Tuesday, August 25, 2009

I Sure Hope There Will Be a "Harry Potter Expanded Universe"

Have you ever thought about Harry Potter and Star Wars in the same manner?You should, because I have come to the conclusion that they are one in the same.When broken down, it's easy to compare them to one another.So I have written this article to do just that.

Harry Potter consists of basically the same elements of brilliance as Star Wars.These two sagas tell the story about a boy that is searching to be something more than what he is.He can feel the truth and the answers in the air, waiting to find him.He discovers there is much more than could ever be imagined when the truth is revealed.Both characters are being threatened by the dark side of magic/the force.Each has an equally nightmarish evil figure, Darth Vader and Lord Voldemort.Each of these stories is teaching the same underlying meaning: many things in life are difficult, and to do the right thing is not always easy.There are many shortcuts that lead to "The Dark Side," for lack of a better term, and you must stay the course to be complete as a "good" person.

The stories are intriguing and intricate enough to appeal to both children and adults alike.Other worlds, civilizations, and time lines were created in the manifestation of these stories.

When George Lucas was ready to let the rights go to other authors, he kept a chronological order of things past present and future.Other authors would then need to have their ideas and stories approved through him, to ensure the time line was being kept in sync.The Star Wars Expanded Universe, as it's referred too, is a limitless play land for authors and movie makers. For example, A.C. Crispin wrote a Han Solo Trilogy, where in you read about Han's short Imperial soldier/pilot career, how he met Chewie and Lando, and how he received the scar under his chin just to name a few.

The Harry Potter stories also bring that same unlimited potential to the table.Obviously, it is nowhere near as old as Star Wars, and J.K. Rowling has just finished telling the tale.So I doubt she will part with the rights until the movies are over.The personalities that are written into Harry Potter are so diverse, you like and are intrigued by them.The writing is so pristine, when you read the books, you feel as though you know the people in the story.With that being said, of course, I think people would want to write and read, "The Voldemort Chronicles," telling detailed stories in pieces of Tom Riddle's decent into darkness.J.K. Rowling does touch on history and past events in the books, but this could be taken so much farther if given the chance.Dumbledore, Snape, The Black Family, any of it would work for a writer and people would read it.

Maybe it's a simple comparison that everyone sees, maybe it's not.All I can say is, I hope that Mr.Lucas does three more movies, or hands it off to another director.I feel the same way about Harry Potter, I would Love to see a series' of stories about other characters history and adventures.What do you think?Would you read a book, or watch a movie, about your favorite Harry Potter character?They are dissecting X-Men, which they should.Why can't we use the Harry Potter world to do the same?

I am a freelance writer looking to establish a name for myself in this bright big new world. Specializing in creative/article writing, rewriting, web research, web content, and short stories.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Should You Update Your Website Copy?

We all know the old adage "If it's not broken, don't fix it"-but there are plenty of website owners who don't heed that sage advice. As a freelance copywriter, I regularly have clients who contact me asking to rewrite web content that's only been up for a few weeks or months. When I ask them their reason for wanting to update it, the answers run the gamut:

"We were #7 in the Google search results last month, and now we're #15."

"I'm just tired of looking at it."

"It's been up there for six months. Seems like it should we should mix it up a bit."

The reality is that none of these reasons is necessarily grounds for a web copy overhaul. A short plunge in organic search rankings may not have a noticeable impact on leads or conversions. And by making a change to achieve one goal (seeing your business' name "up in lights" in Google's Top 5) you may end up sacrificing some other key initiatives. Plus, with the well-known fickleness of search engines, Google and Yahoo may end up having less of an appetite for your new website copy as they did for the old version. And remember: just because you're tired of your web content doesn't mean your customers are.

Instead of gutting and replacing content that's still earning its real estate, why not have a professional freelance writer create some keyword-rich web articles for publication in online directories? A cost-effective Google AdWords campaign can also help give your web presence-and your conversions-a boost.

Of course, there are instances when a web copy update is warranted:

  • Your conversions have taken a hit. If a lower percentage of your visitors are converting into customers, it may indeed be high time for a content refresh. But before you assume your website copy is the culprit, consider any other recent changes that may have impacted your users' experience.
  • Your offerings have changed. If you've added or removed products or services, your web content should certainly reflect the change in your business' direction.
  • In light of new market developments impacting your industry, new keywords have recently been popping up in your analysis reports, and you want to incorporate them into your web copy.

Whatever you decide, be sure to test as much as possible. Copy updates shouldn't be an "all or nothing" endeavor. Tweak a little here, sneak in a Google AdWords campaign there, and test the heck out of it. Just be sure to keep a version of the old copy so you can revert back if it doesn't work out as you'd hoped. And if writing isn't your forte, enlist the services of a trained freelance writer to give your content a professional touch.

