVIEW.  Visit her writing blog, Ink in My Coffee:  http://devonellington.wordpress.com

Copyright 2008 Writing the Cyber Highway

By

Michele L. Tune

Photo Credit: http://www.sxc.hu

I thought I’d share some link love to some of my favorite posts I’ve read recently. These are some really good ones. And, don’t just read the following posts and move on. These blogs are really awesome and their authors are way talented! Subscribe to their feed so you can follow them from now on.

An Opinion on Penny a Word Writing Gigs by Dana Prince, at The Writer’s Blog - Dana really shared her opinion on this touchy topic with dignity and grace! It’s wonderful how she gives such awesome reasons for accepting writing gigs that don’t pay as much as you’d like. It’s not for everyone, but Dana makes you feel good about yourself if you are taking those type of gigs – for whatever reason. Another one who deserves a big ole way to go!

Find or Establish a Local Writer’s Group by Rebecca Laffar-Smith, at The Writer’s Round-About - Rebecca asks if you attend or have thought about starting your own local writer’s group. She highlights some great reasons and gives the time and place of the local writer’s group she herself attends. If you’re in Australia (in her area) perhaps you can go!

Freelance Writing: Your Way or Mine? by Amy Derby, at Write from Home - You’ll love the way Amy handles “Mr. X”, who e-mailed and ridiculed her writing abilities. I love how she pretty much vented and got it all out – without even cursing! And, how awesome that she can earn such a great living (making more than she did at a top law firm!) by doing what she loves most. Way to go, Amy! I say Amy’s way is working just fine!

How Honest Are You with Your Readers? by Deb Ng, at Freelance Writing Gigs – Are you honest with your readers? Do you share decisions you’ve made regarding your freelance career – decisions that could bring you negative feedback? How do you handle it? Do you ignore it and move on? What’s your take on being totally honest in your blog posts? Would you rather not? Find out what Deb has to say. I loved reading her thoughts. Check this one out. It was a great read!

How to Write an EBook (series) by Katherine Huether, at KatherineHuether.com - Katherine does a fantastic job of giving her readers step-by-step instructions for writing ebooks. She’s written many for her clients but is planning to write and market one (or several) for herself in the future – hopefully the near future! So, if you’re looking to write an ebook – for clients or for yourself – be sure to absorb this entire series!

If I Ran the Zoo…(Just how important are spelling and grammar, anyway?) by “Other Deb”, at The Dangling Conversation – Deb discusses the importance of spelling and grammar. How important is it to you? Do you care if you read something that is horribly written? Is it ok with you that children in our country are graduating high school without being able to read or write a proper sentence? Deb shares her heart on the topic. Definitely one you should invest a few minutes for!

Is Your Child Learning at School? by Hope Wilbanks, at Coffee with Hope – This is an amazing story about a child Hope had the opportunity to teach as she played the role of substitute teacher recently. The event broke her heart and as you read about it, I’m sure most (if not all) of you will be wiping tears. What an injustice America’s children face each day… Bravo to Hope for making a difference – even if it was just that one day, I’m sure the memory and kindness she showed him will carry throughout his lifetime! (But I have a feeling she’ll have the opportunity to make a difference in multiple lives some day!)

Organizing Your Freelance Writing Career by Sharon Hurley Hall, at Get Paid to Write Online – Learn how Sharon balances her freelance writing career with family and an actual life AWAY from the computer screen. Her approach is one that’s working, so you may want to see how you could glean from her experience and put her wisdom to use in your own freelance career!

Putting Weekends to Good Use by Jenn Hollowell, at Working Writer - Do you write on the weekends or use them as a time to push away from the keyboard to clear your head and rest your eyes? If you’re wanting to use every spare moment you can scrounge up to build your freelance career, check out Jenn’s advice for making the weekend a tool to enhance your business. Great idea, Jenn!

Time Management: The Internet (Part One) AND Part Two by April Aragam, at Blog of a Writer – Great tips for keeping yourself accountable while using the Internet. April shares simple steps you can take so you don’t end up swallowed up and lost in a sea of chats, blogs, and whatever networking sites you adore and participate in. Very sound advice, April!

Which Comes First: The Source or the Story? by Susan Johnston, at The Urban Muse – So, what’s your answer to this question? Join Susan as she ponders her thoughts – and asks you for yours – on this topic. It’s a lot to consider!

