Writing From the Road

There is a rather large contingency of traveling writers, article authors, and novelists that travel in motor coaches and write. I know, for seven years I myself traveled the country by motor coach and I often met them. Some were travel writers, others wrote magazine articles, and some were well known authors. This always fascinated me, and perhaps gave me the confidence to become a writer myself.

My motor coach "The Blitz Mobile" mobile command center has a trailer set up and the trailer section contains my personal library. Did anyone ever tell you how heavy books are? In this library I have all sorts of information and thus, I have all the references I need to write on the road, something I would recommend for any serious traveling writer. Other writers I have met have their own smaller reference library, they take with them. Many traveling writers have invited me into their motor homes and they'll have a small row of reference books. Books such as Travel Guides, Atlas, Dictionary, Almanacs, Thesaurus and other mini-Encyclopedia type books. In fact you can always tell a traveling writer by what is in their motor home.

And I also recommend having reliable Internet Access as well, this is why I set up a separate power source in the trailer and use the WiFi from the Internet Satellite Antenna from the Motor Coach part. If you are considering writing from the road you might wish to check out the MotoSat Mobile Systems available, they are not cheap, but they work very well.Some writers use the new 3G wireless access card for their laptop. Some older writers just wait until the find an Internet Cafe. Still others only stay at WiFi enabled RV Parks and there are more and more of them these days.

The great thing about being a writer is that you can write from virtually anywhere and with mobile technology what it is today, you can have instant access to the real world when you want it. When you don't turn it off and enjoy the inspiration from the scenic views or destination spots. Why not take your writing on the road, enjoy life, dump the stress and allow your creative juices to flow, your mind to roam and ride like the wind!

Lance Winslow is a public speaker and gives professional interviews to various news agencies and Internet Companies Lance Winslow. Lance Winslow is also available by appointment; http://www.pbs.org/livelyhood/honeywebought/bossresources.html#lance ; PBS Special with Lance Winslow.

New Writers Mini Guide

Fundamentals Needed for a Writers Success

When composing written works whether it be fiction or non-fiction a successful writer relies on the combination of fundamentals they have developed over time. At this point in their career initiative is a natural process and comes easily.

Their minds have been well conditioned over the years resulting in a diversity of talent inclusive with the initiation of ideas and story lines. Therefore, as with any successful endeavour continuous effort from the artist is what creates the end results.

However, it takes many years of effort to develop the mind of a successful writer, to acquire individual style and the talent to structure creativity. And it all begins with the simple desire to read and absorb information. Avid readers can become successful writers.

Exercising and utilizing the mind develops intellect and expands the imagination. Experimenting on the imagination develops style and creativity. However, most importantly, the maturity the writer develops from years of reading is what spawns the agility of their developing talents. This cannot be learned in a classroom setting over a short period of time. On the other hand, the process of developing grammar skills can.

Young writers in their efforts to implement both their reading and writing skills together may believe this to be the ideal way to reduce the time frame from which success can be obtained. This approach for acquiring success does work for some.

But they should keep in mind, as with other talented successors, writing may come naturally to a select few and the years required to perfect the skill may not be needed. For others the basics of writing prose may begin with simple poetry or card verse. This is an ideal foundation to build upon but soon the aspiring writer will out grow this single dimensional form of writing.

Fiction

The increasing desire to expand and diversify develops quickly with their first work of fiction. The most difficult form of writing fiction not only requires creative imagination it requires realistic characters and plots. Constructing the ideal setting and or environment must be relevant with the plot and the events that unfold throughout the story.

Description of such settings is imperative in order for the reader to visualize detail and colour, to unify completely. If the reader can virtually position themselves within the setting itself they in turn become an outsider looking in. This creates an enchanted connection with the characters, and a form of escapism.

Character personalities and motives must also be realistic and consistent throughout the piece. A character whos introduced with an optimistic personality should remain as such unless tragic events distort the characters personality. Main characters should be kept to a minimal and provided with supporting roles. Consistently introducing new characters who briefly take part can cause confusion with the reader.

Many new writers prefer writing in first person but are soon motivated to develop the skill of writing in third person. Established writers are known to write in third person allowing the reader access to all characters. Mental connection with just a single character just doesnt compare. The story is far more stimulating if the reader can mentally connect with all the main characters.

