Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Sorry, it's been a coupla' days...

Well, here I am. Yesterday and today have been very productive, and also good monetarily. I have been working hard on finalizing ChartedCourse's system manual, and it is one step away from finished. Just waiting on some final material from the CEO fellow.

I also have finalized my first draft of Mars Betrayal for Heinle Graded Readers. Woohoo! I will be sending it off tomorrow morning. I sent an invoice for the first $1000 of my advance this evening.

So it has been good. I haven't done any writing for www.helium.com recently, but I hope to tomorrow.

Therefore, tomorrow I will:

1. Send off Mars Betrayal
2. Finalize the system manual for ChartedCourse
3. Write at least two articles for www.helium.com
4. Work on an outline for another graded reader. I have the idea, I just have to work out the plot and characters.

Anyway, I have been putting in about eight hour days these days, and it has been feeling good. I need to keep it up.

I also have been exercising this week, having stopped last week. I need to get it in gear! I am down a couple pounds from the new year, but I need to work harder at it. I am so used to having a late-night snack at around 9 or 10 PM, and there is no doubt that is making it harder for me to lose this poundage. So I am now, having gone on a sugar fast for the last while, eliminating my late-night snack. I really want to lose this stuff.

The writing career is for real. I never really expected to see this kind of success in five months of this, but it is a good thing it has happened. I feel like I am working the way I want to now. I am a little concerned that I won't have enough steady income by the time our cash runs out to support us. But we will keep at it and hope for the best. I think getting The Cabin done and sent out will help with that. I really feel it will sell.

Here is a link to something really neat having to do with www.helium.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TsCTWc1d0I

Yes, that's me in there.

I had an article featured on the front page of Helium today, that was nice. It is a review of an album that I did a while back. The review, not the album. I don't do albums.

So that's it for now. Exciting eh?

Friday, January 25, 2008

Some other writing stuff

Here are some more writing opportunities.

1. The first one is actually a contest that the Pulitzer Center is running in partnership with Helium. Selected authors become Pulitzer Center Citizen Journalists. This is a major cred-builder and is a legitimate opportunity to advance your writing career.

http://www.helium.com/pulitzer-contest-overview/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690

2. Publisher: Mystery Stories Deadline: 02/07/08 Compensation: $50 per selected story
Word Count: 1,200 – 1,500

The following mysteries need short stories: Medical, Office, Housewife, Cowboy, Cowgirl, Murder, Porsche, Cocktail, Railroad, Current Events, and General mysteries. Mystery should include at least four suspects and four clues weaved into the story. Mystery and solution need to be included at the end; mysteries will be used in school and should be written at a sixth-grade reading level.

http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid=366718

3. Publisher: Search Engine Doctor Deadline: 1/30/08 Compensation: $40 per selected article
Word Count: 1000 words

Personal transformation: The extreme makeover guide

Write a 1000 word article that speaks about extreme makeovers. Answer the following questions: How does one achieve an extreme makeover? What are the key components of an extreme makeover? Focus on fashion, lifestyle, makeup and appearance and include the following keywords in the article: extreme, makeover, celebrity, girls, TV, show. Also include the keyword "games", but feature this term negatively. Use www.newyorkimageconsultant.com for POSITIVE inspiration and reference areas of this website with the keywords.

http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid=348443

4. Publisher: The Name Game Deadline: 1/30/08 Compensation: $20/article selected
Word count: 400-600

Find out the meaning behind these names: Caitlin, Caleb, Madeline, Logan, Sarah, Brayden, Lilly, Aiden, Ella, Caden, Brianna, Tyler, Mia, Connor, Jackson, and more…Write an article including the etymology, origin, history, fascinating facts, variations, popularity, etc. Write 1 or write 20 articles, and for every one chosen for publication, you will receive $20. http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=MEMBERID&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpub
lisher%3Fpubid=345532


