by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Last night, I may have slept in total (not all at once) for just about an hour. Why? Well for one, I’ve been battling a toothache that’s getting better. But that wasn’t what kept me up. My brain wanted to create song lyrics – lots of them. After tossing and turning and trying to fight it, I gave in and did a writer-all-nighter mainly for something other than my web writing.

When your brain is running full blast with thoughts, the best thing you can do is get them down. I’ve been a writer for a long time – since I was three years of age, in fact. Trust me; those thoughts will remain until you get them out. And you will feel much better when you get them out. As annoying as this writer’s habit is at times, it can be very beneficial to your career.

Not only did I manage to write song lyrics, but I also wrote some other things, got some work done for my day job, did some design work on one of my sites, and more. All of those will be beneficial for my various careers. I also had fun – so much more than I would have had if I had just laid there and let my thoughts and ideas torment me.

It may seem like a good idea to try and get some rest – and sometimes it is. But the thing is, if your brain wants to do something else, you may just have to let it. I’ve never been one to stick to strict rules on many things. I’m a go-with-the-flow kind of gal. I tried being a perfectionist once – for years. It was hell. There’s no such thing as perfection.

Listen to your ideas. Listen to your intuition. Take risks and just go with what comes. Life’s too short to spend it stressing.

You’re welcome.

Image Credit: Lyn Lomasi

I originally published this elsewhere (no longer published there)

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E Media Staff

OK, so those of you who know me real well probably figured this one out a long time ago. But for those who haven’t or just don’t know me, I’m an extreme multitasker. When I say extreme, I really mean it. No exaggeration here.

A normal work day for me is something like this: Do a couple hours of work for my F/T job, open a bunch of tabs in FireFox that consist of all my social media outlets and possibly some research and other stuff too, open a bunch of blank docs all at once and write about half of them, possibly eat sometime in between, do 6 more hours of my F/T career, fill up the other half of those blank docs with more awesome writing from my head (hey, writers write), take care of a bunch of kids and pets during that time, and more.

Wait, there’s more? Of course there’s more. There’s always more when you’re talking about me and there’s always a way to squeeze something else in. Don’t I ever get overwhelmed? Every now and then I will have a frustrated moment, but generally, no.

I thrive on having multiple tasks at once. It’s when I am at my happiest. This is true in all aspects of my life, not just work. If I actually watch TV (rare for me), you can bet I am doing something else too, like writing an article, playing a game with kids, or talking on the phone with a friend – most likely all of the above.

When it comes to pretty much everything, I don’t do just one thing. I just don’t. OK, so if someone I care about asks me to, I’ll deal with it. But I don’t prefer it at all. Yup I am an extreme multitasker and I love it.

But, give me a little credit for still being able to live while I do all this. My kids and I have many awesome adventures regularly. Also, I did recently just slim down my app notifications by miles.

Do you multitask? Why or why not?

Photo Credit: Lyn Lomasi
(Photo is free to use for both commercial and non-commercial purposes with credit to Lyn Lomasi as the photographer and a link back to this page as the source)

 I originally published this elsewhere (no longer published there)

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Have you ever been writing a new post and had your mind wander completely? I don’t mean just the usual switch of topics, but maybe something you’d want to write but never considered writing before. You know, those things you’d like to say, but don’t? Following your rabbit hole(s) can lead to productivity for many reasons.

When you write what you want, you are enjoying yourself and thus will produce more work faster. I’ve written about this regarding switching topics. It’s the same concept. Going with the flow generally is more effective than trying to force topics that just aren’t happening.

Getting those usual “don’t go there” thoughts on paper can be freeing in a way, which helps your mind focus on what needs to be written. The more open and happy your mind is, the more readily you can slam out the work as fast as you are able to. This can be important for those who make a living doing web writing. If you try to force the topics without a clear mind, the quality of your work is likely to suffer. Even if you never end up publishing your “rabbit hole” topics, they can still aid in productivity in this way.

The more topics you are willing to write about, the more ideas you will have. This is another way to increase productivity. Some people have trouble coming up with ideas. Following your rabbit holes gives you much more to work with.

Are you writing any rabbit hole topics? Why or why not? Do you have similar productivity tips? Let us know in the comment section.

Photo Credit: Lyn Lomasi

I originally published this on BUBBLEWS (no longer published there)

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Try doing a Yahoo search on anything related to freelance writing jobs and you’ll pull up a multitude of opportunities, many of them scams. The simplest way to tell if one’s a scam is that it usually starts with “make easy money” just like any other scam. While it’s true that some aspects of a freelance writing career will become easy to an experienced writer over time, freelance writing as a whole is NOT an easy full time career path. But it’s worth it.

As a full time freelance writer, I used to spend countless sleepless nights thinking, researching, and typing out the results endlessly. Wait, “used to”? If I’m no longer a full time freelance writer, what do I know? The thing is, I spent years as a full time freelance writer and I slowed down, not because of the lack of money or interest, but because I wanted to help other freelance writers. That’s right. Now my full time job is helping others do what I did. But I still write almost full time as well. Therefore, I assure you, you can trust my experience.

Some people think “Oh, I can write. My poems from high school are great. I should be a writer.” And if that’s you, writing might be a good career choice for you. But just keep in mind that writing for the web and writing a poem here and there are two entirely different things. Freelance writing as a full time career path will involve writing for a considerable amount of time most days. Decide which you REALLY want to do and do that.