SERIOUS UPDATE: I visited Susan’s blog today and discovered her dad has passed away. She needs your hugs, prayers, and/or any kind words of encouragement and understanding you have for her. My condolences, Susan. I’m praying for you!

Work Your Jaws by Melissa Donovan, at Writing Forward - Melissa talks about how not only has our handwriting suffered since our obsessions with being at the computer typing, but because of our isolation, most of us freelancers aren’t talkative or social anymore. Something to think about for sure!

Writing Style Meme by Becca, at -In fond memory of her school days, Becca assigns “homework” for her readers to complete. You can post your answers on your blog or in her comments section. This looks like fun. She asks some good questions! If you haven’t already visited, be sure to drop by. I’ve given Becca link love before, but it was for her other blog: Becca’s ByLine, which is a wonderful blog as well!

Happy weekend reading!!

Post and Photos

By

Michele L. Tune

Has it really been over 20 years since I was in the first grade? Since that nerve-wracking day my knees knocked and my teeth chattered. It was a new school with so many children standing outside. I didn’t want to get out of the car. I was terrified. Looking back, I’ve always felt like a hermit. I wanted to run home, crawl back under the covers, and hide from all those children! But mom encouraged me, coaxed me out of the car, and before long I was in love with my new teacher, classmates, and reading time.

When you first open Rockets, this is what you see:

Reading time… ah, the memories! The teacher would have us all gather around a table, seated in our chairs. I was so anxious for story time. I wanted to learn to read more than anything in the world. I couldn’t wait ’till she pulled the book out. It was called Rockets. It’s the book I learned to read with.

My favorite story from the entire books was The Monkey and the Banana. See the title on the page there? Oh, how I loved this story! The Rockets reader was awesome and very easy to learn to read from because there was bright, fun pictures and you can see from the title that part of the words were actually drawings you looked at and figured out the words for.

At the end of the school year, the teacher told us the school would be getting new reading books for the new year and we had the opportunity to have the old ones if we wanted them. Did I want one? Was she kidding? Already at the age of six, I was sentimental. I knew I wanted the book I’d learned to read from. I had to have it. I can remember how excited I was when I got my copy. Funniest thing of all is I still have that Rockets reader over 20 years later! (Actually, it’s just a teeny bit longer than 20 years – but don’t tell anyone!)

Looking at the pages open like this brings back so many memories. It’s almost as if I’m that little girl again, so eager to take her turn at reading her favorite story aloud.

I also remember fantasizing about my name being on the cover of a book. How I longed for people to read my words! I knew, even at the age of six, that I wanted to be a writer. Amazing.

I have to say, though, that I’d never have picked reading up so quickly if my parents hadn’t read to me, I don’t think. I remember mom reading to me – a lot. She read me Bible stories, fairy tales, and all sorts of books. So, do you remember the book you learned to read from? What was it? Did it happen to be Rockets? Do you still have it?

Lastly, here’s the full views of the front and back…

Rockets was put together by:

William K. Durr

Jean M. LePere

Mary Lou Ahin

and

Consultant: Paul McKee

Writing the Cyber Highway Copyright 2007-2008 Michele L. Tune All Rights Reserved

By

Michele L. Tune

Photo Credit: Me

Pretty photo, isn’t it? I’m far from a professional photographer. Half of the photos I snap are out of focus and not so great, so when I get one that actually makes me happy and proud to be the one who captured it (like the one above), I’m elated.

I have to be honest. I’ve gone back and forth between two other blog posts today. Both are great ideas and they’re going to be pretty good posts, but I’m just not feeling either of them today. I know you’ll thank me (once you read them) for saving them until inspiration takes me over.

Since this is the weekend, I’ve decided on a fun blog post. I recently came across the most hilarious thing I think I’ve seen in a while. I guess it doesn’t take much to occupy me. I’m not going to spoil the surprise, though. I want you to see it for yourself. Anxious to find out? I know you’re dying to know! Ok, I’ll share with you… But be warned, you’re going to flip out!

What? Thought I forgot to tell you? If you’re still reading, you missed it already. Go back and click on the words “flip out.” See ‘em right up there? Yeah, those words. Go click ‘em. You’re gonna love it! And don’t forget to come back here and share your reaction in the comments. I can’t wait to hear (ahem… read) what you have to say about it.

