Laina Turner's Blog, page 33
August 24, 2016
Q & A Wednesday – How to become a writer?
I get a lot of questions from readers (thanks to everyone who ask I LOVE questions).
One of the most frequent questions I get is “How do I become a writer?”
It seems pretty simple. You want to be a writer then write. As easy as it sounds it’s not that easy. You first need to understand your WHY? Why do you want to be a writer?
Is it for fun?
Is it for fame and fortune?
Is it because it sounds cool to tell people at dinner parties that you’re a writer?
I ask you what your motive is because HOW you become a writer largely depends on WHY you want to be a writer. However, the one thing all reasons have in common?
You do have to write.
Put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. There isn’t any way around that.
If you want to be a writer for fun and giggles, that’s AWESOME and pretty smart. Let’s face it, making a living as a writer is not an easy road.
If you want a career as a writer whether it be fiction, non-fiction, blogging, freelance articles it takes time and often thankless effort to get where you want to and you must have a plan.
A goal.
A purpose.
A path to follow.
You need to know what to write about, what’s selling, what the audience wants. You might love to write about crime fighting unicorns, but if there isn’t a market for that, it’s not going to sell no matter how awesome your writing is. I’ve talked to many writers who say they want to make a sustainable living with their craft but refuse to write to trend at least part of the time. Bottom line you have to write what sells to make money and if you’re not willing to do that you might want to rethink your career choice.
I know you might be thinking that the whole reason to be a writer is to do your own thing. To not be a slave to the man. In theory, that sounds awesome but in reality, even when you’re your own boss you have to do things you don’t necessarily want to do.
So think about it. Do you still want to be a writer? Are you willing to put in the work, even the work you don’t want to do, to reach your dreams? I’d love to hear from you in the comments about what you’re thinking!
Download my 5 Tips to Making a Living as an Author printable and decide how you want your writing career to evolve!
The post Q & A Wednesday – How to become a writer? appeared first on Laina Turner.
August 23, 2016
TOTALLY TERRIFIC TUESDAY LINK PARTY NO. 97
Stop by and see what your hosts have been doing and give these ladies a warm welcome!
Facebook // Instagram // Pinterest // Twitter
Facebook // Pinterest // Twitter // Instagram // Google+
Instagram // Pinterest // Facebook // Twitter
Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest
Pinterest // Instagram // Facebook // Google+
__________________________
This party has been growing and growing and it is getting harder and harder to pick features! I am so grateful for all of you talented folks for hanging out and linking up!! Have fun! Don’t forget to stop by the pinterest boards and take a moment to pin a few and help spread the holiday joy by supporting your fellow blogging buddies!
_____________________________
Party Rules
NOTICE: Please try not to link the same content two weeks in a row. If you didn’t do anything new last week, try linking up some older content. This helps you in the long run..if you linked up the same thing 2-3 weeks in a row people won’t click on it a second time, so increase your chances of being picked for most clicked by linking up new content every week 
August 22, 2016
Success Comes in Baby Steps
Last Monday (or maybe it was Tuesday), I wrote about how hard it was to get back into the swing of things after the wedding and vacation. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that since I only posted once last week, I lapsed back into vacation mode after writing that post. I started getting nervous that I would become a permanent sloth. There are so many great shows on Netflix that I tell myself I’ll see one through to the end and then find another that I just HAVE to watch.
In fact, yesterday I finished binge-watching all the episodes of Stanger Things. Now I’m not usually a fan of sci-fi type shows, but many of my friends said it was great, and they weren’t wrong. It’s had me on the edge of my seat wanting to figure out what the hell was going to happen next, and now I’m pissed it’s over.
But no more. The Olympics are over so I can’t use them as an excuse to watch TV and drink wine, and I’ve vowed to not start any new series on Netflix until I’m back into my routine. I did manage to get myself up and to boot camp today at 5:30 am which was quite a feat. Man, that first day back was ROUGH! My arms are like jello and it’s very hard to type this.
Oh, and the wedding pictures should be here any day now so hopefully I’ll have fun wedding pics to share. I’m excited to see them.
