When I first started this blog, it was my desire to blaze a trail along the cyber highway. Well, that’s happening now! Eeek!!!

I’m swiping the following quote I saw on Steve’s blog (My Wife QUIT Her Job) because I think it fits perfectly with this post–and Steve’s a nice guy.

“Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.” – Reggie (Reginald Joseph) Leach

I love this quote because it shows that success isn’t going to just land in our lap, we have to go after it. And that’s exactly what I’ve been doing! I told Steve sometimes I feel like I have set myself on fire!

I thought you might enjoy an update on my writing adventures, what I’ve been up to, and how things are going.

So… here it is:

• I’m now a contributing writer for RawPeople.com. You can see the articles I’ve written for them so far on my article page. (It’s such a blessing to be a part of this amazing team!!)
• I’ve sold a story to Rural Missouri that is due out sometime in the next few months: Someday Soap
• I have a story coming out in Pure Inspiration magazine, Summer edition. It’s about a beautiful experience I had when I was only five.
• I’ve also been ghostwriting and ghostblogging…
• I’ve been working super hard on my health site: HealingwithJuices.com
• I have a (second) success story coming out in Writers Weekly (I’ll update when that’s published).
• Two of my articles are featured in Uncle John’s Certified Organic Bathroom Reader.
• And… I’m now living on an Amish farm (!!)

I had also promised to update you on my Mom’s website and blog. She’s still working on adding things and getting it the way she wants and getting more articles up, but her website is HillbillyHeavenHerbs.com and her blog is HillbillyHeavenHerbs.com/Blog. Have fun!

Be sure to subscribe to Writing the Cyber Highway’s Feed or by e-mail, so you won’t miss upcoming posts and updates. Look for writing tips, inspiration, news from my own writing life, as well as interviews with amazing and inspiring folks–and CONTESTS are coming soon!!!

By

Michele L. Tune

Rebecca Laffar-Smith just shared her long road to writing with us. Since I read her story, I’ve been reflecting on my own. I’ve mentioned before I need to stop pulling the reins on myself so I can go to the next level in my freelance writing business. So, why do I feel I’m still holding myself back? Why do I feel I could have already acccomplished so much more? Am I just too hard on myself? Do I expect too much of myself? Or, am I truly – without even realizing it – allowing my past to keep me from stepping into a future I desire with all my heart? Am I locking myself out of my own future?

Just as Rebecca shared that she drifted to and away from her writing dreams, my own writing has drifted to and fro throughout the years. I’ve always been a writer – even if I was just jotting down what happened on any given day in my journal, or pouring my heart onto a loose piece of paper in the form of poetry. I’m a writer. It’s who I’ve been since I was a little girl; it’s who I’ll always be.

Maybe you’re feeling the same way I am. Maybe, just maybe, you even feel like I’ve written this very post just for you. And, you might be right. (I’m a firm believer that stuff always happens for a reason.) I’m inspired to write this post, to share my heart, my fears, my struggles with you because I want anyone who comes to read this blog to know they aren’t alone.

Some things I’ve struggled with as a freelance writer and blogger are:

• maintaining a lot of confidence
• selling my writing and blogging services
• overcoming my hermit tendencies
• finding the courage to approach the publications/people that intimidate me
• overwhelming myself with too many resolutions

You might find it odd that I feel this way - or that I’d spill the beans about it for a gazillion eyes to read. I have wondered why I feel this way as I contemplate my future with words. My conclusion? It’s a lot harder than I thought it would be to move forward in life after escaping domestic violence. Bruises from the physical abuse fade in no time, but the bruises from the verbal abuse are etched deep in the heart, mind, and soul of the victim.

Off the topic of writing:

If you’re prone to saying things you don’t mean in the heat of the moment, find a way to change yourself. Your hurtful words can’t be erased. They’ll stick with that person forever. Think about that.

So, what am I doing to stop reflecting on the past so my writing can take me where I want to go?

