Life as a Freelance Writer
I am a freelance writer, book reviewer, and editor for online and print media. Since I'm multi-titled (note to self: change to multi-talented), I combined my work into a snapshot of my writer's life. It's not about the glamour (gotta find out when that starts), but it sure feels better than scribbling "I want to be a writer" on dream career questionnaires.
I've included my own work: my human interest articles, personal essays, and book reviews. I love finding well-written stories: rounded characters, complex plots, realistic dialogue. When I do find those kind of stories, I often highlight the authors on my sites.
New writers often ask me for advice and tips, so I've included helpful links to my portfolio, other Squidoo lenses and websites plus my favorite resources: how-to writing books, new authors, writer gifts, writers' organizations, and writing websites.
Thanks for visiting me on Squidoo - my favorite social network!
Drop me a line and say hi - I'd love to hear what you're writing and reading!
Join Jennifer on Squidoo
Jennifer Akers Shares Squidooing Secrets
How To Do It Frugally
Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the founder of Authors' Coalition, an award-winning author and poet and an instructor for the UCLA Extension Writers' Program.
Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the author of The Frugal Book Promoter, the first in her HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. TFBP is a USA Book News Best Professional Book and an Irwin Award winner.
Jennifer Akers :: Writing Portfolio
Visit my portfolio for more published articles and book reviews. My human interest articles focus on strengthening families, nurturing children, and ending domestic violence.Jennifer Akers :: Portfolio
Professional Writing Portfolios
Use an electronic portfolio to showcase your talent online!
Jennifer Akers Online
My Lenses, Websites, Social Networks
- How To Celebrate Mother's Day Without Mom
- Mother's Day can be a difficult holiday for those of us who have lost their moms. My mom died 12 years ago. I still miss her terribly - and most pointedly on Mother's Day. I know everyone's relationship with their mother is different. I enjoyed a wonderful relationship with my mother; I admired her, ...
- Family Valentine's Day
- Valentine's Day is traditionally a romantic day for couples. But your sweetheart can be anyone you love, including your kids. Need some ideas on how to turn "Ooh baby" into "Oh, the baby"? Keep reading on how-to create a family Valentine's Day complete with ...
- Perfect Valentine's Day Gifts for Her and Him
- "The pressure's on ... should I give her chocolate shaped flowers, real roses, or a beary adorable stuffed bear for Valentine's Day?"Flowers, chocolates, and cute stuffies can be good Valentine's Day gifts. What about a special gift that makes her melt? A gift that shows her ...
- Jennifer M. Akers :: Freelance Writer
- Website of Jennifer Akers, freelance writer and book reviewer, provides writing services for online and print media. Readers and writers can find book reviews, writing resources, & contests.
- Happy Mother's Day - Perfect Gifts
- Do you know what makes a perfect Mother's Day gift? Thoughtfulness and Love.
- Shelfari :: Jennifer Akers
- Join Shelfari, meet other booklovers and find new books for your TBR pile. It's fun - and free. Build your shelf and discuss your favorite stories and authors. My bookshelves include books I've read personally and professionally, as well as my wish list.
- Grief & Loss Club Headquarters
- I'm the co-moderator for this Grief & Loss group, which features lenses that have information, resources and support to anyone grieving a loss. The Grief & Loss Club is one that people do not choose to join, rather it is a club that their experience of grief has given them entrance.
- MyShelf.com || Staff
- Reviewer at MyShelf.com. Check out our website for authors, book reviews, contest books, and discussion. For both readers and writers!
- LinkedIn: Jennifer Akers
- My Profile at Linked In - Search for jobs, business contacts and personal friends. Sign up for free, and Link our profiles. You won't believe how many people connect to you!
- Jennifer Akers Best Freelancewriter Ever
- Squidoo's sister site, Best Ever!
Jennifer Akers is the Best Freelancewriter Ever.
Read the interview "Jennifer Akers Shares Squidooing Secrets". - Freelancewriter's Bookmarks on del.icio.us
- My latest tagged articles and websites on del.icio.us.
