Diane Burton invited me to her blog and asked that I choose a dinner guest. It could be anyone that I wanted. Once I did so, then I could share what I would discuss with my guest. This turned out to be more fun than I expected, (and even dessert was totally calorie-free!)

Who Would You Invite?

Who did I invite? Stop over at Diane’s blog with my spot for Who’s for Dinner and find out. I’d love to hear the questions you would pose to my guest and who you might invite as your dinner date.

Do You Dress Up for Halloween?

Then for my monthly post at Paranormal Romantics I tackle the topic of Halloween costumes and when are you too old to dress up for Halloween. I’m sharing some great information about the most popular costumes for adults for 2016. Can you guess the most popular costume? Hop on over (right here) and find out if you’re right and share your favorite costume. 

News You Can Use From CyberSpace

I have a few articles to share from this week in cyberspace. 

The first comes from Hootsuite. I absolutely love using this automated feature for tweeting! This article discusses a topic that I struggle with—copyright and using images. I’m always very careful with this because besides the fact that you could be sued for using someone else’s work, I’m an artist. I understand the labor that goes into your work and then the frustration when someone steals your work. (There are a lot of pirate sites for books.)

 Therefore, without further ado- here’s the article:

Can I Use This Photo on Social Media? Understanding Image Copyright

You can check it out here.

The second article I’m sharing is from HubSpot. If you’re a blogger you can certainly relate to the frustration of spending time on a post only to have very little interaction. (Unless you’re a super blogger and don’t have that problem, if so, please share your tips in the comments!) 

How to Detect, Repair & Profit From Underperforming Content

As I mentioned last week, I’m taking a class about self-publishing since it’s something I’ve considered expanding my writing wings into. I came across this great article of ratings for self-publishing services. It’s something I’m definitely going to Pin and bookmark for reference. 

Self Publishing Advice Center Alli (Alliance of Independent Authors)

ALLi Service Ratings

Check it out here.

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments on:

• The articles I shared
• If you think there is an age limit to dressing up for Halloween
• If you already have a Halloween costume picked out
• Who you’d invite to dinner if you could invite anyone.

Share away- I’m all ears!

The post Thoughts on Halloween, Dinner Guests & More appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

Any Fall Favorite Shows?

Last night I watched the first episode of the second season of Ash vs. Evil Dead. If you like dark humorous horror, it’s right up your alley.

Calling all Biker Babes

A few days ago, one of the questions for my blog guest prompted a discussion about motorcycling. No other biker babes in the group but myself for that one. 

 Even though a recent post I did at Gothrider discusses the increasing number of female riders and the benefits of riding.

Hello? Where are my biker babes?

They claim lady riders are happier, more confident etc. as compared to non-riders. If you’re interested check it out here. 

I wrote another post about the Discover miniseries, Harley & the Davidsons. I thought I’d watch it for ideas, but wow, what a great show! If you haven’t seen it, you might want to check it out.

As far as what’s going on around the web in my world this week…

For the Love of  !!@&!#$ —Cover Letters!

In my ‘dayjob’ I’ve read and reviewed at least a bajillion resumes and cover letters in my time. (Okay, maybe not a bajillion, I’m no math lover—but it’s pretty darn close).

I’ve also written a little less than bajillion over my lifetime.

This article is a refreshing twist on the standard old cover letter. They recommend sprinkling a little of what you might put in your resume into the letter. This grabs the reader right from the get go before they kick your letter to the curb. A nice reference for when you need to sell yourself.

The Muse

The Cover Letter Formula That Skyrocketed My Interviews From 0% to 55%. Read it Here. 

News You Can Use- Not the Same Ole Stuff

If you’re an author and don’t subscribe to the Build BookBuzz newsletter, you should. They’re always packed with especially relevant marketing and informational tips.

This post has some great tips of what to include in an newsletter and how often to send it. Seems like I’m always looking for ways to improve what I’m sending out, because I’m not just an author, I’m a reader/consumer etc.

 I sign up/get a lot of newsletters. Therefore, I know what it feels like to get irritated when it appears I’m constantly being “sold to” or that it’s the same old content.

“What should I send to my author e-mail list?” Read it Here.

School Daze

I admit it. I’m a recovering online writing course addict. I love a good online class! What could be better than learning while not leaving the comfort of your own home? Plus then being me—as a result I print out the materials to place in a binder for reference.

For the last few years I got a little carried away in taking classes and forced myself to cut back a little this year. A girl only has room for so many binders.

NO…that’s not true. There’s always room for more binders!

But, I’m back to taking a few classes this coming month before NaNoWri ensues in November. One class is through the RWA (Romance Writers of America), so you have to be a member of RWA to take it, hence why I didn’t include the link.

The class is about what to put in an author newsletter. You know, so it’s interesting rather than end up tossed out with the trash (say it isn’t so!)

You’re noticing the trend here about newsletters?

Psst…I’d love to hear what you like to read about in an author’s newsletter?

Interested In Learning about Self-Publishing? 

The other class I’m taking is about venturing into Self-Publishing. I’ve taken a few classes in the past, but I haven’t felt ready.