Last week I talked about wanting to simplify. I’ve continued to think about this focus and what needs to happen to accomplish this. My TV watching hasn’t been a total waste as I’ve thought about things, written down some new goals, and Matt and I even had 3 weeks of married bliss celebration by talking about what we wanted to accomplish, short term and long term. While there’s no quick fix for living more simply, we are on the same page which is great. It’s nice to have a partner to work toward goals together.
I sometimes (ok, a LOT of times) I need to work on being more patient. This quote spoke to me. Not only because I’ve been so supremely guilty of procrastination but it’s true. Success is a marathon, not a sprint. We just need to take one step at a time, and we WILL get there!
Need help setting and staying accountable to your goals? I’ve got tools that can help. Click here to learn more and use coupon code mygoals to get $5 off your copy and start the path to reaching your goals today!
The post Success Comes in Baby Steps appeared first on Laina Turner.
August 15, 2016
Why Does Vacation Need to End?
At the end of June, about a month away from wedding week, I planned out a few posts, scheduled some social media, and told myself I was going to unplug and enjoy the last few weeks leading up to the wedding and summer. The kids start school early here (last week), so I set August 15th as the day back from my 6-week long “vacation” to give me a chance to get back into normal school routines before I jumped 100% back into work.
It was hard to set that August 15th date. I’m used to the go-go-go life, and I couldn’t imagine taking that long away from my blogging and writing. The things I do absolutely love and that earn my income as well. Much to my surprise last week I started dreading my vacation coming to an end. I found I was having fun being lazy. Being lazy involved a lot of Olympic watching so I kind of blame the Olympics. The fact they’re only on every four years is a great justification don’t you think?
What I realized is while I’m used to the rat race that work and 2 very active, involved kids bring, I also like the downtime. I never thought I’d say that but taking a step back for the last 6 weeks made me realize that I needed to do more living in the moment. Enjoying each day for the day it is and not always worrying and focusing on the future. That I needed to say no more often and enjoy doing nothing sometimes. For me, that’s kind of crazy but for the first time in many, many years I felt relaxed, I wasn’t stressed out, and I was enjoying myself and my family more than I had in….well I can’t remember. I don’t want that feeling to stop. Caden started high school this year and in a blink of an eye he’s going to be in college and Sydney will shortly follow.
So as I always do when I have an idea, I Google. In my Googling how to have a simple life I came across the terms downshifting and voluntary simplicity. In a nutshell, the concepts are about reprioritizing and moving away from material things and living on less therefore freeing up more time to enjoy life. Matt (my husband – oh how fun it is to say that) and I have been talking about this at length the last couple weeks and it’s something we want to do. To have time to enjoy life and not work, work, work, to fulfill the material needs we all “think” we need but actually don’t need. We just want.
We made a date talk and create a plan on making this life shift on this coming Saturday, and I’m scared but also really excited. I can’t wait to share with you how we are going to make this happen and would love to hear about any major lifestyle changes you’ve ever made and how you made it happen!
The post Why Does Vacation Need to End? appeared first on Laina Turner.
August 11, 2016
Weekend Traffic Jam – Link up
Thanks for stopping by our party. Hope you guys are enjoying the last days of Summer, back to school preparations, and all the posts that we provide.
Come on in and link up, share, and learn something.
Spread #trafficjamweekend love all over social media for us.
WELCOME TO
TRAFFIC JAM WEEKEND
LINKY PARTY #57!
For any newcomers to Traffic Jam Weekend, this weekly linky party is all about linking up your old posts so you can get some new comments and traffic.
To the frequent TJW visitors, thanks for always linking up.
The lovely ladies bringing this fabulous party to you:
Kimberly from Being A Wordsmith | Facebook (site) | Facebook (book series) | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Laina from LainaTurner.com | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Gail from Frugal and Coupon Crazy | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Natasha from Epic Mommy Adventures | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Evelyn from Eclectic Evelyn | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+ | YouTube | Tumblr
These are the featured posts from Traffic Jam Weekend #56…
Laina chose 31 Days of Delicious Easy Recipes for Busy Wives: Fabulous Stir Fry Recipe (Day 4) by The How-To Guru. “School’s about to start and I need all the easy recipes I can find.”