5. Auto Craze Compensation – $16 Deadline – 1/29/08 Word Count – 400-1,000
Car tips & Tricks
How to choose an auto insurance broker
How to shop for online car insurance
Cheap car rental tips
Guide to kit cars
Guide to shopping for hot rods
…And many more

Custom Cars & Accessories
Guide to car CD players
Guide to shopping for radar detectors
How to build a car stereo
Guide to subwoofers for car stereos
Choosing the right truck bed liner
…And many more

Parts, Performance & Repair
A beginner’s guide to fuel injection
How your car transmission works
The easiest ways to find auto body parts
How to change your motor oil
How to change your spark plugs
…And many more

Motorcycles & Recreational Vehicles
Motorcycle racing 101
Best motorcycle gloves
Must-have motorcycle apparel
A day in the life of a NASCAR fan
Best recreational vehicles
…And many more

http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid=374028

So take them or leave them, but these are actual opportunities for writing and getting real money. If you don’t feel comfortable having to compete for jobs and readers, maybe these aren’t your thing.

Just had to stop by...

Well, here I am. I am posting in the middle of the day on Friday. Why?

Because I just finished the Mars Betrayal! Wahoo! That's my second book finished, if you don't count Neighborhood Thief. Mars Betrayal is longer than any of the Spiderwick books individually, so it counts!

Hooray! Now I will get some people to read it and do some polishing and such. Then I will send it on Wednesday, the 30th. One day early. Hooray!

And that's it. I will probably work on ChartedCourse stuff today. No, I definitely will. That way I can get going on my next graded reader on Monday at the latest.

I think I will be able to get into The Cabin soon. I am excited and nervous.

That's it for now.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Finishing my Thursday

Well, today was pretty good. I spent my morning at a local thrift store helping sort and hang up clothes. It was fine.

Then I got home, put my youngest down for a nap, had lunch and waited for my wife to get back from dropping the older boy off at Spanish school. When she got back, I went to a meeting out at Charted Course. I was right; I have a bunch more work to do. I need to finalize the User Manual by the end of Monday. Then I have other stuff to do.

When the meeting got done, I went to the library, checked out some books then worked on Mars Betrayal. I am at the last scene. I really wanted to get it done today, but I should have it done tomorrow morning. Then I will get to work on the Charted Course stuff. I'll take some time tomorrow to write at least one article for Helium, maybe two.

And that's really it. I will finally be getting paid for my work for Charted Course. Up until now, I have been doing my work on a trade basis: I am a client and a rep with no out of pocket money, and I gave them 100 free hours of work.

Now I am simply doing freelance work and I will give them a time summary and an invoice for each month that I do work. Woohoo! The pay will be $15/hour for now, but that will probably go up as things expand and I start doing more varied work for them.

It's possible I will be going to a conference in Vegas during the second weekend of February. Still not certain I'm going, but it's likely.

So that's it. We watched The Simpson's Movie and broke our 2 week sugar fast with some B & J tonight. Funny movie, but not spectacular. It was like three episodes rolled into one. And that's fine. And now I will go. Until tomorrow!

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

I love this job

Today was good, as was yesterday.

Yesterday I wrote several articles for www.helium.com. I wrote two more today. So in the last two days I wrote three articles for the Marketplace. The ones I wrote are for a Names website which, I think, is called www.name.com. Here are the three I wrote:
http://www.helium.com/tm/815570/something-keeps-cadence-originate
http://www.helium.com/tm/815348/modern-trend-taking-names
http://www.helium.com/tm/813905/logan-coolest-planet-because

I enjoyed writing them. The research was fun as well. You might notice some numerology stuff in there. I don't actually give it much credence, but it's fun to fiddle around with. But I did check my names on the numerology website I provided in two of the articles.

I checked the name that is on my birth certificate (which is not the one I have now) and the one that I have now. The two names are polar opposites! It's hilarious. I must be schizo. But what is actually interesting is that I can see quite a lot of both descriptions in me.

