Thanks to August 2011 Commenters
September 29, 2011 by Lillie
Guest Post from Danny Ashton: Five Gadgets Every Freelancer Needs
September 27, 2011 by Lillie
Note from Lillie: The recommendations in this post come from the guest poster, Danny Ashton. I am not familiar with these gadgets and have no opinion of their usefulness.
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Being a freelancer is a great way to earn a living. However, there are a number of little gadgets that can help make your freelancing career go a bit smoother. Below is a list of five computer gadgets that you can use right away.
1. LessTimeSpent.com
They say that time is money, and that is certainly true for the freelancer. It is important to accurately keep track of your time, because minor mistakes with your time tracking could end up costing you quite lot in unpaid money by the end of the year. LessTimeSpent.com is a great way to accurately keep track of your time and the tasks you have completed.
Price: Free
2. SimplyBill.com
As well as keeping track of your time, you need to be able to invoice your clients for the work you have done. You don’t want to waste time getting bogged down with software that is too complicated or time-consuming to use. SimplyBill.com enables you to easily send out attractive invoices to your clients with minimal fuss. Let SimplyBill.com take the time and hassle out of your invoicing.
Price: Free Version (3 invoices, 15 quotes and 10 client max) – full details
3. BackPackIt.com
If you are working on team projects, it is important to be able to easily share documents and information with your team members. BackPackIt.com enables you to keep all your project’s documents in one central location all the time. So, no matter where you are, you can access the relevant documents with just a few clicks. No more having to shuffle through pieces of paper from your briefcase.
Price: Basic = $24/month
4. RememberTheMilk.com
One of the most important things when you work freelance is being able to organize your day. But if you are juggling many different tasks throughout your day, it’s not good enough just to have loads of post-it notes or scraps of paper lying about. RememberTheMilk.com is a central online location where you can easily organize your tasks, and makes the whole process an enjoyable experience.
Price: Free
5. Scirocco Take a Break
If you work as a freelancer, you don’t have the structure of set hours and routines that you would have if you were working in a standard office. While most freelancers work on a computer, spending too long in front of a computer can be bad for your health. Take a Break is a little program which prompts you every hour to take a 10-minute break away from your computer. This prevents you from spending hours and hours hunched in the same position, which can lead to back and neck pain and also eye strain.
Price: Free
Conclusion
These five gadgets/websites won’t make freelancing a walk in the park, but they can help to make your day that little bit easier. I would suggest trying just one of these gadgets at a time and testing it to see if it improves your work day. Not every one of these gadget will work for everyone or every situation, but it’s worth giving them a go. I hope this list will open your eyes to the possibility of gadgets that can take away the strain of being a freelancer.
About the Author
This guest post was written by Danny Ashton who writes about Android Tablets on his blog: www.androidtabletfanatic.com (if you want to ask him any gadget questions, feel free to email: androidtabletfanatic@gmail.com)
Disclaimer: The author contacted me to write a guest post. The opinions expressed are his; none of the links are affiliate links.
International Freelancers Day is Today
September 23, 2011 by Lillie
I hope you’re already registered for the free online conference from the International Freelancers Academy, today, International Freelancers Day.
Check out the presentation schedule and attend the sessions that interest you.
World Alzheimer’s Day: What Is Alzheimer’s?
September 21, 2011 by Lillie
Today is World Alzheimer’s Day, a time to spread awareness of this disease and the people who suffer from it. Shockingly, one in ten people over the age of 65 suffer from Alzheimer’s disease (AD). If you and your family are not affected yet, you most likely will be in the future.
I was one of several caregivers for my father during the seven years he lived after his diagnosis. Now I am the sole caregiver for a loved one who doesn’t recognize his diagnosis. I have learned that, contrary to what many assume, the Alzheimer’s patient is still the same person he or she has always been. Their memory deteriorates, and their behavior changes, often for the worse, but the behavior changes are part of the disease process and reactions to the fear and confusion they are experiencing. As the disease progresses, it may be difficult to recognize the personality of the individual, but deep down, it’s still there.
My sister Nancy Nicholson tells our father’s story in her book of tips for Alzheimer’s caregivers: Help! What Do I Do Now?: Caring for Your Loved One with Alzheimer’s
You can read another touching story in I Am Still Here.
O ALMIGHTY God, who art the giver of all health, and the aid of them that turn to thee for succour; We entreat thy strength and goodness in behalf of all thy servants who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and for their caregivers. Guide the minds and actions of those seeking a cure for this disease that patients may be healed of their infirmities, to thine honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
The video below explains the progression of the damage to the brain.
