My Favorite FREE Blog Planners

Having a blog is all about being organized with your time, planning out your posts and keeping up with an endless list of to-do's. Well, that is if you want to make money off your blog. The best way to stay organized is a blog planner.

Now sure you could make your own, but why take the time out of your day when there are so many FREE awesome blog planners online? I have rounded up my absolute favorite free printable blog planners so you can visit, print and get started with your own blog.

Part of my 2014 New Year's resolutions will be to blog more frequently. I spent a lot of time on my One Cheap Utah Chick blog, but honestly I no longer have time to keep up with it. This blog, however, is my baby and always has been. So you can bet you'll see a lot more posts in 2014!

Okay, now for the free printable blog planners.

New Book in the Works!

I am proud to say that I finally have started on another book. The outline is complete and I'm excited about getting started.  It's going to be a book all about freelance writing from home as a stay-at-home mom. I have seen and heard too many misconceptions about this lately, which is why I was inspired to get the real truth out about what it's REALLY like to work from home with kids. TV and the Internet make it seem as though working from home with kids is a breeze. You'll make tons, look great and it all works out perfect. WRONG. While you can make plenty and look great, it sure takes a lot more work than driving to an office Monday through Friday. So, I hope with this book I can help you current freelancers or aspiring freelancers understand the truth about working from home.

No release date as of yet, but I'm hoping it will be done by the first of January. Maybe I'll set it as my New Year's resolution.

How to Get More Freelance Jobs

When you work in a regular job you're stuck with the hours and income. You can't decide one day to earn more -- unless that job has tons of overtime opportunities. As a freelancer you're in complete control of your income. Of course, that could also be a bad thing. If you want to make more one week (or one month) you need to know how to get more freelance jobs. Getting freelance work isn't easy -- you have tons of competition! But, there are ways you can stand out when you fill your applications and turn them in.

Keep reading to learn how to get more freelance jobs....

When You Freelance, Holidays Don't Matter

It's Labor Day! While everyone's off at their family gatherings, BBQs, or just sitting at home enjoying the 3rd day of their three-day weekend I'm working. As a freelance writer, holidays really don't mean much anymore. Especially if you have international clients. I have clients who are from all over, and my holidays don't mean squat to them.

Friday: It Doesn't Mean Much When You Work from Home

I had a friend text me this morning and state she was so happy it was Friday. Hmmm...Friday. What's that again? After working from home for so many years I have realized that Friday no longer holds the same joy in my heart. After all, I still work Saturday and Sunday...and sometimes Monday again.

However, this weekend I have made a goal to not work as much...so perhaps this Friday really is something to look forward to.

Today I'm submitting applications to diversify where I write a little more. As a freelance writer you should never solely write for one client. Why? Because if they drop you without notice you have no income and no immediate backup. Ideally a full-time freelance writer working at home should have at least two steady clients and at least 10 filler clients the rest of the month. I have two steady and one filler. Guess I need to diversify a tad more.

Working from Home is Work

I work from home, yet people assume since I work from home I don't really work. Boy is that wrong. In fact, I work MORE than if I had a job outside of my home. Why?

When you work from home you have to balance home stuff (chores, distractions, etc.), children (in my case there are two), and work. Also, clients don't pay you as much when you work at home because they don't have to compensate you for things like travel time, work clothes, gas, etc.

Low Paying Writing Jobs - To Take or Not to Take

I have been a freelance writer for some time and one thing I have noticed is there are some clients who understand freelance writing and others just have no clue. A lot of clients (especially online content clients) will hire you at a low rate and tell you that if you love your job, the pay doesn't matter. A lot of work from home opportunities reel people in with this line and it's not only untrue, it's insulting as a freelance writer.

A low-paying writing job doesn't pay my bills and I am a freelance writer for income -- not hobby, that's what my books are for. Yes, I love my job, but do not tell me to take a job that is low pay because of that fact. You're basically telling me my skills, experiences and abilities don't matter. Gee, thanks.