Anyway, I also wrote an article for the Pultizer Center contest that Helium is involved in. Here's the article: http://www.helium.com/tm/813765/remember-about-edwin-starr

Here's the overview of the contest:
http://www.helium.com/pulitzer-contest-overview/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690

In short, participants in the contest write their best researched and composed articles to the titles the Pulitzer Center has given Helium. The top ten articles (when the contest ends) are passed on to the Pulitzer Center. Then the Pulitzer Center chooses one article from each title. The author of the chosen title is then a Pulitzer Center Citizen Journalist. Isn't that pretty nifty?

Also, today I worked on The Mars Betrayal and have one chapter to go. Probably. I don't see the rests of the action needing to be broken into two chapters. Plus, I think I am getting close to the length limit. It is going well and I am getting used to keeping the language simple.

It is nice to be close to finishing my second legitimate book. I mean, I know I wrote a book for my students in Taiwan, but it's pretty short. But it's not bad. I sent an electronic copy of it to a good friend, who is an ex-student of mine. She worked for a publishing company in Taipei, Taiwan. She suggested that she might be able to see if her company would want to publish the novella I wrote in Taiwan. It is called Neighborhood Thief.

Anyway, I also got a copy of the contract back today. I expected there to be a check with it, since part of the advance should be payable on signing, according to the contract. If it doesn't come this week, I will contact them.

Tomorrow I am going in to Charted Course's new offices to meet with the CEO/Founder. I imagine they will have a lot they need me to do. I should be pretty busy for the next few weeks.

I still hope to get back to The Cabin, though. Still want to have it written by the end of February, and then ready to be sent out by the end of March. Impatient, I know, but eager and ambitious.

I also need to finish the outline for the next graded reader I want to do. This one will be lower level.

And that's pretty much it. I am getting into the right kind of groove now. I just need to get started earlier in the day. I love this job.

Monday, January 21, 2008

More cool writing gigs

Well, I never give up, do I. I have a few more lines on some good writing gigs. Like those others I posted, they are competitive. This means that you should write your best and if you get selected by the publisher, you get paid. Remember that people who won’t take this seriously might write to these, so if you do a good, well-researched and composed piece, you have a pretty good chance.

I’ll be back later!

1. Find out the meaning behind these names: Caitlin, Caleb, Madeline, Logan, Sarah, Brayden, Lilly, Aiden, Ella, Caden, Brianna, Tyler, Mia, Connor, Jackson, and more…Write a 400 – 600 word article including the etymology, origin, history, fascinating facts, variations, popularity, etc. Write 1 or write 20 articles, and for every one chosen for publication, you will receive $20.

Articles due by 01/30/08.

Follow this link: http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid=345532

2. 2008 Comeback Stories

Comeback stories are interesting, and inspiring to read. Provide background for your case and topic. Develop your article with facts and personal commentary. Write 750 – 1,000 word articles to compete for $25 compensation per selected story. The following titles need content by January 25th:

Is Michael Vick due for a big comeback?
My top 10 comeback yearnings for 2008
Top comeback predictions for 2008 in…
Politics ∙ Sports ∙ Money ∙ Religion ∙ Web 2.0 ∙ Celebrity ∙
…And More!

Follow this link: http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid=234903

3. There is a plethora of $16 articles needed to build a life manual for a website due by 1/29. (400- 1,000 words)

Beauty:
Anti-aging skin care treatments
An Intro to permanent makeup
Guide to hair extensions
Choosing the right wig
Mineral makeup 101
…And more!

Follow this link: http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid=377222%26topicid%3D129766

Entertainment:
Basics of online poker
How to host a karaoke party
HDTV buying guide
Must-have party supplies
Building a home theater
…And more!

Follow this link: http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid=377222%26topicid%3D129817

Family:
Single parent dating strategies
Planning a family reunion
Best school fundraiser ideas
Helpful resources for troubled teens
Finding the right retirement home

Follow this link: http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid=377222%26topicid%3D129792

Health:
Low carb diet plans
Tips for coping with stress
About alcohol rehabilitation
Vitamin supplements 101
Arthritis treatment guide
…And more!