Evelyn chose Squash Pizza by Living in Mommywood. “I always love learning new ways to cook using healthy alternatives.”
Gail chose another post from The How-To Guru, 31 Days of Delicious Easy Recipes for Busy Wives: Energy Bites (Day 1). “This is great for busy moms as for always needing energy.”
Kimberly chose Baked Cream Cheese Wontons by The Lou Lou Girls. “Easy recipe that I can follow to make one of my favorite Chinese appetizers.”
Natasha chose Oh, We’re 1/2 Way There…The Top Posts of 2016 So Far! by No Small Life. “ It’s amazing how much you can learn from a blog and a blogger by reading some of their best posts for the year so far. Great blog! Keep up the great work! :)”
The post with the most views was Back-to-School Primer for Parents by Ramblings of a (Bad) Domestic Goddess.
Thank you guys for sharing! Your posts have been pinned to the Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party Pinterest board. Please grab a special Traffic Jam Weekend featured button below to display on your blog.
Just a few rules for the party…
Grab a Traffic Jam Weekend button below for your site
Link up as many of your old posts as you like below
Take some time and visit the other posts
Create some traffic jam for the hosts of this party
Share this party on social media with the hashtag #trafficjamweekend
Follow Being A Wordsmith’s board Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party on Pinterest.*Disclaimer: Adding your link to this linky party gives permission to Being A Wordsmith and co-hosts to share your posts and pictures via social media with a link back to the original source. It also gives Being A Wordsmith and co-hosts permission to contact you via e-mail or social media for networking purposes.
An InLinkz Link-up
The post Weekend Traffic Jam – Link up appeared first on Laina Turner.
Wedding Recap #1 (first of many)
I’ve been married for 12 days! Yah me! And they said it would never last – haha!
After over two years in the making, a postponement, cold feet, and wondering if the expense was worth it, I can definitively say that wedding week was by far the best time in my life. The ceremony, the week-long events with my besties, the fun the kids had.
Everything.
I couldn’t have asked for a better time.
I couldn’t have imagined a better time.
I couldn’t have had a better time.
Every one of the 6 days we were at Castino Lakeview Mansion for the festivities was awesome!
I can’t do everything justice in one post, so I thought I’d post the highlights of the week and then do some more in-depth posts later. Especially when the pictures come back. Hopefully, I won’t bore you☺
Wednesday night we arrived at the mansion about 9 pm. We thought it would be later but were able to get an earlier start than planned (yah – how often does that happen). It was magical right from the moment we pulled up through the gates.
The kids immediately went to the garage and found the bikes.
We unpacked and poured some wine of course (beer for Matt) and waited for 2 of my friends who were on track to get in about 1 am. Once they got there, we stayed up a while because we were all so happy just to be there.
Thursday was all about exploring the house and preparing for the weekend. The morning view I got to enjoy with my coffee was nothing short of spectacular. I was in heaven.
I had meals planned out for the week, and Thursday I knew would be the only meal (for a few days anyways) that would allow us to sit down and enjoy each others company. I made lasagna, one of the few things I do well, and it was so much fun sitting around the big table.
Then watching the sun go down with my wine by the fire pit was a perfect end to the day.
Friday I woke up super anxious. This shit was starting to get real!
It was the start to the wedding weekend with our mani/pedi appointments at 10:30 at Salon 511. I was nervous when I started looking fro salons as Sheboygan is a small town but this Aveda salon far exceeded my expectations. The people were wonderful to hang out with and did a superb job.
I loved my outfit for rehearsal and since we didn’t get engagement photos the photographer came Friday to get some fun candid shots, which I will share as soon as I get them.
Saturday morning was like OMG OMG OMG. It’s not like this was my first rodeo, but I was so nervous. Not to get married but just for the entire day and hoping nothing would go wrong. Thanks to the wedding planner Samantha everything was perfect. She rocks!
I had ordered a breakfast buffet from our awesome caterers at Woodlake, and I was mad I didn’t have more of an appetite because it looked so good (luckily it lasted for the next day).
Then it was off to the salon again, it was fast becoming our home away from home, for hair and makeup. The girls were so excited to have their make up done. Even though their body language didn’t always show it.
