Writing Outside of Your Niche

Happy Friday readers and creatives. What a glorious morning to be doing something productive!

What do you do when your muse calls you to write outside of your niche? Are you fearful that by tackling another genre that you might forget to focus upon your calling? I used to struggle with this creative dilemma in the beginning of my writing career, until I realized that what God gave to me shouldn’t be kept boxed in fear, but opened to explore in every aspect of my creativity.

Life writing is my purpose and my brand. Becoming a voice that empowers women to passion, purpose and living their truths became my mission. In this instance, I make a life with my writing, rather than a living. Writing is looked upon these days as a trade rather than a calling. I can see how simple economics adds to this popular train of thought.

As a freelance writer and creative entrepreneur, I use my talents, skills and gifts in other areas where my creativity continues to educate, inform, and entertain, while paying penance to my economic sustainability.
Genres that I’ve written for and found a bit of success in, includes:
Short stories of fiction and nonfiction
Book Reviews
Song lyrics
One Act Plays
Celebrity News and Entertainment Features
Poetry
Slogans
Magazines
Blogs
And Content Writing.

I believe writing is a calling whose logistics can be improved upon as one sees fit to garner acceptance and or publication and validation. Your purpose is defined as that thing that nags at you to do what you must to make a difference in the lives of others and becomes your brand or niche.
Do not fear your gifts and abilities beyond your passion and purpose. How will we grow if we never expand our creative horizons?

How do you feel about writing beyond your comfort/niche? Share other genres you enjoy.

Tips For Greening Your Business In A Green Economy

Image via Wikipedia

I’m reading  and putting into practice tips on how more and more small and medium sized businesses are becoming eco-friendly by making sound environmental decisions and putting those plans to work in the workforce. These practices have been effective in cutting down on wastes and saving money in the process.

1. Many companies are buying and using recycled paper products

2. They are sending out less mailings, preferring to use faxes and emails instead

3.Use of energy efficient lightening/ use of alternative energy supply, not only cuts costs on some major electrical billings, but,provides a more comfortable and environmental friendly workplace

4. Use of energy efficienet appliances like those at Kenmore Appliances also saves on cost

5. Many businesses are using the Brita On Tap Filtration System which to lessen the amount of contaminant in faucet water

6. Hospitals and Medical Centers are obtaining electronic data input for patient care/assessment information instead of copious amts of paper usage

 A few everyday changes that are made in the workplace, as well as in the home, goes a long way in helping the environment… 

How about sharing tips of how your business is benefiting from going green! 

Related articles

• Why are recycled paper towels and toilet paper usually more expensive? (greenanswers.com)

A Review: Make Money Blogging by Daniel Scocco

Firt off, let me just say this: Whenever I’m faced with something incredible, or partake in something great, I get chills inside and out, because I know (intuitively) something wonderful is about to happen! Take for example, a Marketing Class I took several months ago… resulting in my getting my first official advice column! Well, dear readers, I’ve got that good time ‘funny’ feeling again and I need to share it with all of you guys, whether seasoned, or not!

Make Money Blogging is an ebook written by Daniel Scocco (dailywritingtips) and I’m lucky that it came across my desk at just the right time. I’ve been blogging since 2007 , but have always questioned if I am ready to take my love for clara54 to the next level…That level of monetizing my baby. According to Daniel’s profit making strategy. “I have more mountains to climb & I’m alright with that!”.

Daniel’s ebook, Make Money Blogging, places monetization of blogs at Chapter 5, which by the way is the very last page in the book as it details all of the steps you must take before getting to that pivotal point… Here’s a short recap of just some of these amazing strategies that resonated with me. ( although everything in the book is of importance to the career of the serious blogger)

1. Domain & Hosting- for starters, there’s Blogger.com and WordPress.com, but the advice offered in the book is once the basics are nailed, we should purchase our own domain & web hosting package with some company. Reasons given for doing this includes ownership of your website and more flexibility in regards to features, content management,and so on.

2. Are blogs Just Personal Diaries? Blogs did start out that way, but, the realization that the blog platform could be used for many purposes soon became evident… in many instances causing ratings/money making competition between mainstream websites & popular blogs .

3. Is It Really Possible to Make Money Blogging? “YES!” examples were given emphasizing this statement. However, to the question most people ask…”Is it easy or quick?” “No!” Blogging takes time and loads of hard work that can become for the persistent/passionate blogger, a real business.

4. Mistakes In Blogging- Daniel outlines many mistakes one makes with the blog. The first mistake to avoid clearly, is using a domain with your name & surname and writing excessively about personal matters, however, that being said, putting yourself in your blog & sharing related experiences with your audience is, perfectly fine. Your site should have a topic on its own… There are other mistakes to avoid like choosing a niche you’re not passionate or, knowledgeable about.

5. Content (one of my fav) because the blog starts with great content, which acccording to the Ebook should be valuable, unique and engaging…

There’s just so much stuff (valued) in this book! I’m so excited to have it as a reference for my blogging endeavors. The book tells you about crafting “Killer Articles”, citing examples of these type of articles to boost your viewer readership. There’s segments on Headlines and the usage of Adwords Keyword Tools(how this tool works)..Content Ideas. Posting Frequency. Design & Usability ( your logo, a must) Link Exchanges.Subscription Calls. Networking. Promotions. How to use Adsense & CPM Ads to generate traffic. Direct Advertising & Sponsorships, and How to approach Advertisers…ALL inclusive in this valuable guide for bloggers. The answers to all of your blogging questions can be found within these 54 pages.

Ok, people, clara54 is on a mission to inform you about this gem of an Ebook. It’s up to you to heed the call ! This book isn’t just about making money. It’s about building community and establishing friendships as well. That’s what I’m about at clara54 and after reading Make Money Blogging, I’m knowing that if I continue to build it, folks will come….

To read more tips/strategies and to find out about Make Money Blogging by Daniel Scocco, visit http://www.dailyblogtips.com/make-money-blogging/

Eureka! I’ve found My Niche…

Wouldn’t it be great for writers to say that upfront? I mean it’s the one truism, I think, for writers trying to make a name for themselves…their work. Finding ones niche, that body of work that you do so well. That something that only you have . That essence, style, panache and individuality that defines you as a writer.

What is it about your writing that draws folks to want to read more, know more, become better because of what you’ve written? I think sometimes that I’ve found my niche, my love, the work that sets me apart from all of the newbies/seasoned/published writers in the world…but, then, I think and know “I’m not there yet.” Because,I love it all! Poetry, the Short Story, the Columnist, Women Issues, Entertainment , Op-ed, Political and the Novelist ( a far fetched dream of mine) I’m just in love with the written word!

Someday, maybe I’ll find my niche, but, for now I’m enjoying the thrill of being a multitasking writer!