The Many Kinds of Mind Maps

It’s possible that the ideas connected with the creation of mind maps are presented to the public in a way that creates misconceptions. When this technique is explained, it is generally always described similarly. “Write down a word in the middle of a page,” the explanations go, “and then write all the ideas you can think of that relate to the word, radiating around that idea in the middle.” This is indeed the first sort of map people create when they start their mapping training. But in fact, this is just one kind of mind map, which is called a spider map, yet there are other constructions people can use as well.

Take the fishbone or flow chart mind maps, for example. These would be considered more as concept maps, which are more complex. Not every idea radiates from the center, especially in flow charts, which tend toward sequential thought. A fishbone map, on the other hand, might show several concepts feeding into a central one. This type of map would be used for things like showing the possible causes or factors that lead into one event. Those are not always sequential, nor do they cause each other, so this type of map would picture them as branches that angle in toward a single line, which in turn leads to the event itself.

Other mind map examples might be those viewed as chains or circles. A chain might be just a series of loops, one after the other, showing events or causes that are connected to each other. Or it might involve loops descending from each other in ever widening branches, like the roots of a tree, as a single event creates a cascade of repercussions. Another type of map displays itself as an actual circle, and would illustrate certain things that go in repeating cycles. These mind maps, especially the chains, can probably fall into the flow chart category as well.

Visual mapping allows people to find and illustrate relationships between all sorts of ideas. Whether you’re talking a spider map that encourages random brainstorming, a fishbone map that illustrates factors that contribute to an end result, or a flow chart that demonstrates a series of cause-and-effect chains, these many different kinds of mind maps rise to whatever the occasion demands. Users of these maps are able to discover and organize important information in a visual way that can be grasped quickly and intuitively.

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Think, Write & Retire

As you read through this book, you will find how you have underestimated your knowledge, skills and abilities all this time. You will learn how to use your life experiences, whether gained through work, study or plain need to your advantage and create a product to help those in need of your experience to help them grow. And they are willing to pay for it.

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With this knowledge you will be able to achieve personal and financial freedom, control your future, and make your own fortune. You can then spend your time doing only what you enjoy

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Proofreading Your Copy

Proofreading is more often than not a neglected responsibility by many copywriters. If you value, however, the opinion of your readers then proofreading is but a small price to pay for the success you enjoy because of them.

Knowing What to Look for

Before anything else, proofreading can only be made possible if you know what to look for. This means having a considerable grasp of all the intricacies of proper grammar and punctuation as well as solid knowledge on spelling. If you fail in any of these counts, you need to work on them because they can make a huge difference with the quality of your copies as well.

Appropriate Environment

Proofreading is a job that requires great concentration, so find an environment suitable for the job. Get rid of all possible sources of distraction as well.

On Paper

It’s easier to overlook errors when you are proofreading with your computer so do print your copy on paper whenever possible. It might be more costly this way, but don’t you think the sales you can generate for a well-written copy can easily offset the expense?

The Right Mindset

The best way to proofread your copy is to have clear expectations of finding errors. If you think of your work as flawless, you’re more liable to overlook errors. Remember: a positive outlook – even if it means finding errors in this case – always helps in getting a positive outcome.

Read

Resist the temptation to read in the pace that you’re used to. Instead, read your copy slowly and read it out loud if possible. Reading will help you find errors in the style and cohesion of your writing.

When you’re done reading from start to finish, try reading it backwards. The brain tries to automatically correct any spotted error in the content, making you read what you think you see instead of what you’re actually seeing. By reading backwards, you prevent your brain from correcting on auto-mode and view your work for what it really is.

Appearance

Proofread includes correcting the look of your copy. Pay attention to wrong spacing and margins, irregular font styling, and improperly capitalized words. Indeed, pay greater attention to words in uppercase as it’s more difficult to see errors in that format.

Consistency

Proofreading includes making sure that everything about your copy is consistent. Uniformity, after all, makes a web copy more attractive. If you use a certain name for reference, be sure to use that name at all times rather than confuse your readers with various synonyms sprinkled across your text.

Grammar and Spell Check

The options for these mechanisms provided by your processor are not always right. And no, this doesn’t mean that you’re smarter but they’re probably not configured correctly. In any case, don’t rely on them to do your work for you.

Over and Over

Proofreading is not a one-time process. You need to do it over and over and at properly spaced intervals to make sure your copy is entirely error-free.

Another Point of the View

Last but not the least, have someone else – preferably one with the necessary knowledge and experience – proofread your work. You don’t have to pay a professional to do it. If you know other copywriters, you can strike a deal and proofread each other’s work.

A fresh pair of eyes, not to mention unbiased as well, can help find the last few errors in your copy.

