Cathy Bryant Interview & Giveaway, Part Two

Welcome back! Cathy's full of wit and wisdom, so I hope that you will enjoy the balance of the interview. I know I did!

Click here if you happened to miss Part One.

Don't forget, Cathy has offered a copy of Texas Roads for our giveaway. Details follow the interview.


Karen: What do you think are some of the key elements for writing success?

Cathy: I can only answer based on my own experience, but for me the biggie is my relationship with God. He gives the creative spark, the spiritual lessons, the characters, the storyline. He also sends opportunities and helpers that push me along the path.

I'd also add the importance of studying the craft of writing, either through books/articles, conferences, online classes, or all of the above. While I've picked up lots of helpful information in each of these places, for my personality type, my best teachers have been books and articles. And then of course, you can't neglect the act of writing itself. You can't be a writer if you don't write, and you'll never improve unless you keep at it. Finding other writers to partner with has made a huge impact on my writing as well.


Karen: Just for fun - here are some quick and random questions:
           
Favorite color?


Cathy: Okay, I'm a design nut, from landscaping to clothing to homes, so choosing just one is impossible for me. (Sort of like asking a bibliophile to name their favorite book...) I'd have to say that I'm most partial to blue.


Karen: Favorite place to visit?


Cathy: Anywhere in the Rocky Mountains, especially when the summer heat climbs to 100+ and decides to camp out for a month or two. Second on the list would be an uncrowded beach.


Karen: Hobbies?


Cathy: Reading, Bible study, gardening, home improvement, walking/hiking, canoeing, reality TV, movies (Love to analyze them for story structure - poor hubby!), scrapbooking, painting.


Karen: Chocolate or vanilla?

Cathy: Chocolate, of course! =)


Karen: Coffee or tea?

Cathy: I once could say "no" to both equally, but since I've started writing, coffee has become a necessity.

Karen: Favorite book about writing?


Cathy:I have lots of favorites, but the two (...sorry) that have been the most helpful to me are Goal, Motivation, and Conflict by Debra Dixon and Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass.


Karen: What's the next title in the Miller's Creek Series? Can you give us a sneak peek?

Cathy: Thanks for asking! Book Two in the series of novels is entitled A Path Less Traveled and will be out in the Fall of 2010. Dani, Steve, and Mama Beth are in this book, too, but only as minor characters (along with the old geezers and quirky residents of Miller's Creek). The heroine of the story is Steve's sister Trish, and the hero is Andy Tyler, Dani's hunky attorney friend in Texas Roads. 

Here's the back cover copy:

                                                                                                    
Trish James is tired of being rescued. When a spooked horse claims her husband's life, she's determined to blaze a path for herself and her traumatized son without outside help. But will that mean leaving the place etched on her heart?


Andy Tyler had to struggle for everything, and starting a new law practice in Miller's Creek, Texas, is no different. Though prepared for business challenges, he's not prepared for falling in love - especially with yet another woman who will probably abandon him for her career.


Will Andy and Trish be able to see past their limited human understanding to a path less traveled?

Karen: A Path Less Traveled sounds interesting! I think I may need to pick up a copy. :) What do you want your readers to come away with after reading your books?


Cathy: First and foremost, I hope readers glean God's goodness and grace from every page. I'd also like them to see the characters as good friends and Miller's Creek as vaguely familiar and a place they'd like to stay for a while. I hope the spiritual thread of the story resonates with them and helps them through this crazy journey we call life, and I also want them to enjoy the story.


Karen: How can readers contact and find more about you and your books?

Cathy: My website is www.CatBryant.com and my blog is www.WordVessel.blogspot.com.
I also frequently hang out on Facebook and Twitter.

Karen: Cathy, thank you for spending time with us and sharing your thoughts! You're an inspiration.

Cathy: Thanks again, Karen! I enjoyed the interview! =)

Texas Roads Giveaway Details

To Enter:

• Leave a comment to this post, include your email address like so: karenelange(at)gmail(dot)com. Entries without email address are not eligible.
• Receive an extra entry by becoming a follower, or by reminding me that you already follow.
• Receive a bonus entry by posting about this giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter. Please be sure and comment telling me so.
• Receive a bonus entry by posting about this giveaway on your blog. Please leave a link with your comment.
• This is only open to US residents. For those of you who follow outside the US, I apologize.
• Deadline to enter is midnight Eastern Standard Time, Saturday September 11, 2010. Winner will be announced Monday, and notified via email, and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Questions?