Back to Church Sunday
September 18, 2011 by Lillie
Sunday, September 18th is Back to Church Sunday. This video offers an invitation. If you don’t go to church regularly, I hope you will take up the invitation and go to church. If you’re in the San Antonio area, I invite you to my church, All Saints Anglican.
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day 2011
September 17, 2011 by Lillie
Many of the little-known special days, weeks, and months that I mention here are created by an organization to support a cause or product or activity. Although Constitution Day and Citizenship Day isn’t well-known, it is in fact a legal observance designated in Title 36 of the United States Code.
The law states:
(b) Purpose.— Constitution Day and Citizenship Day commemorate the formation and signing on September 17, 1787, of the Constitution and recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens.
So, today I congratulate all United States citizens, whether you were born here or came here from somewhere else. You are part of the great melting pot that is our country.
And today is a good day to read the Constitution again—or for the first time!
Learn more about this observance at the Library of Congress.
Image from Wikipedia
International Freelancers Day September 23, 2011
September 16, 2011 by Lillie
Added 9/20/11: Registration for this conference closes at midnight Eastern time on Thursday, September 22. If you haven’t registered yet, do it now. Even if you’re interested in only one or two of the sessions, you need to register to attend the ones you want.
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The International Freelancers Academy has declared September 23, 2011 to be International Freelancers Day.
No parades or picnics on this day, but a great opportunity to attend “the biggest ever free online conference exclusively for solo professionals.”
Watch the video below for details, and sign up now if you want to take advantage of this free educational opportunity to advance your freelance business.
International Freelancers Day Conference 2011 from Ed Gandia on Vimeo.
Interview: Michielle DJ Beck
September 14, 2011 by Lillie
My guest today is Michielle DJ Beck, author of the book, Sorry, I Thought I Loved You
Lillie: Welcome to A Writer’s Words, An Editor’s Eye, Michi. Although we’ve never met in person, we’ve known each other in the virtual world for more than a decade. I’m excited about the release of your book and delighted to introduce you to my readers.
Michi: Thank you, Lillie. I’m excited to be here.
Lillie: Please tell us a little about your book.
Michi: My book was written from personal experience. I had been through so much in my life, and I realized that I wanted to share that with others in the hope that it might actually help someone. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has struggled with codependency, and with trying to please everyone else, so much that you lose who you are. With my codependent childhood and my multiple marriages and divorces, I finally came to the point that something had to change. I had to learn to live for me—and it’s a process that’s ongoing. I’ve already had a few people talk about how much the book meant to them and how they saw themselves in so much of what I was writing about, so that’s very encouraging to me.
Lillie: The book has an interesting format. In each chapter, you relate your personal experiences, then you reflect on what you did wrong and what someone who may have a relationship addiction should look for. Finally the therapist, Marcus A. Lindemann, MSW, gives his advice. How did the collaboration with the therapist come about and how did you come up the format for the book?
Michi: I actually met Marcus through mutual friends, and when I realized that the book needed to be more than a memoir, he was a natural choice to assist. He’s given me a great deal of informal therapy throughout this process. The format was partially my own doing, and partially the suggestion of a fellow writer who took a look at what I had written. He recommended that I bring in a professional and give people something to think about after each chapter. I think it really worked out well, overall.
Lillie: To introduce my next question, I need to give my readers a little background. When I was editor-in-chief for the now-defunct company Your Information Center, Michi was a writer, editor, and member of the editorial board. The company published short, how-to guides, and all writing was work-for-hire, with payment for writing and editing only in royalties. Unfortunately, sales were negligible and so were royalties. In spite of the fact that the only compensation she was getting was the hope of future royalties, I could always count on Michi to volunteer whenever I needed help. She was a competent writer and editor, but I most appreciated her initiative and cooperative attitude. Now for the question: In your book, you say that during this time, you did only enough work to get by. When we were working together, you told me you sometimes had panic attacks and there were a few occasions when you were a little late on a project. You also told me you were getting married then that the wedding was called off, but I had no idea of everything you were going through. I’m amazed at the differences between our perceptions of your performance. I don’t know if you did such a good job of hiding your problems or if I was just not very observant. Should friends and associates be able to recognize if someone may have a relationship addition problem, and, if so, is there anything they can do to help?