Melissa Rudy is a full-time freelance copywriter with Words by Melissa in Cincinnati, Ohio. Melissa provides a wide range of businesses with web page content, articles, product descriptions, brochures, postcards, press releases, and other marketing collateral for web and print. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature with a minor in Journalism. Prior to launching her freelance writing business, Melissa spent 5 years as an E-Commerce Content Manager and 3 years as a Technical Writer for a software company

Website: http://www.wordsbymelissa.com
Email: melissa@wordsbymelissa.com

Manipulate Anyone With Revolutionary Form Of Hypnosis

Imagine if you could manipulate anyone you meet through the power of conversation. How different would your life be? Conversational hypnosis is a revolutionary form of mind control which allows users to place anyone under a spell, and get them to do exactly as you want, when you want. This may seem like a scam from the outset, but I assure you it is a legitimate form of mind control, only practiced properly by a select few.

How Does It Work?

All of us have experienced some form of mind control at various points in our life. Politicians, salesman and advertising companies are well aware of this phenomenon and use it to their advantage wherever possible. Did you ever wonder why you had a sudden urge to buy that Ab Cruncher at 3am? You hate exercise and have a bad back - but for some reason you could not resist the sound of that voice. The human language is full of inflections, tones and emotional triggers which can all induce a trance when used effectively. Once someone is place under a trance, it becomes relatively simple to command them, manipulate them, and get them to do exactly as you wish.

Where Do I learn It?

It used to be very difficult to find teacher of conversational hypnosis. Recent developments in online courses have produced some fantastic results. There are most certainly some things to watch out for - as like anything on the internet - there are scams to be aware of.

Firstly always seek a course designed by a real life practicing hypnotist who comes with some form of qualification and reputation. Secondly always seek testimonials from people who have used the course and are succeeding - be aware of unrealistic scenarios- many people fake testimonials online. Finally one of the most crucial things to seek in a hypnosis course is that it is delivered in audio format as well as written. Believe it or not there is no better way to learn conversational hypnosis than via cd.

What Results Can I Expect?

If you truly master conversational hypnosis you will be able to gain control the minds of almost anyone you meet. You will be able to manipulate people in reason - you will not be able to force them to do things that are harmful or against their morals. You will however be able to easily convince them to things which seem plausible. This could be a promotion or raise from your boss. It could be finally getting the girl or guy of your dreams. It could be influencing your bank manager to lend you another $100,000 for your home loan. These decisions will be for you to make once you can manipulate anyone who crosses your path with the power of conversational hypnosis.

Want to learn more about The Power Of Conversational Hypnosis a revolutionary conversational hypnosis course which shows you how to manipulate anyone, skyrocket your income and get the girl or guy of your dreams? Please Visit: http://learnhypnosisreview.com/Power_Conversational_Hypnosis.html

Finding Something You Don

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Truth in Ancient Teachings

Eckhart Tolle is a gifted spiritual teacher. In the opening chapter of his book, A New World, he identifies two common themes shared by mankind's greatest religions and spiritual teachings. The first is the idea than our normal awareness is flawed. In our normal state we are missing the mark, or missing the point of reality. Given our history of war and violence, it is hard to argue with this first theme. We seem to be always on our way somewhere, often unhappy with someone or something over perceived wrongs. So much of our lives are spent looking for the next person or event to make us happy. Seldom do we find what we are looking for and when we do it seldom lasts.

The flaws in our normal awareness are not hard to see. It is not to say we do not have our moments of great joy. It is the point that joy seldom lasts. I love Tolle's example of the unhappy guy who wins the lottery and lives the same unhappy life in more luxurious surroundings. Spiritual wisdom teaches that true joy comes from within.

Eckhart Tolle says that the world's great religions share two common themes. What then is the second? The second is the possibility of transformation. Redemption, salvation, awakening, or enlightenment - all refer to one core idea. The idea that man has the capacity to change his normal state of awareness and to wake up. Waking up is the clear goal of most spiritual seekers and the hidden goal of most of us who just want to be happy.

Paths to truth are varied, but there is likely only one absolute truth about our reality. Tolle believes he found it through unbearable pain. Others have found it though near-death experiences. My humble suggestion is not to wait for intense pain or a brush with death. If you agree our normal state leaves something to be desired, look for a way to wake up.

In the end we are together. If a path teaches you to blame or find causes of suffering outside yourself, avoid it. Change the world by changing your own mind.

Spiritual awakening is within anyone's grasp. Visit my website http://www.beapasserby.com where we uncover the insights of the world's greatest spiritual teachers and healers.

Backup Plans Feel Good

Saturday, August 15, 2009

The Importance of Goal Setting

The whole point of setting a goal is to help you bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. If you set goals and work toward them diligently, you can have all the things you want. People who set and achieve their goals are people whove decided what they want, committed themselves to going after it, and havent let anything stand in their way short of violating the rights of others.