Thanks for joining Cathy and I for this interview! We are planning another special feature later this fall when A Path Less Traveled is released. Cathy has agreed to elaborate further on her publishing journey. For those of you just joining us today, Cathy started her own publishing house to publish her books. You can read a bit about it on Monday's post.


So, will you help us out and share your questions about it? What would you like to ask Cathy regarding her publishing venture? Stay tuned, we'll share the answers in the coming weeks. Thanks and blessings to you all!

Happy weekend,
Karen

Interview with Cathy Bryant

We have an exciting treat for Labor Day! Cathy Bryant, author of Texas Roads, shares her thoughts in the following interview. Join us for Part One today, and on Thursday for Part Two, won't you?

Giveaway!

Cathy has also graciously offered a copy of Texas Roads, Book One in the Miller's Creek Series, to one of my readers. See details below.





Karen: Thanks so much for joining us at Write Now!

Cathy: It's my pleasure, Karen! Thanks for the invite!

Karen: What inspired you to begin the Miller's Creek Series?

Cathy: I reached a point in my life where I had the opportunity and the motivation to test the writing waters. It was something I'd wanted to do for a long time. I see writing as an opportunity to share the gospel and encourage other Christians and I wanted to incorporate the spiritual lessons God entrusted me with into my writing.

When I was a young wife and mother, I longed to find a place to call home. But just about the time we'd start to put down roots in one place, God would yank us up and transplant us in yet another small Texas town. Though it was excruciatingly painful, God used this time in my life to teach me that no place on this earth will ever be home because I belong to Him. He's the only one that can fill that perfectly home-sized hole in each of our hearts. That became the spiritual lesson for Dani in the first book in the Miller's Creek novels, Texas Roads.

I've often heard it said that you should write what you know. Since I've lived in small-town Texas my entire life (and therefore have a pretty good grasp on what they are like - good and bad), the setting of a back roads Texas town was a given. I originally only had one novel in mind, but as I wrote the town of Miller's Creek in Texas Roads, and fell in love with it and its quirky residents, I knew I wasn't ready to "move on" to another place. So now, there will be at least three stories set in Miller's Creek.

Karen: I recently finished reading Texas Roads. I enjoyed getting to know the characters Dani, Mama Beth, and Steve. What did you draw from to create these characters?

Cathy: Thanks! So glad you enjoyed the characters! Dani came to me one day when I was working in my garden. A car drove by very slowly and the lady driving the car stared at me the entire time. (Made me feel like a zoo animal on exhibit.) Anyway, the incident left me a bit irked. As I examined my feelings, I wondered how a city girl, who'd never known the lack of privacy that sometimes accompanies life in a small town, would react.

Mama Beth is a mixture of wise women that I've known - my mom and grandmothers, a Sunday School teacher - women that I've looked up to and tried to emulate. I pray that one day I'll be as wise and wonderful as Mama Beth.

For Steve, I wanted a cowboy. I mean, how can you have a book about small town Texas and not have a cowboy? I wanted him to be a leader in the community, with a heart for God, but also gun-shy around women, especially city women. This set up an immediate conflict in the story, and helped address the issue of how we all make snap judgments about others.

Karen: Texas Roads is published by WordVessel Press. Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey?
                                                                                                                                                          Cathy: WordVessel Press is my own imprint. When I set off on my writing journey, I NEVER planned on going the self publishing route. In fact, it was so not an option, Texas Roads was being considered by two different traditional publishers when I felt God telling me to launch out and self publish the book. And as usual, when I feel led to do something I don't wanna do, I fought back. And also as usual, God won. *Sigh* When will I ever learn? =)                                                                                                                                       

Anyway, I did my research and learned that it's much more cost effective to start your own publishing company than it is to go with a subsidy publisher. I highly advise authors NOT to take the subsidy publishing route. Yes. it's a lot more work to start your own publishing company, but it's well worth the extra effort and you won't spend thousands of dollars you won't be able to recoup.

Karen: Are you a plotter or pantster?

Cathy: P.L.O.T.T.E.R. Big Time! =) I'm too big of a chicken to just sit down and start writing. I get soooo lost if I don't take the time to map out the story ahead of time. Even with mapping it out, the story sometimes takes a twist that I don't see coming, so I don't feel like it stifles the creative process at all. Who knows though? Maybe one of these days I'll try the pantster route just to see what happens! Hmmm...then again...maybe not!