Follow this link: http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid=377222%26topicid%3D129745

Home:
Choosing outdoor lighting
Revamping your kitchen cabinets
Benefits of a patio heater
Guide to basement remodeling
Essential garden furniture
…And more!

Follow this link: http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid=377222%26topicid%3D129837

Money:
How to finance a home
Great tips for moms who work at home
Money management tips
How to consolidate your debts
Guide to a career change in midlife
…And more!

Follow this link: http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid=377222%26topicid%3D129797

Or you could get all of the How To gigs in one place at: http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid=377222
4. Publisher: Software Stuff Deadline: 1/25/08
Titles/Word Count/Compensation:
Software Review: WinRAR (Windows) / 350 words / $7.50 (publisher expects to purchase 10 reviews)
Why WinRAR is better than WinZip / 500-650 words / $40

300-450 word articles for $25:
How to install and set up WinRAR
The benefits of compressing files with WinRAR
Why WinRAR is the best compression solution
Why I use WinRAR
How to compress files with WinRAR
How to extract files with WinRAR

Follow this link: http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid=318518


5. Publisher: Irreverent Downloadable Game Site Deadline: 1/24/08 Compensation: $20
Word Count: 400-500 words

Online video game reviews needed for: BubbleWorld, Great Tree, Chocolatier, Deep Blue Sea, Bellatorus

Original reviews should be written in active voice and include a rating and commentary on graphics, creativity, and game play. Free trials available!

Follow this link: http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid%3D363365%26topicid%3D130787


6. Publisher: Boston Times Deadline: 1/24/08 Word Count: 400 words
Compensation: $40
Title: The division between private and public colleges in Massachusetts

In its February issue, "Kiplinger's Personal Finance" will release its '100 best values in colleges,' and Massachusetts only has one in that list - The University of Massachusetts - at number 65. Its other list, '100 best values in private colleges and universities,' contains eight Massachusetts schools and all are ranked higher than number 50. This article should explore the division between private and public higher education institutions in Massachusetts. It is widely known that the state has many of the best private universities in the world, but why are public schools so different? This article will be the feature story in the Campus Update section of the newspaper. (Please include a link to Kiplinger's: www.kiplinger.com/tools/colleges/ as a reference to particular information.) Please include sources and/or interviews.

Follow this link: http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid%3D375027

Thursday, January 17, 2008

It's still Thursday, January 17th in my world. How about yours?

Alrighty then. Here's the story of my 139th day of my year writing.

That's right, today has been the 139th since I quit my job and started writing as full time as I could. It's going well, ain't it? Did you know that if you Google me, six of the ten results on the first page are actually me? Now that's fame.

Just kidding.

Anyway, today went pretty well. I got up with the kids and fed them in order to allow Annemarie some extra sleep. She's been putting in late hours at night this week with her Japanese translation.

When she got up, I headed to the Rec Center to exercise. Then I got home and showered, ate, and got to work.

I spent some time on www.helium.com, where I wrote these two articles:
http://www.helium.com/tm/802688/thinks-therefore-thats-there
http://www.helium.com/tm/802868/maybe-destiny-maybe-ovaltine

I also rated and browsed some other articles.

Then I got to work on Mars Betrayal. I am now about halfway finished with chapter 6. Things are heating up and I am having fun. I am feeling pretty good about it and I hope that the language is okay. I find myself checking more rare words quite frequently on the word lists I was given.

Something I am not sure I understand: my contract said the first installment would come on contract signing. I signed the contract almost four weeks ago.. and yet no installment has come. I think I will dash an e-mail off to the contracts guy at the publisher.

Anyway, I really feel as if I am pushing through the silly malaise that would come over me when the time to write would approach. Sure, having a looming deadline is useful for this, but I feel like I should be able to ride this momentum into some real productivity on The Cabin.

So here's the current plan:

1. I will finish, revise and submit the first draft of The Mars Betrayal by the 31st. I have exactly two weeks. After I finish the initial draft, I will outline my next proposal for the graded readers project. Then I will do the revision and send off The Mars Betrayal. Then I will send off my next proposal.