A proper goal gives you all the incentive you need to grow in your awareness of being a perfect expression of an Infinite power, designed for excellence and abundance. As you become more welcoming and aware of your relationship with God, and of all the potential thats been built into you, youll function more effectively in harmony with the laws of the universe. Living in synch with all of this will yield results youve never dreamed possible.

They say that awareness is curative. It gives deep meaning to life because it spells the end of your robotic existence no more walking in the deep ruts formed by your harmful programming and counterproductive thought life. These old ways of thinking arent ways youve chosen they were planted in your heart when you were young by your parents, teachers, and religious leaders. While some of these programs serve you well, many of them are harmful and ready to be replaced. The old way of living has kept you from a truly abundant life.

But, in order to truly change, your old habits have to be replaced with new, healthy practices. Having a solid goal in place serves as a constant help as you do this. In fact, without a specific goal, youre unlikely to ever make a significant change in your life. While youre on your way toward achieving your goals, you learn to choose which thoughts youll allow into your mind. Youll see the connection between these thoughts, the feelings and attitudes they produce, and ultimately the results they yield. Its not something someone else can do for you.

Ever notice how your life never really stays the same? Youre either improving it or damaging it your actions arent neutral. As a spiritual being, your spirit constantly seeks expansion and greater expression. When this deep desire is thwarted, you experience a feeling of dissatisfaction. That feeling is unpleasant enough to serve as a good motivator. We hate feeling unfulfilled, and work diligently to escape such an unpleasant feeling. Well do pretty much anything to satisfy this need.

This need for fulfillment goes way beyond just things and money although they are important. They give you comfort and opportunity. It goes beyond happy feelings or a sense of peace although theyre important, too. Our drive for complete fulfillment includes these things, but goes so much further its a deep desire for a big purpose, something that catapults you into creativity, into meaningful and effective service.

Great you were created to pursue worthy goals. How do you set them? How do you go after them? What can you do to make sure you achieve these grand goals?

Half the battle with goal-setting is determining exactly what it is that you want. Sounds easy enough you answer that question just fine at a restaurant, on your birthday, when you get your hair cut. But when it comes to the big what do you want question, minds go blank. We dont know whats okay to ask for. Whats too much? Am I overreaching? How am I going to feel if I ask for something thats beyond possibility?

Wow, such bad programming we pick up! Ask any little kid what they want to be when they grow up and youll hear answers like: the President, an astronaut, a gazillionaire, a cat, a rock star. Nothing seems impossible; nothing seems like itll come back to haunt you if it doesnt work out.

Deciding what you want is risky. Telling someone else can feel uncomfortable. You might feel like youve got to preface it with something like, Please dont tell anyone Can you keep a secret I know it sounds crazy, but But you know what? People who set and achieve awesome goals are risk takers theyve learned to be. They know that theyve got the privilege and duty to design their own lives, make their own decisions. They dare to dream, and dream big. The power is in going after what you want, not in going after what you need.

Think you dont have what it takes to meet your goals? Then heres some great news youve already got everything that could ever be necessary to produce amazing results in your life. Youve got access to all you need whether you see it right now or not. So, dont worry about that as you choose goals. Assume you have every resource you need, right at your fingertips because you do.

Andrew Cocks and Terry Zambri are Certified Life Success Consultants, Network Marketing and Internet Marketing Coaches. Their exclusive 3 step marketing system, combined with their unique home based business training program is creating massive success for their team. Visit: http://www.AndrewAndTerry.com/incomeaccelerationsecrets.html to learn how you can be coached by them for FREE.

Copyright, MMVVII- AndrewAndTerry.com. All rights Reserved

Habits To Prevent Losing Things

Friday, August 14, 2009

Mental Fitness - Social Stress - Contributory Factors

In relation to mental health, it was estimated ten years ago in our country, that one in six people in the community suffered from anxiety, depression and other symptoms. Now in 2008 the proportion has risen to one in four.

Statistics also tell us that one in four will get cancer, one in four will suffer heart disease, and another one in four will suffer from kidney disease, leaving a small quarter of the population to contract and die from other complaints!

Faced with this, it is difficult for us to have an attitude other than that of real concern. We are all affected by a social climate where such information increases our disease awareness and strengthens the evidence that we are living in a very unhappy society under stress.

We would all like to avoid suffering. But it is the increase of mental diseases that causes us real pessimism about our own chances to avoid not only physical disease but the possibility that we may need psychotherapy and treatment for mental disorders.

We are wise to be cautious about this relatively uncharted field of healing. Although earlier, primitive methods have been replaced by chemical drugs, but this method that produces side effects, incurs the additional risk of addiction.

Through the press we hear of many serious health concerns in the community including the general lack of mental fitness. Our anxiety is intensified by hearing of all the disasters, violence and unnatural crimes committed in environments that are suffering mental pollution.

