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Days to Celebrate in May

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May: National Get Caught Reading Month. Wherever you go, the campaign challenges you to get caught reading.

May 1: National Mother Goose Day. This day honors Mother Goose, the imaginary author of a collection of fairy tales and nursery rhymes we loved as children and also as adults.

May 3: National Play Outside Day. Spend a few minutes outside today enjoying the beauty and the fresh air.

May 4-10: Small Business Week. Small businesses account for half of America’s workforce, and more new jobs come from small business than any other source.

May 12: National Limerick Day. Celebrate the birthday of English artist, illustrator, author, and poet Edward Lear who wrote A Book of Nonsense.

May 16: National Biographer’s Day. Commemorate the anniversary of the first meeting of Samuel Johnson and his biographer James Boswell in 1763 by honoring biographers.

May 30: National Creativity Day. Celebrate you and your creative pursuit!

May 31: National Speak in Complete Sentences Day. This day is dedicated to using proper sentence structure while speaking.

Book Award Winner: Erin Berkery

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Today’s podcast episode is a Book Award Winner episode, where we get to know a writer who won the NAIWE Book Award.

Our guest today is Erin Berkery.

Erin Berkery is a freelance writer, creative career advisor, and consultant with a passion for helping people both with their creative life and blending their creative lifestyles and the rest of their life. Erin writes content for companies, career development articles, and creative fiction that is quite humorous despite those previous two categories. She has recently published a book called: How Not to Make Small Talk, which won the NAIWE 2023 Book Award in Coffee Table books.

 

You recently had your book How Not to Make Small Talk published, which is in the humor and coffee table genres. To get an idea of what your book is about, I would like to read the book’s description to the listeners:

How Not to Make Small Talk is an anti self-help guide, where instead of showing people how to do something well, Erin shows you how not to do something well. How Not to Make Small Talk blends humor and ridiculousness to deliver the worst possible solutions to common blunders in everyday conversations. Featuring topics that should be off limits, suggestions that are slightly horrible, and lists of alternatives for any conversation.

 

When did you first have the idea for this book? And what inspired you to actually write this book?

After I had a baby, I had a lot of people who would say things to me in conversation that felt inappropriate, but they acted as if we were just talking about the weather. I realized that while they weren’t making a faux pas, that nobody had ever given guidance on how to make small talk. I then realized that I had no business giving anyone advice, but still was having ideas of conversation starters that would be better than the discussions I was having, so How Not to Make Small Talk was born.

 

Why did you decide to write and publish this book now?

I am a writer who writes a lot but doesn’t finish a lot of books, so when this book started to feel less than half baked I wanted to make it my goal to finish it and I did. I wish I could say that I timed it for something special, but the truth is that I was fairly proud of having it be completed.

NAIWE Training Your Way

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NAIWE enjoys helping its members to improve their skills and speed up their hourly processes.

One of the ways we do this is through our training. Each year, we offer live classes and webinars on topics such as macros and marketing. These classes help NAIWE members save time, increase their hourly rate, and reach their ideal clients! In addition, many of our training courses are recorded, allowing members to learn at times when it is convenient for them!

 

 

April Michelle Davis, NAIWE Executive Director

April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.

She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.

Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).

April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published four books.

Book Review: Network Apprentice

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2024 NAIWE Book Cover Design Winner

 

Network Apprentice

Author: Graydon Hubbard

A well-done book cover design! The beauty shown in the large image of a woman in a dress made from the American flag is eye capturing! The title of the book is in a large typeface and matches the grandness of the dress, and the contrast in colors is strong enough for the title to be easily read.

As the cover is surveyed, the money and the crowd are detected and become a second focal point, but even just the American flag alone hints at what topics will be discussed and challenged within this book.

 

Comments from professional book designer Tamian Wood:

“I like this compilation a LOT. Nicely done making her dress out of a flag! And while the rest of the details are small, and won’t be seen at thumbnail size, the money and crowds will be a nice bonus for anyone who looks closer.

The typography is a bit hard to read because of the serifs and the busy background. And while I’m not a fan of an all white all centered title/sub-title/author, it can be done, if it’s done well. A bolder, san serif font would stand out against the busyness of the dress, and would go a long way to improving this lovely cover. All in all, this one is my winner!”

Congratulations, Graydon Hubbard’s Network Apprentice for being a NAIWE 2024 Book Award winner!

