Category: writing

Happy Bookaversary to Me

Authors, books, Christmas Gifts, Self-Publish, social media, Uncategorized, writing
Photo of the book cover of Terror In The North Tower

Happy Bookaversary to me!

The number eight

Today marks eight years since I had my first book hit the market. When my book first came out I write a blog post titled  I Wrote A Book. 

Since then its first publication, over twenty books have been sold.  Don’t be sad.  I am just happy that I had book sales. 

Self Publishing

After having gone through the self-publishing experience,  I can honestly tell you I’d never do it again!!  Self-publishing is the publication of media by its author at their own cost, without the involvement of a publisher.

Marketing Plan

Maybe it’s because I didn’t take making a Marketing plan as seriously as I should have.  I didn’t have a “marketing plan” in place. My plan consisted of zero advertising, word of mouth, social media posts, book giveaways, and writing blog articles. Next time a publishing company can do it all. I’d be happy to attend book signings.

Writing The Sequel

Writing the sequel has been a challenge over the last few years. Life has gotten in the way of actually sitting down, and pushing forward to get it done.

My goal is to finish things up by the end of this year. Stay tuned.

#happybookaversay to me

If you’ve enjoyed this post, please like and leave a comment. By all means, feel free to buy my book.

Gain The Advantage,

Alicia Osmera

It’s Been Five Years

Uncategorized, writing

I can’t believe that five years ago today I started writting my first blog post.

Mindset was short, a very short article. As I look back at all that I’ve written I can see the growth in my writting style and the messages I’m trying to send out to my readers.

Favorite Article I really don’t know if I have one. I enjoy writting and I hope to continue this for a long time.

Gain The Advantage,

Alicia Osmera

5 Daily Methods Of Operation

#bloggers, #changing perspectives, #goals, Blogging, HomeBusiness, leslyfederici, Uncategorized, Work From Home, writing
image

If you’re and entrepreneur then you probably already have a DMO  (Daily Method Of Operation ). Every successful person either in business, or entrepreneurship tells me they us a daily method of operations.

Five  things I found to be very effective and they are easy enough that anyone can use them.  These simple steps will help you to obtain the level of success once you apply them into your daily routine.

Personal Development —  Having a POSITIVE mental attitude changes the way we think as a leader or an entrepreneur;  which in turn leads to change for success.  With so many ways to grab information no one can make the excuse that they don’t have time to do this.

Meditation and Exercise —  Spend at least 15 minutes a day meditating on scriptures,  a quick go to encouragement pocket book.  Exercise daily to increase your body,mind and spirit.  Exercising opens up the mind and make entrepreneurs get their creative juices flowing.  Personally I find Pilates very relaxing and it works my abs off.

Sharing  — Share your business opportunity with at least 10 new people or at the bare minimum 5 people to start building relationships and trust with. Make this a quick less than 2 minute introduction and ask them if they’re interested in watch a video,  listening to a CD, Podcast or by whatever tools you can get in front of them within the a few days.

Creating Content  —  Create content people will want to read, look at and become interested in.  Social media can work to your advantage.   Learn how to leverage the time you spend on Facebook,  Twitter, Instagram, Google+,  LinkedIn and whatever other social outlet you’re using.

The Artistic Affiliate otherwise known as Lesly Federici, RN has many helpful tips for creating content. In her article titled, 5 Creative Ways to Keep Visitors Coming Back she shares many ways to make visitors “think outside the box”.   Landing pages, funnels, custom sidebars, and widgets to name a few.

Sales and Marketing Training  —  Essential to any business growth is marketing and sales.   Sales equal income in the pocketbook!!  Marketing drives interest and curiosity which leads to SALES!

The road to success takes time and it takes one step at a time to achieve the end result.

Gain The Advantage!

I Have A Few Questions For You

#bloggers, #wordpress, Blogging, writing

Hello Dear Readers

I have a few questions for you. With 2018 almost at an end I decided to ask my readers a few questions.

Please do leave a comment because I really would like to know your thoughts.

1. Which article(s) did you like the most and why?

2. What type of subjects are you interested in reading more about?

3. A lot of blog site now have pop up adds. Do you have adds on your blog site? Does it bother the person reading your post?

4. Have you ever been a guest blogger, or had someone be a guest writer on your site?

5. Are you a blogger? What do you write about?

I hope you will participate in my questions. (This could end up in a blog round up post). Be sure to add your comments below. If you would rather email me, you can send it to connectwithalicia@gmail.com.

Gain The Advantage,

Alicia Osmera

Four Things I Love 

Blogging, Connecting, Harley Davidson, songs, travel, Uncategorized, writing

Let’s face it this world is nuts!
Negativity is all around us in the news. Finding positive things to keep us sane can be challenging.
Stay focused on things that make YOU happy.
My Husband Dave

High school sweethearts and still married after thirty five years. We love our eight grandchildren and when we’re not busy with them were riding our Harley Davidson 1997 Softail.