Karen: What time of day do you consider to be the perfect time for writing? Why?

Cathy: For me, there's no perfect time to write. Every day comes with its own set of special challenges, so I try and fit writing in whenever I can. Sometimes that's early in the morning and sometimes it's late at night. Summer months are good for me because I'm not teaching, but there also seems to be a lot more travel that cuts into my writing time. But I have learned that I must have at least one day a week where I don't write at all. That one day off gives my imagination a much needed boost.

To be continued...:)

Texas Roads Giveaway Details

To Enter:

• Leave a comment to this post, include your email address like so: karenelange(at)gmail(dot)com. Entries without email address are not eligible.
• Receive an extra entry by becoming a follower, or by reminding me that you already follow.
• Receive a bonus entry by posting about this giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter. Please be sure and comment telling me so.
• Receive a bonus entry by posting about this giveaway on your blog. Please leave a link with your comment.
• This is only open to US residents. For those of you who follow outside the US, I apologize.
• Deadline to enter is midnight Eastern Standard Time, Saturday September 11, 2010. Winner will be announced Monday, and notified via email, and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Be sure and join us on Thursday for Part Two. If you like, in the meantime, stop by Cathy's blog. I'm sure she'd love to see you!

What are you reading this week?


Happy Labor Day!

Karen

Speaking of Cross Training

Thanks a bunch!

Thanks for all the great feedback on Monday's post on cross training for writing. My blogging gang always gets a good conversation going. If you didn't get in on things on Monday, feel free to leave a comment today telling us how you like to stretch your writing muscles.

While we're on the topic of cross training, Coffeehouse for Writers' workshops begin September 6, 2010. Offerings include Blogging for Profit or Pleasure, Creating Character, Writing for Children, Stress Management for Writers, Writing for Magazines, and Historical Fiction. For more details, visit their site.

Oh, and just in case you wanted to know, I'll be teaching a workshop for the Coffeehouse in October. It's called Back to Basics Boot Camp for Writers and will include a refresher on the mechanics of good writing. I'm excited about it; maybe I'll see you there. :)

Special Labor Day Celebration Week

Be sure and stop by next week for a special two part author interview and giveaway!

Have you taken any writing courses or workshops lately? Are there any areas of grammar that you could use a bit of a refresher? What are your plans for the holiday weekend?

Happy Labor Day!

Blessings,
Karen

Image credit: dubock http://www.sxc.hu/photo/960016

Cross Training

                                                                                  Essays and Exercise

I'm writing lesson plans for the teen online writing classes I teach. This new session will cover how to write the essay. Not a popular topic with teens perhaps, but a good skill to learn whether college bound or not.

How does this relate to exercise? Well you see, it's part of my cross-training plan for writing.

My students are encouraged, through lessons and assignments, to stretch their writing muscles by trying different types of writing. Exposure to and the practice of different types of writing, I believe, is one key to growing as a writer.

How does this factor into the lessons? For the essay session, in addition to the standard assignment, I'll include exercises that provide a twist on writing the "serious essay". I might have them take the lesson's topic and put a humorous spin on it by having them write a paragraph that includes tall tale-like details. Or, we might try a Hemingway six word story, using the topic as a guide. The goal is to make students think, make it fun, and then have them write to stretch or cross train those muscles. Learning to write well is essential for good communication, but students can learn and be stretched in interesting and non-traditional ways.

And the point is...?

How does this relate to our writing? It reminded me that we need to engage in cross training exercises periodically in order to stretch and grow as writers. How? By dabbling in a different genre, doing a writing prompt or free writing, attending a conference, taking a writing course, or just taking time to play with words.

Have you done any cross training with your writing lately? What ideas do you have to stretch those writing muscles?

Speaking of Essays

So now that I've got you considering this cross training thing, here's a potential assignment. The 9th Annual Funds for Writers Essay Contest is looking for submissions. This year's theme is When Writing Made a Difference. There are two entry options, one with a $5 entry fee, and one with no entry fee. Prizes range from $300 to $20, depending on the entry choice. Deadline is October 31, 2010.

I entered the contest a few years ago, and while I didn't win, it was great practice for polishing and submitting a piece. Plus I still have the essay, and plan on submitting it somewhere eventually.

Don't forget to share those cross training ideas with us. Happy writing!

Blessings,
Karen
Photo credit:  pawel 231 http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1272846

Distractions!