Ah, the meme…. I didn’t forget, Janna! Janna, over at Something She Wrote, paid me back. I recently tagged her for the Writing from Home meme, so she tagged me for the A to Z meme. I thought it sounded familiar when I read hers. Now I know why. I went through my archives and I’ve already done that one! Sorry for the wait, Janna. And… drum roll, please… Weekend Fun with the Alphabet.

So, how’s your weekend been? Have you been reading or writing? Are you near the water? Enjoying the sandy beaches? Did you go shopping? Let us know… leave a comment now! We’re waiting…. And, by all means, did you “flip out?”

Hope you’ve been having lots of success writing the cyber highway–and fun, too!

By

Michele L. Tune

Photo Credit: Me

Erika, at Musings from the Mitten, has tagged me for a meme (er, I’m running a little late – sorry!). The theme: Why I love writing from home…

Ok, here are a few reasons (in no particular order):

1. I don’t have to wear panty hose.
2. I get to see my thinking tree every day.
3. I don’t have to drive.
4. I can write while sitting on the porch.
5. I can bake banana bread and deliver it to people just because. (I don’t treat myself to this moist, delish bread – I don’t want to gain back 100+ pounds, you know! – but I do reap great satisfaction from sharing my love of baking with others.)
6. I get to network with awesome writers (like Erika!).
7. I can blog.
8. I can Squidoo.
9. I’m able to take photos like the one featured at the beginning of this post.
10. I get to Hub.
11. But most importantly, I can release words fighting to escape from my soul, all while making money and being around loved ones at the same time!

Thanks for tagging me, Erika!

A few ladies I know will share wonderful reasons why they love writing from home are:

1. Becca, from Becca’s Byline
2. Renie, from Renie Burghardt’s World
3. Katherine, at KatherineHuether.com
4. Opal, at Addicted to Writing
5. Janna, at Something She Wrote

If you ladies have the extra time and would like to participate, we’d love to read what you love most about writing from home! And, if anyone reading this has never heard of or visited the above blogs (including Musings from the Mitten) do check them out. They’re amazing ladies with awesome blogs!

UPDATE: Amanda, over at From Ink to Ether, took me up on my offer and posted The Beauty of Working from Home. If her blog is one you haven’t visited, please speed the cyber highway right now and get there. Amanda Nicole shares information on freelance writing rates and much more. Thanks for participating, Amanda!

NOTE: Anyone else want to jump in? I’ll update with your link as well!

So, my faithful readers, why do you enjoy writing from home? Are you just starting out or have you been writing from home for years, or even decades? Is making money the main reason you write? Or do you write because, like me, it’s your calling and you can’t escape it? Does the ole muse chase you down in the middle of the night and beat you over the head until you drag yourself to the computer and fill up those empty pages? Jump right in the comments and share your heart! Kick your shoes off and stay awhile. You don’t have to be a lurker here! No siree, Bob – or Sally! Want to participate in this meme? Go right ahead! Leave a link to your post in the comments. I look forward to reading your answers!

Keep up with me as I write the cyber highway. Grab my feed. You can subscribe to Entries RSS OR Comments RSS OR if you prefer to receive updates to your inbox, you can subscribe Via E-mail as well!

Reference:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meme

Reminder:

We recently moved to this domain from Blogger. It’s time to update your feed, thanks!

Subscribe to Writing the Cyber Highway:

Entries RSS

Comments RSS

Via E-mail

Oh, and check out my Technorati Profile

**************************************************

By

Michele L. Tune

“A person who is master of patience is master of many things.”

That’s the quote you see on that little piece of paper on the plate below…

Photo Credit: Me

I think the universe is screaming at me. Ludicrous, you think? Don’t jump to conclusions. Seriously. As I can, I’ve been making time to update the links in my old posts. I started at the beginning and am working my way backwards, up to now (because I just moved from Blogger to WordPress, for anyone just tuning in). I came to this post about patience.

Check out what I said at the end of that post:

Patience is a virtue (I believe) all successful writers possess. Dig deep and find patience. It’s in there!

Yes, I wrote those very words!

This is what happened when I got up from editing that post to find something quick to fix for lunch: I was digging in the cabinet and found a box of fortune cookies. I never really take those little fortunes to heart, but I love the taste of those cookies! I broke a cookie and started nibbling. I just laid that little ole piece of paper on the counter while I went searching for something to actually eat.

