Guest Author - Theresa Wilson
What is an E-Zine?
An Ezine is an electronic magazine or newsletter.
Where Do I Start, How Do I Begin?
Deciding to publish an E-zine Newsletter should be approached similar to starting a business. First, know your product. Take time and explore the "behind the scenes" details to creating an E-zine.
Even if you won't handle each phase of development directly, be familiar with what it will take to implement the project. It will save you a lot of money in the long run. Second, understand your target market (What's their age, lifestyle, or need?) Third, test, test and retest your ideas. Have a roundtable “mind-mapping” discussion with friends and associates you trust.
How Do I Let People Know About My E-zine
Make the best use of your writing talent by writing! Contribute articles to online publications. Two things happen with this strategy: You are able to market your name by attaching it as author of the article (your byline) and in most publications you are able to provide a link to your E-Zine publication. The more quality articles you produce, the more people recognize your name. The more they recognize your name and the more they attach quality and expertise to your work, the more responsive they are to reviewing your work in your E-zine.
How Do I Avoid Writer's Block
Writing is a decision. There is no way to get around the obvious--the only way to write is to write. I find journaling a great writing encouragement. With journaling, you are not focused on structure of the text. You are recording a free-flow of thought which can include several unrelated ideas. The key here is to avoid "editing" until later. Once you've allowed yourself the freedom to mentally flow, review your notes. Often you will find great topics for articles.
Another way to prevent writer's block is to keep a pen and pad handy, no matter where you are, and jot down ideas that come to mind while you were visiting family or friends or even out shopping. Some people find it helpful to keep the pen and pad on a night table to record something that came to mind as a result of a dream. Bottom line, writing is a choice. Just Do It!!