- Kids TV Shows Headquarters
- I'm the co-creator - with my son - for this group. "Kids TV Shows" will feature lenses about different kids TV characters, cartoons, and kid actors.We want G-rated, fun lenses that talk about their favorite TV show or character.Come join THE BEST group for all kids TV shows!
- MySpace ~ Jennifer Akers
- Visit my MySpace page. I've added areas of interests: fine art, news of the day, social causes, my squidoo and webpage pages, and my blog posts.
- Jennifer Akers : Facebook Profile
- Are you on Facebook? Come visit me and discover the latest on writing, books, authors, marketing, promotion, social marketing, and more. I've added my Squidoo lenses and profile link - grab the applications for yourself on my profile.
- Largo Florida
- Largo, Florida, located on the west side of Florida, is nestled between the cities of St. Petersburg, Seminole, Clearwater, and Tampa.If you've never visited Largo, you're in for a surprise. First, Largo is not the famous 'Key Largo' on the bottom edge of Florida's coast. Keep reading for more things to do and see ...
Follow Me On Twitter
Tweets About Business, Writing, Local Events, Promotion, & Bits of Life
Follow Me
"Jennifer is an excellent editor; she also exemplifies the highest standards for public relations."
My LinkedIn Recommendations
- LinkedIn: Jennifer Akers
- Jennifer Akers's professional profile on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a networking tool that helps users like Jennifer Akers discover inside connections to recommended job candidates, industry experts and business partners.
MyShelf.com's February Author of the Month
Joshilyn Jackson Named MyShelf's Author of the Month
Joshilyn Jackson is the author of 3 novels: gods in Alabama; Between, Georgia; and the upcoming March release of The Girl Who Stopped Swimming.Read my interview with Joshilyn Jackson, MyShelf.com's Author of the Month. Ms. Jackson generously answered questions about her writing and characters. I highly recommend all her work.
Joshilyn Jackson: MyShelf.com Author of the Month
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Osborne.
News = Happy Stories
Really. News Can Be Positive.
- 100 Friends, charity originates from one man's childhood dream
- American Professor and a Hundred Friends Save Lives in Third World Countries
- The gift of Thanksgiving: Teaching children to be thankful
- How do you teach your children to be thankful in an age of instant gratification?
- Teaching children physical fitness
- "I did this so that our little children would have a chance to experience the joy of moving through space, the joy of completing something that at first seems insurmountable. It is important also that they have a self-perception of themselves as someone who can complete things," said Kay Morris of her founding purpose for Marathon Kids.
Need articles? I can help!
Do you need quality articles on parenting, family, education and human interest topics? Are you looking for a freelance writer who delivers by deadline? I write quality articles for online and print media.Check out the section "News = Happy Stories" for examples of my work. Topics (with a 500 - 1200 word count) cover how-to, feature and human interest.
My writing receives rave reviews from editors, clients, and readers. Contact me to write your publication's must-read articles.
Jennifer Akers :: Fiction Book Reviews
Trailer Parks, Iran & Suburbia - Intriguing Settings
- Coronado by Dennis Lehane
- Coronado: Stories highlights five short stories and a play by award winning author, Dennis Lehane. In "Out of Dog," Elgin Bern knows the danger that lies between want and need.
- Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson
- Nonny Frett wants true love and family peace -no small task considering she was born smack-dab in the middle of the Frett-Crabtree feud.
- Mr. Monk and the Blue Flu by Lee Goldberg
- Investigator Adrian Monk wants two things in life: to solve his wife's murder and to get his police badge back.
My review is quoted on author Lee Goldberg's blog. - Cracked Pomegranate by Fae Bidgoli
- In Cracked Pomegranate, thirty years separate the childhoods of Fatima and Mina.
My review is quoted on author Fae Bidgoli's website. - The Kindness of Strangers by Katrina Kittle
- How well do you know your best friend? Would you know if your trusted confidante participated in illegal and immoral behaviors?
- Sword of God by Chris Kuzneski
- The young Korean boy heard screams echoing from the hill. Tortured screams that traveled down to his room night after night. The bloody scent kicks the boy into an adventure ...