Imagine my surprise when I decided to pick that fortune up and read it! The quote at the top of this post jumped out at me. I just had to take a picture of those cookies on the plate with my fortune displayed. Coincidence?

I’ll admit, I’ve never been the most patient person. Some people think I’m very patient; others think I have zero patience. But it’s crazy to think the universe is screaming – ok, maybe not screaming – the topic of patience to me.

Weird.

What a strange day I’ve had, writing the cyber highway!

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, I did not eat all those cookies!

Let’s face it, sometimes freelance writing can be mundane. You don’t feel like writing anymore. You’d rather do anything besides write….

Rebecca Laffar-Smith, at Writer’s Round About has asked me to share seven procrastination busters. She created this meme… briliant idea! Actually, one of Rebecca’s ways of breaking through procrastinating on an article she was supposed to write was by writing the post that turned into this meme! Great tips, Rebecca.

Now, it’s my turn. I bring you…

Procrastination Roadblocks: How to Get Around Them

Tip 1: Make a List

Start writing down all the things you’re grateful for: family, friends, health, a home, a vehicle, a job, food in your cabinets, the opportunity – privilege, really – to do what you love most – write. You’ll feel thankful, your heart fill with warmth and you’ll be reenergized and inspired to finish those articles you’ve been trying to ignore.

Tip 2: Curl Up In Your Favorite Cozy Space and Read a Short Story

The stories in Chicken Soup for the Writer’s Soul are so inspiring! It’s like a breath of fresh air to read how other writers are living their dream, how they conquered their fears, and how they overcame obstacles. If you don’t already have a copy, get one. After getting a glimpse into the writer’s lives in this anthology, you’ll find the strength and courage to press through your procrastinating mood and do what you need to do.

Tip 3: Make Yourself a Fresh Juice

Yes, I’m serious. Besides the overall health benefits of juicing raw veggies and fruits, most combinations taste delicious and hit your bloodstream right away feeding your brain. Who doesn’t need a boost of brain power? You can pick up a juicing machine pretty much anywhere and there are reasonably priced books to show you the ropes. I’m a big fan of juicing. When I juice fast, I’m really inspired to write, write, write!

Tip 4: Take a Power Nap

Why not? Kick back in your favorite chair, curl up on the couch, or wherever, and rest. Set your alarm if you have to. Just rest. When you go back to the dreaded work, you’ll feel refreshed and raring to go.

Tip 5: Read the Latest Posts on Your Favorite Blog (Or Two)

Perhaps by reading about other writer’s successes, new publishing credits, or even interviews with authors, you’ll realize you have what it takes to push your way through and finish your work.

Tip 6: Do a Good Deed

Call someone you know who is elderly, ill, or isolated from the world, a friend you haven’t talked to in a while, a family member…. Chat with them for a few minutes, just to let them know you care. Make out that thank-you card you’ve been putting off. Ha! Bust procrastination by completing something else you’ve been procrastinating on. Run an errand for a neighbor who just had surgery, or take them dinner to make their life easier – just to be nice. You get the idea.

Tip 7: Plan Your Vacation

Get a notebook and dream about where you’d love to go. What amazing place do you want to visit: Paris.. Mexico… Ireland… Australia ? (You’d have to think of another destination, Rebecca – smile).

What will you do while you’re there? Search online for restaurants, hotels, entertainment. Are you daydreaming already? Now, what will you need to pack? Make a list (I love lists!). Excited about your trip? You have something to look forward to. Now, work toward it! How’s that for motivation to bust procrastination?!

I Gave You the Tips, Now Here Are the Tags

1. Mary, at Mary’s Writing Nook, because she’s wise and will share marvelous tips!

2. Opal Tribble, at Addicted to Writing, because she’s a confidant, successful business woman!

3. Sylvia C., at Sylvia’s Insight, because her creativity brings sunshine to the cyber highway!

4. Mary Grandy, at Functional Shmunctional, because she has a way with words that is amazing!

5. Janna, at Something She Wrote, because her positivity and persistence will make you smile!

6. Susan Johnston, at The Urban Muse, because her professionalism is taking her far!

7. Misti Sandefur, at Life of a Writer, because she’s been published for over a decade!

If I didn’t tag you and you have fantabulous tips to share, write a post and leave us a link in the comments. Oh, and don’t forget: tell us seven ways to get around procrastination roadblocks and then tag seven other bloggers.

Happy Writing (and Blogging) the Cyber Highway!