My goal is to sell at least two more of these graded readers this year.

2. While I wait for word from the team about The Mars Betrayal, I will get into The Cabin, big time. I may also have work to do for Charted Course during this period.

3. I will also try and get my new website: www.foodnflicks.com going. I own the domain and server space, but I have nothing there yet, because I don't know how to build websites and I haven't had time. This will be a collaborative effort between me and a good friend.

My writing goals for the year are:
1. Sell at least two more graded readers and finish writing them this year.
2. Finish The Cabin, with all of its revisions, by the end of February. (Big ambition here).
3. Sell The Cabin this year.
4. Get back to work on Brothers in Arms and have it ready by the end of April. This means fully ready for a general audience and well edited. Depending on the acceptances of Graded Readers proposals, this deadline may have to get pushed back a month here or there.
5. Break 1000 articles on Helium by the end of the year.
6. Increase my residual web earnings to at least a steady minimum of $100/month. I have done this for about six of the last ten months. I would really like to hit $200/ month.
7. Sell at least one picture book (hopefully It's Not Apple Sauce)

And that's all I have for now. I may change them. We will see. I'll be back tomorrow.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

It's really still Wednesday for me

I just got back from seeing National Treasure: Book of Secrets. Way over the top, but still fun times. I've got no real problems, except for the fact that none of the romantic relationships are well-motivated.

Anyway, I wrote a neat-o article on Helium this morning as I began my writing day. Here's the link: http://www.helium.com/tm/800295/anybody-eddie-murphys-movie

I enjoyed writing that.

I also got another chapter of Mars Betrayal done today. I am not certain that I am going to finish it this week, but I am still going to try. I intend to get two good chapters in tomorrow. I am shooting for about 5000 words. The entire book is really only going to be about 16-18000 words. It's a graded reader, okay? So it turns out that 'betrayal' is actually a little bit of a high level word for the level I am shooting for. I guess I will put it in the glossary.

Life is good. I love my job and I love that I am finally pushing past my laziness and easily-distractedness. I've got a lot to do, and I can't let anything stop me.

Carpe somnium!

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

More cool writing opportunities!

I am back with some more good opportunities for those seeking to make some money with freelance writing. Who needs a brick and mortar job anyway?

Here they are:
#1. Daily newspaper needs articles, by 1/24/08, for the following titles:
  • Tips for adopting a stray pet ($20) -
What should people do when theyfind a stray pet running around and they want to adopt it. How shouldthey check to see if it already has an owner? What steps should be takento make the pet healthy, disease-free and ready to live in a home?

The article should be 300 words and compensation for each selected articleis $20.

  • The division between private and public colleges in Massachusetts ($40)-
It is widely known that MA has many of the best private universities in the world, but why are public schools so different? Please see publisher guidelines for further instruction.

For every selected article, 400 words, you earn $40.

To submit an article, go to:
http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid%3D375027


#2. Sports Truck Enthusiast - $25 per selected article - Due: 1/25/08 - 300words
  • An introduction to: Dodge trucks; Ford trucks; Chevy trucks (most and least popular trucks, what are they known for, discuss involvement indeveloping hybrid trucks)
  • Power truck or powertrain: Making sense of the terminology used intruck reviews
  • The history of sport trucks

To submit an article, go to: http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid%3D375451

#3. Travel Planning Guide: Puerto Rico - $40 per selected article - Due:1/24/08
350-400 words
  • Travel Destination: Viegues; Humacao; San Juan; Isla Verde; Carolina;Loiza; Rio Grande
  • Hotel Reviews: Palmas Del Mar, Humacao, Puerto Rico ESJ Towers, San Juan, Puerto Rico
  • Best attractions in Puerto Rico
  • A golfer's guide to Puerto Rico
  • Guide to fishing in Puerto Rico
  • A guide to Puerto Rico's beaches

To submit an article, go to: http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid%3D315563%26topicid%3D128348

#4. PC Improvers - $75 per selected article - Due: 1/25/08 - 500-700 words

  • How to accelerate the speed of your PC
  • Computer performance: Why a paid-for registry cleaner is better than a free one
  • How to prevent your PC from being infected with spyware
  • How to find out what's running on your PC (and why this is important)

To submit an article, go to: http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid%3D375395

Better get to these fast, because I'm probably writing to them, too.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Got plenty done. A good day

Well then. It looks like I need to get back to my old ways of outlining what I will do on each day in order to make sure I get everything done in time.