Chocolate

One word sums it all up! Who can’t live without it?

Adventure And Travel

I love getting outside, breathing the fresh mountain air. Colorado is well known for it’s glorious majestic mountains.

Pikes Peak is the most visited mountain in North America and the second most visited mountain in the world behind Japan’s Mount Fuji. Out of 54 Colorado peaks it’s the 31st highest. The Cog Railway is the best way to climb up the mountain when you physically don’t climb. As you’ve along the train track the history of how the cog railway is fascinating to look at and listen to.

Dillon Reservoir is one of the many beautiful reservoirs and lakes Colorado has to offer. The fishing is incredible. Dillon Reservoir, also known as Dillon Lake is located just south of Summit County and boarders between Frisco and Dillion, Colorado.

There are so many outdoor and indoor activities one can do in Colorado. That’s why I love living here so much. Not to mention all my grandkids live here too.

Old Fashioned Way Of Life

There’s a song by Tim McGraw called Back When. Describing just the way it was for me growing up as a kid. “When a coke was a coke, a smoke was a smoke and a crack is what you were doing when you were cracking jokes”.

Oh, some of my greatest pleasures were hanging out with my friends, riding bikes, and just being a kid. Not tied down to responsibilities, having to worry about jobs, paying bills, and the rest of the adult complications in life.

Sometimes you need to sit back, look around and breathe. Keep positive, smile, and be happy.

As Always,

Gain The Advantage!

Alicia Osmera

4 Women Role Models I’ve Patterned My Life After

Uncategorized, writing

In today’s world there is so much chaos.  Women marching for what they call “oppressed women” here in the United States and the rest of the world.   From what I have been able to figure out these women who’ve started this march are not at all oppressed!

These  are women who have everything a person could want or need.  Million dollar homes, careers, credit, food, a roof over there heads, the freedom to marry whom they choose, able to obtain a credit card in their own name, buy a car, a home, etc all on their own.

 Oh and let’s not leave out that in the United States of America women could not vote until the 1970’s! VOTING! 

Which brings me to the top five women role models in my life.

5. Betsy Ross

Without Besty Ross and her patriotism for these thirteen colonies of the United States of America would there have been a flag? 

The Flag Of America And Betsy Ross stand for something.   

Betsy Ross herself was a humble seamstress creating a flag for the emerging nation is a treasured national legend.   

She inspires me because of her creativity and perseverance to complete a task inspire of all obstacle.

4. Esther 

Do you know the story of a little Jewish girl who grows up to become Queen of Persia and saves her people?

Esther was born  in 450 BC or there about.  Her journey started as becoming adopted by her cousin Mordichi.   Later she would come before King Ahasueurs of Persia as one of the many virgins of that time period only to be chosen and become the next queen of Persia. 

Her story is one of never ending faith in Jehova.  Her wisdom, patience and humbleness lead her to save thee Jewish people from extinction.

Patience, grace and perseverance was a testament of her life.

3. Katie Couric 

During high school I  wrote for the Aurora Central High School newspaper.  Researching stories, interviewing teachers and past alumni helped me turn writing into passion. Then I saw this strong, passionate outgoing women on the Today show.  Her name was Katie Couric.  At times she was soft spoken and other times her words were stern and harsh for some of those she was interviewing.  I wanted to be just like her.

I may not be a journalists; however  I am a published author of the book Terror In The North Tower.  Katie Couric along with the band Aerosmith and a few others are celebrity mentions.  The main reporter Sharline Pickles was created and fashioned after Katie herself.

Katie Couric always stay honest in your reporting and keep us smiling.

And lastly my number one pick is my mother Reverend Barbara Elizabeth Hickock Agnew. 

Born in Binghamton, New York on November 7, 1929 to Charles and Olga Hickock. She went of to college and received her bacholorets degree in Histology.  Later in Denver, CO she would meet my father Reverend Frank Roland Agnew. 

My mother taught me to always speak mind, poise in a room with grace, pray without ceasing.  She always said to me; ” Alicia no matter what happens in life always remember that Jesus Christ is on the throne and we serve a might God.  Never ever forget that I will always love you and that God will keep watch over you even when I’m gone”.

My mother passed away on June 21, 1993.

There were times when she would call me on the phone just to share a  new scripture she has learned that day.  Sometimes I would get so annoyed that she was calling.  Now I’d give anything just to hear her voice again.

Role Models 

I believe every person should have someone to look up to.  To cherish, love and be crazy with.

Do you have a role model?  Someone you pattern your life after?

Comments are welcome and as always

Gain The Advantage, 

Alicia Osmera 

 
 

Are You Driving Traffic To Your Blog Or Sitting In A Traffic Jam?

#bloggers, #goals, Blogging, writing

I’ve been blogging for over three years now.  It wasn’t until a year ago that I started to become more serious. Getting noticed was hard.  Was it the content in my articles?  Was it the boaring words putting potential new readers to sleep? 

