Distractions steal our focus and sap our time. Some are self inflicted. Our productivity tools betray us, through treacherous time vampirism. Learn a few ways to dump the distractions and gain some time and focus back to be more productive.
Blogger Bootcamp: Level Two – Getting a Gig
Writer Rob Lammle returns for part 2 of Blogger Bootcamp. So, you’ve decided to dive into professional writing on the internet, you brave soul. Now, how do you get actual work? Find out here.
31st Writers & Illustrators of the Future Awards
We attended the 31st annual Writers & Illustrators of the Future Awards in Los Angeles, highlighting the best new science fiction and fantasy creators.
Art Theft: What To Do When Someone Steals Your Art, Online and Beyond
In a community that likes to share their art to promote and hopefully sell online, often times there’s a darker side to the process — art theft. High-resolution previews that allow viewers to appreciate the nuances of the piece are often big targets for stealing.
Social Media Marketing Tips from Pawnee’s Finest
New N4AL contributor Kelly Stephenson explores social media marketing – through the eyes of our favorite characters from Parks & Recreation. Learn how to attack your social media plan with the wisdom of Ron Swanson.
Blogger Boot Camp: Level 1 – Tough Love and Tougher Deadlines
As the web continues to expand, writers are in high demand. Working as a freelance writer can be an exciting career path, but there are some pretty big potholes in the road ahead. To help you navigate the ups and downs, Nerd For A Living presents “Blogger Boot Camp”, a series of posts from Rob Lammle, a seven-year veteran freelance writer for sites like Mental Floss Magazine and Mashable.com. Rob will give you a glimpse into the life of a freelancer to see if you have what it takes to become a successful content creating machine.
Productivity Power-Up: 4 Strategies to Take Control of Your Time
Inject these four productivity power-ups into your daily and weekly routines now to be more focused and effective at tackling your goals.
Forming a Comic Creator Group
Creating comics can be a solitary experience. The time required to pursue what most of us are doing as a hobby or ambition can exceed the 40-hour work week. How do you repel that quagmire of wasted time and keep the creative fires lit AND score some much needed social time? Get out and form a comic creator group.
Power-Up Your LinkedIn Profile
Whether you are an aspiring game programmer or an independent artist looking for freelance opportunities, there’s a very good chance you’ll have to face the challenge of LinkedIn. As you navigate its numerous profile options, or comb through an often overwhelming feed of user chatter, LinkedIn can quickly become confusing and stress-inducing. Many people just use LinkedIn as an online version of their resume. Others share and contribute to it daily. Regardless of the industry you’re interested in, or how you intend to use LinkedIn, knowing the etiquette of this heavily critiqued and potentially deal making (or breaking) social channel should be a priority.
Brain Food: Six Books to Prime your Business Mind
In your pursuit of a nerdy living, particularly one devoted to creative tasks and/or the running of your own company, it can be hard to juggle a lot of different roles AND keep learning about business. Feeding your brain with stimulating ideas is very important to your growth as an entrepreneur. Fresh insight will help you to reevaluate how you work, to become more efficient and effective. You may find new ways to market your ideas and products, and to challenge your own perceptions about your audience or customers. Here are 6 books to help feed your mind and expand your nerd super powers.