Our young people have an unfortunate example before them, of their potential future if they live expecting to suffer the same with a final loss of dignity should they lose their mental faculties or suffer mental disease in their last years.

There is a need to focus upon building health naturally. We need to eradicate the poisonous ingredients and pollutants in the environment. We need also to re-constitute our ideas and principles of our culture to exemplify a civilized way of life, else all of us are likely to be deprived of any joyful anticipation of a future as a happy, healthy and stress-free society where mental fitness is the norm.

Sally Janssen is an writer and educator who from an early age trained in Raja Yoga--that branch of the ancient science that deals with the mind and its complexities. She subsequently gained an international reputation for her skills and her wisdom in the training of the mind.

In her wonderfully readable book entitled Mental Fitness: The Complete Self-help Guide she presents simple, self-help practices that help to generate and maintain mental fitness just as the natural principles for physical fitness can be personally applied by us all.. The book may be found here: http://www.mentalhealthandfitness.com This is a must-read book for us all. You can also visit her blog at http://www.mentalhealthandfitness.com/blog

Spending 15 Minutes Each Day

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Law of Attraction - A First Stage of Awakening

Using the Law of Attraction is a process of raising our consciousness. Most people tend to stay stuck at the victim stage--blaming others, parents, the government or something for the way their life sucks. Since we have been programmed since forever with this attitude, our beliefs are such that this is the way life is, and there's nothing to be done about it. Actually there is, but it takes work and many are not willing to do the work necessary to get out of the victim stage. They would rather stay with the misery that is familiar than to seek unknown success.

The work involved in raising our consciousness above the level of victim is all about accepting responsibility for our own thoughts. It takes great effort and determination to stand guard over our thoughts and change the negative ones or just decide to think only positive thoughts.

Now I know you think that positive thinking doesn't always work. You're right! Positive thinking alone does not make the law of attraction work properly, but it is the foundation upon which it is built.

We can choose to think any thought we want. When we realize that our thoughts are energy and have power to create more of what we're thinking about, we begin to see the value of eliminating the criticism of others, the complaining that life isn't the way we want, and the negative thoughts we have about what is going on in our lives. This only happens when we decide to accept responsibility for everything that happens to us.

It takes awhile to accept total responsibility, but as we remember that what we said or did or thought is what caused such and such to happen, we will begin to believe it. A victim will argue with this thought, that there is no way one could cause the experience taking place. THAT is the thought that must be transformed. Just realize that this is the way the Universe was set up, it's a universal law that our thoughts create our reality. The only way out, is to believe that and accept total responsibility for your thoughts.

Just open your mind to that possibility--that your thoughts create your reality. In the beginning you won't remember it very often, but determination and believing that it is true will bring it to your conscious mind more often and you will slowly begin raising your consciousness. Sure, you'll forget often, we all do, but when things aren't going well, and you aren't feeling great, realize that you've forgotten that your thoughts are creating what is going on in your life.

Raising the level of the energy of your thoughts takes forgiveness for having thought that way, and forgiving yourself for forgetting and loving yourself despite your mistake. Love, appreciation and gratitude have very high frequency energy levels, and science has proven that an energy of low frequency bombarded by one of higher frequency will raise the lower one.

If you are interested in the process of the Law of Attraction, then you are raising yourself out of this first stage of awakening. You no longer want to be a victim of circumstances. You don't want to be tossed by the winds of fate. You want to be more in control of your life, and that is very possible. This is knowing the principles of the Law of Attraction. To learn more, you can download a free ebook, 10 Critical Mistakes Using the Law of Attraction and How to Correct Them.

Mareen Robinson, published author, columnist and teacher of the Law of Attraction, offers tips, techniques on learning how to use the Law of Attraction. Visit Mareen at her website: http://yourmagicwanda.com

Helpful Habit Planning Tips

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

The Burning Desire to Succeed

You wish with your eyes but want with your heart. Desire is fulfilled with the heart.

It is the constant longing for achievement, the little voice inside that encourages you to fulfill your dreams.

It takes strength and intensity, backed with powerful, positive emotions and faith to accomplish your goals.

A passion so deep that it drives you to achieve your objectives no matter what obstacles you must overcome in order to succeed.

You will get what you want if you have a burning, intense passion to accomplish your goals and you take action to make your dreams a reality.

Everyone has the ability to get what they want. It is natural for the forces around you to give you what you want when you ask for it. Therefore, it is important to think positively about what you desire to achieve.

Anthony Robbins, World Renowned Expert on Motivational Thinking, said it best...

'By repeating an affirmation over and over again, it becomes embedded in the subconscious mind, and eventually becomes your reality. That is why you need to be careful what you think and believe, because that is exactly what you will get!'

