My system for getting things done (GTD): a physical board, Google Drive, Trello boards, and my notebook
On December 28, 2018 by Lauren ElkinsGetting things done (GTD) makes an impact for me as a freelance writer, but also, as a human. Clutter hurts. It’s hard to admit that because I’m often sitting at a desk with piles to my right and left. I clear enough space to put down my coaster and caffeine of choice (Dr. Pepper Ten
How Airtable rocked my world with a payroll database, magazine editorial calendar, and easy, secured forms!
On December 20, 2018 by Lauren ElkinsI am a new convert to the gospel of Airtable. Amen. It’s true. It makes me happy. Also, I am reminded that I miss the challenge of working with a database. I’m serious. I used to work with databases every day as a Business Analyst and it was my favorite part of my job. I
More sweet Christmas gifts for the writer in your life!
On December 6, 2018 by Lauren ElkinsLast Christmas, it was fun to put together a list of Christmas gifts for writers. Let’s do it again! Stop back to the last gift list because those are still excellent ideas. Then, take these ideas and add them to your Santa list. You’re welcome. My favorite pens: Pilot G2 Gel Ink Roller Ball Pens
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