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Michelle V. Rafter

Michelle V. Rafter

Photo courtesy misteraitch

Dear WordCount: How should I handle guest post offers?

By Michelle V. Rafter on May 24, 2012 | Leave a response

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This installment of the weekly freelance advice column discusses how to respond to unsolicited offers to write guest posts for your blog.

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Posted in Blogs | Tagged 2012 WordCount Blogathon, blogging tips, Dear WordCount, guest posts, handling guest post requests | Leave a response

Photo courtesy nickspicture

5 newbie mistakes I’d avoid if I started blogging today

By Michelle V. Rafter on May 23, 2012 | 11 Responses

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It’s another Blogathon theme day, when everyone writing on the same thing. Our topic: If I started a blog today, what would I do differently? Here’s my answer.

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Posted in Blogs | Tagged 2012 WordCount Blogathon, blogging tips, how to start a blog, tech tools for writers | 11 Responses

8 reasons to join the BlogHer ad network

8 reasons to join the BlogHer ad network

By Michelle V. Rafter on May 22, 2012 | 5 Responses

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Becoming part of an online ad network is one way to earn money blogging. Here’s the scoop the popular women’s blog community as well as a few others.

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Posted in Blogs | Tagged AdNetwork.net, blog ad networks, BlogHer, how to make money blogging, monetizing your blog | 5 Responses

Annular eclipse May 20, 2012

Blogathon haiku day: Ring of fire

By Michelle V. Rafter on May 21, 2012 | 3 Responses

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Today’s the day all #blog2012 bloggers are trying their hands at haiku, the 3 line Japanese poetry. Here’s mine, about yesterday’s eclipse.

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Posted in Blogs | Tagged annular eclipse May 20 2012, haiku, how to write haiku, WordCount blogathon | 3 Responses

Blogger and writer Jackie Dishner. Photo courtesy Jackie Dishner

Blogathon week 3 recap: Bloggers share mid-life reinventions on SecondAct

By Michelle V. Rafter on May 19, 2012 | 1 Response

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Entrepreneur Magazine’s website for people over 40 invited this year’s blogathon participates to write about their second acts. here are some of those stories.

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Posted in Blogs | Tagged 2012 WordCount Blogathon, blogging as a second act, boomers who blog, reinventing yourself, SecondAct | 1 Response

Reading list for May 18: graduation-time inspiration for writers of all ages

By Michelle V. Rafter on May 18, 2012 | Leave a response

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You don’t need to be a new j-school graduate to appreciate these inspirational tidbits from Sheryl Sandberg, Peter Shankman, Steve Jobs and others.

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Posted in Writing | Tagged BIKE With Jackie, commencement addresses, Facebook IPO, Jackie Dishner, Peter Shankman, Sheryl Sandberg, Steve Jobs, Steve Jobs Stanford commencement address | Leave a response

Dear WordCount: How do I set up an RSS feed for my blog?

Dear WordCount: How do I set up an RSS feed for my blog?

By Michelle V. Rafter on May 17, 2012 | Leave a response

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This installment of the weekly advice column tackles two basics beginning bloggers need to know : RSS feeds and labeling posts using categories and tags.

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Posted in Blogs | Tagged 2012 WordCount Blogathon, blogging basics, Dear WordCount, RSS feed for my blog, tech tools for writers | Leave a response

My second act: blogging my way to career reinvention

My second act: blogging my way to career reinvention

By Michelle V. Rafter on May 16, 2012 | 14 Responses

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At the invitation of SecondAct.com, bloggers in the #blog2012 challenge are using today’s posts to write about their own second acts. Here’s mine.

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Posted in Blogs | Tagged 2012 WordCount Blogathon, BlogHer, career reinvention, SecondAct.com, why freelancers need a blog | 14 Responses

Alana Mautone

Q&A: How Alana Mautone blogged every day for a year (and more)

By Michelle V. Rafter on May 15, 2012 | 12 Responses

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The upstate New York blogger has posted 373 days in a row – and is still at it. Find out where she gets ideas and her favorite time to write.

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Posted in Blogs | Tagged Alana Mautone, blogging every day, Ramblin with AM, WordCount Q&A | 12 Responses

Take these 4 simple steps to optimize your blog for mobile browsing

Take these 4 simple steps to optimize your blog for mobile browsing

By Michelle V. Rafter on May 14, 2012 | 3 Responses

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In this guest post, writer and web design instructor Sarah Moon shares simple and not so simple tips for making content stand out on mobile devices.

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Posted in Blogs | Tagged blog design, blogging tips, responsive blog themes and templates, tech tools for writers | 3 Responses

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  • Guest Post: 6 Ways to Defend Your Blog Copyright
  • Blogathon week 3 recap: Bloggers share mid-life reinventions on SecondAct
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  • Dear WordCount: How do I set up an RSS feed for my blog?
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Welcome to WordCount, a blog about the freelance writing business. You'll see fresh material throughout the week on writing basics, blogging, tech tools for writers and more. A good place to start is my Greatest Hits page, with links to 101 of my best posts. Don't miss the Friday reading list for writers, a week's worth of writing inspiration. Tune into my #wclw Twitter chat for writers on the last Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. Pacific time. I also host the WordCount Blogathon, a blogging challenge to post every day in May. Use this form to register for this year's event. Subscribe to WordCount on your blog reader or get it delivered via email. Send email to wordcountfreelance@gmail.com.

Michelle V. Rafter

Reporter, editor, blogger, finance, business, workplace issues and media.

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