Member Benefit: Discount on EZRA

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Member Benefit #26

Easy Relationship Application (EZRA) is a database to house all of the information for your small business! EZRA was developed by Editorial Inspirations to meet the record keeping needs of freelancers and their businesses. And there’s a free 30-day trial available.

NAIWE members receive a $50 savings annually!

Visit the NAIWE website to see all of the member benefits.

Book Review: The Six-Figure Freelancer

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The Six-Figure Freelancer

Laura Briggs

 

Many people have excellent skills to sell, but are still not making it as successful freelancers. While a freelancer may be a top-notch writer, that person may lack the skills to be a successful business owner. The Six-Figure Freelancer can help you better manage your business!

Written from personal experience, Laura Briggs tells her proven strategies of going from a side hustle to a full-time freelancer in 13 months, and then to becoming a six-figure freelancer, even topping $200,000 after just four years.

However, she does leave the door open to modify her method to fit your personal situation. While Laura Briggs is a freelance writer, she brings in 19 freelance experts from other industries to contribute from their experience, providing numerous freelancers in a wide variety of professions with opportunities to share how they made six figures. Also, Laura explains how the reader’s goal may not be six figures, but how one can alter her method to reach your business goal.

Chapter 1 begins with evaluating where your business currently stands and setting realistic goals on where you want to go. While you may ultimately want to be a six-figure freelancer, this chapter shows how that may not be a realistic goal at this moment.

Once you have set your goals, chapter 2 helps to define your mindset, and perhaps change a few items that are limiting your current capabilities.

While only chapter 5 is directly related to marketing, all of the chapters relate to what a freelancer can do to maximize his time to make more money with better-paying clients.

The Six-Figure Freelancer is an excellent read that helps the reader to analyze all aspects of their business, assisting professional freelancers who are looking to take their business to the next level.

Book Review: Catching Cold Volume 2: Redemption

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Catching Cold Volume 2: Redemption

Lem Moyé

 

Doctor Jon DeLeon and his team of eccentric CiliCold researchers continue their work, though now they exist in a hidden location. With good intentions, Meredith Doucette, Triple S Pharmaceuticals’ CEO, has reallocated her salary to the company’s charity branch, which some have seen as a controversial move while Cassandra Rhodes, Triple S Pharmaceuticals’ lead attorney, has been found not guilty of the murder of Cristen and is then hired by CiliCold.

For those who read volume 1 in this series and grew attached to some of the characters, this book continues the story with many of the same characters. However, Dr. Lem Moyé has written this book so that it can be read as a stand alone novel.

Catching Cold Volume 2: Redemption will be an entertaining read for those with a love of science and the corporate world. Written by a physician who has taught graduate classes in biostatistics, this novel has a realistic view of the scientific research world as it intertwines with corporate pharmaceutical companies, providing some great insights for the reader with a twist.

Days to Celebrate in April

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April: English Language Month. A month-long celebration of the uniqueness of the English language and all the learners working hard to master it.

April: National Poetry Month. Spend time this month writing, reading, and studying poetry.

April: National Volunteer Month. In the United States, volunteerism is instilled at a young age. Most organizations in small towns, rural counties, and the largest cities would not function without volunteers.

April: Records and Information Management Month. This event celebrates good record keeping and information management and emphasizes the importance of having organized records.

April: Stress Awareness Month. This month, we are all challenged to keep our stress levels low, and our peace levels high.

April 4: National Hug a Newsperson Day. Say thank you and send a hug to your local newsperson.

April 4: National School Librarian Day. School librarians spend long hours keeping the library organized, helping our children find the resources they need to encourage learning, and are dedicated to creating an environment children can learn in every day of the year. Set aside some time to honor school librarians.

April 5: National Play Outside Day. Spend a few minutes outside today enjoying the beauty and the fresh air.

April 7: National No Housework Day. Freelancers working from home sometimes choose to be distracted by housework rather than work on a challenging project. On this day, it is not allowed, so find something else to distract you–or rather, sit down and work on that challenging project.

April 7-13: National Public Health Week. The week focuses on prevention and reducing unhealthy activities.

April 6-12: National Library Week. Visit your local library in person or online, and give your library card a workout.

April 8: National All Is Ours Day. This is a day to appreciate everything we have, rather than dwelling on what we don’t have.

April 8: National Library Workers Day. Library workers do so much more than keep track of the books we can borrow nearly any time of the day or night. Today, library workers are masters of research.