My review is quoted on Chris Kuzneski's website. - The Abduction of Adam Danik by Ron Karcz
- Jack Danik makes no excuses for his past. He has weathered some rough times: a lost singing career and minor run-ins with the law. Jack's biggest heartache is missing his son, Matthew.
Love's Fantastic Journeys
The newest blog from Romance authors, Lynda Lukow, Faith V. Smith, and Judi Lynne.
Love's Fantastic Journeys
Bookmark it! You'll want to keep updated on these authors' steamy novels.
Read their freshest posts:
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byNew Author : Lynda Lukow
New Historical Romance
The Wild Rose Press introduces novelist, Lynda Lukow's Every Heart Has Its Day, a historical romance.I read an advance excerpt, and Lukow expertly draws readers into the drama and romance. Watch this author - she's incredible.From the Heart of Lynda Lukow
Visit Lynda Lukow's blog. She's smart and funny. Bookmark her blog, so you can revisit.
Writing and The Ridiculous
Lynda Lukow won honorable mention for her short story, "Marriage on the Menu". Read this romantic story at:The Long and Short of It.
The Wild Rose Press
If you're a romance author (or an aspiring one), check out the interview with The Wild Rose Press editor, Amanda Barnett. She'll be interviewed by Regan Taylor on BlogTalkRadio.
- thewildrosepress.com
- The Wild Rose Press is an exciting small electronic and print publisher of romance. Our titles span the sub-genre spectrum from sweet to sensually erotic in all lengths.
- BlogTalkRadio with Regan Taylor
- Would you like to know what an acquiring editor looks for? What goes on in an editor's mind while he or she is working with you, making your book the best story possible? Tune into my informative chat with Amanda, an editor from the Wild Rose Press from 2-3 today (Sunday, March 30)!
Writers' Associations & More
Books by Chris Kuzneski
MyShelf.Com's Author of the Month, October 2007
"MyShelf.com Author of the Month : Chris Kuzneski"
I recommend all of Kuzneski's books. The books can stand alone, but the same best friends, kick-ass action duo appear in all three.
Kuzneski's next two books will come out in hardcover, and he's currently at book signings for Sword of God.
Believe me, you'll be impressed with this author.
The Plantation
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 10/07/2008)
Sign of the Cross
Payne and Jones must beat international time to prevent horrific, random killings across continents. They discover more than dead bodies as their race heats up and threatens the foundation of Christianity.
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 10/07/2008)
Sword of God
Payne and Jones must find and stop one of their own MANIACs who conducted terrorist interrogations with off-the-radar torture. Their mission unearths a path of international deception and holy destruction. (October 2007 release)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 10/07/2008)
"Jennifer is a terrific book reviewer ... She was honest but not mean-spirited in her critique."
Jennifer Akers :: Non-Fiction Book Reviews
.
- Broken Windows, Broken Business by Michael Levine
- Do you ever notice dirty storefront windows and worn carpeting in your favorite restaurant?
My review is quoted on Hachette Book Group's Business page. - Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink, Ph.D.
- Do you think a large dinner plate makes you eat more food? Do you think you would drink more from a wide, short glass than a slender, tall glass?
- Rich Dad's Advisors by Blair Singer and Garrett Sutton, Esq.
- Read by Jim Ward, Robert T. Kiyosaki, and Bill Ratner
Rich Dad's Advisors: Box Set, Volume 1 provides meaty, practical advice to start and run a successful business ... - Apartment Therapy by Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan
- Would you like a top interior designer to redo your apartment? Does your apartment need more color or a deep de-cluttering?
- Hot Issues: Cool Choices! by Sandra McLeod Humphrey
- No matter the town or school, kids are struggling with the social complexities of their peers. Bullying receives huge ...
- Queen Klutz by Marti Lawrence
- Have you ever had a day where mishap andmisunderstanding ruled? What if the words unlucky and unbelievable defined your life? Sit tight - that's exactly how author and humorist Marti Lawrence describes her life.
- The Key by Joe Vitale
- Do you act on your visualized goals only to land short? If you're lost after reading books like The Secret, then author and internet guru Joe Vitale ...
- The Complete Book of Aunts by Rupert Christiansen and Beth Brophy
- Would you describe your aunt as generous, matronly, childless, single, wild, or tough? What role does the aunt play in today's family?
