Writing Unleashed with Laura M. Harkins

This week's post is coming to you a few days late. Two weeks ago I didn't have a job. Today, I have two jobs. Unfortunately my blog got pushed to the side while I got life straightened out. So, without further ado... It's one thing to place yourself in front of the computer and commit your thoughts and words on your blog. It's a whole other story in terms of getting your post in the hands of readers. This past year I spent time with Pennwriters, Inc. marketing their online courses, writing SEO-friendly website copy for Yellowbook, and marketing my personal blog and my writers' group blog ( check us out ).  I've found many different social media programs and outlets that helped reached a large group of people. I use the following: Ping-In Pingomatic Google+ Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Writer'sCoffeehouseOnline Yahoo! Group Reading and commenting on other blogs Now, the readership for my personal blog is over 100, but my writers' blog needs ...

Yes, I’ve cleverly disguised my desire for world domination with this writing blog.  Dream big or go home.  I heard this mantra once and I’ve been living it ever since.  My tireless research and undying effort is starting to pay off.  I’m proud to announce my first article “ 10 All-Time Great Family DVDs ” has officially been published in MetroKids magazine.  Score!   It’s all very exciting.  But as I’m a newbie to the publishing world, I am a bit confused by the changes in my introduction.  The editor polished my original sentences, but I wasn’t made aware of the changes.   Is this typical editor behavior? Well, now it’s time to start writing more articles and receiving money for my hard work.  I’m not too sure how to generate topics or how to pitch an idea to a magazine.  So, I’ve enrolled in Writer’s Digest’s Sell Freelance Articles Webinar on Thursday, February 10, 2011.  Score!  The class is $89....

Source: blogs.voices.com The glory of completing my first novel, I fear, will be met with disappointment.  Why you ask?  My readership is abysmal.  Agents and publishers give contracts to sellable authors.  I can’t sell anything if I don’t have a trusted group of readers, and they don’t have the time or money to wait around until there is.  I'm constantly incorporating what I've learned to improve my blog and build a readership.  My blog statistics prove people visit, but they’re useless to me.  I don’t know who those people are or how they feel about my writing.  Michael Hyatt, the Chairman and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers , discussed unsuccessful blogs in “ Why I Stopped Reading Your Blog ” today.  I used his list of six reasons and a few of my own to revise my blog.  Here’s what I found out:      Titles As of right now, I am content with my blog and post titles, but I should love them.  An attention...