Here’s a few things I’ve been doing:

• take risks like hitting send for a query to that high-paying market
• polishing my queries so they portray me in a positive light
• trying to find ways to come out of my hermit shell
• focusing on short-term goals (you’ll notice I didn’t share a resolutions post this year)
• unlocking the door to my destiny

I’m not sure where this writing road will take me. What I do know is that the journey will only be all it was meant to be if I’m forging ahead in confidence, and not glancing over my shoulder allowing my past to direct my footsteps…

At the end of Rebecca’s guest post, she asked us what our long road to writing was. Today I’d love to know where your writing road is going to take you. Will you travel it with your eyes on the future? Have you already been doing that? Or, like me, have you struggled with your past tugging at you all along the way? Share your writing journey 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!

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

The following post is brought to us by the talented Rebecca Laffar-Smith, from Writer’s Round About. I’m quite honored to have her make a guest appearance on the cyber highway! I’ve followed Rebecca’s writings and freelance life since she started her blog on Blogger. She’s since moved it to its current self-hosted WordPress home with a fantabulous new design. Her posts only get better, her words more inspiring. I’m sure you’ll relate to her writing journey she’s sharing with us today, so give her a big ole welcome and don’t be shy!

Rebecca’s Long Road to Writing

By

Rebecca Laffar-Smith

Writing began as a dream when I was very young. I remember writing a story when I was six, and I knew that I was destined to do this, forever. When the other kids were wishing to be firemen, I was a writer. They grew to want to be doctors, or lawyers, but I was a writer.

I was a writer through grade school. I was a writer through high school. In fact, I was so much a writer I didn’t think I needed school at all.

In ninth grade I shared my latest and greatest story with my English teacher. She took the story but I never heard her feedback in regards to it. What I did hear, loud and clear, was the big fat F on my report card a short time later. English had been my favorite subject. I was committed, dedicated, and worked hard to absorb all I could.

When I failed English that year I felt shattered. I questioned my dream. I wondered if I were fooling myself. Was I a writer? I couldn’t even pass high school English. How could I expect myself to build a career with language.

Even failing that class couldn’t stop me from putting words on the page. I wrote onward, dropped out of school, lost my interest in education and turned my back on the world. Words were my hermitage and eventually, words were my salvation.

Years later, having written in a closet for a handful of years I came into the online world. I’d no longer been chasing the dream of a career in writing. I’d slipped into motherhood, a wife, a friend. The passion for language never faded and as I grew online the words sprung forth. Creation sprung forth and my chase began again in earnest.

It’s been a hard road already. Every writer faces the bumps along their route. We each come to the page with our own fears and judgment. We each bring our past before our eyes when we write. We push away the doubting ‘others’, all those who thought us foolish, failed us without giving us a chance, or laughed at our attempts.

As writers we push onward because the words never fade. They’ll sit in the background while you ignore them but they’ll be there, waiting for you to take up your pen or take to the keyboard.

What was your long road to writing?

Rebecca Laffar-Smith is a freelance writer, editor, and web tech. Her blog, The Writer’s Round-About discusses various aspects of online freelance business. Subscribe to The Writer’s Round-About via RSS or email!

Photo Credit: http://www.everystockphoto.com

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

Posted Saturday, October 25, 2008

Let me introduce Hope Wilbanks, a writing friend of mine. She has learned a very hard, very valuable lesson. Please listen up as she shares some amazing, heartfelt advice.

Even Writers Need to Back Up

Written By Hope Wilbanks

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

We writers tend to be a creative bunch of people who think we are immune to nasty little buggers like website hacks and corrupt databases. It’s hard for us to even think about upgrading to the latest version of Word Press or downloading database backups.

What happens when you attempt to log into your writing blog, though, and are met with an ugly error message? Your pulse races. You panic. You don’t know what to do. At best, you might know someone who can help set your blog back on its feet. At worst, you delete everything and try to start all over–losing 2-3 years worth of content.

Don’t be a dummy.

Look, even we writers need to have some bit of technical savvy about us. Blogging is huge, and just about every writer I know has their own blog these days. If you’re going to be a blogging writer, then you need to be smart about it.

Backup your files and database(s) regularly.

If you are using a self-hosted blog (one on your own domain) you need to know how to do this. Word Press, one of the more popular blogging platforms, has some handy plug-ins that will simplify this process for you. The best plugin I’ve found is WP-DB-Backup. After you install this plugin and activate it, you can either download backups as desired, or set up automatic backups at intervals. The best thing about this plugin (in my opinion) is that it will email you the backups in a zipped file once completed. It’s an automatic process that you don’t have to even think about.