Non-Fiction

Non-fiction can be challenging in other ways and use of the imagination requires a different set of rules. Recollection on the events, the people and the order in which things happen must be conveyed in the same manner as fiction.

However, where research is needed, the simple duplication of facts is not considered ideal when presenting articles or reports. The origins from which information is gathered must come from a variety of resources not from a single article or review.

Facts should be collected, re-arranged and re-written using the writers style and skill. Articles and reports are written with a little more proficiency presenting the reader with factual information along with further resources pertaining to the subject at hand.

Articles are not short stories of a personal experience and they shouldnt be written as such. Its the knowledge gained from the experience that is used and presented as an informative article.

The complexities of the English language are vast and unforgiving. Nonetheless, indulging oneself into the world of the written word can be the most satisfying endeavour a person can experience.

The human imagination can take the writer to places others can only dream of. Not only does the imagination offer therapeutic qualities it allows the writer a temporary existence, an alternative to the physical world theyre bound to.

Creating and developing worlds, characters and events this form of escapism benefits the writer and the reader alike. And for anyone who seeks reprieve from the demanding world they live in exploring through the mind of a talented writer is far more rewarding than the simplicities of physical activity.

Its been a pleasure sharing with you

Kellie Hastings copyright 2007

Freelance research writer of articles pertaining to health, anti-aging, writing, pollution, public awareness, UFO Phenomenon. To view How Your Articles Can Attract Millions and Article Syndication Tips visit http://www.freewebs.com/skilled-writer

Things to Remember in Technical Writing

If there's one thing that differs technical writing from any other type of writing, it's the fact that it's, well, technical. You have to be more specific about the use of words. You can't help to add jargons into them. The real challenge of technical writing is how you can present a technical fact into something that can be easily digested by your readers.

Being a technical writer is definitely no easy feat. However, with the following 4 tips, it would not be too long before you start building your own reputation in the field:

1. Focus on certain technical areas. You have to develop your own niche. This way, it will be easier for you to keep tabs on the changes happening in your chosen field, such as the introduction of new technology or the shift of target audience. You can also conveniently build your reputation as the ultimate master or key figure in the niche you've picked. You know what materials to study and how you can integrate them into your articles.

2. Go down to the level of your target readers. You may understand the term "search engine optimization" but definitely not all of your target readers. Thus, as a technical writer, it is your duty to make sure that you can send your message across as clearly as possible. To accomplish this, you may have to place yourself into the shoes of your target readers. It will definitely help if you can provide short explanation, analogy, or example, to illustrate your point.

3. Keep it short as much as possible. If you can say one paragraph into two sentences, the better. The more words that you're going to say, the more it will become harder for your readers to understand what you mean. Be direct, precise, and accurate.

Jack S. Nguyen is a freelance developer and writer with over 10 years experience building commercial web sites and helping others establish home-based businesses. Jack regularly contributes freelance and work-at-home related product reviews to NetProductsReview.com

Writing the Rainbow

If you were to disregard all of the file folders, books and scribbled Post-It notes, one of the first things you'd notice about my office is my fondness for The Wizard of Oz. Along the walls and bookshelves are postcards of Dorothy and The Wicked Witch, a stuffed Scarecrow and a Cowardly Lion hand puppet. There's also an 18-inch rainbow on my desk. It's really a candleholder, a simple black ornamental bridge with small glass votives of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. To me it is a symbol of hope and inspiration, a reminder of how color became my muse.

The road to rainbows

Like many writers, there was a time when my words did not flow, flow, flow onto the paper, a time when I would have welcomed a pair of ruby slippers just so I could click myself three times out of the Writers Block Woods and into the Creative Light. Then one day I walked into a metaphysical shop and found my muse. There along one large, sunny window were over 100 square glass bottles, each containing two different-colored layers of liquid. They mesmerized me with their gem-like brilliance.

