A couple of years ago, I learned about Canva through the 10 Minute Novelists. A couple of the other writers used it to do their graphics for various things.

Now that I’m using it, I can’t stop. My designs have branched out to other things I’m doing.

If you haven’t started using Canva yet, I’ll share some of the great features about it. Maybe that will entice you to give it a try.

1. Graphics

The graphics you can make on Canva is endless. I started out making graphics for one of my blogs. When I added another blog, I did the graphics for it, too.

Since then, I’ve done several different kinds of graphics. Other graphic design platforms might exist, but Canva is the only one I’ll use unless someone can convince me another one is better.

• Marketing your books

The fact is graphics catch people’s eyes more than words when posting on social media. You can make your own graphics to help you market your books.

I have created a few for each of my books using quotes and an image. I schedule these at different times of the week and month. I actually get more people liking them than when I use only words.

• Making book covers

If you have a book you’re ready to publish, but don’t have the money to pay someone to do it, then Canva can be used to design a cover.

I usually have someone design my covers, but when I decided to do National Novel Writing Month last November, I designed a book cover so I could actually see something there instead of a blank space as it usually is. It made me feel like my profile was complete that time.

But I do know of writers who use the book covers they make for the published book.

• Creating business cards

Some writers carry business cards for networking. As an author, I not only carry some with me, but I put mine in the book when I sell a copy. Readers can join my Facebook and Twitter pages that way.

Again, Canva can help you create these business cards easily so all you have to do is print and buy from Vistaprint, Overnight Prints, or another similar website.

2. Tutorials

If you struggle with designing graphics, Canva offers free tutorials. I have a keen interest in doing graphics so I haven’t used the tutorial yet.

I have heard great things about the tutorials, though. So I checked them out.

These tutorials are short examples of what Canva is all about. When you go to the page, you click on whatever you wish to learn. Once you click on it, you can scroll through and see how to do something step-by-step.

One side of the page is “learn,” and the other side is “do.” How easy is that?

It’s pretty easy because I tried one. Again, you read the left side and look at what the example is. Then you do whatever it asks on the right side. If you get stuck, a small graphic at the bottom of the right side says, “Need a hint?” Click on that, and a short video pops up to help you.

As I look over the tutorials a bit more, I see a few things I’m interested in learning more so I’m sure there is room for learning. And I’m always up for learning more!

3. Upgrade

If you want more features, you can upgrade to Canva for Work. It offers branding ability for your business and easy resizing for your designs.

As opposed to the free version I discussed above, this version costs $12.95 per month or $9.95 if you pay annually. You can try it out for 30 days, which I haven’t done yet. I’m not sure I will until I see a real need.

4. App

When you’re not around your laptop and need a graphic, you can use an iPhone or iPad to create a design using the Canva app.

I haven’t had an iPhone in a couple of years so when I discovered this great program had an app, I downloaded it. The app isn’t as easy to use as on the computer, but if you need something quickly, you can do it.

Using an iPad might be better, but I don’t have one. Until I get an iPad, I’ll keep trying to use it on my phone as needed.

As you can see, Canva has some great features writers can definitely use to make their careers easier. Of course, Canva isn’t only for writers. You could use this for anything that needs a graphic or something visual to get people’s attention.

Have you used this awesome program? In what ways do you use it?

The post 4 Ways Canva Is Amazing for Writers appeared first on Beach Girl Publishing LLC.

A few years ago, I was looking for ways to make extra money as a writer and came across a book called How I Made An Extra $1200 Per Month At Home Using One Free Website by Connie Brentford. In this book she discussed how to get started and make money from Fiverr. The author gives good ideas in a step-by-step way. As soon as I finished reading it, I jumped right in, creating an account and adding my gigs.

I easily came up with four gigs, but only one of them I made regular money from. I didn’t get rich, but it was a little extra each month to help out with my bills.

When I lost my job outside the home, I started thinking about freelancing. I joined a website that had a small membership to get exclusive information and classes on how to get started and fulfill this dream I’ve had since I was in college.