April 10: National Encourage a Young Writer Day. Do you know a young person who has a vivid imagination, maybe someone who likes to tell stories and reads a lot of books? Encourage them to pursue their goals and develop their writing skills.

April 14: National Reach as High as You Can Day. Review and plan your goals for the upcoming quarter or the rest of the year as you reach for your dreams or goals.

April 14: Look Up at the Sky Day. Look for inspirations and beauty by looking up at the sky.

April 15: National Rubber Eraser Day. Celebrate the invention of erasers by acknowledging that we all make mistakes.

April 16: National Bookmobile Day. Honor the access to information and resources our nation’s bookmobiles make available to our communities and the professionals who work diligently to provide these services.

April 16: National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day. Let go of the stress of deciding what to wear for a day by wearing your pajamas to work.

April 17: National Haiku Poetry Day. Try your hand at this creative form by writing about what you see outside.

April 17: National High Five Day. Spend a moment on social media, and give a virtual high five to someone who has recently helped you out.

April 17: Get to Know Your Customers Day. Select a customer and get to know them a little better.

April 20-26: Administrative Professionals Week. Celebrate the administrative professionals and secretaries who keep businesses going.

April 20-26: National Volunteer Week. Provide support by offering your services to a local organization you feel passionate about.

April 23: National Administrative Professionals Day. Some freelancers have virtual assistants, and we didn’t want you to miss this day! Celebrate your VA and show how much you appreciate this person.

April 24: National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. Take some time to mentor your sons and daughters and aspire their writing to new heights!

April 25: National Poem in Your Pocket Day. Memorize a poem or two to share with the people you meet throughout the day.

April 27: National Tell a Story Day. Share a story with fellow word lovers.

April 28: National Great Poetry Reading Day. Celebrate distinguished poetry and the notable poets who wrote them.

Book Review: Catching Cold Volume 1: Breakthrough

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Catching Cold Volume 1: Breakthrough

Lem Moyé

 

Doctor Jon DeLeon is on an adventure of a lifetime: he thinks he can cure the common cold. In his personal life, Doctor DeLeon has a cordial relationship with his ex-wife, but he is devastated to discover that she is engaged and pregnant. Nevertheless, he tries to swallow this news and continue pursuing his dreams.

Yet, obstacles abound! With limited funds, the researchers at CiliCold, Doctor DeLeon’s research lab, push forward to a cure that other researchers gave up on years ago. The research lab is filled with quirky researchers, many of whom have lost credibility in the scientific community, leading to some entertaining scenarios and small talk.

Doctor DeLeon being preoccupied with his personal life and the financial instability of his lab is oblivious to the betrayals that take place inside his research lab.

Catching Cold Volume 1: Breakthrough is an enjoyable read, especially for those with a love of science. Written by a physician who has completed over 30 years of research, this novel has a realistic view of the scientific research world, providing some great insights for the reader.

Caring by Connection

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Through the NAIWE discussion list, members can discuss important topics with fellow publishing professionals, and they can also reach out to others who have had similar experiences and who may offer the same type of work.

However, NAIWE members like to have fun too! NAIWE members chat about funny signs they saw while at the park or in a store and funny moments they had with a client.

NAIWE members are here to support and laugh with one another!

 

 

April Michelle Davis, NAIWE Executive Director

April Michelle Davis has been the executive director of the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) since 2018. Prior to that, she was NAIWE’s Social Media Marketing Expert. NAIWE is an association that focuses on career building for writers, editors, and other professionals in the publishing industry by developing multiple streams of income; it helps its members market their products and services through social media, newsletters, and more.

She is also the coordinator for the Virginia chapter of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a lifetime member of the American Copy Editors Society, and a freelance editor, indexer, proofreader, and author. April Michelle has taught courses through her own company, Editorial Inspirations, as well as for associations and colleges on topics such as editing, indexing, grammar, writing, and creating macros.

Her credentials include a master’s degree in publishing from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College, as well as certificates in editing (University of Virginia), book publishing (University of Virginia), and professional editing (EEI Communications).

April Michelle has shared her insights about her career development by contributing quotes and vignettes to several books. She has presented sessions on various editorial topics to many groups, including the Virginia Writers Club, the Communication Central conference, Randolph-Macon College, the Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, the EFA, Copyediting newsletter, RavenCon, and the Hanover Book Festival. In addition, April Michelle has published four books.

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