I’m hoping 2017 will finally be the year I dip my toes into the self-publishing water so I’m taking the Authors on a Dime course Get Started in Self-Publishing. Check it out here. There’s still time to sign up before it starts.

Until next week…

• Drop a hello below if you’re a biker babe!
• Comment to share your favorite fall show
• Recommend a class or something awesome you found in cyberspace this week

Don’t forget to enjoy that fall foliage! 

The post Fall TV Shows, Biker Babes & Tips! appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

Every writer feels the pain of a post, a tweet, or an article that isn’t given much love no matter how much work you’ve put into creating it. #thestruggleisreal

This article from The Blog Herald, Why Aren’t Your Visitors Sharing Your Post on Social Media (Read the post  Here), shares a few old—and maybe a few new—tips on getting your post viewed and/or shared more.

We all know that every little bit helps.

Close-Ups Anyone?

This article from HubSpot, Phone Photography 101: How to Take Good Pictures With Your Phone (Read the post Here.), provides something everyone could gain a few tips from. This doesn’t just apply to authors and writers trying to make a few promotional pics.

No—Not you, you say?

Hey, I’ve seen some of your pics on your Facebook and/or Instagram starring your lunch, or that blurry pic of your pet.

Extreme close-ups? Don’t even get me started. 

Do Your Hard-Boiled Eggs Look Like a Hack Victim?

Finally, this is not really writing related—but it kinda is. Plus, I absolutely love the Hungry Girl recipes. I subscribe to their newsletter for great tips on eating healthy.

They have tons of wonderful recipes, but what am I sharing today? Hard Boiled Eggs.

I spend a lot of time sitting in front of the computer. I have to plan time to move more and eat healthier.

We all know that a quick, healthy snack is a hard boiled egg. My daughter also loves them, so I make hard-boiled eggs almost every week.

But. They are one of my nemeses!

This gorgeous picture of hard-boiled eggs (not my own) shows you how they’re supposed to look.

Mine look like that some of the time, but not all of the time. 

I’ve been known to mutter that the ease of peeling my hard-boiled egg can predict the pattern for the rest of my day. 

I use some of these ‘tricks’ identified in the article already, but obviously I’m not using enough of them. (Don’t laugh. My egg is below).

I think I’m going to try to follow their tips exactly. Then I can see if it makes a difference.

Because right now, my ‘tricks’ are hit or miss.

Anyone who gets one of these hard boiled eggs would be tempted to eat it quickly to end it’s misery!

Here’s where you can check out the Hungry Girl Hard Boiled Eggs Hack

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you’ve had a magical week!

Do you have any resources you’d like to share? Or a worse looking egg than mine? 

The post Tips, Tricks & Hard-Boiled Eggs appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

Don’t judge when you see me rocking my new witch t-shirt and spell book wristlet. You know you want to add some magic into your life.

If you are at all interested in Freelance Writing, then I’ve got a way to add some magic into making that interest a reality!

Don’t Delay! Enter this Freelance Giveaway Today!

You might know that in addition to writing fiction, I’m also a Freelance Writer. For many of you, that term might be unfamiliar, as it used to be for me. I spent a lot of time reading information on the web- but the best investment I made was taking Gina Horkey’s Freelance course.

Gina provides easy to understand information, and the basic steps to get started. If you have any interest-she has a spectacular giveaway going on right now that ends today (9/16) and I’ve also listed her newest course below, and one she has available for free to get you started (like I did). 

P.S. I’m an affiliate for the course, meaning I might get $ if you purchase through any links I provide. But- I’m only an affiliate because I believe in the course. Right now, it’s the only thing I am an affiliate for- because I enjoyed the course that much.

If you have any interest in Freelance Writing, if nothing else- don’t’ miss signing up for the Epic Freelance Writer Giveaway today! (I made sure I did!)

Here are some of Gina’s Freelance & Virtual Assistant Courses

…and some Free Ones if you just want to dip your toes in the water. (Come on in, the water is fine.)

• 30 Days or Less to Freelance Writing Success
• Gina’s Free Writing Course
• Gina also has a Virtual Assistant Course in case you’re interested.
• Here’s the Free One to see if you like it!

Don’t worry, I didn’t forget to share a few other great articles & tips from around the web this week!

Sidebar Saturdays

Legalize anyone? Not me. That’s why I subscribe to this newsletter for tips. This article has great tips on a topic that appears to be all over the internet the last few weeks, that of copyright, and/or someone plagiarizing your writing.

Do it Yourself Copyright Protection

This old dog is constantly being forced to learn new tricks when it comes to the internet, SEO, and social media marketing. As I write this post, I’m being challenged by the SEO & Readability settings to go from Ok, to Good, to Great. Here’s a great post on working on your Meta Description from Yoast.

Yoast

How to Create the right Meta Description

Do you have any great articles or resources to share for this week?

Enjoy a Magical Weekend!

The post My Birthday, A Freelance Contest & Great Articles appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

It’s been a busy week peeps, so I thought I’d catch you up before I shared some great resources for this week. 