Think you’re not smart enough to do it alone?

You might not know how to backup your website, but that’s no excuse. All it takes is one hacked file or corrupted database and you’ll lose your entire blog forever, if you aren’t prepared.

If you don’t think you can learn how to manage your website on your own, or you don’t have the time, or you just don’t want to have to deal with it, then hire someone to do it for you. The cost of ensuring your website’s safety and stability is a small price to pay, in exchange for the peace of knowing that all your written content is safe.

About Hope

Hope Wilbanks is a writer who had to learn the hard way about backing up every website managed by a blogging system. You can read some of Hope’s self-improvement articles at http://www.nurturedsoul.com.

Posted Wednesday, October 15, 2008

By

Michele L. Tune

I really do feel this way, like I’m pulling the reins on myself. I know I’m holding myself back. I’m capable of accomplishing so much more than I do. I was born to write, to blog, to succeed as a writer. I know that. It’s hard to be confident in that sometimes, though. For me at least. How about you? Do you feel this way? Do you feel like you’re holding yourself back, like you’re your own worst critic?

As writers, we are on the silent side of the screen. We can respond to e-mails quietly. If we need to, we have the option to let an e-mail sit before we respond. Maybe we need to gain our composure if we’re angry or have some other strong emotion to the author of the e-mail. Or maybe we just need time to think of the best words to reply with. Either way, we’re safe. E-mail is a nice, quiet way to communicate – with words, which we’re comfortable with.

I’ve come across numerous blogs where writers are sharing these exact thoughts. Jennifer, at Catalyst Blogger, shared similar feelings in her post The Freelancer’s Guide to Giving Good Phone. It’s an older post of hers but it’s really stuck with me. I was surprised when she fessed up with her readers that she really isn’t fond of talking with clients on the phone. I guess I shouldn’t have been. So many of us writers are perfectly ok with peace and quiet (the ones I know anyway).

Do you feel like you’re pulling the reins on yourself? Are you holding yourself back? Are you still fantasizing about seeing your name in that dream magazine, but are too petrified to pick up the phone and call the editor? Could your business grow if you got out of your comfort zone? I’m sure it could. I know (with all my heart) that I would have those big dream credits tucked sweetly in my portfolio – if only I’d get up, climb out on that limb, and reach for the sky. After all, the sky is the limit. Right?

“But, it’s so cozy where I am, Michele.” You argue. And, you’re so very right! When you get comfy in any area of your life, it’s hard to do something different and get used to something totally new and there are some folks in the world who are absolutely scared stiff of the unknown. They have a “what if” syndrome. I’m guilty of that one myself. “What if” I call the editor and they never answer an e-mail from me in the future because they remember my name as the kook with the zealous voice who interrupted their lunch? “What if” I don’t succeed as soon as I’d hoped if I venture out into new writing waters? We can drive ourselves bonkers with all the “what if” questions.

Life is full of uncertainties, of mishaps and dangers and surprises we aren’t expecting. They’re around almost every corner. We have to learn to accept them, learn from them, grow from them, WRITE ABOUT THEM, and be all the wiser from them in the end. It isn’t easy, I know. But if we’ll stop pulling the reins on ourselves, we won’t have to sit and watch our writing come to a halt. We need to make sales, people! We need to move to the next level in our writing careers!

Are you ready to let go of those reins? Are you with me? What’s the first thing you’re going to do so you’ll be running free like the wild stallions? Will you call that editor? Pick up the phone and talk business with a client (maybe even ask them for a raise)? What is the first thing I’m going to do? Oh, I’m letting go. I’m writing this post from a coffee shop. How’s that letting go? I’m a hermit (big time)!! It’s a major breakthrough when I venture out into the public.

Big ole dream clips, here I come!!!!

Want to find out where the cyber highway leads me? Would you like to know when I share updates about my freelance writing and blogging clips, things I’m learning along the way, or even just stuff that happens in this writer girl’s life? Subscribe to my feed or subscribe by e-mail. I can’t wait to have you join me on my journey!

Here’s to writing (freely!) the cyber highway!!