Michi: I don’t think it’s that you weren’t observant. It’s just that it’s much easier to hide things over the Internet and through email. If you’d have been around me face-to-face, I’m sure you would have seen the problems. Friends and associates that have real-world interaction with a codependent person would probably notice that something was “off.” Some of my family members, for example, got tired of being invited to my weddings, because they just kept happening. A few friends started distancing themselves. My parents didn’t really know what to say, but I’m sure they saw the problems, too. They were probably confused about what to do—and I wondered if they thought it was their fault. I think everyone really just wanted to see me happy, but if you see problems in someone you love, you need to speak up! No one should be so coddled and socially restricted and sheltered that they have absolutely no idea how to live on their own when they turn 18. No one should get married and divorced 5 times in 17 years. It’s not healthy to do those things—and I know other people around me had to realize that. Encouraging someone to get help, and supporting their efforts to get better, is something everyone should be doing for friends or associates or family members who have any kind of addiction.
Lillie: You are very open about your experiences and mistakes you have made. I know it couldn’t have been easy to write the book. What motivated you to share your experiences in this book?
Michi: I knew, if I was going to write the book, that I had to do it honestly. I couldn’t paint myself to be so perfect and everyone else to be so flawed. It was, honestly, terribly painful and embarrassing to share my serious, repeated mistakes with the world. But, you know what? It was also cathartic and healing. I feel better about my past because I’m using it to help other people have a better future. That’s worth something.
Lillie: It’s wonderful that you could help yourself and help others, too. What is the most important thing relationship addicts and codependents should know?
Michi: They aren’t alone. They can get help. They know, deep down, that something’s wrong, but fear—or shame—may keep them from admitting it and taking that first step toward doing something about it. They are valuable human beings who are worth the effort, and they need to get that belief into their heads and hearts and souls, so they can see hope and peace and joy again.
Lillie: Will you tell us how music made such a big difference in your life?
Michi: It was the only thing that brought me joy when I had reached a time in my life that I thought I really wasn’t going to be able to recover. I guess I thought I had to live my life the same way I had been, over and over and over again, and it was getting worse with every marriage and repeated mistake. I wish I could explain why music affected me that way, but I really can’t. It’s just one of those things that affect you so deeply…maybe it comes at just the right time in your life or it hits you just a certain way…and you’re never, ever the same. I don’t think music would do that for everyone, but there’s something out there that will. When they find it, they’ll know—and they need to keep looking until they find it, because it could be the start of a life-changing transformation.
Lillie: In the book, you talk about how spirituality has affected your life and your recovery, and you have the title Reverend, followed by the initials RM. Share with us, please, about your credentials—what does RM mean?—and ministry.
Michi: I am now, and have always been, a Christian. Specifically, a Lutheran. I make no effort to hide that and have no desire to change it. I became a Reverend because I have a deep reverence for God and what He’s created, and I wanted to honor that. I’m not planning on starting up a church or anything along those lines, but I would enjoy being able to help and counsel people who are struggling with the same kinds of problems I’ve been through. The RM stands for Reiki Master, which is a designation that is given to energy healers that have been certified in Reiki. Some people have trouble with that because they feel that concepts such as Reiki conflict with Christianity. After much study of the matter and a lot of thought and prayer, I decided that I don’t see a conflict in the two beliefs for me personally. I became certified in both Tibetan and Usui Reiki in 2008. Spirituality and religion are very personal, and I tried to convey in the book that you don’t have to share my beliefs, or even agree with them, to get benefit from my story. People with relationship addiction and codependency problems come from all spiritual, religious, financial, and educational backgrounds. Addiction doesn’t discriminate.
Lillie: I know you have written other books besides this one and that you are represented by a literary agent. What other books can we look for in the future?
Michi: I’m working on fiction at the moment, and hope to have at least four books to my literary agent by the end of the year. They’re nearing completion, so I should be able to make that a reality. Two are horror novels—but not your typical ghost stories, one is a Christian book with a bit of a unique twist, and the other is a love story of a very different kind. I hope they’re well-received, because I’m excited about all of them. I also have 22 short ebooks available. They were too short for literary representation and traditional publishing, so I self-published them. They’re under “Michi Beck” and can be found on Amazon. All of those are non-fiction, and the topics are really varied—everything from budgeting to horses to travel. I hope to have at least two more of those available by the end of the year, as well.
Lillie: Where can readers learn more about you and your books?
Michi: They can find me on my blog, and they can find my book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powell’s, and many other sites. The publisher’s site—Chipmunka Publishing—also has the book listed for sale.
Lillie: Is there anything I’ve failed to ask that you would like to share with my readers?
Michi: I can’t think of anything you’ve failed to ask, and I really appreciate the interview.
Lillie: Thank you so much for stopping by and telling us about your book and your experiences. Readers will probably have more questions for you. Will you check in during the day to respond to comments and answer questions?