Biking

Some of you may know that I’m a ‘back seat biker’ (aka: the hubs maneuvers the giant beast of a motorcycle and I cling on the back and am free to enjoy the ride.) 

I do enjoy a nice motorcycle ride, and love me a tattooed biker, which is why I often incorporate them into my stories. 

So this week I began writing as a regular contributor for GothRider magazine. You might want to check it out. Lots of cool stuff  (besides my posts, of course )

Things that Go Bump in the Night 

Now that we’ve rolled into September, everyone (okay, lots of people, including me!) is starting to think about Fall and Halloween. My post at Paranormal Romantics this week was about some true ghost stories—with a dash of humor, of course. Check out Things that Go Bump in the Night—Or at Least Like to Change Your Favorite Television Show.  

My Babies Birthday

But, before we closed out on August last week, and started the new school year, we celebrated my babies birthday. Fifteen years old! Where does the time go? 

Book Stuff

Before you move down to check out the resources for this week—remember when you helped shape the cover for Moon, Mist & Magic with your fabulous input? Right here. (Or on Facebook)

Well, Moon, Mist & Magic is in a Cover Contest. Go vote right here for that cover you helped create!  

Cool Stuff I Found This Week 

As promised, here are some great resources, and tips, that I’ve gathered from all my hopping around in cyberspace this week. Because I know how fast time goes, and how valuable it is, so let me save you some time by sharing my favorites.

HubSpot

When I become aware of a phrase, or a word, I, or someone else, uses consistently it stands out like a beacon in conversation and can drive me crazy. I don’t know if these tips will help, but they’re interesting and something I can apply.

How to Permanently Stop Saying “Um” and Other Filler Words

How to Blog a Book

Don’t let the title fool you for what I’m sharing, this is about blogs- although you could use it for a book. Ironically, I was just planning out to start organizing my blogging in larger batches.

Make Your Blogging Time More Efficient by Batching Posts

Freelance Morning Coffee

Calling all Freelancers- this is one of my favorite free resources for discovering new freelance writing opportunities.

Freelance Morning Coffee Newsletter Job Updates

Speaking of Freelancing- Gina Horkey is reopening sign up’s for the course I took that got me started. She’s updated things, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s new. I highly recommend it—and not just because I’m an affiliate. I’m an affiliate because I love it.

Here it is if you want to check it out.

Until next time— Have a Magical Week! 

The post Biking, Birthdays & Bunches of Bodacious Resources appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

Resources for this Week

The Freelancer by Contently

Some neat tips that I’ll have to look into using for Twitter. There are so many features on there that I don’t incorporate yet. If I applied as much time to putting Twitter suggestions into practice as I did tweeting, I’d surely be an expert by now. 

These are pretty good- check them out to help you with your Twitter!

3 Awesome Twitter Tactics That’ll Help You Report Better Stories

ProBlogger

I’ve always been in a believer in quality over quantity. Sitting at a desk for 8-10 hours doesn’t mean you work harder than someone who sits there for 5 hours- it’s all about how you prioritize and plan your time.

This is a great article about how this practice was validated- and is a refreshing change from the usual articles about how to do more and sleep less kind of posts I come across.

How Working Fewer Hours Can Increase Your Productivity

Jupiter Jim’s Marketing Club

Lots of great resources on this site! I love the short videos for marketing and WordPress. He describes everything step by step for the technologically challenged people like myself.

The videos are short, easy to understand and I can’t tell you how much I’ve learned from this site. A great site to bookmark- or better yet, sign up for the emails. I did, and that’s how I know when he’s got something new that I need to check out. (Remember- never stop learning—Why? Because they keep changing everything )

How to Control the Image Posted on your Facebook Wall

Have you come across any great writing resources you’d like to share?

The post Resources for Writing from the Web appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.

But sometimes…I discover what I consider little nuggets of gold nestled. That’s why I keep looking, because I never want to stop learning. 

What I’m going to give you, is the gift of time by sharing some of the resources I liked the best this week.

Here are some of my favorite, or most informative posts/resources for this week.  

I hope you find some useful resources 

Because every writer wonders how much is too much when commenting on social media sites.

Are You Annoying on Social Media? 

Find out how to not drive your fans, family and friends away by checking out this article Here. 

25 Power Words to Drive More Engagement with your Social Campaigns

Is anybody even listening to what you (or me!) say? Here’s some tips on incorporating some power words into your headlines and posts. 

How to ‘Un-Stock’ Your Photography: 8 Examples That’ll Change the Way You Choose Photos

I love a good picture, and these examples are pretty nice! Good ideas to consider for professional work as well as just taking personal photos. Enjoy it here. 

The 3 Vital Steps to Getting a Hiring Manager’s Attention on LinkedIn

Because LinkedIn is still somewhat of a mystery to me I read a plethora of articles about it and sometimes gain a fraction more understanding. The article also drew my attention because I spend a large amount of time interviewing and hiring. Check it out here. 

Did you find any treasures, hidden gems, or new resources this week on the internet? Feel free to share them in the comments.

The post Cool Articles & Resources this week appeared first on Author Maureen L. Bonatch.