Positive thoughts bring positive results.

As you look for ways to accomplish your dream, look to accept what experiences come your way and be grateful for them. Accept them with thanks and gratitude, and focus on having more of what you desire.

Isn't it interesting how happy people always seem to get what they want? I believe it is because they use what 'God' has given them, are truly thankful for it, and strive for more of it.

If you are unhappy about everything in your life then your experiences will be unhappy. Your negative attitude shouts, 'Forget it! Who needs this?'

Not the attitude that will make your dream a reality.

Have you ever heard someone say, 'Man, a black cloud follows me everywhere I go. If something bad is going to happen it'll happen to me'? And sure enough, that person continually pulls along with them that little black cloud. Surrounding themselves with all the wrong forces and creating a life of misery.

I prefer this positive definition of desire, 'The natural longing that is excited by the enjoyment or the thought of any good, and impels to action or effort its continuance or possession; an eager wish to obtain or enjoy.'

GO FOR YOUR DREAM with the intense hunger and passion to achieve success!

Many famous people have survived serious illness through their intense will to live and enjoy every moment of living. Adversity can be overcome through the power of a strong, intense desire.

Even those whose destiny is not life, they survive every moment with a burning passion to live.

What a positive way to overcome the obstacles by replacing negative thinking with positive thinking; enjoying and living your life to the fullest every day.

You can conquer anything you want when the desire to achieve it is filled with passion, a hunger so deep that nothing can stop you from accomplishing your dream. Take the time to write down your goals, visualize your success, and never wane from accomplishing your objective. The passion in your soul that never sleeps will open your mind to achieve what you believe in.

Failure is not an option... merely steps toward your achievement! You can, and will, achieve your dream successfully.

Want to learn more about the positive personal power techniques that will help YOU achieve your goals? Claim your FREE copy of The Habits of Achievement today and watch your passion to achieve your dreams power up to succeed.

Helpful Habit Planning Tips

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Make Steady Money As a Travel Writer by Jack Adler

How to Find Your Niche as a Travel Writer

Jack Adler, professional travel writer and columnist has now published key secrets as a travel writer in the book "Make Steady Money as a Travel Writer." The book is packed with suggestion for articles, marketing tips, and key steps on improving your writing skills or putting a new edge of excitement in your articles.

Adler talks about the changing world of travel writing. He shows the reader how to discover marketable topics, with suggestion for hundreds of themes. He discusses marketing, the value of entering contests, as well as how to organize travel writing as a business and important IRS issues.

There are dozens of sample articles included from the Los Angeles Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Chicago Sun Times, and several popular magazines. These samples demonstrate how to organize an article and how to develop your own personal writing style.

I personally found the chapters on initiating a travel column practical and motivating. The tips on setting up and conducting an interview were also helpful to me. Another special interest was the additional insight I received on queries and how to determine a special niche within the vast possibilities of travel writing.

A comprehensive resource list includes: Tourist offices, trade and travel associations, government service agencies, and a listing of other valuable websites for further exploration and research. A travel terminology glossary and an editorial glossary are extras that add to the importance of the book as a resource guide for future repeated reference.

Jack Adler writes with authority and clarity. "Make Steady Money as a Travel Writer" is a must for every travel writer's library.

Robert D. Reed Publishers, 978-1934759226

As Reviewed for Midwest Book Review

Richard R. Blake, Christian Education Consultant, Book Store Owner

Monday, August 10, 2009

2 Important Article Distribution Tips

Article distribution is an effective link building and traffic strategy for website owners. It differs from article marketing in a couple of key ways, though. Understanding these differences and capitalizing on them is how you can use distribution of your articles to maximize the amount of traffic your site gets. Here's what you need to know.

Longer Articles Are Better

For the most part, article marketing involves relatively short articles with a tight focus. 250-500 words is the typical range. Good articles used for this purpose will provide solid information, but won't go into much depth about any particulars. This is saved for the page being linked to at the end of the article.

With article distribution, on the other hand, the articles should be longer and more in-depth. 600-1200 words is the typical range for distributed articles. To be clear, these articles can be shorter, but there's a very good reason to write them longer. Namely, the odds of distributed articles being picked up and published by ezine and site owners are better with longer articles.

There are competing theories about why this is so, but the fact that it is true is not in doubt. Longer is better when engaging the services of a distribution service.

Beware Too Many Links Too Fast

Here's a word of caution about having articles distributed: slow and steady wins the race. Specifically, beware the possibility that Google will flag your site if it's new for getting too many inbound links too quickly. This is debated among so-called SEO experts, so take the warning with a grain of salt, but it is worth considering. Better to err on the side of caution.

There are services out there that will allow you to distribute as many articles as you can write. If they're good and about popular topics, there's the real possibility that hundreds or even thousands of sites and ezines will pick each of your articles up and publish them.