Writing for the web as a full time freelance writer is hard work. Yes, work. Forget all those scammers out there telling you it’s easy. Yes, it’s easy for them at first because they’re copying and pasting the text that I (or another talented writer) put real time and heart into in order to create it. But it no longer becomes easy for them when we decide to pursue it legally.

Ah yes, there’s another thing about freelance writing. You’re not JUST a writer. You’re a writer, researcher, marketer, CEO, manager, self-appointed attorney, and many other things.

The first part – the actual writing – may come easy to you sometimes and maybe even most of the time. But there will be days when you may not be able to form a complete sentence no matter how many deadlines you’re facing or how much money is on the line. Even for writers who seem to just sprout creative words in an instant, writing all day every day can become difficult. And you WILL need to write very often (among other things) in order to make the most money at web writing.

I know what you’re thinking because it’s me as well. I definitely said it too. You’re saying “but I love writing. I already write all day long, nonstop. I can do this.” If so, then you probably can, just like me. However, keep in mind that even you will likely have days where you just can’t. Also keep in mind that everything you write, though it may come from your heart, is for someone else. And, while you are in charge of yourself, you do still have to actually work. Otherwise, what are you getting paid for?

Up until this point, I may have turned some people off already because it sounds like a big complaint. But heck no! I love what I do and wouldn’t trade it for the world. The thing is, if you’re going to be in the business, someone needs to tell you the real facts. Yes, I can spend more time with my kids (human and fur variety). Yes, I make a fairly decent income when I’m consistent with it. But it does take real work and effort and if you can’t commit to that, this is NOT the career for you because if you stop working, the money stops coming.

For me, the benefits of staying home with my kids, the satisfaction of knowing my words may help people, being able to finally start saving some money, and some of the other things directly related to being a freelance writer are worth the hard work. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.

Still want to be a freelance writer? If you said yes, I commend you. Feel free to reach out to me on my Facebook page for help getting started: facebook.com/LynLomasi

(No, I’m not going to charge you anything for advice, unlike those scammers out there looking for a quick buck. NEVER pay for work. You’re the one working. YOU should be the one getting paid.)

**Photo Credit/Copyright: Lyn Lomasi

I originally published this here on BUBBLEWS (no longer published there)

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Help! I can't stop writing! I told myself I wouldn't write anything for a couple days - you know, actually take a break for more than errands and doing things with the kids. Well, here I am doing it anyway. Writing is such an addiction. I am so addicted to writing that I asked Facebook friends for tips on how not to be productive. Then, it came to me. I could write an article about not being able to stop writing. See, I'm doing it again! It's a never-ending cycle.

Every time I do something - anything - an article idea arises. So much for not writing today. I guess I'll have to try again tomorrow or would that be the following day instead? This is my life as a natural born writer and natural born multitasker. Sure it's my career. But I love writing so much I want to do it all the time. No, I don't just want to. I have to. I even write tips on how other people can write more often like I do.

Oh no! Somebody stop me! I'm spreading the workaholic addiction! I even became a volunteer Community Guide (and later, community staff) at Yahoo! Contributor Network so I could teach others my addictive techniques. What will I do next (queue scary music)? Ooh, it is getting close to Halloween. Time to start writing some Halloween articles. See what I mean, the ideas just never end!

Natural multitasking and a love for writing is a very dangerous combination. I should know. I have mastered writing large numbers of articles quickly and even writing on multiple computers to speed productivity.

Can somebody please help? Seriously. Alright, in all honesty, I really don't want help on this front. But wait, doesn't that prove the addiction even further? Oh well. I'm already too far gone for help at this point.

OK, so I'm just having fun and it's not really that bad. But sometimes us writers do wish we could turn off the ideas in our heads just for a little while. Writing does feed and clothe my family and it keeps me really happy. A happy mom is a good mom, right? Yes, that's it! See, I don't need help at all!

So what should I write about next? Oh, never mind, I have plenty of ideas already!

**Photo Credit: Lyn Lomasi

** I originally published this content at Yahoo! Voices on July 17, 2010.

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Are you competing too much with your peers? Trying to keep up with their writing success so you can match or exceed it? If so, you're doing it wrong. Completely. Why are you in competition with your writing peers when you can empower them instead?

But Lyn, if I empower my peers, they'll beat me at my own game, won't they? I know that's what you're going to ask because it's been asked of me countless times.

I've been in web writing a long time. There is no competition. I repeat, we are not here to compete with each other. Be unique. Be you. Be true. Be helpful. But don't be a poor sport. The most successful web writers work together as a team to help each other succeed. Trust me, there is plenty of work for us all and then some. There is no shortage of content needs and each writer has their own style and topic strengths.

Empower your writing peers by teaching them what you know, as well as encouraging them when you can tell they need a push. What's in it for me, you say? If you're actually asking this question, you just don't get it. It's not about credit or paybacks. It's about working together to empower each other and build something awesome, be it a large venue or a small blog where a few of  you contribute.

What if someone helps you and can't help them? Once again, this isn't about paybacks. It's about working as a team. If you want to be of service, pay it forward to another writer who could use the kind of help you offer.

have you empowered a fellow writer today? If not, get on it!