This was my introduction to Aura-Soma, an holistic therapy which uses the healing energies of colors, plants and crystals. Instinctively, I reached for "Gabriel", the blue-over-violet bottle. By applying the oily contents to my throat and temple, my communication abilities would be greatly improved, it was explained. What's this--a writer's miracle in a bottle? Intrigued, I brought "Gabriel" home and after only a few applications, I found myself enjoying what I can only describe as a creative high.

An ancient method

Now that I have spent many years researching the benefits of color, I'm not surprised "Gabriel" worked so well. "Color is a powerful tool," author Lori Reid wrote in ther book, Color Book: Use the healing powers of color to transform your life. "It acts on our bodies, minds, and emotions, triggering deep and subtle responses on a subconscious level."

Within each of us are spinning wheels of energy called chakras which correspond to a specific color of the spectrum, as well as an emotional issue. Red (root chakra, located at the base of the spine) is used for energy, grounding and passion. Orange (sacral chakra, located two inches below the navel) promotes joy and sexuality. Yellow (solar plexus chakra, located below the breastbone) helps counteract depression and stimulates mental activity. Green (heart chakra, located at the center of the chest) represents compassion and healing. Blue (throat chakra, located at the throat) deals with peace, communication and artistic expression. Indigo (brow chakra, located at the third eye area, between the brows) activates intuition. Violet (crown chakra, located at the crown of the head) represents spirituality and inspiration.

Since ancient times, color has been used in physical, mental and emotional healing. It is said that Hippocrates applied his medicine in rooms painted in soothing colors and used different colored salves and ointments as treatment. In ancient Egypt, China and India, individuals were dipped in colored pigment or bathed in light that was filtered through colored-glass windows. Today color is introduced by using crystals and visualization, wearing a particular color clothing to absorb color physically, applying colored lights or oils to the skin, eating colored foods and drinking colored water. One can also receive different color vibrations through music.

Color your world

How would you describe green to your readers? Before you write, visualize your setting and try to see, feel and smell the green. Say you are writing a short story about a young girl living in an old country cottage in Ireland. Is the color of the grass and trees an emerald or Kelly green? Does the grass feel dry or wet? How do you convey the smell of the countryside? Is green an earthy, clean smell? Is it sweet and slightly minty or antiseptic-smelling like pine?

"Becoming aware of the effects of color means that we can make use of its positive benefits to lift our spirits, to unlock our creative imagination, to enhance our environment and to improve our image, our well-being, and our lives," says Reid.

Did you know that if you write on a yellow note pad with blue ink, you can enhance both your communication and creative skills? Think about what you wish to communicate to your readers. Is it anger? Joy or pain?

Once you understand the excessive and deficient qualities associated with each color, you can write stories with more interesting, more believable characters. In her book, Color and Crystals: A Journey Through The Chakras, author Joy Gardner provides an excellent example of someone who has too much red energy:

"This wealthy perfectionist is the owner of a California restaurant chain. He rules his employees like a commanding general. He is nervous and chronically constipated. He owns three cars, which give him little satisfaction. He sleeps with many women, but it's an empty experience."

Gardner describes the rainbow colors and their related excessive energies as Red--greedy, egotistic, domineering, sexually indiscriminate; Orange--emotionally explosive, aggressive, manipulative, over-indulgent; Yellow--judgmental, workaholic, perfectionist, overly intellectual; Green--demanding, possessive, moody, melodramatic; Blue--arrogant, self-righteous, dogmatic, addictive; Indigo--egomaniac, proud, religiously dogmatic, authoritarian and Violet--psychotic, depressed, destructive.

An outstanding example of a red personality is the aptly named Scarlett O'Hara, the fiery heroine from "Gone With The Wind". Talk about attention-getters! Scarlett was stubborn and temperamental, a woman who demanded everything the world had to offer. Nothing could stop her from achieving her goals, not death and destruction nor the scorn and wagging tongues of the local citizens. If she had to steal her sister's beau, murder a Yankee or toil in the fields, well, so be it. She would not be defeated.

In the end, Scarlett had amassed great wealth and had rebuilt her beloved Tara, but she had suffered great losses as well. Her daughter was dead and her husband, Rhett Butler, clearly didn't give a damn and was heading out the door. But we just know that Scarlett got Rhett in the end. Why? Because she never, ever quit. She knew what she wanted and she would fight the devil himself to ensure that she got it. Scarlett O'Hara was the ultimate survivor. Surely, if she had had a personal mantra, it would have been: "It's all about me!"