Poetry: Making Money Writing Poetry

There are very few people who truly know how to make money by following their passion and when it comes to writing poetry, the idea of making money from it looks rather improbable. Most of us generally prefer to take up poetry as a hobby and hardly think of earning anything from it.

However, the situation isn’t always the same. If you are really passionate about writing poetry you can actually make money from it. There are millions of poetry enthusiasts all over the world who would want to buy your piece of art once they become your fan.

Well, creating a huge fan following isn’t that simple and it takes some good amount of time. First of all you need to get some good exposure among the poetry lovers. This can be achieved by delivering samples of your well written prose and getting appreciation.

Though the content of your poetry matters the most, there are some marketing tactics that should be used in order to gain the required exposure. These techniques help you in getting an impressive customer base for your poetry. This article focuses on these handy marketing techniques.

There is nothing new in these techniques. Besides, these form part of a crucial procedure that most artists miss during their effort to making money by selling their creations. This is perhaps due to the fact that most of the artists look at their work from an artistic point of view and not from a business prospective.

If you are really looking for earning a good income by selling your poetry, then you have to have a business outlook for it. Here are some steps you should pursue to achieve your ambiyion:

Create a web page for generating leads. This is need only be a single page website where you provide a free sample of your poetry and ask web users to sign up toyour mailing list so as to get some more free samples. Basically, this lead generation page helps you in building your fan club. Try to present your best piece of work on this lead page, as it will help in creating a great first impression.

Set-up interactive communication with your fans using auto-responders. An auto-responder is basically a mailing list tool that sends a large number of pre-written emails once a user registers for mailing list option at your lead generation page. This comes handy in assisting you to build credibility among your fans.

Offer your work in digital format. This can be done with the help of several utilities and applications available for free on the internet. You can select a set of poems and digitize them into audio/video files or an eBook and allow your fans to download your work after paying for it using PayPal and some other method.

Simply keep the process of building fan base going and selling your poems to them. This would eventually provide you with a notable fan base and by continually giving them some of your great work you will uphold their interest in your poetry.

Essentials for a freelance writer

In the industry of freelancing, among the most in demand are writers. This is especially true with the birth of the Internet, which tripled the need for writers because of the various websites and online content that are constantly being updated.

There are actually lots of work that a freelance writer can go into especially if they have established the right contacts. Freelance writers, as mentioned, are needed for writing online content to boost website viewership. In fact, online content is fast becoming one of the major sources of freelance assignments not only for writers but also for other freelancers such as photographers, web designers and graphic artists.

But though there are lots of assignments and freelance jobs waiting on the sidelines, this does not mean that you’ll be getting a fair share of them. Because just as there are lots of jobs, there are also lots of freelance writers that you have to compete with. To make sure that you stay competitive, here are some tips.

Self-market

If you plan to do freelancing, make sure that people know that you do freelance. How else will they know unless you tell them? It’s not as if you can advertise and that is an added cost that most people cannot afford. When you meet people, don’t hesitate to give them your card and to tell them that you do freelance work. Self-marketing is essential as this will give you the contacts that you need in order to start a freelance career. This is especially true with people who are working in similar industry like writers for magazines, webzines and other publications.

Always do your best

Because you are actually doing the work that you are doing in the company that you work for, it is important that you always do your best and to make sure that you take care of your work reputation. Your work, whether they are PR write-ups or newspaper articles, will be the basis for you being commissioned for freelance work. So make sure that you always give your best in every assignment.

Establish a sound and solid reputation

It is not only your work that you should take care of but also your attitude in dealing with people. You can be the most brilliant writer but if you are known in the industry as difficult to work with, you will find it hard to get side lines and freelance jobs. Take care of your reputation especially in terms of work ethics and meeting deadlines as these are important factors that employers consider in hiring freelance writers.

Look for jobs

Of course, it is not also right that you just wait for people to give you work. You can actually look for assignments yourself, just to tide you over before actual assignments come in. There are many ways to look for freelancing jobs.

You can log on to job sites where they have a special section that features freelancing jobs or part time jobs. Some are even located in different states, which you can actually accept since most just require telecommuting and not your actual presence.

Another way to look for jobs is to ask people that you know for referrals. This way, you can use the contacts that you have established in your profession.

Tips in getting Freelance writing jobs

One of the best things about being a writer is the fact that you can hold a permanent job and still write on the side. That is the good thing in having a creative profession. You can do sidelines and freelancing jobs while still being salaried regularly. In fact, many writers in magazines and newspapers accept writing and editing jobs on the side while others who can afford not to have a permanent job will settle in with freelance jobs.

Actually, there are some freelancing jobs that can pay a lot and can even exceed a person’s monthly pay. Permanent writing jobs however provide the security. You wouldn’t want to wake up one morning without money to pay for the rent, right?