Michi: Absolutely. I’ll be checking in periodically—and thank you for inviting me. It’s been really enjoyable, and I hope your readers will check out my work and let me know what they think. Feedback is always appreciated.
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Bio: Michielle DJ “Michi” Beck is an accomplished writer of print books, e-books, articles, essays, ghostwritten research, opinion pieces, and white papers. A prolific writer, Beck has produced thousands of short pieces in addition to her longer works, creating quality content under her own name and as a ghostwriter for others.
As an editor, she has worked with ebooks and print books, as well as articles, essays, white papers, and dissertations, in copy editing and substantive editing roles.
Her full-length books—both fiction and non-fiction—are represented by The Swetky Literary Agency and published through traditional channels as “Michielle DJ Beck.” She also publishes online articles and blogs, as well as ebooks that are too short for literary representation and traditional publication, under the name “Michi Beck.”
Ms. Beck is the author of Sorry, I Thought I Loved You
Remembering 9/11
September 11, 2011 by Lillie
That Tuesday morning, I was headed out for an interview for a part-time job. My husband Jack was driving a school bus, and he called me moments before I left the house and told me to turn on the TV. I was flabbergasted to see that a plane had flown into the World Trade Center, but, like most people, I assumed it was a terrible, tragic accident.
I turned off the television and went to the coffee shop where I was to meet my prospective employer. We chatted for about an hour. In retrospect, I am amazed to recall that no one in the almost-full restaurant seemed to be aware of what was happening in New York and Washington. People ate breakfast and drank coffee and discussed business. I commented on the horrific accident at the beginning of our conversation, but then we continued with our discussion with no further thought of planes and towers and New York.
It was only when I got home a couple of hours later that I realized our country was under attack by terrorists. I sat in front the television the rest of the day, mesmerized and horrified by the scenes unfolding on the screen. I wondered then and I still wonder today how everyone in the coffee shop, including me, could have been so oblivious. The part-time job that turned into a failed business is long gone, but the legacy of 9/11 lives on in the memories of the heroism of the first responders, the passengers on Flight 93, the men and women who joined the military to defend our freedom, and the unknown ordinary citizens who risked their own lives for others.
I thank God for them and ask His blessings on our country, our heroes, our fallen, and those who love them.
The following prayers are taken or adapted from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer.
ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favour and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honourable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogancy, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O LORD God of Hosts, stretch forth, we pray thee, thine almighty arm to strengthen and protect the heroes of our country—first responders, firefighters, police officers, security personnel, and military members. Support them in the day of trouble, and in the time of peace keep them safe from all evil; endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the living and the dead; We give thee thanks for all those thy servants who have laid down their lives in the service of our country or their fellow man. Grant to them thy mercy and the light of thy presence, that the good work which thou hast begun in them may be perfected; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen.
O MERCIFUL God, and heavenly Father, who hast taught us in thy holy Word that thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men; Look with pity, we beseech thee, upon the mourning of thy servants who lost loved ones in 9/11 or its aftermath. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy; comfort them with a sense of thy goodness; lift up thy countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Learn more about 9/11 heroes.
Learn more about the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
The following video is a tribute on the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
Review: Sorry I Thought I Loved You
September 9, 2011 by Lillie
Sorry, I Thought I Loved You
Michielle DJ Beck (author) and Marcus A. Lindemann (contributor)
Chipmunkapublishing
June 10, 2011
ISBN: 978-1849915168
Paperback, 286 pages, $21.00; also Kindle edition, $9.00
Nonfiction
This is not an easy book to read, but it is a worthwhile one for anyone who knows or suspects he or she is a relationship addict or codependent. The author is very open and honest in sharing her experiences with relationship addiction and codependency. The book is filled with agonizing emotion. Perhaps I felt the pain more strongly because I have known the author professionally online for almost a decade, although we have never met in person. We were working together during some of the time period covered in the book, and I had no idea what she was going through. I was surprised to read that she did the least amount of work she could to get by, because that contradicts my perception that she showed initiative in her work. You may know someone who suffers from relationship addiction and codependency and not recognize it.
Each chapter begins with Michi talking about her own experiences, followed by her reflections and the advice of the therapist. Michi’s story makes the information very real to the reader, and I believe someone with similar problems will be able to recognize themselves in her descriptions. While the book will be most useful to individuals who suspect or know they have the problems the author addresses, it will also be helpful to their loved ones and acquaintances to better understand behavior that may seem strange or even bizarre.
Be sure to come back next Wednesday, September 14 for my interview with the author.
Disclosure: I received an electronic copy of the book from the author, but I had no obligation to write a favorable review. The review reflects my honest opinion of the book.