Many writers work at home. This seems like a big perk, you know, to be able to work in fuzzy slippers, with chocolate at your fingertips. But working at home is not without its distractions. They lurk in every corner (think dust bunnies) or hit you in other ways (a knock at the front door). Some distractions are understand- able, like family situations or emergencies. Others need to be dealt with.

I've had my share of distractions in recent months, from my Mom's extended illness and passing to other varied and interesting situations. The phone calls alone from these events would cause my days to evaporate, with nary a word typed on the computer.

I had to come to grips and realize that sometimes these things just happen and you need to go with the flow. But other times, not so much. Distractions try to poke their way in everywhere. Like for instance...

Okay, yes, I admit, I've fallen prey to the distraction of email and social media.  

Oh look, an email! 

Hey, someone commented on my Facebook page!

Like the latter falls into the emergency-must-respond-this-instant category. Okay, I suppose it could, if an agent or editor decided to contact me via FB. Emails? Well, those are more acceptable kinds of interruptions, you know, because they really could be from an editor. But usually the newest email is from your long lost second cousin's uncle's brother-in-law's mother, who wants to tell you that there is a billion dollar fund waiting to be transferred to your account. I suppose it could happen, but it probably isn't worth interrupting the writing time over it.

So enough time has been spent, I'm thinking, stressing over distractions. I decided to make a list of ways to deal with them. Some I've used off and on over the years; others I'm working to apply to my oft scattered and hectic days. The list might be a little randomly ordered, but see what you think:

1) Schedule the day.

I fare much better with even a rough schedule in place. Mornings, for example, might include exercise, devotions, appointments, laundry, phone calls and catching up on blogs or emails. Afternoons are dedicated to writing time. Easier now with the miscellaneous items out of the way and not clamoring for attention.

2) Monitor phone calls.

Some think that because you work at home you are available 24/7. Inform friends and relatives that you have a writing schedule, and you are not available between certain hours. Turn the ringer off, the machine or voice mail on, or at the very least screen calls.


3) Set daily goals.

Big or small, it helps to feel productive by checking things off a list. Even if I know a day is going to be crazy, I set small goals, like catching up on visiting blogs, sending emails, writing three paragraphs, or paying a few bills. Measure the day by the absolute necessary items on the to-do list in balance with the rest of your life.

4) Allow reasonable breaks.

It helps to know a break is in sight. Get up, stretch, grab some chocolate and a beverage, and then head back to the computer for serious writing.

5) Fill the jar with the big rocks first.

You've probably heard the story about the professor telling his students to look at life like filling a jar. The big rocks need to go in first, for if the jar is filled with all the smaller rocks first, it is likely that there will be no room for the big rocks, or the important stuff, in life. Attack that WIP, article, or guest blog post first before all the little time grabbers of the day come and steal the hours.

I've found this theory to be true, like when I've spent time skipping about the internet, visiting blogs or doing peripheral searches, only to find an hour or two has expired and now I need to race to meet an article deadline. The blog visiting and searches may be important, but maybe they need to be revised or done more efficiently after the big rocks have been plunked carefully into the jar.

6) Take advantage of little pockets of time.

I take a notebook and pen everywhere. Not only am I ready, then, when an idea hits, I also have the tools to use while waiting at an appointment, or when meeting someone, or when other unexpected bits of time are available.  I also try and avail myself to random time pockets - dinner preparations are complete, but I'm  waiting for the roast to be done - I grab a few minutes to start a blog post or an article, or research a character for the WIP.

7) Get organized.

I am usually a neat and organized person, but you wouldn't always know that by looking at my desk. Scattered projects and files, bills to be paid, items waiting to be reviewed, books about writing - my desk often whines about all the hats I wear. The solution? I budget time to get organized. I haven't perfected a system I like yet, but am getting there. When I've taken the time to neaten my desk I feel like I've got my head together and can breathe easier.

So...

Okay, so in a perfect world these suggestions are nearly foolproof. My  theory is to use these as guidelines to preserve sanity and get stuff done. I add a liberal helping of balance and flexibility, and of course, trust for divine wisdom, and go from there. Not everyone's situation is the same, but maybe one of these ideas will strike a chord and lend you a hand.

How do you fend off distractions? What challenges do you face and what solutions have you used? Please share, your input is greatly valued!

Happy weekend and happy writing with no distractions! :)

Blessings,
Karen

Writing Commandments?