Obviously, this can be a tremendously valuable thing for your business! It just might be a better long-term strategy to start slowly and build up to that level, so that Google won't have reason to believe you're doing anything artificial to build incoming links too quickly. Again, this is heavily debated, but it's worth considering.

If you decide to give article distribution a shot, a couple of the more noteworthy services are ISnare and Article Marketers. Both charge fees, but they are very reasonable.

Are you looking for ways to bring in more free traffic to your website? Pick up a copy of John's tips on article writing and learn how to create articles that become traffic magnets.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Be a Successful Freelance Writer

These days, anybody can be a writer. With the amount of freelance writing jobs available over the Internet, you don't even have to set a foot out of your house to earn some extra cash. And if you're hardworking and skillful enough, you'll probably earn more than many day job workers.

Freelance writing jobs are not as daunting as they used to be. Offers can range from anything and everything under the sun. In fact, there are plenty of people looking out for writers right this very moment.

And if you hang around long enough, you'll learn how to avoid basic mistakes and spot golden opportunities. Here are some helpful tips to succeed in freelance writing.

Surf the Net and Be Observant.

You can start making money by typing freelance writing jobs on your favorite search engine. As impossible as it is to believe, that's how easy it is. Of course, most of the links will then lead you through blogs, forums and Web sites.

As mentioned earlier, topics to write about can range from anything and everything. It could be something as common as travel, or something as technical as manipulating graphics.

Stick to What You Know.

Aside from their obvious popularity, blog articles are also easier to write. They're less formal and use a more easygoing tone.

For a beginner, it's the best place to start your career as a freelance writer. If you're fond of cooking, you can look for a blog that focuses on that subject. If you're into marketing, there are hundreds of blogs out there which deal with your interest.

Accept Payments.

Payment transactions are usually done online. You'll need to set up an account at a credible online money transferring company or payment processor in order to receive your money.

Personally, all I earn from my freelance writing jobs are wired through Paypal. It's easily one of the most popular and credible companies out there. If your country is not included in Paypal's list, another good alternative would be 2Checkout.

Freelance writing jobs may seem easy-and they are-but they also require proper working habits. You might think that it's okay to slack off since you don't exactly have a superior watching over you like a hawk; however, how you work can determine where your next paycheck comes from.

If your employer decides that he or she likes your writing style as well as your work habits, you'll be the first person he or she will call up the next time a project pops out.

Want to earn a 5-figure monthly income through freelance writing jobs? Go to http://www.20daypersuasion.com/5figurewriter.htm and discover how to earn massive amounts of money by becoming a freelance writer

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Writing as Therapy

It would be wrong to underestimate the power of writing as a point of therapy. Most writers are aware of the therapeutic nature of writing, but most may be less than willing to admit such writing therapy may be personally beneficial.

Sometimes the writing that is most helpful us on a personal and emotional level is writing that we do not wish to be published. It is highly personal, but can helps us understand something about ourselves.

Leslie Ridgeway and Dale Griffith have seen firsthand the benefits of using writing as a therapy among the women inmates at York Correctional Institute in Connecticut.

These two individuals worked with the women at YCI. They encouraged the inmates to write their inmost thoughts without the threat of condemnation. They discovered there was a sense of healing that took place when these women admitted their hurts in writing.

According to their 2002 report entitled, "Struggles: Writing as healing" Ridgeway and Griffith admit, "Many women had reached the limit of their coping skills... educational staff worried about the women's mental and physical health and discussed ways to help them cope. A safe port in the emotional storm was needed."

The 'Struggles' program centered around using words to capture their recollections on violence in their lives.

One inmate wrote, "As children we're taught to respect and obey our parents. Usually I covered with my hands up protecting my face and head. A reaction that I'm sure is a defense mechanism of survival. I didn't harm my mother, but my physically defensive behavior of pushing her away from me shocked her back into reality. The beatings finally stopped and I was left with the question as to why I hadn't reacted to her actions years earlier."

While we seek to identify with the pain the author feels, we also gain a sense for the liberation she feels in finally saying in print what had been bottled up inside for so long.

One unnamed woman who was part of the inmate writing exercise reported, "Seeing our violent experiences in writing is more personal and real - especially when we read them aloud. When I hear myself aloud, I'm relating my experience to someone else, and the emotional feelings, which have often been repressed, hit me."

As a focused writer it might be assistive to you to take regular time to write something that is simply theraputic. None of us came from perfect situations in life. By writing about your past you may discover a sense of personal freedom and increased freedom to pursue your writing career with less baggage.

Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of FaithWriters and many other web projects. FaithWriters has grown to become one of the largest online destinations for Christian writers and Christian authors. FaithWriters is a great place for writing jobs.

Productive Press Release Writing

Press release writing is not something that can be learned on the fly. And it is not something that amateurs do well at in the vast majority of cases. If you are interested in productive press release writing, there are 7 best ways to excel at press release writing today.