I was away for such a long time mainly because I got distracted by several things. First was that I was trying to read 100 novels last year (I kept a list of titles, authors, date completed and comments on Excel) and crunch time came around and I needed to read.

I ended up with 105 books read last year! Wahoo. I am doing the same thing with keeping track of novels read this year. I am not sure how many I will read, but I am keeping a list.

The other thing is that we went to Alaska for three weeks for Christmas and the New Year. I did do some writing, but I didn't hit this blog at all. Alaska was a blast: we sledded, played lots of board and word games, played Mormon Bridge and Pit and other sundry fun activities. Thus, I did not post here, although I should have.

While in Alaska I finished the User Manual for Charted Course! Hooray! I feel pretty good about it. I also conceived a story for another graded reader. I also conceived a story that I really feel like might be better as a play. But I'll just write the story.

Anyway, since arriving back in Utah last Wednesday (the 9th) I have been studying the Writer's Guide for the graded readers project, as well as getting back on track with Helium. I've written three articles, posted lots of Marketplace opportunities on the web, and have rated plenty. Plus I have gone back to the forums, although I really don't get into forums much. I might get into them more if I didn't have so much I have to do.

Today I wrote an article for Helium's contest (not doing so great yet) and wrote about 3000 words in Mars Betrayal. I need to hit 5000 words each day with that, badly. So that's my goal for tomorrow. I hope to do it all this week. If I can, I will be on track for getting a strong second draft in by the 31st.

It was quite a nifty experience to put ink to a writing contract on December 13th or 14th. I am not sure which day it was right now. But it was great. I signed four copies and read over my advance amounts and royalties schedule.

Now I have to go. Annemarie gave me a gift card to see some movies for Christmas, so I am going to go catch one now. It should be pretty silly, but I don't want to use it on the full price movies just yet. So I am going to see The Game Plan. I think the Rock is a surprisingly gifted actor, so that's why I want to see it. I know, I know, it's basically a feel good movie, but the other movies that are out are ones that I want to see WITH Annemarie, so oh well.

Gotta run. I put together a reading list for my nieces and nephews while we were in Alaska. One of the authors I recommended was David Eddings, particularly his Belgariad series. So that's my recommendation today.

Oh, the baby we are expecting on May 31st is a boy. I called it!

Friday, January 11, 2008

January 11, 2008: Friday

I am back! I must apologize for the long absence, and I hope the three of you (maybe two?) that actually visit this site accept my apology. I am going to post some cool writing opportunities now, but will be back later to post an update.

I just wanted to post some links here for those who are interested in earning some money for their writing. There are a lot of opportunities to get paid as a freelancer, and there are fully legitimate. They are not get-rich schemes. They are potential clients for freelancing and a great way to build your writing portfolio. And you get money IF your article is chosen. So write your best! On a side note, I am posting these because I am already making some money from this, and I figured I ought to share the wealth. Thanks to all those who have supported me in my quest to fulfill my dream.

Check these out:

#1. Mystery Stories - $50 - Due: 1/17 - 1,200-1,500 words

The following mysteries need stories: Valentine's Day, Memorial Day, St. Patrick's Day, War of 1812, Baseball, Revolutionary War, SuperbowlMystery should include at least four suspects and four clues weaved into the story. Mystery and solution need to be included at the end; mysteries will be used in school and should be written at a sixth-grade reading level.