Are there specific commandments for writing? Raymond Obstfeld thinks so, and has outlined them in this article in Writer's Digest, the Ten Commandments of Fiction Writing.

What about writers of other genres? Obstfeld's commandments, I think, apply to writers of non-fiction as well. He encourages writers to take themselves seriously, act like a professional, read a lot, and love the process. This is savvy advice for any writer, don't you think?

What are your writing commandments? What key elements must be in place for productivity and success? And while we're on the topic, how do you define writing success?

Yay for Followers

Welcome to my new followers! The numbers are creeping up there, and before you know it, we'll need to have a 150 followers giveaway. To followers old and new, if you have a blog, I like to reciprocate and follow, but occasionally I cannot locate the link. So if I've not signed up to follow yours, leave a comment with the blog address and I'll see what I can do. Thanks so much for your support!

Happy writing:)

Blessings for the week,
Karen
 
Image credit Stock.xchng - Thingvellir Plain, Iceland, GretheB

Fiction Contest & Stuff

Got Fiction?

Writer's Digest Popular Fiction Awards contest is looking for submissions. Grand Prize winner receives a trip to the Writer's Digest Writing Conference in NYC, $2500 in cash, and some other WD goodies. Deadline is November 1, 2010. For details, click here.

This and That

Ran across these links the other day.

Info on the new FTC guidelines

Blog tips and profits from Yaro Starak 

Here's a short review on a writing book. Hmm, the reviewer's name sounds familiar...
Coffeehouse for Writers' Blog

Unplugging

Am hoping to finish lesson plans for my teen online writing course, so I am unplugging for the rest of the week.

What exciting things are you doing this week? :)

See you soon!
Happy writing,
Karen

 
Image credit: stock exchange draven77

Writing Resources

I often get questions about how to get into freelance or other writing, so thought I'd share some of my favorite writing resources. There are so many great sites, blogs, newsletters, classes, and other treasures available for all genres.

Here's a small sampling.

Funds for Writers is the brainchild of Hope Clark, and features newsletters, books, markets, contests, and grants for writers. FFW has been voted as one of Writer's Digest 101 Best Web Sites for Writers since 2001.

Writing for Dollars  is another stop chock full of articles, markets, books, a newsletter, and even a daily cartoon.

Long Ridge Writer's Group offers courses for writers, articles, chat rooms, forums, and helpful links.

LRWG is the sister school of The Institute of Children's Literature, where I took several courses (which were excellent, btw). ICL's site also has great links, chat rooms, markets, a bookstore, contests, and more.

Writing, Etc., where Beth Ann Erickson is in charge, has articles, e-courses, books, advice, and a newsletter.

Writer's Digest not only has a great magazine, their website boasts articles, tips and info, courses, and a weekly newsletter.

Coffeehouse for Writers offers t-shirts, mugs, and other gifts for writers, as well as online courses, critique groups, newsletters, links, and a blog.

This list barely scratches the surface of the resources at our fingertips, but perhaps a link or two will inspire or help on your writing journey. You know me, I'll share more links in the future. :)

What are some of your favorite writing resources or tips? What advice would you give to someone just jumping into this writing life?

Have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings,
Karen

Award Time

On Friday, Tyrean of Tyrean's Writing Spot presented me with the Blessed Blog Award. Thank you, Tyrean! I am blessed and honored by your kindness. 

                           

I am passing this award to Susan J. Reinhardt of Christian Writer/Reader Connection. Not only has Susan's blog been a blessing, but her friendship and support are gifts I am thankful for.                                                                      

Several months ago, Tyrean gave me two others, the Blogger Buddy Award and It's Like We're Soulmates award. Many thanks, Tyrean, for being a faithful follower and blogging friend. If you have a minute, hop over and visit Tyrean's blog; she is featuring a 365 Days of Blessings series. Quite inspiring, and a wonderful daily reminder of all things thankful.

Lydia Kang of The Word is My Oyster, and Rhonda Schrock of The Natives are Getting Restless blessed me with The Versatile Blogger award. Thank you, Lydia, and thank you, Rhonda! I appreciate your thoughtfulness, and I'm glad we've met through this amazing world of blogging. Lydia's blog is dedicated to the craft of writing and always has a grand assortment of topics and discussions. Rhonda's blog is another stop full of goodies and humor about writing and life.                                            

Lynn at Place to Create bestowed the Rose Award to Write Now a while back. Forgive the delay in sharing this Lynn, but please know it is gratefully accepted and appreciated! Lynn's blog shares about her writing journey and other treasures in Alberta, Canada.

