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Hey, Hi, Hello!

I'm so glad it's the weekend, Reader! Have you noticed that some weeks just drag and drag to the end? This week was like that for me. Getting motivated to do work is hard sometimes.

How do you overcome the stagnating pool of feeling unmotivated?

• Look back at why you started your business
• If you write regularly on your blog, look back at the comments
• Think about where you are right now and how far you've come
  Often our vision is set to only see how far we are from our goals. We forget to also consider how far we’ve come, and that can be very motivating when we do it.
• Are there any bloggers or freelancers that inspire you?
  I regularly share the names of people who inspire me. Ann Handley, Elna Cain, and Carol Tice are huge among them. Who inspires you? Tell me about them.
  How do you think they got where they are today?
• Connect with other bloggers and freelancers in Facebook Groups and Communities.
  We all feed off of each other, so make a buddy and co-work with them using Zoom or Google Meet. Working together helps a lot, from feeling less alone to staying focused. Give it a try; you'll be glad you did.



Starting as a Blogger or Freelance Writer

Right now, you are full of self-doubt; at least, I know I was when I first began writing as a freelance writer. "What am I doing? I can't do this. This is horrible. I'll never make it." All day long ran in my head.

We have all been there. No one starts out fabulous. It takes work and learning from your mistakes. Refining what you do continues to improve your writing from the beginning until the end.

One of my first hooks in 2019 looked like this:

Did you know that Agile has now become common in many software development companies? What’s more, taking the scaled agile exam to get certified has many benefits.

It’s not a straightforward certification, and you need to know the challenges before you sit for the exam.

When you decide to take the Scaled Agile Exam, it's best to understand what it is and if you qualify first. Keep reading to learn more about the details below.

Thankfully, I have learned more about writing and how to format things better since then. Keep writing, and never give up!

Red Flags to Look For

Now that you're writing for websites and clients, you should be on the lookout for crappy red flags. Some editors will ask too much and pay too little, and because you're new, assume you'll take anything. Don't do it, no, really, don't.

What should you look for? A fellow writer says this:

• If they ask you to provide a trial piece (paid or not)
• If the contract states they own all the rights to your work
• The terms for payment aren't standard (30 days) but longer, 45 days or more
• The rate per word. You know what you are worth, and it isn't pennies per word. 

Respond, no, as politely as possible, and move on. It isn't worth getting heated over or trying to negotiate when they aren't even close to your number. ​
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What I'm Writing

​How to Leverage Amazing SEO Content Writing Methods to Boost Your SERPs​

​4 Killer Cybersecurity Tips that Protect and Save​

What I'm Watching

I don't know about you, Reader, but I'm a sucker for a romantic film. Here are a few I recently watched in between writing and spending time with my family.

• A Perfect Pairing - I wasn't sure when it started but it was full of really sweet moments. Truly a movie to break out the popcorn and watch.
• Virgin River - It's truly one of my favorite shows, and I'm sad it's ending after the next season. If you haven't checked it out, it's great.
• Look Both Ways - An amazing look at two different life paths based on a single decision that could have gone either way.

Have a great suggestion? Send it my way. 

Until next time,
​Lori A. Imdad​
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Notes from a Hired Pen​
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