Follow this link: http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid=366718

#2. Aquarium Community - $100 - Due: 1/16 - 500-1000 words
Provide an in-depth analysis of the different water parameters that are needed to keep a saltwater reef tank, such as Nitrates, Nitrites, PH, Calcium, Alkalinity, Magnesium, Phosphates, Salinity, etc. Give the scientific formulas and the amounts needed in a saltwater aquarium.

To submit an article, follow this link: http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid=370477

#3. Boomer Lifestyle - $40 - Due: 1/16 - 700-800 words

*Connection between sleep deprivation and mentail illness *What goes on in our brain when we fall in love? *New Study: Can the eyes play tricks on the ears? *Is your relationship in danger of an affair? *What are the physical causes of depression?

Follow this link: http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid=342166

#4 ePersonal Finance - $80 - Due: 1/16 - 800-1200 words

How to articles, for a web audience (use subheadings, bullets, short paragraphs), SEO, ghostwritten

How to...
• Set up a Roth IRA • Buy life insurance • Refinance mortgage • Set up a budget • Set up an IRA • Avoid a tax audit • Calculate costs of buying home
• Pay for college • Maximize retirement income • Buy life insurance • Avoid probate • Get out of debt • Care for aging parents • Expediate tax refund

Follow: http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid=299635

#5 Auto Craze
Requirements:Compensation – $16 Deadline – 1/22/08Word Count – 400-1,000

Car tips & Tricks
How to choose an auto insurance broker
How to shop for online car insurance
Cheap car rental tips
Guide to kit cars
Guide to shopping for hot rods

Custom Cars & Accessories
Guide to car CD players
Guide to shopping for radar detectors
Guide to subwoofers for car stereos
Choosing the right truck bed liner

Motorcycles & Recreational Vehicles
Motorcycle racing 101
Best motorcycle gloves
Must-have motorcycle apparel
A day in the life of a NASCAR fan
Best recreational vehicles

Parts, Performance & Repair
A beginner’s guide to fuel injection
How your car transmission works
The easiest ways to find auto body parts
How to change your motor oil
How to change your spark plugs
…And many more

Follow: http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid=374028

#6 Friends in Energy – $25 – Due: 1/14/08 – 400-700 words

Gear content towards expatriates in the energy industry between the ages of 25 and 45.

*2008 outlook for the energy industry*Best perks in frequent flyer programs*2008: Predicting extreme and retro sporting trends*Easy to implement environmental resolutions for the new year*Satire: Adventures of a multinational family celebrating the holidays

Follow: http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid=373268

#7 Travel Planning Guide – San Diego, CA - $40 – Due: 1/16/08 – 350-500 words

*Water sports and activities in San Diego, CA*San Diego, CA: Hidden attractions*Visiting San Diego, CA in the summer; spring; winter*Guide to fishing in San Diego, CA*A guide to San Diego beaches

Go to: http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid=315563

#8 Irreverent Downloadable Game Site (Promo 4) -
Requirements:Compensation per selected review – $20
Deadline – 1/15/08
Word count – 400-500

Online video game reviews, 400-500 words, needed for: Farm Frenzy, Rooms, Night of the Zombies, Cryptex of Time, and Fairway Solitaire. Original reviews should be written in active voice and include rating and commentary on game play, graphics, sound, creativity, and innovation. Free trials available!

Go to: http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid=363365

#9 Boomer Lifestyle - $40 - Due: 1/16 - 700-800 words

*Connection between sleep deprivation and mentail illness *What goes on in our brain when we fall in love? *New Study: Can the eyes play tricks on the ears? *Is your relationship in danger of an affair? *What are the physical causes of depression?

Go to: http://www.helium.com/?ad=613&placement=forums&iw=45690&redir_url=http%3A%2F%2Fmarketplace%2Ehelium%2Ecom%2Fmarketpublisher%3Fpubid=342166

As a reminder, these opportunities are competitive. To get paid, you have to be selected. To be selected, you have to follow the guidelines and do great work.
Good writing!