Today was an exciting day: I left the comfort and solitude of Amish country and went into the city for a fun time at the Missouri Literary Festival, in Springfield.

Yours Truly!

There were quite a few author’s booths (even though this was the last day of the festival) and look who I found right away….

A 13-year-old Author!

Views of HAMMONS FIELD

Look What I Found!!!

Books, Books, Books!

Networking

I met new people, passed out business cards, and had a fun time. It’s always nice to step away from the computer and interact with other writers in person. I know it’s something a lot of us simply detest (’cause we want to be at home, writing!) but it truly is an amazing experience and can bring so much inspiration – and new friends. Also, it was pretty chilly out there but it was a good day!

More of Yours Truly!

Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

I talked to several authors. The most of ‘em are self-published. Their books seemed like they were written well, had nice cover designs, etc., and appeared very professional!

I also went and listened to an author (who just happens to be published by a traditional publisher) and their opinion was very low of self-published books. I actually thought this person was a poor speaker. It was really, really boring and nothing was learned! Nothing. Seriously. I always try to find the positive and share it, but this was not an uplifting, encouraging speaker who had instruction for the audience. I was disappointed. Thank goodness that speech was free – I’d have been upset if I would have had to pay for it!

Anyway, I feel like books can be self-published in a respectable, polished manner. Just because it’s self-published doesn’t mean it has to be bad. It doesn’t mean you can’t hire an editor, ya know? Do you disagree? Agree? What’s your opinion of self-published vs. traditional?

In case you’re just tuning in, all 3 parts of the interview are posted over at WRA (Rebecca Laffar-Smith picked my brain).

1. On Social Networking Success
2. On The Business of Blogging
3. On Writing Habits and Courage
   

Also, my latest article is live at WRA: Writers Are Superheroes

Is this your first time to visit Writing the Cyber Highway? Be sure to subscribe to my Feed or by e-mail. In the next couple of posts, I’ll be sharing photos and details about my visit to an old-fashioned festival where I dressed up as a pioneer woman (bonnet and all!) and also had the amazing opportunity to meet an Editor and an Editor-In-Chief. Eeek! (It’s coming, I promise!)

By

Michele L. Tune

She’s on fire. Her words are inspiring, motivating, true, and resonate with my soul – and many others, I know. She’s accomplished more in a few months than most writers and bloggers accomplish in years. Her enthusiasm, talent, and zest for life are intoxicating and contagious. Who am I talking about? Okay, I’ll tell you. I could definitely go on and on, but I’ll resist. Her name is Kimberlee Ferrell. (You may remember her guest post.)She’s only been freelancing for a few months (although she’s been writing since she was a toddler) and she’s already achieving tons of writing and blogging success. She’s even written a fabulous e-book sharing how she’s achieving her success, and how you can do the same. (I’ve personally read the e-book and highly recommend it–it will help you blaze a trail all along the cyber highway!)

On to the interview…

Writing the Cyber Highway: You haven’t been freelancing for very long. Why don’t you share what you feel has brought you so much success in such a short time?

Kimberlee: My friends, both writers and non-writers! I have spent a lot of time cultivating relationships with all kinds of people on the internet. They are wonderful supporters who have pushed me on, even when I was unsure of myself. I could celebrate my successes with them, and brainstorm with them through challenges. I could not have done it without them!

CH: Even though you’re new to the freelance business, you have learned and excelled quickly. I’m learning from you and I’ve been freelancing since 2005! Convince everyone that even though you’re new you have important information to share in this e-book you’re offering.

Kimberlee: My e-book is not just for writers, although they will benefit greatly from its advice. Being sincere is something you learn over the course of your whole life. Before becoming a freelance writer, I was a waitress at a variety of restaurants. While waitresses are trained to be pleasant in the face of the unfriendliest people, I developed a different trait. I learned to draw happiness, warmth and sincerity from the bottom of my heart, so I could be kind and gracious to everyone.

This ability to be sincere and true to yourself applies beautifully to online businesses. You have time to think over your responses to others, and craft the best possible reply. You aren’t prone to slip up and say something you might regret. If you can be sincere in your desire to build others up, you and your friends will succeed.

CH: What prompted you to just “go for it” and write your e-book: Sincere Online Community Building?

Kimberlee: Again, it was due to the power of the online community. I have seen so many incredible success stories, through the unique characteristics of social media. I even have my own, as the community pulled together and helped get my car windshield replaced. I have even heard of a little girl getting a kidney donor! As a thank you to my online community, I decided to pull together all I had learned about being a genuine presence online, and share it with you in my e-book.

CH: You have such a fresh and inspiring confidence. Where does this come from? What drives you to be the excellent writer and blogger you are?

Kimberlee: I have the mindset of “failure is not an option!” People are so prone to giving up when things get tough. I have been there myself. It is a depressing place that I refuse to go back to again. I was laid off this fall, and I decided to take control of my own destiny and do what I love: freelance writing. I have my family to support, and I cannot fail them! I push myself each day to do the best I can for myself, my family and my community.

CH: In a recent post sharing your 2009 goals, you mentioned you plan on writing a new e-book each month. That is amazing! I’m sure you can do it (just because I’ve seen what you’ve already accomplished). Do you mind letting us know how you plan to make this goal come to fruition? Are you going to write each night after your daughters are asleep, or will you devote the weekends to e-book writing?

Kimberlee: I plan on giving my e-books my full attention, after my writing projects are done for the day. I am seeking input from my community, on what their goals are and what kind of information they might need to fulfill them. Then I will craft each e-book to help inspire, inform, and delight my community on the way to their success.

CH: Any advice you’d like to offer other new freelancers?

Kimberlee: Never give up! There is always something great on the horizon, even if you just can’t see it yet. Learn as much as you can, then jump in headfirst. You may make mistakes, but you will succeed in time. Keep writing, even when you don’t feel like it. The words will come, as long as you are attempting to write them down. Support each other, and you will reap the benefits. Give to others, and you will receive the benefits.

Kimberlee Ferrell is a freelance writer and blogger for Freedom Writing. She is also a mother of two girls living in small town Iowa. She also enjoys a strong (and large!) cup of coffee and walnut brownies.

Click here to visit Kimberlee Ferrell’s website!

Thank you so much, Kimberlee, for spending some time inspiring us here at Writing the Cyber Highway and letting us get to know you better!

NEW UPDATE: The drawing is over. See the winners here.

IMPORTANT UPDATE!

Kimberlee has decided to give away FOUR COPIES of her awesome e-book! Click here for an opportunity to win.

Note from Writing the Cyber Highway hostess (that’s me!) :

I’d like to add fess up that I experienced a little burnout in 2008. Not that I’d ever consider giving up writing, but I could feel my writing fire flickering… When I met Kim, I could see myself. She’s so much like me when I first started writing and blogging. She’s that fresh voice, ready to take the writing world by storm with energy that lasts through the night – night after night. I’d love to thank her for reminding me of that. Kimberlee has inspired me to dig deeper, keep at it, and make 2009 my best writing and blogging year ever! Thank you, Kimberlee, and may 2009 exceed all your dreams – you certainly deserve all the goodness that comes your way!

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 other amazing and inspiring folks. I’ll even be sharing the links to my mom’s new website and blog!