1. You absolutely must understand and learn the proper format that a press release is to be in. Over 90% of all press releases that are written today are in the wrong format and are thrown away. Reporters know who is a professional and who is not.

2. In regards to productive press release writing, you need to be concise. Long, drawn out press releases will be completely ineffective.

3. In order to excel at press release writing, you need to be familiar with how the press works. Unless you've been a part of the press in the past, or actually have been involved in media relations, you need to get educated.

4. In productive press release writing, you never bombard reporters with one release after another.

5. You need to make certain that your press release contains accurate and honest information. Submit false information to a reporter one time and you will be finished in press release and in productive press release writing.

6. Do not make grandiose promises to anyone you are doing press releases for you can make no guarantees about what the media will or will not report on at any given time.

7. Finally, when it comes to productive press release writing, you need to understand and rely upon those media niches that will be most receptive to a certain type of announcement or information.

Want to learn more about it? Download the free ebook, Steps to Article Marketing Success

Friday, August 7, 2009

7 Elements of a Perfect Website Copy That Converts

A perfect website copy is the one that converts visitors into clients. In order that this happens, there are 7 key elements that a writer must incorporate in the article before it can work this way. Let us consider the elements and see how they are relevant in the conversion.

1. Has a compelling offer

Maybe we should define the meaning of the term compelling so that you understand how this element works. When an offer is compelling, it is probably irresistible. You would feel the temptation to take the offer any time. So, a writer would need to make sure that they give a reader such an offer.

The best way a writer can do this is to explain to the reader in clear and concise terms how the products and the services being marketed would be of value to them. It is the value that readers look for, not the cost, not the name either.

2. Targets the right audience

Yes, a writer must first of all identify the audience before they can start writing a copy. This is very crucial because in the writing, the writer needs to connect with the readers and certainly you will all agree that you cannot connect with someone you do not know.

Understanding your audience is about understanding their needs, fears and above all what they would want most. Try to figure out what you target market would appreciate most before you start communicating.

3. Must have reasons

The reader is very smart. They must not see that you are into marketing strategy. You need to convince they why they are the right people for the message, products, site and why they are not lost being in the site. These answers must flow and they should be convincing.

Never try to bring so many points together at once. At least, you need to be sure that the reader will not have any 'why' questions unanswered while reading the copy.

4. Must call for action

Even though you are not forcing the readers to take action, it should be clear from the copy that there is an action they are supposed to take. So, you need to state clearly what you want your visitors to do in the copy.

5. Does not give room for next time

It should be clear at the copy that the time for action is now. This can be done when you answer all the visitor's questions and they have nothing else that they would want to think about. As in, they feel the information is adequate and what they need is just to make their orders.

You must be focused in the call for action. Do not expect so much from the readers. You must have one intended outcome and let it be.

6. Must have sense of credibility

Readers are very wise. You have to give them enough proof that your claims are true. They need to see some testimonials and even case studies at least so that they are sure.

7. Finally, a perfect copy must use the right words

While trying to craft a professional website copy, perfect choice of words is the number one thing you need to ensure. This would invoke emotions hence the readers would take the desired actions without coercion.

No doubt, this is one of the most crucial services that a copywriting agency would offer. It has the power to build or break a business.

Cleva Smith is an expert author who writes SEO articles and strategies tips. She also works for copywriting company, Content Axis, one of the best copywriting agencies that offers premium copywriting services, article submission services, press release writing and eBook sales packages. To know more about the services, please visit Content Axis Inc

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Are You Letting Travel Writing Opportunities Skip Town?

Here's a news flash for everyone: many people thrive in the midst of economic turmoil. Did you know that more millionaires were made during the Great Depression? Do not let opportunity pass you by because you are buying into the limited thinking of your fellow countrymen. What do they know? These people signed their name on the dotted line knowing they could not afford their purchases.

You may believe travel writing opportunities are non-existent. This is far from the truth. My writing has taken off because I write on other topics besides travel. That's the key. In order to support your dreams, you may have to take on other work. I'm a die-hard writer who is passionate about many topics and genres of writing. I've written articles on how to install shelving to dog sympathy cards. Believe me, my writing muscles have been stretched in more ways than one.

Ideas to support your travel writing

1. Take a road trip and write about your experiences.

2. Edit guidebooks.

3. Search Craigslist.

4. Enter writing contests - submit your "travel fiction."

5. Sign up with Elance.com and Guru.com.

6. Post an ad on Craigslist advertising your writing services.

7. Go to the new restaurants and write about the food and wine.

You may have to take a full-time or part-time job to support your travel writing. Will you be all right with this? Are you an all-or-nothing person? If you have a dream, you'll do whatever it takes to see it come to fruition. This may require a full-time or part-time job outside of travel writing. Of course, you could always get a job within the travel industry. Become part of the crew of a cruise ship and sail around the world. You'll have no shortage of travel writing articles.

