Hey everyone!
It’s hard to imagine that we’ve already been together for a whole year. If you didn’t know already, January 10th we’ll be celebrating Cash Campfire’s first birthday (I’m planning something especially special for the event – which has something to do with free stuff – so keep your eyes peeled!). In the meantime, I wanted to give something back for the new year. After careful thought, I decided to give you two things.
The second one is coming tomorrow (no, not the free stuff… yet – but I think it’s something you’ll really enjoy; I’m excited about it). But the first thing I wanted to give you is this: My full, complete attention because I know how awesome you are (and if you don’t know it – it’s time for a reality check), and I want to be as useful to you as I possibly can.
To show my sincerity, to the left is a picture of me (yes – I wear glasses for distance, and yes – that is my real hair color [some people seem to think I dye my hair brown] ).
Now, I know I already do a lot for you guys compared to other bloggers out there; I read and reply to every single comment, I read and answer all of the emails you send, I publish free additional weekly tips in the Cash Campfire newsletter for those subscribed, I spend hours out of each day just writing up new content so that you always have something new to read when you come back to this blog, and then tomorrow I’m going to be really breaking my back for you guys. 
But that isn’t enough. I want to show you that I really do appreciate all that you’ve done for this blog. I want to give you more.
So, for the next few days until 9am EST on Tuesday, January 4th (on the third I’ll be publishing the monthly goals and achievements post), I’m going to give you the chance to ask me one or two questions about anything you want.
This will help those of you lurkers to come out of your shell (yes, I’m talking to you!), and it will also help me to get to know you more, see where you’re at in your entrepreneur career, and help you get those annoying questions off of your chest that you’ve never quite gotten rid of. And if I get enough of the same questions, I’ll even get into detail and write a blog post about the topic.
So you have no excuse not to participate. If you don’t know what to ask, get creative! You can ask me anything from do I sing at the top of my lungs in the shower to do I work in pajamas – and I’ll answer as much as I can in January. The only thing I ask is that you keep this G rated.
So, lurkers, avid commenters, and in-betweens – now is your chance.
What questions have you been pondering?
I've been making money with my writing since 2008. With this income, I'm able to travel the world, indulge in my hobbies, and govern my own life. And the best thing is, I love every second of it!
Hillary Bost (1)
Hi Christina – being that I just asked you for some direct feedback on my site, and you went well over my expectations I really don’t have much left to ask. But, here’s a quick question: What formal training have you had in achieving the level of writing that you have? I’m looking to step my game up and might take a MIT online course on writing.
Also, I knew your hair wasn’t dyed. My youngest daughter has your skin complication (actually lighter) and blond’ish hair. it’s crazy!
Since this will be open for a few days – I’ll be sure to drop back to add in any questions that come to mind.
Thanks for the offering!
Jk´s last [type] ..The ONE-TEN Formula- Exceeding Expectations
Thanks for the question Jk!
And that’s awesome about your daughter. I love how diverse the world is getting today.
To a wonderful new year,
Christina
Great idea, Christina! I’m willing to bet you’ve answered this question somewhere, but I’ll ask it anyway:
What’s the one specific thing you’re MOST excited about in 2011? I want a very specific answer…
- Eric
Haha, will do!
Thanks for the question, Eric.
Christina
Well you’ve laid down the gauntlet now Christina! As soon as I finished reading, a whole bunch of questions started popping into my head, but I’ll settle for just one for now:
“What do you want to do in 2011 that you wished you did in 2010?”
Looking forward to your answer
Stuart´s last [type] ..4 Ways To Bring In 2011
Hey Stuart,
Well, I can think of a ton of answers for this question! I’ll try to just limit it down to just one though.
Thanks for the question!
Christina
Christina – I just started visiting your blog but I can tell you really care about your readers from reading this post. Congratulations on your blog’s 1 year anniversary in January and all you have accomplished this year with this blog. If I could ask you any question it would be, “what is your motivation for maintaining this blog and helping your readers like you do.
John´s last [type] ..Find Out If Your Spouse Is Cheating With A Reverse Telephone Lookup
Hey John!
I’m so happy to see you drop by.
Thanks for the warm words – looking forward to answering this question!
I hope you come back again soon!
Christina
Ok, Christina – as a granny, my question will be family related. You’ve said before that you intend to start a family someday – when and how big?
Crystal´s last [type] ..Merry Christmas!
Wow – I love that question, Crystal! That’s something that I always get excited talking about.
Completely unexpected but entirely welcome.
Can’t wait to answer it for you!
Christina
Hi Christina
I’m new to your blog, and like you my blog has been going for about twelve months, so I feel as though your experiences have been similar to mine.