Pinpointing the problems wasn’t easy as a new blogger until I found a group called the Power Affiliate Club Becoming A PAC Expert Author has given me the opportunities to explore more topics, gain a better understanding of using certain techniques to gain more followers.

An article by PAC Founder and Expert Author Lesly Frederic, RN It’s Not Enough To Just Have A Blog brings things into focus for writing your blog.  In it she writes; 

You Already Have An Audience 

Surround yourself with the audience you develop because they like you and LIKE your personality.

I’ve learned alot from Lesly Frederic and the Power Affiliate Club authors and social media communities. Plugging into other blogging communities has changed my perspective on using long tail keywords as explained in this article by Robin Khokhar.  Another blogger who is making a difference. 

Plugging In

Plug yourself into other writing social media groups.  I know I talk alot about PAC, I must because of know one spreads the word how can a community grow. 

Another group is the Blogging Syndication Tribe on Facebook. 

This is a closed group and you must ask to join.  

In closing seek those who want to see you achieve success.  Hang with like minded people.  You’re not going to be liked by everyone.  I’m not liked by everyone.  That’s alright with me! 

I’d rather attract traffic to my site with people seeking to be coached infamy areas then be the top and biggest thing on the internet. 

Has this post helped you?

Please leave a comment. 

As always GAIN THE ADVANTAGE, 

Alicia Osmera 

 

Reflections

#bloggers, Blogging, writing

How often do you take time to reflect on your life?

Reflecting back on progress that one has made in business,  personal growth,  love life in general can be a healthy thing to do.

It allows one to take a look back and see how far they’ve come toward obtaining their goals.

As I’ve been looking back on the past articles I’ve posted putting forth the effort, hard work and connecting with other bloggers has lead to huge improvements with my site.

For Example:

Let’s take a look at my very first post Creating Your Brand written on June 8, 2015.  One hundred and seven words, short and to the point!

No comments from any visitors.   No engagement whatsoever!  I started receiving comments and more engagement as the articles improved.  Finding the right “wording” to attract and engage others has been a learning process.

It’s All About Connections

It’s all about making connections with other like minded people. Weather they’re a constant reader, a guest blogger or just passing by.

What are you offering to the readers? Is it something to challenge their thinking? Advise on certain subjects?  Challenge your readers to engage more with you, to make those connections that matter.   Each comment,  each visit to your site boosts your confidence as a writer; as well as your blog site ratings.

Victory Is Contagious 

Have you noticed when your attending a sporting event, watching your favorite game or even olympic event on TV when the team you’re touting for wins the happiness and joy you feel from the thrill of victory?

It’s contagious!

Look around at everyone.  There laughing, smiling, just having fun engaging with the comrodare of the victory.

Well I hope reading this will help you to reflect on things in your life.

Gain The Advantage,

Alicia Osmera

Writer’s Block How Does One Get Through It?

Authors, Blogging, writing

writers-block

I was sitting down at the table looking at a blank piece of paper wondering what to write down. Nothing was coming to mind. Could it be that I have writer’s block?

Writer’s Block How Does One Get Through It?

Why do we get stumped with writing?  Have we used up all the creativity in our brains?

I recently read an article by Maria Konnikova titled “How To Beat Writers Block”.

In it she states that; “Writer’s block has probably existed since the invention of writing, but the term itself was first introduced into the academic literature in the nineteen-forties, by a psychiatrist named Edmund Bergler”.    Edmund studied writers who suffered from “neurotic inhibitions of productivity,” in an attempt to determine why they were unable to create—and what, if anything, could be done about it.

Basically “neurotic inhibitions of productivity ” is a scientific name for writer’s block.

Throughout the year’s many studies have been done by psychologists to determine why and how writers become unproductive.

The Center For Writing offers suggestions to aid writers with breaking the cycle of blockage and keep the creativity flowing.

Taking Notes   —  Keep a notepad handy at all times.  Jot down ideas when they pop into your head.   Look at your list, gather the information and start creating.

Brainstorming   —    Just as you did in high school or college, begin the habit of brainstorming thoughts. Eventually, the best ideas will pop out at you, allowing the next article to be written.

Piecework – It might be easier to get started if you are jotting down the beginning, middle, and endings to an article or a book that you are wanting to write.  Once you’ve gained the confidence back, picking up where you left off becomes easy.

Tricks To Use – Start keeping a journal by your bed.  Pull it out whenever the words start coming into your head.  Just write down whatever comes to mind. Once you start reviewing it, there may be a storyline or other things you can find to write about.

When does the mood strike to write anything down? In the morning, afternoon, or evening.  What distractions are you facing?  Cell phone, TV shows, children, spouse?  Try to create some time out of your schedule to just sit down and write.

My desire is to provide valuable information to my readers.   If you find value in my blog please comment.

As Always,

Gain The Advantage!

Alicia Osmera