Posted Sunday, September 28, 2008

By

Michele L. Tune

I know it was more than coincidence that I happened upon an amazing ezine as I was searching for writing markets last year. Excited to find a new market to submit my work to, I quickly sent off a query to the editor. It wasn’t long before I heard back with an acceptance. Boy, what a nice surprise that was! I had been wading through rejection letters (trying not to let them get me down) so when I read that this editor loved my piece and wanted to buy it (and pay for it right away via PayPal), I was overjoyed!

That editor ended up publishing a few articles of mine. She was always professional and a joy to work with. She also started a blog, which I began reading religiously. She shared markets, writing gigs, information, and much more. I’m still following that blog (which eventually merged with the write-from-home.com website/ezine and it’s always fun and informative.

So, the other day when we were chatting in her comments, I mentioned I thought I’d been reading her blog since it was first born and she said she thought I was the first one who ever commented and she wanted to make me something for sticking with her so long. I had NO CLUE what she’d end up making. If you know Amy at all, you know what I’m talking about! But I was elated when I received an e-mail with the subject line: Punk Duck Award. She made me an award and I love it! I’ve displayed it in the sidebar (proudly). I’m honored to be a Punk Duck!! Thanks, Amy!

Be sure to check out Amy Derby’s Punk Duck Series. It’s awesome! Maybe she’ll consider you a Punk Duck, too!

So, how has your week been? Have you been enjoying our guest bloggers? Would you like to be a guest blogger on the cyber highway? Jump in the comments and spill the beans!

Hope you’ve been having lots of success writing the cyber highway!

Posted Thursday, September 25, 2008

Written By Guest Blogger, Jean Wise

Today’s post is brought to you by a Guest Blogger. Jean Wise is going to talk about her on-line writing group. Give her a nice welcome!

KINDRED HEART WRITERS ON-LINE GROUP

Clella Camp (top left), Jean Wise (top right)

Bottom, from left to right: Laura Groves, Johnnie Donley, Karen Evans

On-line critique groups are beginning to find a place in the world of writing. Because people are asking about our group – how it got started, how it functions, and its benefits, here’s our story.

We all met for the first time at the Florida Christian Writer’s Conference in 2007. As it concluded, we wanted to stay in touch and talked about forming a group.

Our first year was a learning year and we revamped after meeting again at the 2008 conference. We reorganized as the Kindred Heart Writers. We are five women from different geographic locations and with different experiences, different life situations, different desires, and of different ages, but with one common goal-to do the best we can with the gift God had given us- writing.

Critiquing Each Other’s Work

We have established an ongoing critique rotation and a blog for writers (www.kindredheartwriters.com). Approximately once a week one of us submits a writing sample for feedback, so every five weeks we have something critiqued. We rotate blog responsibilities, posting a new blog entry twice a week. The surprise benefit has been as we help other writers, our own writing improves. As they say, iron sharpens iron.

Weekly Writings

We take turns sending out a weekly devotion entitled “Morning Moments.” Rotations schedules are set up in such a way that we usually do not have to do more than one thing each week to do besides read and critique. And if someone has a submission they need input on out of rotation sequence, most of us are willing to take the time to read and comment.

More than a Critique Group

We are so much more than a critique group as we share personal struggles, encouragement, writing opportunities, and resources. We have built and expanded our blog and soon will add pillar articles written by each of us. This is part of our plan to create a group platform that not only will help our group, but each of us as individual writers.

Dreams

We have long term goals of writing a book together and mentoring others on the writer’s journey.

Writing can be lonely business and having a group that supports, encourages and even celebrates with you is priceless.

About Jean Wise:

Jean Wise is a freelance writer, speaker and spiritual director in northwest Ohio. You can meet all of the Kindred Heart Writers at their web site/blog: www.kindredheartwriters.com.

Are you part of a writing group, either on-line or in person? Jump right in the comments and share your experiences, questions, and feedback with Jean. I’m sure she’d love that!

Posted Tuesday, September 23, 2008

I’m pleased to introduce the latest Guest Blogger on the Cyber Highway: Kimberlee Ferrell. I know you’ll enjoy her writing tips. Make her feel welcome, y’all!

Carve Out 15 Minutes to Write

By

Kimberlee Ferrell

“I never have time to write!” is the tormented battle cry of many would-be writers. With good reason, as our lives grow busier by the day, with compound interest. Some writers hold full-time jobs, either outside the home and/or taking care of their children. If you don’t have hours of uninterrupted writing time available to you, try to carve out 15 minutes at a time. Use these micro burst writing opportunities to your advantage, and watch your output increase.