A writer's meditation

Sit or lie in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and imagine yourself sitting on a beautiful white sandy beach. The sun is directly overhead and its rays are brilliant and warm as they flow from the top of your head and throughout your body.

Let your toes feel the cool, Caribbean blue waters. See yourself staring out to sea, mesmerized by the dancing rhythm of the waves. Watch the seagulls fly above you, then see them dive into the sparkling water. You feel at peace here. After awhile, you notice a huge wave coming toward you but you are not afraid. The water comes close to your hand and when the wave is gone, you see it has left you a wondrous gift.

Glowing like jewels on the sand are seven different colors of seaglass. You pick up the red seaglass first and hold it in the palm of your hand. Stare into the seaglass and imagine you are becoming smaller and smaller until you are surrounded by the red seaglass. Feel the warmth and energy of the color red. Red is the first color of the rainbow. It is the color of passion and enthusiasm and survival. Red helps you obtain your material needs.

Now pick up the orange-colored seaglass. Orange is the second color of the rainbow. Look into the seaglass and become the color orange. Orange is a joyful color. With orange, you feel happy about your decision to become a writer and you will not allow anyone or anything to dampen your enthusiasm.

Now pick up the yellow-colored seaglass and feel the power of yellow surround you. Yellow is the third color of the rainbow. Yellow gives you better confidence in your writing abilities, no matter how many rejection slips or criticisms you receive.

Place the green-colored seaglass into your hand. Green is the fourth color of the rainbow. It is the color of harmony and balance and peace. When you are hurrying to meet deadlines for books and articles, visualize the color green and your balance will be restored.

Pick up the blue-colored seaglass and become the color blue. Blue is the fifth color of the rainbow and offers you creativity and communication. Blue helps you perceive the truth and to conquer writer's block.

Now pick up the indigo-colored seaglass. This is the sixth color of the rainbow. Indigo is the color of intuition, your inner voice that tells you to "go for it". You need to trust your intuition if you are to realize your potential and become a successful writer.

Now there is only one seaglass left to explore, the violet-colored one. Violet is the seventh color of the rainbow. It is the color of faith. No matter how difficult your life may get, faith never lets you give up on yourself. In your journey as a writer, remember the color violet and your abilities and opportunities will improve.

Now slowly open your eyes and when you are ready, take your favorite colored pen or pencil in hand and write a page in your personal color journal, knowing that the power of the seven colors of the rainbow has made you into a better and more creative writer.

Are you ready to do some rainbow writing? Try these exercises now:

1. Write about a red place, object or character. OR write a cover letter to an agent, describing why he/she should take you on as a client. What are your accomplishments? Why are you certain your book or article will sell?

2. Write about an orange place, object or character. OR write about the first time you knew you really wanted to become a writer. Then write how you felt when you received your first criticism or rejection letter. Were you angry? Sad? Suicidal? How did you resolve the situation?

3. Write about a yellow place, object or character. OR write a movie synopsis of your life. Is it a poignant drama, comedy or psychological thriller? Which actor portrays you? Would you give your life story a General, PG-13 or R rating?

4. Write about a green place, object or character. OR write a poem about a time when you really loved something or someone. How did you express your love? Was it returned or rejected?

5. Write about a blue place, object or character. OR interview yourself as if you are already a successful writer. What suggestions would you give to a beginning writer? How have you managed to keep your name at the top of the bestseller lists? How do you avoid writer's block? Do you network with other writers?

6. Write about an indigo place, object or character. OR write a dialogue in which a small child is describing your present surroundings to an older blind person.

7. Write about a violet place, object or character. OR in first person, create a Cinderella-like fairytale where your greatest desire is to attend the most famous writers conference in the country. What are your adversities? How do you eventually get to the conference? Describe the general layout of the conference. Whom do you meet there? What questions do you ask your favorite author? What lessons do you learn? (Begin your story with "Once upon a time I was...")