I found out one of my gigs wasn’t being done the way it should have been. Basically, I was told I wasn’t being truthful with my readers. I had no idea. So I paused my gigs until recently.

I came across a fellow writer who also does proofreading as I do. I had had a proofreading gig, but never had that many clients. Since my fellow writer is doing well on there, I thought I would give Fiverr another chance.

The website is a good place to get started and/or even earn some extra money. I don’t plan on staying with this forever because I would rather build a writing and editing business on my own than to earn money this way. But, at least, it’s a fairly safe place for people to see what kind of work I can do. I don’t have to worry about not getting paid, or, at least, I didn’t when I was on there before.

I know some will argue that Fiverr isn’t worth it — that you’re not getting paid what you’re worth. But I would argue differently.

1. Build your portfolio

Fiverr is a great way to get your feet wet if you’re trying to build a business. Maybe people don’t think you’ll do a good job, or you think you won’t get paid. This is a safe way to earn some money on the side or maybe even earn a full-time income. Some people do that believe it or not.

You can build your portfolio and get some great testimonies from the clients. Testimonies definitely help when it comes to getting new clients who are leery to give you a try.

2. Charge what you want

This might be a little misleading and let me clarify. Once you are a level 1 seller, you can charge whatever you like. You can add on extras to your gig. For instance, I have a proofreading gig right now. I charge $5 for up to 1,500 words for four days delivery. For an extra gig, I charge $10 for one day delivery See how that can add up quickly?

Maybe I could add another extra gig by adding feedback for $10 or $15. This feedback could be for a short story, resume, or business plan. I could share my thoughts on what I think about the clarity of the document or story.

3. Develop client relationships

If you use the same person over and over again, then you’ll eventually build a relationship with that person. When I was doing another gig featuring authors on my website, I got repeat clients because I had not only done good work, but it had gotten them results as well. And I had quick delivery.

Once you develop enough clients, you might have enough to go out on your own and not need Fiverr anymore. But until that time comes, you can always get them from that website.

4. Pay yourself whenever you like

Fiverr pays through Paypal so you can pay yourself whenever you want. You don’t have to wait until a Friday. You don’t have to wait every two weeks. If you are earning enough, you can pay yourself every few days or wait three weeks. You could even pay yourself every day.

However, you will pay a small fee to move your money to Paypal. So I would probably wait for a few days before paying myself to avoid as much of the fees as possible. When you get paid is all up to you.

5. Work from home

More and more people are working from home. Freelancing is becoming a bigger and bigger deal. In fact, it’s been predicted that eventually it will be the way for people to make a living. Freelancing any kind of job, like writing, editing, and graphic design, is becoming more and more popular because companies are doing away with these type of jobs and opting for freelancing. Companies use freelancers to cut expenses.

I have always wanted to be a writer, and the editing came along with it. Freelancing can be done in many different jobs, but the two I want to do are what I love. Writing has been a part of me since I was in sixth grade, but writing doesn’t always earn a full-time living. The more I have done editing, the more I enjoy it — even more than writing.

People will argue that Fiverr isn’t worth your time, but as you can see, I don’t agree. I have five reasons why giving this website a chance is a good option.

You don’t have to post the gigs I have, but choose something that interests you. Maybe it’s posting on social media or making a video or creating a craft. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something you can sell over and over.

The post 5 Amazing Reasons Why You Should Use Fiverr appeared first on Beach Girl Publishing LLC.

Have you ever written something just for the heck of it? Chances are most people have not because writing is not an activity that everyone enjoys.

From the time I was twelve years old, I have journaled. Back then I called it a diary. I don’t see keeping a diary and keeping a journal as much different. However, some people may argue that they are.

Back in those younger days, I forced myself to write every day in my diary. As I got older and had less extra time, I didn’t write in my diary or journal as much.

Today I still keep a journal. But its use is limited. I use it to vent or get thoughts out of my head.

Journaling, or writing in a diary, is an informal kind of writing that has its benefits.