- Tragedy in Tin Can Holler by Rozetta Mowery
- The town neighbors reported hearing horrendous screams, but nobody wanted to interfere in "family business." Seig Mowery had viciously beaten his wife, a mother of six, to death.
Freelance Writing, Copywriting & Promoting
How-to Write and Market Your Work
Writers will love these authors for their expertise on writing, marketing and making money. True masters offering everything you need to be successful!
On Writing
Readers and writers will love this book from famed-horror writer, Stephen King. Brief touches from his psyche, King gives writers the inspiration and practicalities of writing.
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 10/07/2008)
The Well-Fed Writer: Financial Self-Sufficiency As a Freelance Writer in Six Months or Less
Heard of "starving artists"? Master copywriter Peter Bowerman shows you the way to a writer's feast.
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 10/07/2008)
Secrets of a Freelance Writer, Third Edition: How to Make $100,000 a Year or More
Master copywriter Robert Bly outlines an A-Z steps for starting your freelance business. Not only has he "been there, done that" - Bob knows how to do it best!
Amazon Price: $11.56 (as of 10/07/2008)
The Frugal Editor: Put your best book forward to avoid humiliation and ensure success (How to Do It Frugally)
Amazon Price: $18.57 (as of 10/07/2008)
The Great First Impression Book Proposal: Everything You Need to Know About Selling Your Book in Twenty Minutes or Less
Award winning author and poet Carolyn Howard-Johnson will teach you how to sell your book ... in 20 minutes ... for only 49 cents!
Amazon Price: $0.49 (as of 10/07/2008)
My Favorite Writing Tools
Don't Leave Home Without 'Em
**MOLESKIN Notebook - Journalists' mainstay. I like the smaller size; I can pop the notebook in my purse or folder. This size lends itself to private notetaking in front of interviewees.
**OLMPUS Digital Voice Recorder (with handy PC conversion disk), 8 hours of recording, mini mic, 4 folders, ability to index, clear recording.
**CANON PowerShot - Need a fantastic point and shoot? I love my PowerShot! My best friend gave it to me as a gift, and it takes fantastic photos.
**ENERGIZER 15 Minute Charger and Batteries - You know how fast digital cameras eat batteries? Go green and buy a rechargeable batteries kit.
What are your tools of the trade? Add your favs!
Moleskine Small Ruled Notebook
This long-standing tradition was continued by writ more...2 points
Canon Powershot A1000IS 10MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Blue)
The sleek design of the PowerShot A1000 IS is as r more...0 points
Olympus VN-4100PC Digital Voice Recorder
Record uninterrupted audio on the VN-4100PC then t more...0 points
Energizer NH15BP-4 ACCU 2500mAh Rechargeable AA Batteries (Four-pack)
Energizer Rechargeable NiMH round cell batteries' more...0 points
15-Minute Battery Charger Kit
*Charges four AA or AAA NiMH batteries in 15 minut more...0 points
Recommended Writing Sites & Author Blogs
A Few of My Favorite People and Places
From fiction authors and learning the craft to writer markets and promotion.
Terrific and informative - Check them out!
Writing Romance
Writing romance: Writing romance at iVillage.com. more...2 points
The Compulsive Reader :: A Haven for Book Lovers
A Haven for Book Lovers. Check out Magdalena Ball, more...2 points
Glimmertrain and Questions You Want Answered
Glimmer Train Stories and Writers Ask are both qua more...1 point
The Official Website of Lee Goldberg
Information on writer Lee Goldberg's books, televi more...1 point
Shirley Jump
Find new books, blogs, contests from the talented more...1 point
Joshilyn Jackson
Find new books; blog from Southern writer Joshilyn more...1 point
http://www.wellfedwriter.com/cmd.php?af=577624
Well-Fed Writer Peter Bowerman tells freelancers h more...1 point
www.HowToDoItFrugally.com website
Talented author, poet and professor Carolyn Howard more...1 point
Sharing with Writers and Readers
Can a blog be a substitute website? Maybe so. This more...1 point
http://www.carolynhoward-johnson.com
Website of Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author, poet, p more...1 point
Jennifer Akers :: Writing Resources
My Writers Resources - Find help on writing, submi more...1 point
www.chriskuznesi.com
Chris Kuzneski - suspense author1 point
http://www.squidoo.com/member/join_fan_club/JenniferAkers
Stay tuned with the latest news from Jennifer Aker more...1 point
Sharing with Writers and Readers
1 point
The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor
Carolyn Howard-Johnson takes questions an all thin more...1 point
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/momwriters/
momwriters: Trying to launch or keep your writing more...0 points
Do you have a favorite writers association, resource, convention, or organization? Add it to my list. Do you like the ones listed? Vote for your favorites.