Get a vision for your life. You may have to write on other topics other than travel writing - so be it. This will make you very valuable as a writer. If you know and understand SEO marketing, you're writing services will be in demand. This is a "hot commodity" right now. Organizations always look for people who can help them. "Ask not what an organization can do for you, but what you can do for the organization." Does this sound familiar?

Travel writing can be a fun job and you can earn extra cash. Look around and you'll discover travel writing opportunities that you are just waiting for you. Remember, your area is a destination spot for people. If you're passionate about golf, visit a few golf courses and write about them. If you enjoy horseback riding, find a couple of dude ranches and ride off into the sunset. Sometimes you must create your own opportunities in life. Brainstorm for travel writing ideas and you'll find a few gold nuggets!

Our website is dedicated to aspiring and experienced travel writers. You'll find inspiration, encouragement, and education on everything travel writing.

Sign up for our weekly blog recap. If you're about to travel this is a great way to keep up-to-date with the latest in travel writing. Also, check out our forum. If you have a question, login, and with a click of a button you'll have the answer to your question.

URL: http://www.Travel-Writers-Exchange.com

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Increase Your Traffic by Writing Articles

If you want to increase you website traffic quickly there is only a few ways to it. One of the ways is by Writing good quality articles that people would want to read.

It is not easy to increase your website traffic without cutting corners and this is something you should never do. There are a few things that can increase you traffic that are legal as long as you have the time and skill to be able to write interesting articles.

So you've built your wonderful new website and submitted it to the search engines and directories. In your eyes you are so proud of all your hard work that Google and all the search engines will just fall over themselves to add you to the top page.

So you wait...and you wait...and nothing happens. It takes a very long time for a newly developed website to get any form of listing in search engines and directories and even longer to get any meaningful listing. So, what's the solution to speeding up the process?

The best way you can increase traffic to your website for a short period of time is to write and submit newsletter articles. The beauty of this method is that anyone can do it all you need is a good idea, the ability to write accurately and some spare time. I'm not talking here about working for a magazine or website but the wonderful world of free articles. If you are short on cash and can't afford to promote your business then this technique is especially suited to you.

There are many websites that require constant content on a daily basis and most Newsletter editors are always looking for well written content. This is more so if their newsletter or blog is updated daily or weekly. As you can imagine it would be very difficult to maintain that level of content and prohibitively expensive and so they turn to free articles to ensure their website is relevant and interesting to their visitors.

As with most things on the internet if a gap appears it's very quickly filled and so we have the wonderful world of free articles. The deal is that in exchange for allowing the authors content to be published for free, the author of the article is allowed to place a link or advert at the bottom of the article without any charge.

Just imagine that for a minute, if your article is interesting enough and good enough it could be included in hundreds of websites in a matter of days and what does that mean, one way in-links. This of course is great for your pr ranking and will no doubt increase your traffic for as long as the article is placed high on the publishers website pages. The thing to remember is that you are not giving the article away just given away the rights to use the article on other peoples websites...you still own the article.

These links or adverts are usually placed just below the article and are called "resource boxes". The resource box is your chance to sell yourself or your website or both. It usually contains information about the author and a link to his website.

It's important that you take some time over the content of the resource box because if it is well written then more people will be tempted to click through to your main website and let's face that's the main reason you're given this information away in the first place. Don't add a affiliate link or straight link to another persons site as most publishers are wise to this and would not add your article.

Once you have written your article you now need to find the write publishers and newsletters that will take your work of art. This can be a long and boring job but it is a very important one. I would suggest you find at least 20-30 newsletters of a decent size and don't give up until you have done so.

The main reason why taking a little time over this part of the process is simple: It does not take much longer to submit your article to 500 sites that only main difference is the amount of traffic you will receive.

It's hard to say how much this type of approach will increase your traffic because it's very dependent on how well your article is written and how well you market it. In the best case scenario your article could be accepted at several larger ezines that have 150,000+ subscribers each and could result in 1000+ visitors to your website.

On the other hand you could end up with nobody publishing your article and not single hit. My personal opinion and experience is that a reasonably well thought out and written article usually produces around 500+ unique visitors per article.

There is another way you can get help with the tiresome job of finding publishers and newsletters and that is to pay one of the many companies out there to submit your article for you. I have used several of these companies and the quality and cost of their work can vary enormously. Some of these companies charge per submission ad some charge a flat monthly fee. The most important thing is that you are getting your article to enough quality publishers.

Brian is the editor of Bee Ltd a domain acquisition and development company that has many years experience in the domain name and internet market. You will find many useful articles and advice on all manner of subjects associated with domains names at our site: Bee.eu.