Creating a personal color journal

Once I was angry with a person whom I felt had treated me unfairly. Since I was already "seeing red", I instinctively reached for a red pen and began to write passionately, wildly, about the injustice of it all. Had I been trying to "chill", I would have grabbed my "cool blue" pen instead. But in this situation I needed to express my anger--to really feel the emotional power of it--and that is why I chose to "be" red for that journaling session.

As you might expect from someone with an Oz collection, one of my major philosophies in life is to have fun, so I suggest the more colorful you can make your journal, the better. Choose either a large spiral notebook in your favorite color or seven different notebooks to reflect each hue of the rainbow and its corresponding emotion. If you are feeling depressed on the day of your journal entry, you need to add more red, so you will write this entry in red because red is the antidote to blue.

To get you started, here are nine colorful journaling prompts:

1. On the top of each page, write and complete this sentence: "The color I feel today is _______________________ because..."

2. Describe how you generally feel about the color red (or orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo or violet) and why.

3. Using the color red, complete this affirmation: "Today I have..."

4. Using the color orange, complete this affirmation: "Today I feel..."

5. Using the color yellow, complete this affirmation: "Today I can..."

6. Using the color green, complete this affirmation: "Today I love..."

7. Using the color blue, complete this affirmation: "Today I speak..."

8. Using the color indigo, complete this affirmation: "Today I see..."

9. Using the color violet, complete this affirmation: "Today I know..."

Dive write in, the aura's fine

Red. Orange. Yellow. Green. Blue. Indigo. Violet. These seven colors are powerful tools for writers. So if you've lost your muse somewhere along the yellow brick road and don't have a pair of ruby slippers to find it, look to the rainbow and you'll discover that writing is an even greater adventure when it's not all black and white.

Eleyne Austen Sharp has been a professional writer since 1980. She is a certified color therapist, certified spiritual aromatherapist and creator of Rainbow Writing, an innovative journaling and creative writing technique. Eleyne is the founder of Aura House (http://www.aurahouse.com), a professional color therapy and training center. Email her at rainbowwriter@aurahouse.com

Life is Just Like a Ballpen Refill

Life is just like a ball pen refill. A ball pen refill that is full resembles your childhood days. During those days, you were also full of enthusiasm and your imaginations had no limits. As you grow older into your teenage, you start feeling life is not all that smooth. This is same as ball pen refill which sometimes does not give smooth writing in the beginning. But here you should have remembered words of Shakespeare:

To climb steep hills requires a slow pace at first

Later, the refill runs smoothly. Isn't it same as when you have completed your education and started earning of your own and buying whatever you had ever desired.

And one day, your refill gets over. The same is going to happen with your life. One day, it has to end.

In the year 1839, Edward Bulwer-Lytton coined a very famous adage:

Pen is mightier than the sword .

That means you can use your pen either to draw zigzag lines & ordinary things or use it to write something that brings about revolution; much like Edward Bulwer in just one quote stated above.

So is the case with your life. You can either make a living with whatever resources you have or you can exploit your latent potentials to create a living that is not just for yourself but to entire humankind.

A costly and most aesthetically designed pen is useless unless it has inside a refill filled with good quality ink.

Same applies to any human being. So, while attiring yourself in the best way nourish your mind and cultivate your soul with equally best way. This "inside-to-outside" growth has been emphasized by many gurus including Stephen Covey in his book "7 Habits of Highly Effective People".

If you don't like the refill (may be its color) inside your pen then you simply replace it with another one you like. Same should hold true for your life also. You should have this sort of flexibility in your attitude to discard your bad habits and to forget your not so good past easily. Instantly fill your life with colors of developing a sense of living, having well-defined goals, and work single-minded in a focused manner to turn your burning desires into a reality.

Do not use pen of your life to simply write the life as it comes. Instead stretch yourself to deliver beyond expectations, for you know life is going to end similar to pen refill that finishes with its use. To write something very very great, you need not have an expensive pen refill. Similarly, you need not to be very rich to help others. Devoting your time and teaching or sharing with them what you know is sometimes even better. For example, when you give money to a poor you are arranging his one or two meals but if you are teaching him a skill then arranging meals for his generations to come.