1. Journaling makes you a better writer.

Whether you journal every day is up to you, but it could help you become a better writer. Just like with anything else, the more you practice the better you get at whatever you are doing.

The same goes for writing.

If you are journaling every day, you are obviously going to improve your writing skills. Even better you could read books on improving your writing or have others read what you have written and give you an opinion on the content and grammar.

2. Journaling gives a writer story ideas.

Using your journal, you can easily come up with story or writing ideas if you are one of those people who truly enjoys writing. In many short stories and novels the storylines and characters are based on real-life experiences or people the author knows.

As an author, you must make your stories as believable as possible, especially if you are writing about topics that could actually happen. In order to make your stories as true to life as possible, it is important to make them believable.

If your story is too far-fetched, no one will believe it or may not even want to read it. Of course, if it is in the science fiction or fantasy genre, then you can still base your characters off of real-life people you know.

Using your journal for story ideas is a great way to benefit from your practice writing.

3. Journaling saves the writer’s family history.

Another way to benefit from your journaling is by saving your journals for future generations. Alexandra Johnson’s Leaving a Trace gives the reader an insight into journaling, not just for you, but for your grandchildren and great grandchildren as well.

Johnson states that you should expect your family to read your journal, which helps them learn more about their ancestors. A journal reveals much about the writer.

Johnson also states that you do not have to journal every minute of your life, but just those moments you feel like sharing.

4. Journaling is cheap therapy.

Finally, journaling is therapy, pure and simple.

Journaling can be used as a great means of venting, of a way to get rid of all your pent up feelings. Sometimes people have trouble verbalizing their feelings so they can write down their feelings and chose whether to share them with someone.

Writing down your feelings doesn’t have to be shared with anyone unless you wish to do so. You can use either an actual journal or even just a composition notebook. What you use is up to you.

The main purpose is just to get your thoughts down on paper so that you feel better about yourself.

Final thoughts

Journaling has its good benefits. How do you feel about journaling? Do you journal? If so, in what ways do you use it.

The post How Journaling Benefits a Writer appeared first on Beach Girl Publishing LLC.

Next to my laptop, my phone is a blessing when it comes to my writing.

To others, a phone is a hindrance. Playing games or watching videos on YouTube keep you from doing what you really need to be doing.

These two examples are the reason a writer needs these ten apps on their phone. The apps will help a writer get the most from her writing.

1. Evernote

I had Evernote on my iPhone and used it quite a bit from writing notes and ideas to grocery lists. When I got my Samsung Note 3, it was one of the first apps I got.

Evernote is a note-taking app. You can also use it for lists.

You can have Evernote on all of your devices, including laptop, Kindle, iPad, and various phones. Whatever you put on one device easily syncs to the other devices making this app very versatile.

2. Documents to Go

If you use Microsoft Office, Documents to Go is similar to that. I use this app to write blog posts or whatever to write while I am away from my laptop.

When I need whatever I’ve written on my laptop, I can easily email to myself or transfer it from my phone to my laptop.

Whether you use this app or something else, a writing app is important to any writer.

3. Pinterest

If you are a visual person, then you need Pinterest. This app can be your visual aide for your novels and short stories.

You can use it to share things about writing as well as your own writing. I have started using it as visuals for the characters and settings in my novels.

I have used it to share my blog posts as well as my books.

I have gained quotes that motivate and help me become a better writer.

4. Any.do

If you prefer not to make lists in Evernote or don’t like Evernote, Any.do is for you. You can create lists of what you need to do.

Once you complete something, you cross it off so it’s like having a list on your phone.

5. Merriam-Webster Dictionary

I started out using Dictionary.com. However, I figured out that editors recommend using the Merriam-Webster dictionary instead.

Both my phone and Kindle have it now, and I can use it online on my laptop.

6. Dropbox

Dropbox is another app I can’t live without. You can store documents, pictures, or whatever else you would like.

I have it on my phone and laptop to keep files nearby. For instance, if you are working on a short story at home, but can’t take your laptop with you to work, you can load the short story into Dropbox.