The day was a whirlwind. Hair, makeup, getting ready, photos, photos, and more photos. There might have been some wine in there somewhere. The ceremony was short and sweet and beautiful. I’m still waiting for the official photos but my awesome friend Michele who drove 10 hours to get to the wedding took these fabulous ones.
We then had the all important selfie after I was all official. Though we didn’t get to change our Facebook status until Sunday, so I guess that’s when it was truly official.
And then we headed to the beach. Chris took this one and WOW…I think it’s the best picture I’ve ever had to myself.
The night couldn’t have been better. The food, the music, the people, the photo booth it was spectacular.
The next few days spent relaxing at the mansion were amazing, and none of us wanted to leave. Even though we’ve been home for a week, I’m still not out of vacation mode. This getting back to the real world is hard. #thestruggleisreal
Have an awesome day!
The post Wedding Recap #1 (first of many) appeared first on Laina Turner.
August 9, 2016
Totally Terrific Tuesday Link Party #95
Stop by and see what your hosts have been doing and give these ladies a warm welcome!
Facebook // Instagram // Pinterest // Twitter
Facebook // Pinterest // Twitter // Instagram // Google+
Instagram // Pinterest // Facebook // Twitter
Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest
Pinterest // Instagram // Facebook // Google+
__________________________
This party has been growing and growing and it is getting harder and harder to pick features! I am so grateful for all of you talented folks for hanging out and linking up!! Have fun! Don’t forget to stop by the pinterest boards and take a moment to pin a few and help spread the holiday joy by supporting your fellow blogging buddies!
_____________________________
Party Rules
NOTICE: Please try not to link the same content two weeks in a row. If you didn’t do anything new last week, try linking up some older content. This helps you in the long run..if you linked up the same thing 2-3 weeks in a row people wont click on it a second time, so increase your chances of being picked for most clicked by linking up new content every week 
August 4, 2016
Weekend Traffic Jam link up
Hello everyone!
Thanks for stopping by our party as you prepare for the end of Summer, back-to-school errands, and life in general.
Come on in and link up, share, and learn something.
Spread #trafficjamweekend love all over social media for us.
WELCOME TO
TRAFFIC JAM WEEKEND
LINKY PARTY #56!
For any newcomers to Traffic Jam Weekend, this weekly linky party is all about linking up your old posts so you can get some new comments and traffic.
To the frequent TJW visitors, thanks for always linking up.
The lovely ladies bringing this fabulous party to you:
Kimberly from Being A Wordsmith | Facebook (site) | Facebook (book series) | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Laina from LainaTurner.com | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Gail from Frugal and Coupon Crazy | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Natasha from Epic Mommy Adventures | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Evelyn from Eclectic Evelyn | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+ | YouTube | Tumblr
These are the featured posts from Traffic Jam Weekend #55..
Laina chose Cool Off with Banana Mango Vegan Nice Cream by Urban Naturale. “This looks yummy.”
Gail chose Homemakers: Bring Mayberry Back Challenge & Giveaway by The How-To Guru. “I really like what she had to say about today’s living and how we can change.”
Natasha chose Fall in Love with Who He Is Not Who He Pretends to Be by Yvonne Chase. “It’s so sad what happened to Keshia Knight-Pulliam but I completely agree with this post. As women, we definitely have to change the way we handle our relationships. One does not know nearly enough about another person after 4 months of dating. We have only met the person that they want us to meet, not who they really are. Great post!”
Kimberly also chose this post. “I dated my husband for 13 years before we got married. I wanted to do it sooner, but the timing was not right. I’m glad in hindsight that we waited. Marriage is hard work and even harder if you rush into it. Sadly, Keshia Knight-Pulliam’s marriage troubles are occurring publicly.”
Evelyn chose Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot by Family Vacations US. “I love discovering unique roadside attractions like this giant baked potato when I travel.”
The post with the most views was I Gave it a Thumbs Up Until it Gave Me the Middle Finger by Being A Wordsmith.
Thank you guys for sharing! Your posts have been pinned to the Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party Pinterest board. Please grab a special Traffic Jam Weekend featured button below to display on your blog.
