My Favorite Blog Posts (from others) of February

March 7, 2016
© TB Cooper

Hi and welcome (back)!


Well February is over, and even though we had an extra day this year, it still feels like it went too fast! It's already March and the feelings of being overwhelmed are carefully being kept at bay…


January was productive.


I got three books published. I got my Facebook pages and websites up and running. I posted a few blogs…


But where did February go?


Not that I haven't been busy. I've completed three online classes through an awesome site called coursera.org, where you can take courses for free or get your certification through colleges and universities around the world. I've been writing like crazy trying to finish my rough draft of Book #1 of my Adult Erotic Fiction series tentatively called “Sinful Desires” (hopefully releasing in May). My kids have returned from their Christmas vacation with their relatives so we're back to home-school lessons. And, with Spring close at hand – farm chores have tripled as we get ready for gardening and animal babies! On top of everything, my computer (which is really old) finally pooped out on me. So for two weeks I was stuck using only my phone (it's not a fancy one – BTW), and my well pump went out... turns out it was bad wires!


Whew!!


Okay, well before I tell you about my favorite blog posts from last month, I do have some.....


BIG NEWS!!!


My first book, “Trying to Find Love… Poems and Reflections of the Love That Made Me,”
will be FREE ​ for download on Kindle,
March 11 thru 15!!! 

Please, please, please… Tell everyone to download it! And if you don't have a Kindle here's a link to get the free Kindle app for android. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amazon.kindle&hl=en


Look, some people may not like it. It is a personal look into my love life. I kinda expose my soul in it. I might get negative feedback. I do say a few bad words. I do talk about sex. But, it is about the love that made me the woman I am. I call them “poems” but they are more like songs/lyrics.


I just want EVERYONE to read it! Like it, love it, hate it… I just want it out there.

All Right, now for my favorites…


These are written in no apparent order…

Click below to download Kindle app
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amazon.kindle&hl=en

1. "What We Can Learn from JK Rowling's Series Grid” (Better Novel Project...Deconstructing best-selling novels, one index card at a time)Christine Frazier/February 23rd. Anything, any post that dissects Harry Potter and/or JKR's writing style, will always get my attention. This post got my attention in. She shares a very useful grid that JK herself used to plot out HP IV/Goblet of Fire. This chart shows the plot lines, subplots, prophecies/conspiracies etc. A definite must for plotters to look at, and utilize in their plantings…BTW – Christine rocks. I'm on her mailing list and I enjoy the couple of posts she puts out each month, quality blog content!

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2. “This Is How You Write Dual Timelines” (Helping Writers Become Writers) K. M. Weiland/February 1st. K. M. Weiland ALWAYS has great advice and articles for writers. I've actually been following her for a while and I am never disappointed. Usually I get about 4 to 6 post updates a month… All have proven helpful. She even has guest bloggers/contributors, and as I understand it she helped start NaNoWriMo. In fact, hopefully you will get to see how well her tips have been, in the next few months as I release my fiction books during the year! I chose to mention the Dual Timelines because it is a form I enjoy reading (just finished reading The Dead Key, by D.M. Pulley- five stars!), but a form I am leery about trying myself. In this post, like always, she gives helpful tips. The email actually referenced an older post but the six tips help. Also, she has written several Story Structure books, two of which I own (will buy the others soon) “Outlining Your Novel” and “Structuring Your Novel,” and currently on her website she is offering “Five Secrets of Story Structure”… AND if you sign up for her newsletter you will get a free copy of “Crafting Unforgettable Characters” e-book – hugely helpful!                              

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3. “How to Write a Publishable Story: 10 Steps” (Now Novel) Bridget/February 22nd. This is a 10 step list for writing a SHORT STORY, something I myself struggle with. I have a problem thinking in shorter than 300+ pages… But this article WAS helpful! Here she outlines 10 steps that pretty much look like the steps you take to write any story, not just a short story. But when you get into each step and look past the bullet point list, you'll see that each step has been elaborated on relating to the short story process. I especially liked steps two and three (“Plan structure and themes around the publications you'll submit to,” and “Find the focus of your story,” respectively). These two steps contain ideas and resource links (including a current 2016 short story contest wink!) That help to really focus the format and plot of the short story, by zeroing in on the intent of your writing. This blogger is another one of my favorites to follow, because she too has contributed to my “Better Novel.” 

