How writing makes me happy (and why that matters for my success)
On July 18, 2018 by Lauren Elkins“Do what you love, and put your whole heart into it, and then just have fun,” Tim Cook once told a reporter. He was answering a question seeking advice on achieving personal success. His words were similar to Warren Buffett: “In the world of business, the people who are most successful are those who are
Unique Trello boards for writers — how to organize your craft
On April 11, 2018 by Lauren ElkinsLooking for the powerpoint or printable from my #Trello4Writers class? You found them! Click here for the powerpoint and here for the handout. Trello is an excellent tool for project tracking, whether individually or with a team, but the beauty of it is really in its simple customization. You can set it up to do
Project management for writers and entrepreneurs
On April 4, 2018 by Lauren ElkinsKeeping track of projects is a skill. It’s a taught and learned skill. Project managers, who have trained and tested and certified in this, are paid big bucks. Keeping track of it all and doing it well matters. As an entrepreneur and freelance writer, I’ve had to adapt systems to what works best for me.
25 hashtags for writers on social media
On March 23, 2018 by Lauren ElkinsI drew a resource for myself in my sketch book: good hashtags to use, as a writer, on social media. I realized that I kept repeating the same search online, looking up hashtags to use for posts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. I never remembered them from the last time I looked some up. Thus,
Content creation: building posts off of previous posts
On January 10, 2018 by Lauren ElkinsOften, the hardest part about blogging is coming up with good, original content. Here’s one idea that I’ve seen on plenty of sites and use myself: build new posts off of previous posts. How is that original? Two reasons: You make sure you’re building on the previous content, not simply reposting. Remember that many visitors
5 ways to use themes for content creation
On January 3, 2018 by Lauren ElkinsOne of the hard things about posting consistently for me is coming up with good content. I often feel like I use up all my idea-generating brain cells on writing I do for clients, drying up the well for my own site! Have you ever felt the same? One trick to help you out is
promoting your brand on social media
On January 1, 2018 by Lauren ElkinsLet’s make a list. I like nice, short posts that get to the point. Isn’t it annoying, sometimes, when you want to try out a recipe you found online, but you have to scroll through all of these paragraphs and images to get to the actual recipe? (If you’re my husband, you like reading all
Why, How, and What for Content Calendars
On December 22, 2017 by Lauren ElkinsA content calendar has become a must-have for me and my blogging because my freelance writing business has grown. I used to post on my blogs willy-nilly. I lacked consistency and I lacked themes. I’ve learned that these matter if I am going to stay consistent with this blog. Why bother on my personal brand
Defining a content creation game plan
On September 20, 2017 by Lauren ElkinsI have been inconsistent with posting blog content on my own website. I have legitimate reasons that include two small kids demanding of my time, a house that needs a little cleaning, paying customers with writing deadlines and expectations, and a weekly soccer league. I mean, isn’t it obvious that the soccer league takes precedence
6 Project Management tools for writing
On June 11, 2017 by Lauren Elkins“…prepare yourself—holistically, mentally and spiritually—to take on a project that exists entirely in your head.” Garth Stein, author of The Art of Racing in the Rain and A Sudden Light. The above quote comes from praise Stein gave about a book on writing and I loved what he said there at the end. Writing is working on