Just a few rules for the party…
Grab a Traffic Jam Weekend button below for your site
Link up as many of your old posts as you like below
Take some time and visit the other posts
Create some traffic jam for the hosts of this party
Share this party on social media with the hashtag #trafficjamweekend
Follow Being A Wordsmith’s board Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party on Pinterest.*Disclaimer: Adding your link to this linky party gives permission to Being A Wordsmith and co-hosts to share your posts and pictures via social media with a link back to the original source. It also gives Being A Wordsmith and co-hosts permission to contact you via e-mail or social media for networking purposes.
An InLinkz Link-up
The post Weekend Traffic Jam link up appeared first on Laina Turner.
July 28, 2016
Weekend Traffic Jam Link up
Hello everyone!
We appreciate you stopping by our party to link up, share, and learn something.
Spread #trafficjamweekend love all over social media for us.
WELCOME TO
TRAFFIC JAM WEEKEND
LINKY PARTY #55!
For any newcomers to Traffic Jam Weekend, this weekly linky party is all about linking up your old posts so you can get some new comments and traffic.
To the frequent TJW visitors, thanks for always linking up.
The lovely ladies bringing this fabulous party to you:
Kimberly from Being A Wordsmith | Facebook (site) | Facebook (book series) | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Laina from LainaTurner.com | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Gail from Frugal and Coupon Crazy | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+
Natasha from Epic Mommy Adventures | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Evelyn from Eclectic Evelyn | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+ | YouTube | Tumblr
These are the featured posts from Traffic Jam Weekend #54..
Laina chose 14 Tools To Create Visual Content That Your Audience Will Love by Everything’s Coming Up Rosie. “I found this very helpful.”
Gail chose Meal Planning Made Easy by Mama’s Sweet Home Team. “This is a great starter post in helping people meal plan. Meal planning is part of being frugal.”
Kimberly chose Whee Doggie! from Agent 54. “Jethro Bodine tries to date Kim Kardashian! Timothy perfectly blended television from my parents’ era with the television that I watch today. Hilarious post!”
Evelyn chose A Defense of the Poetics of Punk Rock from The Golden Echo. “I choose this one because it explores the connection of poetry and music.”
There was a TIE for the post with the most views…
Motivation Monday: Fail Better from Pillar of Strength Doula Services
and…
14 Tools to Create Visual Content That Your Audience Will Love by Everything’s Coming Up Rosie
Thank you guys for sharing! Your posts have been pinned to the Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party Pinterest board. Please grab a special Traffic Jam Weekend featured button below to display on your blog.
Just a few rules for the party…
Grab a Traffic Jam Weekend button below for your site
Link up as many of your old posts as you like below
Take some time and visit the other posts
Create some traffic jam for the hosts of this party
Share this party on social media with the hashtag #trafficjamweekend
Follow Being A Wordsmith’s board Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party on Pinterest.*Disclaimer: Adding your link to this linky party gives permission to Being A Wordsmith and co-hosts to share your posts and pictures via social media with a link back to the original source. It also gives Being A Wordsmith and co-hosts permission to contact you via e-mail or social media for networking purposes.
An InLinkz Link-up
The post Weekend Traffic Jam Link up appeared first on Laina Turner.
July 26, 2016
Totally Terrific Tuesday Link Party #93
Stop by and see what your hosts have been doing and give these ladies a warm welcome!
Facebook // Instagram // Pinterest // Twitter
Facebook // Pinterest // Twitter // Instagram // Google+
Instagram // Pinterest // Facebook // Twitter
Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest
Pinterest // Instagram // Facebook // Google+
__________________________
This party has been growing and growing and it is getting harder and harder to pick features! I am so grateful for all of you talented folks for hanging out and linking up!! Have fun! Don’t forget to stop by the pinterest boards and take a moment to pin a few and help spread the holiday joy by supporting your fellow blogging buddies!
_____________________________
Party Rules
NOTICE: Please try not to link the same content two weeks in a row. If you didn’t do anything new last week, try linking up some older content. This helps you in the long run..if you linked up the same thing 2-3 weeks in a row people wont click on it a second time, so increase your chances of being picked for most clicked by linking up new content every week
