Tag Archives: writer

advice, lifestyle

Writing And Exercise

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exercise

 

Let’s face it–writing and exercise don’t exactly go hand-in-hand. One means you are moving your body around and sweating, while the other involves sitting and moving your fingers around on a keyboard. It can be really difficult to get enough physical activity when you are trying to write for a living. Still…not getting any exercise means an unhealthy lifestyle…and probably a few unwanted pounds as well. The good news? You don’t have to relegate yourself to a sedentary life if you want to be a writer. Here are some tips to help you get moving:

  • Start slow. If you haven’t been doing anything, don’t get out and jog for a half hour the first week. Begin by doing a few stretches or taking a five-minute walk before lunch. There is no law that says you have to do anything quickly, and it can be just as unhealthy to tax your body before it’s ready. If you have been inactive for a long time, you might even want to get a checkup before getting started with an exercise program. Just to be on the safe side.
  • Begin with something you like. Do you dig yoga? Invest in a DVD and do ten minutes before you sit down to write for the day. Like lifting weights? Get a small set of hand weights and stash them by your desk so you can take mini-breaks and do some curls. If you start out with something you enjoy, it won’t feel like such a chore.
  • Run some errands on foot. If you have to go the grocery store and pick up dinner, walk or take your bike if you can. Need to buy stamps? Hoof it. Every time you leave your car at home, you are saving money and getting exercise.
  • Take advantage of breaks. You have to eat and use the restroom during the day, so build in a little exercise before or after. Use the bathroom on the second floor so you can climb the stairs. Walk to the mailbox after you eat and mail that query.
  • Team up. If you have a friend nearby, schedule a walk together, or take a class at a nearby health club.

The best part about getting more exercise is that it has a tendency to jump-start your brain as well. Get the blood moving and your mind will engage better. Get yourself going–you’ll be glad you did!

resources

Previously Featured On Oprah: Grammar Girl

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I can’t say enough about Grammar Girl. I stumbled across her podcast when I first got my iPhone and really enjoyed it. Every single writer out there can always use a little help when it comes to grammar, and this resource provides quick, easy bites of it that are not only useful, but clever. She has been featured on Oprah, in the New York Times and other major publications. Check out her site and brush up on your grammar–and while you are there, sign up for her “tip of the day”.

advice, editorial, social networking

Writers: If You Want Work–Be Visible

I can’t even begin to tell you the number of times that somebody found me one way or another and then offered me a job. I can tell you that it pays off to invest some of your time and effort into marketing yourself as a writer. If you are visible, you will get work. The question is…how visible are you? Here are some smart ways to extend your reach and let people know you are out there:

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  • Have a website. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate creature. Mine is fairly simple, but has enough for people to get an idea of what I have done and what I can do.
  • Start a blog. If you want to write on the web, a blog is great practice. I had never done one before Freelance-Zone and now that I have the hang of it, I really enjoy it. Just make sure you are aware that anyone can read what you put on there. Keep it professional.
  • Stay in touch. Yes, I send holiday cards. I e-mail editors and let them know what I’m up to–or just touch base and say hello from time to time. Staying on their radar means they won’t forget about you when work comes through. Plus, it’s nice.
  • Add a bio. Whenever possible, see if you can add a one-line bio to articles that you write. Include an e-mail or website where people can get in touch with you.
  • Use a signature block. I have said this before and I’ll say it again….the signature block is your best friend. All e-mail correspondence should have one. I have gotten a lot of additional work through this. It should at the very least include your full name, a telephone number and your website and e-mail address.
  • Use social media. Not on Twitter? Today is a good day to set up the account. Do you have a Facebook account? If not, perhaps it is time. Social media can really get your name out there and it is FREE. Take advantage!
gear, lifestyle

Introducing The iPhone 3GS

iphone-3gs

Those Freelance-Zone readers who have been around for a while already know that I am a big iPhone lover. I use this tool for many different things, and it has saved me in many work-related situations. I use the calendar, I love the e-mail on the go function and I can’t get enough of the “apps”.

This is all news of course because yesterday Apple announced the iPhone 3GS. This is the latest version of the phone and some of the new features include:

  • Voice control
  • Video recording
  • 16 or 32 GB of storage
  • Choice of black or white color
  • 3 megapixel camera with autofocus
  • Photo and video geotagging

See all the details here. New updates released with this version of the phone include a cut and paste feature, landscape keyboard and a “remote wipe” capacity that allows you to remove all your personal data if you lose your phone. (Getting it back on is as simple as synching the phone to your computer.) The best news for writers may well be the fact that the iPhone 3G price now drops to $99. If you want an iPhone…it just may be the perfect time to get one!

editorial, lifestyle

Quarterly Tax Tips From Outright.com

tax

From time to time someone offers Freelance-Zone some valuable content that we feel will be helpful to our readers. Kevin Reeth is the CEO at Outright.com, a free online bookkeeping system that helps small businesses keep track of tax info and related material. (Read what PC Magazine has to say about this company here, or just check the company out at their website where there is plenty of information about things such as the security of data and how to get started.)

Since quarterly tax time is approaching, we thought you could use the information Reeth sent over and are printing it for you here. Thank you to Outright.com and Mr. Reeth for the timely information!

(Please note that the facts, thoughts and ideas expressed below are that of Outright.com and not of Freelance-Zone. We are not tax professionals–we’re freelance writers!)

5 Opportunities to Turn Tax Time to Your Favor 

1. Get away with nothing.  If self-employed, you are free from estimated tax payments if what you owe, after subtracting exemptions, deductions, and credits is less than $1,000.

2. A safe harbor during the economic storm. If you choose to pay the same amount as your total tax bill last year, simply pay the same amount on June 15, 2009 as you did June 15, 2008 OR 90% of what you will owe this year.  You can feel confident in what you pay and send your check without further calculation and time spent concerning yourself with the details.

3. Pay it or stay it?  We have had a rocky few months with the stock market.  What are your thoughts on where it will go next?  The IRS doesn’t pay interest on the money you give them now for taxes due later.  Extend those tax expenses and put the money to work for you instead.  Remember! You still owe the money so don’t take risks with it; just consider the tradeoff between what you could earn on it in a safe investment.

4. Credit have you tied up?  The government penalty on underpaid estimated tax payments is down to 4%, the lowest rate we’ve seen in the last 10 years.  Paying down those credit cards, with rates as climbing into the twenties, will likely save you more than the penalty due from underpaid estimated tax payment.

5.  Organize for 2010.  Work with outright.com to keep track of your estimated tax payments; saving the details for next year’s taxes and freeing your time for your business. 

editorial

What Would You Celebrate?

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As a writer–what would you celebrate? An acceptance? Being published in a glossy mag on the stands at Borders? What do you think would make you feel like you had “made it”? For me, it was my first article at over a dollar a word. I got that paycheck and it was more than I had ever made for one article in my entire career. I almost didn’t want to cash it.

Almost.

I’m asking this because I’m curious, and because I wanted to point out that there are many milestones along the way on the journey as a professional writer. Your first credit. Your first compliment. The first time someone else asks you for advice. These things help mark your progress, and they feel really, really good. After a while, you start thinking about what else you would like to accomplish…setting goals boldly…hoping that you can achieve them.

And many times–you do.

I’m lucky because I have Joe to tell. He shares my excitement and my triumphs. We both “get it” because we are both in the writing game. It’s fun to celebrate with someone who knows how hard this career field is. So go ahead. Share your latest accomplishment. We’ll celebrate with you!