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5. “The Secret to Never Working Again (and no… It's not a scam)” (The Busy Budgeter) Rosemarie/ February 22nd. Okay, the secret? Blogging. Now while there are plenty of online blogging courses out there, I do appreciate informed and established bloggers sharing their guidance. From this email she linked to Elite Blog Academy. Now, the enrollment for this course which helped her and I've heard of it before has helped others as well, is closed for now. But when you visit the page you can put your name on the waiting list, and download a free copy of “7 Surefire Ways to Boost Your Blog Income Overnight.” I haven't started reading it yet as I'm really just getting started (and this whole blog thing is still terrifying to me-ssh!!), But FREE info on making money is always welcome! I just started following Rosemarie, but she also has a Facebook group and of what I can tell, she's got her stuff together. I think I can learn loads from her! 

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4. “Hate Critiques? Here's How to Utilize Them like a Pro” (She's Novel) Kristen/February 14th. Okay, so the link I provided is actually to a blog post she made entitled “Find Your Ideal Critique Partner...Build a Writing Relationship to Last a Lifetime.” the information in her email is similar to the post, obviously the posters were detailed. Before talk more about the blog post, I too felt was necessary to include a clip from her email…... “The first thing you should know is that criticism comes in three different forms. Constructive Criticism:This is criticism that points out your strengths and weaknesses in an effort to help you improve. Criticism: Regular ole criticism only points out flaws. It doesn't necessarily have to be given in a rude or condescending way, but it can be. Harassment: This is criticism that is provided for the sole purpose of tearing down both your pride in yourself and your pride in your work..It is extremely important that you know the difference between these three types of criticism. If someone sends harassment your way, you need to know that it is 100% not okay and should never be taken to heart. Know this: If someone is trying to tear you down, they don't care about your success. At all. So don't listen to them.”.......................... the world seems to be full of “haters.” And with three “newborns” (aka my new books)just released in January, the negativity is something I'd like to think I can handle, but only time will tell.... Okay her post – she gives five reasons why you need a critique partner including 1) Ditch Isolation and 4)Get Out of a Rut... Two points that are very important to me, and definitely apply to the stage I'm in my writing career, I'm just still scared of the “critique” part. Next she talks about dealing with constructive criticism… and then finally three points to consider when finding your critique partner. Kristen has a great personable personality. I enjoy reading and following her, she “keeps it real.” 

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6. “$136 of Free Stuff from Amazon” (The Penny Hoarder) Shannon Quinn/ February 13th. If you haven't checked out “The Penny Hoarder,” you probably should… That is, if you like money. This is one of those sites that truly has information for everyone that wants to earn & keep their “pennies.” Job opportunities. .. Free stuff..(I like free...) The site has it all. Of course the post is about being an Amazon reviewer. Now I've read articles about “how to” be one, and I've actually followed (them) and started. This post is truly a clear/concise step-by-step easy to follow list of instructions. I wanted to share this one because who couldn't do this? And who wouldn't love getting free (or almost free) stuff? 

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9. “Seed Starting Guide” (The Prairie Homestead) Jill/February 17th. With spring hovering just above the overcast sky, who isn't thinking about seeds, and planting, and all things gardening? In this post, Jill covers beans to brussels, to peas to pumpkins, and everything else. The when, the how, and also some recipes and how-to articles such as “How to Save Bean Seeds,” and “How to Can Pickled Beets.” a well put together post. I bookmarked it to come back to year after year. 

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7. “4 Side Hustles You Can Start This Week” (Side Hustle Nation) Nick Loper/ February 24th. So I just started following this blog. I wish I could tell you how I stumbled across him, I don't remember. I know I was searching something about Fiverr, maybe, because I need to start looking for some cover designs for my books. Anyway, when I subscribed to him I was given a free download guide to “Fiverr Side Hustle Strategies,” and since writing is my “thing” that, and I love painting, crafting etc., I was happy to see even more income opportunities! Okay so the email gives you four side hustle suggestions that really are just to entice you. The real good stuff (sorry the bigger bite of info) is here: … (95 Side Hustle Ideas), which when you get there you can just download a free PDF version to read later! He too has a Facebook group.

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10. "James Patterson Teaches Writing” (Goodriter) Buck Flogging/ February 5th. I only just started following buck, and he definitely shares a great deal of resources and deals for writers. Now, since reading his post, I have seen all over the place (Facebook/Pinterest etc.) about James Patterson's Writer's Class that he offers. But I did hear it first from Goodriter! To me, that is valuable. I might not want to pay the $79 to take the course (but if I do I could be eligible to win a competition to co-author a book with Mr. Patterson), but knowing that Buck is abreast of breaking news, is enough reason for me to follow him! https://www.masterclass.com/classes/james-patterson-teaches-writing

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8. “Start a Woodworking Business from Home” (Assemble and Earn) February 9th. I enjoy wood-burning. I'm by no means better than amateur, but I love it all the same. I also enjoy building all sorts of things… Shelves (bookshelves!), Dog houses for chickens and goats and pigs… Outdoor chairs, milking stands etc. So because of me liking to work with wood, and kind of making money as well… Well I'm sure you can figure out why I picked this post. Not only are there 13+ tips/posts pertaining to the subject, but there is a downloadable business guide, downloadable plans, and really just loads of information! The post itself is a well written how-to manual! Really too much good stuff to list. If you like wood and money – check it out! 