My Question…
Notice that you are working on an eBook (from Marcus’s blog), how about a post on where to get eBook cover designs and how to set up some sort of sales network.
That would be useful.
Have a great New Year… 2011 here we come.
Keith Davis´s last [type] ..Look for the Shining Eyes
Hey Keith!
Awesome idea!
I’ll answer both in two separate posts in the upcoming couple of weeks.
I actually started the first one already, though had completely forgotten about it! I’ll get it published asap!
To a wonderful 2011!
Christina
OK, so here are my questions:
1. What’s the hardest part about keeping this blog?
2. What are your biggest fears?
3. If you had to eat one food every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I look forward to your response Christina
Marcus Sheridan, The Sales Lion´s last [type] ..Why Work is a GOOD Thing During the Holidays
I said two, not three! ;p
Hehe, but it’s alright – I’ll answer all of them. I don’t mind.
Thanks for the questions!
Looking forward to 2011! Woot!
Christina
Hi, Christina.
I just found your blog this week and have spent a lot of time “lurking” around. Until today, I had no idea that you were so young! You have the knowledge, tact, breadth of experience in many things, and willingness to share and give that usually comes with “maturity” a.k.a., age.
Thank you for giving so much and being so informative and accessible.
I am a good deal older than you, and have had many years of experience as a Technical Writer, subcontracting in the corporate world. Several years ago, I took some time off to take care of my aging mother and two teenagers at the same time, and then found it very difficult to find someone who would hire me because, I think, of my age, and the length of time I had been away from it (about 3 years). Even though the skills involved in writing user manuals for software and hardware do not fade with age or time away, the market and economy changed. I have been doing some website development, administrative work, and photography over the past 6 years or so, and now I am trying to revive my writing career from a new perspective–being totally freelance, and marketing myself.
So, at last, my question: Can you think of any ways I might break back into this market? I have written and edited web copy, postcard announcements, press releases, correspondence, documentation and training materials, designed fliers and logos, written for both print and online local media, and many other materials.
I am reading (on your advice) the “Secrets of a Freelance Writer.”
I guess I am trying to figure out if there are any sites online that might specialize in technical writing, besides the Demand Studios site.
Thank you again for sharing so much.
Sandy
Hey Sandy,
I really appreciate the compliments. To be honest, it’s odd getting into the business at such a young age because everyone expects me to be a lot older than I really am. In some ways, this is an advantage. However, sometimes it can be a disadvantage as well – I’m always embarrassed to admit that I’m in my early twenties, even though I know I shouldn’t be – it’s just the fact that I’m up against so many others well passed their college years. It also doesn’t help that I’m incredibly short (barely 5 feet). But, those are just my insecurities.
As for your question – getting back into the market is definitely possible, especially with your experience. First, I suggest to create an online portfolio (if you haven’t done so already) to showcase your writing samples and a brief list of clients whom you’ve worked for. Once you have your portfolio up, you can start attracting potential clients by creating a technical blog (with a “hire me” button on the sidebar or header), browsing bidding sites (like Elance, Guru, and oDesk), or looking through job listings. You can even ask companies directly if they need a technical writer by submitting a query.
But I really suggest reading the Secrets of a Freelance Writer through and following the steps outlined there. There’s a lot of good info in there on finding clients that I’m sure you’ll find useful.
For resources, I recommend checking out Copyblogger and Get Paid to Write Online (both are tremendously useful blogs specifically about copywriting).
I hope I was able to help – good luck on getting back in the game!
Christina
Thank you, Christina. I just spent some time on the A1-blogger site, getting to know that, but I have not had any experience blogging nor do I really even know how to set up a blog. So I am looking at the ProBlogger book now. Do you suggest that as a good resource? I also have a subscription to lynda.com (online tutorial site) and I think they have some resources there on blogging so I might start with that since it’s already paid for.
And don’t be defensive about your age–or your height. There are definite advantages to both, and it’s not how hold you are, it’s what you know and how you present that and yourself that counts–especially on the web, which is why I stand a better chance working on the web than in person.
Thank you again,
Sandy
Hey Sandy,
The ProBlogger book is definitely pretty good – I have it myself. You can also visit Darren Rowse’s Problogger site for more in-depth information once you’re done with the book.
And thanks for your kind thoughts, Sandy. I really appreciate your support.
Christina
1. Are you a natural writer/Enjoys doing so?
2. How can I build a business and/or personal relationship with you.
Hey Geppetto,
Thanks for dropping by.
Yep, I love what I do; I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else.
As for the second question, I’m not quite sure what you mean. If you’re just looking for a way to connect, you can fan me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, or email me through the contact form.
Christina