Wake Up Early

Rising before the rest of the house ensures you can write uninterrupted. Keep a notebook by your bed. Before you get up, take 15 minutes to write about your dream from last night, or whatever else strikes you. This primes the pump for the rest of your writing day. No matter what obstacles get in your way during the rest of the day, you can rest easy knowing you wrote first thing in the morning.

Leave For Work Early

Cut your morning routine down by 15 minutes, and take your notebook with you. On your way to work, stop by a coffee shop, park, or even the parking lot of your job to write before the workday begins. This transitional writing helps your brain switch gears from home to work, increasing your productivity. It also brings a little more satisfaction to your real job, as you are getting writing done at the workplace.

Write During Lunchtime

Eating and writing are not mutually exclusive terms. Don’t do it in your office, where you are likely to be interrupted by coworkers, phone calls, and emails. If you can’t leave your workplace, take advantage of the break room. Avoid messy food, or your notebook could be splattered with spaghetti sauce or blobs of ketchup.

Break For Writing

On your way home from work, find a peaceful location to unwind with your notebook. Switch up the location as needed for inspiration or a change of pace. Observe others, or write about your surroundings. Writing before you head home can release workplace stress and prepare you to face home life.

Wait and Write

We spend so much time waiting, at doctor’s appointments, soccer games, and airports. Take advantage of these dead times and fill your notebook with writing. Often these times will extend past 15 minutes. Be prepared to write, any time, any place.

Write During Naptime

While your kids sleep, you can pound out your words onto your keyboard. Don’t be tempted to sleep yourself, although occasionally a nap is certainly in order. Let your mood determine if you need more rest or more output.

After Hours Writing

When the rest of the house is asleep for the night, you can polish up your drafts written throughout the day. Avoid staying up too late, however. Establish a bed time, and when your time is up, set aside your writing and get some well-deserved rest.

Obviously, not all of these techniques can be used every day. Choose one or more of these times to find an extra 15 minutes of writing that you would have passed up otherwise. Do you have certain times during the day where you can shave off 15 minutes? Leave a comment, and share your micro burst writing techniques.

About Kimberlee Ferrell:

Enjoying small town life and her two daughters, Kimberlee Ferrell still carves out time to write. Her blog, Freedom Writing, explores writing, parenting, and anything that flows out of her pen. Stop by to investigate the inner workings of her mind, and to learn more about her copywriting, proofreading, and editing expertise. Strong coffee and walnut brownies will be provided.

Posted Saturday, September 20, 2008

By

Michele L. Tune

Due to my recent hiatus, I’ve decided to put out a call for guest posts. If you’re a freelance writer/blogger who would love to share a link to your website, advertise your book, or just get another link back to your own blog(s), this is a great opportunity for you! And, if you’re a lurker who has been following me on the cyber highway and have wished you could find the courage to speak up, now’s your chance!

I’m a nice gal and am told I’m a delight to work with, so no worries there. All I ask is that the post is free of cursing, etc. Any topics related to writing, editing, blogging, etc., should be ok. I won’t publish anything political or extremely religious (especially biased views toward any one certain religion). I’m not against politics or church but this is a blog about writing.

I’d love it if your guest posts shared tips, tricks, ideas, helpful resources, advice, and/or more. Anything that has helped you successfully write (or blog) the cyber highway will probably be of great interest to my readers. Right y’all?

Ideas are not limited to but may include:

• how you cracked a new market
• how you’ve become a full-time blogger/freelance writer
• what makes you so successful in hearing back from editors
• how you get replies from gig ads
• how you get and keep awesome clients
• how you find markets
• tips on writing
• tips for finding inspiration
• how to organize
• how to keep a routine/schedule

The Cyber Highway will be a lot more fun to travel with your unique voices added!

What you’ll get in return:

• a hefty bio
• 1-3 links
• advertisement of your book or services
• author photo (if you send one)
• a guest post from me (if you wish) as soon as I can fit it into my schedule

I can’t wait to read your e-mails! (Contact me here.) I am only one gal so I thank you in advance for your patience as I wade through your queries/submissions. Thanks!

Here’s to lots of amazing guest posts on the Cyber Highway!!