[Note from the Proprietor: In case you're wondering what it's all about, well, we're smack in the middle of BLOGAPALOOZA! Hey, you're welcome to join in the fun if you like! All ya gotta do is click that cute little link and read all about it!]

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Guest post by Angie Haggstrom who writes over at Freedom Freelance

After learning how hard living with nothing really was, and getting tired of working hard for someone else, I decided to start as a full time freelance writer. So many moms (and others) needed help learning how to be a freelance writer that I started as an online writing coach. I couldn’t sit by and watch others struggle with the exact same things over and over particularly when so many of them don’t have the time or money to make a mistake. As a result, I have been sharing free writing advice at Freedom Freelance since November of 2008.

November – Do You Know Who You Are? Do Others Know Who You Are?

After talking with a few newbie online writers, I learned that many of them start their writing career without getting their brand in place first. Once they realize the true value of it, they have to start over leading to confusion among their clients. The basic concept of branding is pretty simple for a regular company. Freelance writers, on the other hand, often spend most of their time ghost writing. This makes a strong brand necessary.

I wrote “The Importance Of Branding For Freelance Writers” in the hopes of helping writers avoid the frustration.

December – Are You Using Social Networking Wisely?

When I first started using Twitter, I honestly didn’t get it. After a little courage, and some persistence, I ‘got it.’ My personal and professional life has flourished ever since.

I find that Twitter has become one of the most powerful tools for writers and professionals of all kinds. In ‘5 Reasons Why All Writers Should Use Twitter,’ I revealed the five main ways I have benefited from Twitter.

So many visitors had sent feedback saying how helpful it was, I followed it up a short time later with two additional posts for those brand new to Twitter. One is a step by step guide. The other is a list of my 10 favorite twitterpeeps, and corresponding RSS feeds that have helped me immensely.

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Angie Haggstrom is an online writing coach/consultant and freelance writer. She is also the proud blogger of Freedom Freelance where she provides free writing advice on everything from networking and organization to technical tips and writing humor. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, and performing as a freelance Oboist

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[Further note from the Proprietor: Hey, if you're interested in having your own "best of 2008" posts highlighted right here at the Middle Zone, then by all means, click on this link: (BLOGAPALOOZA: What I Learned From 2008) and read all about it! BLOGAPALOOZA will be open for entries from now until Sunday, January 25.]

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