Then on your lunch hour, you can use Dropbox on your phone to access that story to write or edit.

7. Pandora or Spotify

Music always motivate me to write more. I tend to listen to Pandora, but I know others use Spotify for their music.

8. Dragon Dictation

If you have trouble typing, then Dragon Dictation is an app for you.

You tell this app what you want it to type, and the app does the typing for you.

9. Goodreads

Writers are readers, too. Goodreads not only connects writers with their readers, but writers can see books they can read as well.

Writers can meet their readers and do giveaways.

After all, I was a reader before I became a writer.

10. WordPress

All writers should have a website to build their platform or brand. WordPress is an app for your website and blog.

I use it for all three of my websites because it is easy to use. I would suggest using your laptop to set up your website initially, but once you have it set up, you can use the app to approve comments or post to your blog.

Final thoughts

These apps all help writers in some way. I know the majority of them help me each day.

Which apps do you use? Which ones would you like to try? Give me other apps you use on a daily basis.

The post 10 Apps Every Writer Needs appeared first on Beach Girl Publishing LLC.

About a month ago I wrote a review about a book called Easy Cash Writing. It’s a great book that taught me quite a bit so I decided to give another of Rob Parnell’s books a chance.

This time I read The Easy Way to Write a Novel That Sells. It’s as informative as his other book was.

I have read many books about writing, but this one was so simple and easy to understand. I feel like Parnell speaks to us on a level we understand.

Not that I am stupid and can’t figure things out. I would rather do things the easy way rather than make it harder than it needs to be. How about you?

Info about The Easy Way to Write a Novel That Sells

As I stated above, I have read many books about writing. From Cathy Yardley to K.M. Weiland, I have read some good books. However, I feel I got the most from Parnell’s book.

Parnell writes in an easy-to-understand way. He divides the book into three parts.

The first part is motivating you to get writing. Believe me I really need this. Life has happened, slamming me from left and right. Writing is the last thing I want to do.

I needed a kick in the pants, and Parnell does that with his encouragement in those first few chapters.

The second part is the meat of the book and the whole point of reading the book to begin with. Parnell calls this part Commercial Fiction 101, and it’s divided into 12 modules.

I have read and reread this section several times as I prepared for National Novel Writing Month. This part was well worth the price of the book.

Parnell takes you step by step from getting an idea, developing characters, creating an outline, writing the story, and finally publishing the novel. Each module focused on one aspect.

The third part is perfect for writing a novel in 30 days, like NaNoWriMo or any other time of the year you wish to do this. After I finish NaNo, I might give this a shot.

What’s helpful about this book?

Again, I can’t stress enough how simple it is to read and understand. I was mainly looking for a way to outline my novel for NaNo, and I found it with this book.

I had used Cathy Yardley’s Rock Your Plot for a previous novel. She is detailed and gives you a free workbook on her website, but I didn’t feel like I understood some of the plot points as much as I should have.

I was in the middle of K.M. Weiland’s Outlining Your Novel when I stumbled across Parnell’s book. Weiland’s book is great. Don’t get me wrong. But it’s too detailed for me.

I felt like I was writing my whole novel instead of outlining. I had trouble at times understanding what she meant.

The Easy Way to Write a Novel That Sells made it easy for me to go back and review the modules in the second part of the book as needed.

I was able to outline the third and final book of my trilogy in a rather quick manner for NaNoWriMo. I like an outline to know where my story is going, but it doesn’t need to be as detailed as the other authors suggest in their books.

Final Thoughts

I highly recommend Parnell’s The Easy Way to Write a Novel That Sells. This book is not just for a beginner. It could be used for authors who need a refresher or need new ideas for their novels.

According to Amazon, this book gets four and a half stars. I agree with that and will have no trouble posting a review there as well.

Do you outline your novels? What method do you use? Perhaps a book you have read?

The post The Zen of The Easy Way to Write a Novel That Sells appeared first on Beach Girl Publishing LLC.