Freelance writing jobs are a dime a dozen especially with the advent of Internet. Writers are frequently commissioned to do online content to keep websites updated and informative. Still, one needs to know where to look and how to look if you want to get regular assignments. Below are some tips in getting freelance writing jobs

Go online

There are a number of writing jobs that one can find in the internet and what is more, these freelance jobs can be accomplished at home. Some do not even require you to pass the articles in person. Because of the great convenience that the internet provides, telecommuting is already possible.

This means that you don’t have to physically go to work. You can just submit your works online. Payments for these kinds of jobs are often deposited through bank transfers.
You can find freelance work listings in websites that feature freelance works. Some jobsites also have listings of these kinds of assignments.

Establish a network

Being a writer, you have to establish a network of people who will later on recommend you for jobs and writing assignments. PR professionals for instance look for writers who can do assignments for them. The same goes with owners of companies that advertise over the internet or those who maintain websites which you can write for. Editors of magazines and newspapers are also often in the lookout for writers in publications.

There are a lot of people who are looking for part-time or freelance writers and the bigger your network is, the more people you can associate with who can help you.

Ask for a referral or a recommendation

The first step in asking for a referral is to do a damn good job that people will want to refer you to another. Although writing is big business, the industry is actually pretty small. Chances are your boss in one project will also know someone who is doing a similar project. Ask for a recommendation to another person who is in need of a writer or better yet ask them if they know someone who might be looking for a freelance writer. This is one way to get assignments.

Write well

The key to having a great freelancing career is to take care of your reputation not only in terms of your writing but also in the way you deal with people. For instance, you can write so well but if you are always late in passing your assignments, no person would want to deal with you. Remember that writing involves deadlines and you have to keep up with it if you want to really stay in the industry.

How to Overcome Writer's Block

Okay. I can hear that herd of you running away from this article as fast as you can. Absurd! you huff. Never in a million years, you fume. Writer’s block is
absolutely, undeniably, scientifically proven to be impossible to overcome.

Oh, just get over it! Well, I guess it’s not that easy. So try to sit down for just a few minutes and listen. All you have to do is listen ? you don’t have
to actually write a single word.

Ah, there you all are again. I am beginning to make you out now that the cloud of dust is settling.

I am here to tell you that WRITER’S BLOCK CAN BE OVERCOME.

Please, remain seated.

There are ways to trick this nasty demon. Pick one, pick several, and give them a try. Soon, before you even have a chance for your heartbeat to accelerate, guess what? You’re writing.

Here are some tried and true methods of overcoming writer’s block:

1. Be prepared. The only thing to fear is fear itself. I know, that’s a cliche? but as soon as you start writing, feel free to improve on it. If you spend some time mulling over your project before you actually sit down to write, you may be able to circumvent the worst of the crippling panic.

2. Forget perfectionism. No one ever writes a masterpiece in the first draft. Don’t put any
expectations on your writing at all! In fact, tell yourself you’re going to write absolute garbage, and then give yourself permission to happily stink up your
writing room.

3. Compose instead of editing. Never, never write your first draft with your monkey-mind sitting on your shoulder making snide editorial comments. Composing is
a magical process. It surpasses the conscious mind by galaxies. It’s even incomprehensible to the conscious, editorial, monkey-mind. So prepare an ambush. Sit down at your computer or your desk. Take a deep breath and blow out all your thoughts. Let your finger hover over your keyboard or pick up your pen. And then pull a fake: appear to be about to begin to write, but instead, using your thumb and index finger of your dominant hand, flick that little annoying ugly monkey back into the barrel of laughs it came from. Then jump in quickly! Write, scribble, scream, howl, let everything loose, as long as you do it with a pen or your computer keyboard.

4. Forget the first sentence. You can sweat over that all-important one-liner when you’ve finished your piece. Skip it! Go for the middle or even the end. Start wherever you can. Chances are, when you read it over, the first line will be blinking its little neon
lights right at you from the depths of your composition.

5. Concentration. This is a hard one. Life throws us so many curve balls. How about thinking about your writing time as a little vacation from all those annoying worries. Banish them! Create a space, perhaps even a physical one, where nothing exists except the single present moment. If one of those irritating worries gets by you, stomp on it like you would an ugly bug!

6. Stop procrastinating. Write an outline. Keep your research notes within sight. Use someone else’s writing to get going. Babble incoherently on paper or on the computer if you have to.

Just do it! (I know, I stole that line from somewhere). Tack up anything that could possibly help you to get going: notes, outlines, pictures of your grandmother. Put the cookie you will be allowed to eat when you finish your first draft within sight but
out of reach. Then pick up the same type of writing that you need to write, and read it. Then read it again. Soon, trust me, the fear will slowly fade away. As soon as it does, grab your keyboard and get writing!

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