Ghost Writing is Not About Ghosts!

I guess I just assumed that ghost writer was a familiar term. Seems that I guessed wrong. I have received quite a few inquires about writing articles on ghosts, blogging for a group that "follows" ghost, and writing ghost stories. Sorry, I know nothing about ghosts except for what I saw in the movie Ghost (Special Collector's Edition) and Casper, as in the friendly ghost.

Ghost writing refers to writers that write articles, stories, poems, books etc, and sell all rights to the buyer. This means that when I ghost write an article, I am selling that work to a buyer who will then attached their name to the piece. I cannot resell, or use the piece as my own...all rights now belong to the buyer. Hence the term "ghostwriter". I write for people that can't write, need some help with their writing, or they don't have the time to complete their writing requirements.

A client once asked me if it ever bothered me to write and not be able to put my name on it...Not at all...don't forget, I'm getting paid for it. However, it is nice to see your name in print, so I do publish work in my name. I guess you need a little bit of an ego to be a writer :)

Bid Sites - Use Them Wisely

When I first got started with my ghostwriting business I was very lucky to literally stumble upon a goldmine of information called Content Chef. It literally walked me through a successful process that allowed me to build an initial client base and start my online ghostwriting business.

One of the suggestions was to use bid sites to get your foot in the door. Well, that worked, but here are a few things you need to be aware of. Most bidders are looking for the lowest bidders...period. You will work for less if you deal with bid sites, but the overall objective is to build a reputation and a consistent client base.

I found my very first client on a bid site. She is a good client and has referred others to me. It works...but be careful. If the site holds your payment in escrow until the work is finished, use that option. It is for you and the buyer's protection, the buyer may have to pay a percentage, so it is more beneficial for them to pay you directly through Paypal. Make sure they have a good rating history, before accepting a payment this way. I was ripped by two never to be heard of again "clients" after I completed their project.

Use the bid sites to get your ghost writing business started and to fill in when business is slow. Unless you like working for next to nothing, I don't recommend them as your sole source for clients.

The Economy Will Get Worse Before It Gets Better

As I listened to the news today, I realized that this is only the beginning. The economy will get worse before it gets any better. Circuit City filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, DHL Express is terminating US ground service and concentrating on International deliveries. And AIG has it's hand out again asking for "40 more billion please". As of today, it is still up in the air about the government helping the auto industry.

So far the freelance writing business hasn't felt the pinch...I hope it stays that way. I guess I'll find out how recession proof ghostwriting is.

Welcome K-mart Shoppers

Years ago when I was young, poor and living on my own I would visit the local K-mart to purchase my "outfits" for work and leisure. The great thing about K-mart in the late 70's was something called the "blue light special" and the layaway plan.

The blue light special was targeted for a specific area for about a 15-20 minute period of time. It was announced over the store loudspeaker system and if you were in the store, you could run to the department the blue light special was in and save big bucks on the special that was being offered.

The layaway plan worked like this...you picked out items in the store you wanted to purchase...you put a deposit on those items and made weekly or bi-weekly payments on the merchandise until you paid it off. It was a blessing for young, low paid women like me who wanted professional clothing for the workplace, and contemporary, stylish night life attire for hitting the discos(we are talking the 70's now) and clubs in the evening.

Times have changed, but in 2008 K-Mart is still offering their popular layaway plan for the upcoming holidays. They are the only national discount department store that offers layaway.

"Layaway enables our customers to reserve those 'hot' items early, pay over time and pick them up before Christmas," added Mark Snyder, chief marketing officer, Kmart. "The Kmart layaway program makes it easier for families to make the holidays special -- and Kmart is the one-stop destination for amazing quality and value this season."

Hat's off to you K-Mart! It's good to see a company that is still providing a sensible, down to earth service that doesn't encourage people to spend more than they can afford by enticing them with credit cards, but actually giving them the ability to purchase items at a pace they can afford.

There a some limitations. Holiday merchandise and "limited supply" merchandise must be picked no later than December 5,2008. Also,starting November 16, Home Electronics items over $200 cannot be placed in layaway. Layaway fees do apply and layaway is
not available at all Kmart stores. See kmart.com/layaway for more details.

President Elect Barack Obama

Oh happy day! I had to wait a few days until I could even write about it. I was afraid I would wake up and find out it was a dream. But it's not...it is real and Barack Obama will be the 44th president of the United States.

Last year I remember saying, "they'll never let a black man be president. They( whoever they are) will elect a woman president before a black man. My husband strongly disagreed... and he was right. I read his book Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance
and changed my mind during the primaries and dared to believe that he just may be able to win.

As a child, I remember walking downtown with my mother and my sister who was young enough to be in a stroller. So we are talking in the early 1960's. My mother quickly grabbed my hand to cross the street. There was fear in her eyes and agitation in her voice as I dallied to look at dolls in a store window. I didn't understand, but a group of men in white robes were approaching from the opposite direction. I didn't know who these men were and why my mother was so afraid, but I stuck my tongue out at them for upsetting her(guess I was opinionated even then). We have come a long way.

President Truman started the desegregation of the Armed Forces in 1950.Yes, I did say desegregate...black men could fight and give their lives, but were in segregated companies and units. Armed Forces desegregation was still taking place in 1953, while my father was stationed in New Orleans...otherwise referred to as the deep south. Black and white soldiers were on the same base, but still segregated in every other aspect. Seems the deep south moved as it's own pace.

One of my favorite Army stories that my dad told me was that during the desegregation process in 1953, four white soldiers were placed in my dad's still all black company. The company was going to march in a parade honoring the new President Eisenhower. The Captain of the company was a red haired, redneck from somewhere in Mississippi(more deep south territory). Check this out....the captain did not want the white soldiers to march with his platoon. He said they would mess it up, because they had no rhythm and couldn't march like the black soldiers....wait there's more....So on parade day, the captain assigned the white soldiers to barrack duty. The didn't mess up his platoon, but he messed up his career...his was swiftly reassigned to....ALASKA. Hey, he may even be a distant cousin to Sarah Palin...we all know she has some rhythm!

As I watched the results come in, I remember back to my initial thoughts about Barack Obama becoming president. I am so glad that I was wrong. Our Nation has come a long, long way. I am so very proud to be an American. Now lets all get up and get down to The Obama Dance!!