Al-kaatib, a masters in computer science & engg. and a software professional from India, loves writing on variety of topics like computer science, spirituality, and self-improvement. He maintains his blogs at: http://www.crossroadsbyzainvi.blogspot.com

How to Write More Articles

Does it take a lot of time for you to write an article, a single blog or to post them online? Do you take a lot of time to think about how to write an effective article? If your answer is 'yes' for the above-mentioned questions, then you should this article to get a solution for your problems. Whether you are a freelance writer, an article writer or a blog writer, you should be able to write effective articles in less time. If you are into a full time job as a web-writer then you need to manage your time in a manner in such a way that you write more articles in less time.

Here are few tips, which will help you to write an effective article or a blog quickly.

Stay focused

When you sit to write an online article, close down all other applications, as, they tend to distract your attention. For instance, the application that most commonly disrupts the working pace is chat application. Therefore, it is always better to close down all the chat windows, when you are writing an article. Other application that you should close down is the email window, as chatting email also tends to divert your attention. Close the browser application, which you open for reference work, immediately after you are through with your work. It is better that you stop checking blog traffic stats and Adsense earnings.

Exhaustive research

You should always do a little bit of research work before you begin to write the articles. This will help you to write an effectual article in less time. The research work will help you to enhance the quality of the articles and the articles will undoubtedly show the effort you have put in behind researching. Most of the articles that make it to the first page of the social bookmarking sites are well structured and researched. The research work will make you article factual, informative and will give a depth to your article.

Schedule yourself

Prepare a schedule before you begin your article, as it will help you to save on a lot of time. On the schedule, fix a time limit for every work that you will have to do because of the article. Assign maximum time for writing as writing the article will take most of your time. Also, allocate some time for research work, thinking a title and for deciding subtitles. By following this kind of a schedule, you can easily write an article in an hour.

Go for proof reading

It is important to do a proof reading after you have finished your article. Generally, most of the people leave out proof reading paucity of time or patience. Once you are through with your writing part, give it a reading and check whether there is any mistake or not. If you come across any mistake, rectify it.

Edit your work

The formatting works should be done once you are through with you writing. See to it that the images are at their place, give a caption to the pictures and acknowledge the person you want to. While editing see to it that the article is precise, concise and does not have fillers.

Writing high quality articles in few minutes is a difficult task, but you can easily master the art if you follow the above-mentioned points.

The author is dynamic web content writer and budding SEO. He has got the experience in writing quality content for various websites and getting them optimized too. You can view his website for more information

The Successful Freelance Writer

Back in the old days, it was quite easy to get freelance writing jobs. When our grandparents were still in their teens, they already had jobs at newspapers and magazines. Back then, they were also gutsier and were more resourceful. Perhaps it was because of the urgency during their time that they had no other choice but to excel and do their best.

These days, we have the comfort of technology. Writing does not require you to actually own a pen or a notebook (although other people find such practice more conducive to writing). Modern technologies like the Internet, television and even mobile phones have paved the way for more freelance writing jobs.

But how come only a few seem to have tapped into this new media (especially the internet)? After being in the business for quite some time now, I've come to realize that some people are just not aware. They think it's hard work looking for a gig online. I'm here to correct that notion.

It's not difficult to find writing assignments online and sustain it as long as you find your niche.

Freelance writing jobs start out with you looking for something you're comfortable writing about. At first, you might be given assignments you know next to nothing about. However, don't be dissuaded and give up.

Since you're already online anyway, why not try doing research? Research is a freelance writer's best friend. For example, I was once tasked to write about employee relations. Back then, I had no idea what I could write about. Instead of returning the assignment, I looked around for information and read other articles. Soon, I found myself understanding what it meant and I was able to come up with a great piece.

Freelance writing jobs will expose you to a wide range of topics. However, you will soon find yourself having a greater and easier time writing certain topics. At this stage, you have already found your niche and while you may still keep your old job, you can now begin looking for other opportunities that will focus on the topic of your interest.

There are plenty more tips for freelance writing jobs where this came from. Already unspoken rules, of course, include polishing your grammar and being responsible for your articles. Plagiarism is absolutely a no-no. The Internet might be an endless vast space but it's not that hard to bump into articles every now and then.

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