The Write On award was presented to me by Lindsey Edwards of The Write Words. Thank you, Lindsey, your kindness is a blessing. Lindsey's blog is another treasure full of links, book reviews, and writing support.  

I have many blogs from which to choose to pass The Rose Award, The Versatile Blogger, and The Write On awards. But I cannot! My list of favorites is longer than my arm, so please, faithful followers, feel free to choose one of the three as my appreciation for your blog. Congrats to you! :)

Finally, Stephen Tremp of Breakthrough Blogs surprised me with the Awesomous Maximus Award. Stephen, thanks so much for your vote of confidence. It is greatly appreciated! Breakthrough Blogs documents Stephen's journey to publication, along with other essentials for the writing life.

What blogs have you found to be award worthy?

Have a happy writing week!

Blessings,

Karen

Guest Blogger - Jennifer Brown Banks

I am pleased to welcome Jennifer Brown Banks - Veteran freelance writer, Columnist, and Pro Blogger to Write Now. Jennifer's articles and blog have been a great source of info and encouragement to me, and I was thrilled when she agreed to do a guest post. 

 

Five Blogging Truths That Will Set You Free!

by Jennifer Brown Banks                          

If you want to go the distance in your blogging efforts, it's important to know about the periodic mental detours and obstacles you will encounter on the path to success. The more you know, the farther you'll go.

Like a compass, knowledge helps to navigate your direction. Although there's an abundance of information online for today's blogger, not everything you'll read is helpful or useful. Proceed with caution.

Today we'll separate the fact from fiction to save you trial and error (and some sanity) along the way.      

1. Fact - It's harder than it appears. Whether you blog to make a living or to make a difference, blog recreationally or professionally, it takes real work to do it well. Because blogging is typically briefer and less formal in nature than other genres of writing, some folks have the misconception that it's a lot easier. Not so. Not always. Consider the various steps involved. First you conceptualize the post. Then you write it up. Then you review and revise it. Then you search for and publish an accompanying image. Then you post it. Then you respond to comments from fans and followers. It certainly has its rewards, but it also requires a sizable investment on your part as well. For this very reason you should choose a topic you're passionate about.

2. Fiction - You can get rich. Forget the ads that promise a six-figure income. Of course, in America anything is possible. But it's not likely. Blogging is a nice way to earn a little extra cash, share ideas, and increase your online exposure, but don't quit your day job. Expect to earn anywhere from $2.00 to $50.00 per post, and maybe a couple of hundreds in affiliate ads and other monetization methods.

3. Fiction - All bloggers are writers. Don't believe the hype. I hate to sound like a literary snob here, but blogging does not necessarily require the same skills, analytical ability, or mastery as professional writing. Though I do believe that blogging can make you a better writer. :)

4. Fact - Your fans become your friends. Don't be surprised if in the process of cultivating your community, you come to think of your blog followers as buddies. It can come with the territory. Even when I'm not responding to their various comments, I find myself visiting some of their sites to see what they're up to, or emailing them to periodically say "Happy Birthday" or "Congrats" as the situation dictates. And you might too.

5. Fiction - Blogging doesn't have rules or boundaries. Though it's certainly true that perhaps the coolest thing about blogging is that it has fewer rules of protocol and stylistic dictates than essays and articles, there are definite dos and don'ts to your vent sessions. Stories abound about blogging and social media and folks losing their jobs for "letting it all hang out" regarding professional gripes and corporate dirty laundry. Don't be one of the casualties. To quote a popular expression, "Loose lips sink ships."

Now that you know what to accept and what to reject, I'm wishing you God's speed and all the best on your journey. :-)

Jennifer Brown Banks

Great advice! Thank you for sharing with us, Jennifer. For more good info, be sure and stop by Jennifer's blog, Pen and Prosper, and also Coffeehouse for Writers, where she serves as Managing Editor. I'm sure she would be glad to see you.

So what do you think? What kind of experience have you had with Jennifer's points? Anyone out there making a six figure income from blogging? (If so, it is your turn to buy us all smoothies!) Please share; I'd love to get a good conversation going.

Happy writing, and happy weekend!

Blessings,

Karen

Five Blogging Truths That Will Set You Free! content copyright Jennifer Brown Banks, 2010.