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Stay with me… We're almost to the end… ​

11. "Learn To Make Cottage Cheese” (Reformation Acres) Quinn/February 6th. With lambing season in full swing, I'm going to have more than enough milk from my ewes for cheeses, butters, and yogurts. And since I LOVE cottage cheese (I eat it twice a day, breakfast and lunch, with tomato slices and an egg, and I'm down 16 lbs. since the beginning of the year… Yay me!), this post was a no-brainer. I've not tried the recipe, but I will, and I will post an update later this month! 

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12. “Book Launch of “Will It Fly?”” (Smart Passive Income) Pat Flynn/ February 2nd. Since I follow this amazing self proclaimed “crash test dummy of online business,” I feel it is my duty to share his new book, “Will It Fly? How to Test Your Next Business Idea So You Don't Waste Your Time and Money,” available on Amazon. He is a pioneering guru, and if you're not currently following him, why not? Do it now! 

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13. I follow a site called Writers Write out of South Africa,in this month right near the end they share two posts I want to pass on: #1 A free writing course starting March 7th and again April 4th (click on picture at left for link), and #2 March Writing Prompts (http://writerswrite.co.za/march-writing-prompts). Both posts are helpful, and the website itself is a positive energy.

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14. Okay this is a blog I am super excited to follow! I came across it months ago on interest, and somehow forgot to start following…(Couponing to Disney)... One woman's mission to save her way to vacations at Disney, and to share her information with the world! If you haven't already figured it out, I LOVE FREE! And boy does Kristin deliver. When you sign up for newsletter, you get free access to downloadable coupon binder (inserts) and a budget binder (inserts)for planning your Disney vacation. AND- your welcome email is an awesome 12 recipe list with grocery list included of crock-pot meals for under $200. I am going to try them all out this month, and post my results later on… My favorite post this month so far, was her “5 Disney Dining Plan Tips” February 26th, because any help with food and dining ideas is much appreciated. A few years ago when my family of six at the time, did Disneyland, the food was what was most expensive. The only saving grace we were afforded was that we stayed at the Castle Inn (http://www.castleinn.com/) across from Disneyland which was right next to Subway. Surviving end of the day we were all so pooped that 3 foot longs split in half, with some waters, was enough for dinner! In this post Kristin offers more structured options that for my next trip I will be applying! 

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 Almost done! ​​

15.       Holly over at The Work at Home Woman, posted on February 25th about Leapforce, a company you can work for evaluating search engines. She spouts out what the job entails, what qualifications you need to apply, and her view on supporting/endorsing them. She too, I just started following, but after mere moments of poking around on her site, I can tell you she will be one of my top picks each month! Also for signing up, you get a free blogging e-book! Nice to learn tricks from professionals already doing it…

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16. This is really just a post I found from Woman's Day, “50 Children's Books That Should Be in Every Family Library” February 24th. I love reading lists like this. Just when I think I've got them all... whoops!...I find one I missed!
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Well thanks guys for sticking with me through to the end. I hope I shared some information and sites that you might enjoy checking out.

I'd like to say a special thank you to all the bloggers mentioned in this post. If it wasn't for people like you, I wouldn't have the guts to pursue my dreams because I wouldn't have any idea where to start. Thank you for all the hard work you do!


http://www.betternovelproject.com/blog/
https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/
​http://www.nownovel.com/
http://www.shesnovel.com/​​
http://www.busybudgeter.com/
http://www.thepennyhoarder.com/
http://www.sidehustlenation.com/
http://www.assembleandearn.com/
http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/
http://goodriter.com/
http://www.reformationacres.com/
http://www.smartpassiveincome.com/
http://writerswrite.co.za/
http://www.couponingtodisney.com/
http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/

All right we're at the end! Finally!

Again another selfish plug for my book, “Trying to Find Love… Poems and Reflections of the Love That Made Me,” (Available now for $2.99 on Amazon Kindle, or if you buy the hard copy for $5.49 you get the Kindle version for free!)
Available for Free Download March 11 thru 15!!!
​

TELL EVERYONE!!!
IT'S FREE!!! (March 11 through 15)

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Until next time...


Love,
TB Cooper