Copyright 2012 Shannon L. Buck: How to Live the Freelance Life

May 21, 2012

Writing Fiction

I have finished one, and am working on two, books of short stories. Each book has its’ own theme. Any stories that I write that do not go along with one of these themes are put away for later use. I do not know why, but I like working within specific themes when writing short stories.

I love writing short stories. I can turn out 3 to 5 stories, hand written 1^st drafts, in a weekend of relaxing in bed or on a sofa. Then it is a simple matter to type them up, edit them and add them to a book.

Creativity is fun. Ideas can come from anywhere. For example, you can create a story from the dream you had last night. Go ahead. Try it :-)

Challenge

Create a series of short stories this year, and put them together to create an eBook. Edit it, and then publish.

Quick Writing Tip

Write down your dreams, and use the ideas in your short stories.

5 Writing Prompts

1. Short Story Idea: The Doll’s House

2. Short Story Idea: The Den

3. Short Story Idea: Carnival of Death

4. Novel Idea: What is human, really?

5. Novella Idea: Watch the Killer

Quote

The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say. ~ Anaïs Nin

Copyright 2012 Shannon L. Buck: How to Live the Freelance Life

April 15, 2012

Writing Non Fiction

In all honesty, when I was young and knew I wanted to write I did not want to write nonfiction at all. I wanted to write novels.

Now, I like writing non fiction. It can be much fun.

To write non fiction, write what you know and love. It can make all the difference in the world. Writing about what we enjoy lightens up the work. Makes it more fun. Ask yourself what you are an expert at. What can you teach others if you choose to write about it?

Challenge

Create a series of articles about a topic that you are passionate about. Submit them to an article directory.

Quick Writing Tip

Write blog posts while watching television during the evening hours.

5 Writing Prompts

1. eBook Idea: How I began My Freelance Writing Career

2. eBook Idea: What My Freelance Writing Career has Taught Me

3. Special Report Idea: 10 Tips for the Freelancer

4. Special Report Idea: How to Market Your eCourse

5. Article Idea: What is Social Networking

Quote

You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you.  ~Ray Bradbury

Copyright 2011 Shannon L. Buck: How to Live the Freelance Life

                                         Journaling

Journaling is important for a variety of reasons. It gives your brain a rest from the regular writing you do, if you are a writer by profession. It helps you to relax and to get things off your mind. It is also used to jot down ideas, allowing you to clear your mind, and is good for mental health.

There are different types of journals. Your word processor allows you to set up a document to use as a journal. Blank and lined notebooks can be used, or you may choose a binder and loose-leaf paper.

However you decide to journal, you will need some prompts. Here are a few to get you started:

• Write about your favorite childhood memory.

• Journal about the freelance career you are building.

• What are your hopes and goals.

Be sure to set time aside for journaling. Mornings and evenings are both good times. Schedule time for this task if necessary, at least a few times a week.

Quick Writing Tip

Journal about your writing experiences and how they make you feel.

5 Writing Prompts

1. Article Idea: Journaling prompts.
2. Novella Idea: Child lives fabricated journal life.
3. Newsletter: Creative journaling.
4. Article Idea: Benefits of keeping a journal.
5. Blog Idea: Journaling your life.

Quote

Sometime in your life you will go on a journey.
It will be the longest journey you have ever taken.
It is the journey to find yourself.

~Katherine Sharp~

Challenge

Purchase a journal and a special pen for yourself. Make it a habit to write in the journal for 5 minutes each day.

Special Report

Your Teen Can Help Your Freelance Career

In this Special Report, you will see how it is possible for your teenager to help you out while you are building your freelance career and how much, if anything, you should pay him or her for that help. Teens can be a big help with things like:

* Their younger siblings.
* Keeping up the house.
* Business tasks.

Special Report

A Freelancer’s Helper

In this special report, A Freelancer’s Helper, I will show you the value of having people to help you with every day tasks while you work. Each person will have different needs, and this report will help you to decide what help would be best for your circumstances.

Copyright 2011 Shannon L. Buck: How to Live the Freelance Life

                                                     Family Time

Family time is important but, when building a business, you can’t always carve out enough time to spend with everyone who deserves it. When your children want to connect, and you are unable to stop what you are doing, invite them to help you out. Allow them to talk about whatever they want, and let them know that you appreciate the time you are spending together. For instance, your children can help with:

• Editing
• Photocopying and printing
• Filing
• Organizing
• Office cleanup tasks

Be sure that, when you are not working, there are things that you are doing along with your family, such as:

• Making ‘dates’ with each member of your family, as well as with your family as a whole.
• A family chore afternoon each week.
• Running errands together.
• A family game night.
• A movie night.
• Family walks after dinner.
• Preparing meals together.

When young children are in your care, you might have a table set up for them in your work area. Provide them with pencils, paper, coloring books and other items that will allow them something to do while you work on necessary tasks. Conversely, a carpeted floor may be used. You might have a tote filled with items for them to use just while you are all in the office.

My suggestion is to get used to low-volume talk, even if that means you have to work on tasks that need less concentration while the children are there. Your children will feel closer to you just by being in the same area, and they will have fun pretending to ‘work’ along side you.

Quick Writing Tip

Family tales are great memories, that are fun to write about.

5 Writing Prompts

1. Article Idea: A dream family vacation.
2. Article Idea: Activities for preschool age children.
3. Blog Idea: Family life.
4. Book Idea: Teen Entrepreneurs
5. Book Idea: Child Entrepreneurs

Quote

The family is a haven in a heartless world. 

~Attributed to Christopher Lasch~

Challenge

Get your family together. Go to the calendar and schedule a family night each week.

Special Report

Your Teen Can Help Your Freelance Career

In this Special Report, you will see how it is possible for your teenager to help you out while you are building your freelance career and how much, if anything, you should pay him or her for that help. Teens can be a big help with things like:

* Their younger siblings.
* Keeping up the house.
* Business tasks.

Special Report

A Freelancer’s Helper

In this special report, A Freelancer’s Helper, I will show you the value of having people to help you with every day tasks while you work. Each person will have different needs, and this report will help you to decide what help would be best for your circumstances.