Poynter Online
Helps journalists do their jobs better and to serv more...1 point
Florida Writers Association > Home ( DNN 4.4.1 )
The Florida Writers Association Web Site is offere more...1 point
FWA Local Conferences
Links to details about local and regional Florida more...1 point
About Cassell Network of Writers: FFWA, FWR
Florida Freelance Writers Association was founded more...1 point
National Writers Union
Educate yourself about rights, publishing contract more...1 point
Journalism Organizations
Minority Journalism Organizations:. National Assoc more...1 point
The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators of ...
The Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market more...1 point
http://www.wga.org
Writers Guild of America, West - Find latest news, more...0 points
Amazing Self-Help Authors
What's Your Passion?
I know The Secret has been a phenomenon, but give these books a turn. You'll find these authors are knowledgeable, successful and easy to read. Try them, and change your life!
You Can Heal Your Life
If you're suffering in some area of your life, Louise Hay can help you heal your life. She's a generous teacher and author.
Live the Life You Love: In Ten Easy Step-By Step Lessons
If you're unhappy in your life, Barbara Sher will help you re-discover a full and happy life.
The Last Lecture
The Last Lecture, was written by Carnegie Mellon professor, Randy Pausch and Jeffrey Zaslow. The title taken from the speech requisite of all professors to reflect on their lives and impart wisdom. In Dr. Pausch's case, the last lecture truly was his last lecture as he was dying from pancreatic cancer. Inspirational, Pausch shows how life shouldn't be wasted on whining or negative attitudes. Are you a Tigger or an Eeyore?
The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich
The book smacked workers everywhere with questions of the meaning of work - and gave directions on how to turn your pressure-filled job into a enjoyable life of four hour workweeks.
Ferriss is a writer and businessman and addresses writers on how to improve their time management and leverage their work output.
Practical Intuition for Success: Let Your Interests Guide You To the Career of Your Dreams
Author Laura Day is intuitive (some may call her a psychic), and she's helped everyone from professionals to Hollywood stars. Day teaches you how to use your innate intuition to guide your career.
Children's Book Author - Rick Osorio
His work started from stories he told his children. The books' language and length advance with his readers, which I like. The amazing cover on his first book? Osorio illustrated it himself with a collage of Sally, new dinosaurs and promises of new worlds.
Rick Osorio is here on Squidoo - check out his series, The Great Adventures of Sally Rock.
- The Great Adventures of Sally Rock
- Sally Rock was a normal 5th grader from Berryville, Ohio, until her whole life changed the day her Uncle Denny, a famous paleontologist, had fantastic news to share: the discovery of a new dinosaur, related to the most average of farm animals—the chicken. That summer she agrees to go ...
- The Great Adventure of Sally Rock and the Cretaceous Chicken by Rick Osorio
- Read my Review at MyShelf.Com of The Great Adventure of Sally Rock and the Cretaceous Chicken by Rick Osorio.
- The Great Adventure of Sally Rock and El Lobo by Rick Osorio
- Read my review at MyShelf.com of The Great Adventure of Sally Rock and El Lobo by Rick Osorio.
My Writing Bio
I have a shocking confession: I love to write, and I've been writing since elementary school. Are you crunched on the edge of your crimson sofa cushion? Okay, it's not a shocking admission for a writer, given that's usually an innate and pre-requisite skill. Usually, readers like to know how and when the passion for writing started.
My imaginati
(by 28 people)








