By

Michele L. Tune

I was planning on publishing a different post but something happened to change that. I’ve decided to share my GINORMOUS MISTAKE with you all, so what happened to me doesn’t happen to you. It’s embarrassing, frustrating, makes me want to cry - and it could have been prevented. So, what happened? What’s up with the above title? Why should you use free e-mail?

Here’s what happened:

Some of you might remember I started out with my very first website hosted at vistaprint.com. I was so excited to have a website for sharing my portfolio - a real website to display my freelance writing services. I chose my template, wrote the content, and published it for all the world to see. It was all I needed - until I decided to move this blog from Blogger to its own domain and self-host it with WordPress. It’s been a journey filled with ups and downs but I’m so glad I made the decision to just go for it. I’ve had a lot of support from you, my cherished readers, and I really appreciate it more than you’ll ever know.

Now, don’t get me wrong, VistaPrint was really good to me. It’s just that when I decided to move this blog to WordPress, I didn’t see any reason to keep the VistaPrint account when I could host my freelance site at the same place I chose for this blog - BlueHost.com.

The Process

There began the journey of having Goofy Girl Designs create a fresh look while I started writing all new content to reflect the creative, inspiring writer I am. It’s not easy to write great things about myself, but I don’t want to be invisible* after all! Then there was the fun of waiting (with much anticipation!) for it to all be done. It didn’t take long, though. My new website is finished and since it’s also a WordPress site, it was actually live while my first website was still live at VistaPrint.com. That was a little strange. How’d that happen, you ask? Well, it’s too long a story to get into here, but it just had to do with the fact that I own michele-tune.com and micheletune.com (without the dash).

So, what’s my point? Why should you use free e-mail?

Once the new site was ready, I hesitated on transferring the VistaPrint domain to BlueHost.com. I should have listened a little closer to that inner voice tugging at me. I started the process and waited, all the while thinking all of my e-mails within my VistaPrint account would just “transfer” right along with my domain. You’re shaking your head right now, right? Well, I didn’t realize what would happen next. I couldn’t gain access to my domain’s e-mail account! I started panicking because the editors I was waiting to hear from might respond and their e-mail would be gobbled up by the wonky situation. Oh, what to do?

I got BlueHost.com on Live Chat and VistaPrint on the phone. VistaPrint told me I didn’t even have an account with them. Er, what? Huh? BlueHost told me they were sorry, but that I surely had lost all my e-mails since the domain was close to being resolved and I couldn’t gain access to my e-mail account. This went on for a couple of days. Finally, I got a message saying that VistaPrint.com was having technical difficulties and they’d have them fixed as soon as possible.

The Happy Ending

During that time of the “technical issues” I managed to get to my e-mails (how, I don’t know because VistaPrint said I don’t even show up on their records as having an account!). I was able to save all of my important e-mails, contacts, and markets and stuff I had saved there. Sheesh, what a relief! I think it was a miracle, really.

The domain has resolved and is pointing in the right direction. And, I’m currently using free e-mail. Even though I had free e-mail for personal e-mails, I had heard negative things about using it for editors/clients. Why? Because they wouldn’t take a writer as serious if he/she were using a free e-mail service. That’s what kept me from using free e-mail. Well, I’d rather have an editor or client have a working e-mail to reach me with then to use only a domain e-mail that I might not always have access to.

What have I learned?

• to study a little more before I leap into a technical situation I don’t know anything about
• to follow Melissa Donovan’s advice and back everything up*!
• not to risk my precious correspondence with editors because of what someone thinks about free e-mail
• to always keep a printed version of all current and important contact information
• to give the guy at VistaPrint who told me I didn’t have an account with them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe it was his first day!

So, what about you? Do you use a free e-mail address for your writing business? Do you have your e-mails forwarded from one e-mail address to another so you’ll have them in another location? Do you back up often enough? Has anything like this ever happened to you? Am I doing the right thing by using free e-mail? Throw your opinion in the comments. Let us know!

And a special thanks to Goofy Girl Designs:I love my new site and have received a lot of e-mails and positive feedback about it. I couldn’t be happier. Thanks, Heather!

*linked to Sharon Hurley Hall, at Get Paid to Write Online - Are You Invisible?

and Melissa Donovan, at Writing Forward - When It All Comes Crashing Down

Here’s to safe e-mail correspondence while writing the cyber highway!

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

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By

Michele L. Tune

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!

Jobs for Freelance Writers

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

Do you love lounging in your pajamas all day? Is snuggling up beneath your cozy bedding with your laptop like a dream come true? Isn’t it amazing to pour out your heart and soul and share all those creative ideas with the world–without having to dress up and brave the winter weather?

If your bed is your office you must check out Vision Bedding! Not only do they offer comfort and quality, they even personalize the items at your request. You’ll be able to customize your blanket, comforter, or pillow(s).

Okay, maybe you’re not a materialistic person. Maybe it doesn’t matter to you what design your comforter boasts. Well, I’m sure you must have a relative, or even a child who is crazy about fashionable bedding. And, I’m almost certain with the holidays coming up you still have some Christmas shopping to do…

Do you love polka dots, or know someone who does? This is the perfect time to speed the cyber highway and order your Polka dot Bedding so it will arrive in time to go under the tree (or on your own bed).

Be sure to browse the different styles. You may just find one you can’t live without!

For any of you tracking my writing, you can read Passion for Patchouli over at Her Natural Beauty. I hope you and yours had a wonderful holiday! Perhaps some of you took a break from writing the cyber highway…

I previously shared where freelance writing began for me. Today, I’m going to share a few tips that have helped me develop relationships with editors and get published (a writer’s dream!) numerous times.

I’ve really adhered to this list.

1. Get organized. There are many writers lost in stacks and piles of papers and chaos. I just personally feel that organization is the way to go. When I first started writing, I went to the store and purchased a 3-ring binder and plastic sleeves. I created log sheets and since my first submission/query, I’ve been keeping up with each and every detail. I know when I received rejections and and what date my work was published. I love going back through my log sheets and seeing what I’ve accomplished! Seeing my writing accomplishments grow, change, and increase has really helped keep me motivated.

2. Learn to wait. Dig deep and find all the strength you have. You might get lucky (or blessed) and have an article/poem/feature story published the first time you submit, but chances are that you won’t. You must have persistence, dedication, and get ready to wait. Editors are busy people and it’s not a personal issue when they don’t return your email/phone call within 5 minutes or even 5 months. Be confident, be patient. I’m only human. Sometimes I want to cry when my work is rejected. Sometimes I almost can’t resist the urge to email an editor and ask, “Have you received my submission? Do you liked it? Are you going to publish it?” But we can’t do that. So, I wait. I’m getting use to it, actually. An easy way to wait is forget you’re actually waiting by working on new projects and submitting them. You’ll get so busy doing this, you’ll be pleasantly surprised when an acceptance email comes!

3. Learn how not to make editors your enemies. If you’re rude, an editor won’t want to work with you–who would? But there are other tips, too. Read the link to find out more. I try very hard to be kind and accept any criticism with a good attitude. I know everyone of us are different. Some aren’t as patient. I’m sure others are more patient than me. But each of us has the potential to be nice and professional and civil. If we search our hearts, we’ll find it’s there.

4. Keep writing (obviously) and don’t lose sight of your dream. Don’t submit one article that you just whipped up and didn’t even rewrite/polish and think because it came from your heart that editors and publishers and the whole world are going to think it’s the greatest piece of writing on the planet. Write. Rewrite. Polish. Edit. Wait. Proofread. Do your best, keep writing, keep submitting like a mad man/woman. Query, submit, query, submit, query, submit… Don’t give up! I’m sure some of you are thinking, “Yeah, right!” How are we suppose to do that. It’s not as easy as it sounds (thanks for reminding me, Rebecca.) You’re right. It’s not as easy as it sounds. Sit down, make a list of the pros and cons of writing. How important is it to you? How badly do you want to be published? Could you be searching for markets and submitting instead of watching reruns of your favorite television show? Could you sneak in an hour of writing after the house goes to sleep? The reason I have been able to keep writing, submitting, and querying is because I’ve made it a top priority. Nothing worth having is easy, is it?

5. Learn how to uncover hidden writer’s guidelines. One thing that was really frustrating to me when I first started looking for places to submit my work to was the inability to find the writer’s guidelines. I’d notice other folks were published at a certain website or magazine, but when I tried to find out how to submit it seemed impossible. So, I started digging. As you’ll read at the above link (which is an article I had published at write-from-home.com), I became a cyber detective. If you can’t find a particular market’s guidelines, be a snoop and dig them up!

6. Blog! I’ve found new inspiration, met loads of blogger/writer buds that are an encouragement, inspiration, and have wisdom I can glean from. I love receiving feedback. Just like Rebecca’s comment on the original version of this post which urged me to add a more personal touch to my tips (which I should have done to begin with to keep with the theme of this mini series, but as we all know most times there are a million and one other things going on in our offices/homes and I failed to recognize that.)

7. Take criticism. Of course, sometimes some people have negative opinions. This hurts as a writer that a reader wouldn’t feel the same was we do about something we’ve just poured our heart into. We need to stop and listen to what they’re saying. After all, if our readers feel something is missing or an element is left unanswered, we can hone our craft by embellishing or clarifying. I’ve had all sorts of criticism and judgment from various people since I’ve really been writing and getting published more often. There’s even been the occasional jealous one, but things like this happen and we’ll grow stronger with each learning process. It just takes time.

8. Unlock your heart. This is carrying me far. It’s always easier to write about a product or someone else, but when we open our heart and share our emotions, fears, joys, uncertainties, and raw, gut-wrenching feelings, our readers will laugh, cry, and/or shake their head in amazement–and they’ll come back to read more. Don’t be afraid to reveal the depths of your soul. Dust the cobwebs and bring them to the surface and stir the memories. Allow them to cascade from the place you’ve been keeping them hidden away all this time. The power of writing is in unleashing the very things you’re petrified to share….

9. Pray. I’ve saved the best for last. This, I feel, is the most important and significant of all the reasons I’m being successful in accomplishing my writing goals. Although I am a Christian gal, I know many of my readers may not be or may be of another faith or religion so I personally choose to represent my faith without forcing everyone to read about it in every post. I am touching on it in this post because I was asked to share what I’ve done so far as I strive to become a successful freelance writer–and prayer is a major part of that process. I do have a strong faith and a most treasured walk with God. Throughout each day (and night), I talk to God. I pray as I hit the send button or pray over the manila envelope before I mail it via snail mail. Try it sometime God is the ultimate inspiration for all of my writing and He’s the reason my heart has been healed enough so that I can share all of my pain, blessings, and victories with you!

And… it’s the times I really just let go and get it all out, that my readers are the most satisfied.

Thanks, Rebecca, for urging me to dig a little deeper. You certainly were right!

I am finding continuous success with these tips. Be determined, don’t give up and you, too, will succeed writing the cyber highway!

*Last part of this mini series coming soon!