So I did it; I taught myself. I took digital photographs, used any software program I could get my hands on, designed graphics from scratch, wrote as a regular weekly columnist, authored eBooks, developed and instructed eCourses, and anything I could apply my talent filled with passion for what I wanted to achieve.

Before I began anything online, relatives told me repeatedly, that I couldn’t do this or that, and one day I just set out to prove them all wrong! Writing came naturally as I didn’t want to depend on others creativity, and when you run a magazine, it becomes a must to create alongside your freelance writers articles! When you write for the sheer joy of writing, the pay doesn’t seem a requirement.

I began writing with Webseed Publishing, which eventually went out of business, totaling with about 12 websites before their demise. Some of the websites I wrote were Working As A Family, Gifted in Life, Tiny Homes, Urban Woodsman, and others that were suited towards my interests in life. I also began writing for Suite 101 back when they paid their contributing editors with the topic of  Children’s Allergies (which is now archived). I even tried just about anything there was online to create a countable revenue. One day I knew I would need something that paid more.

Now, I am not about to tell you that being online is a very wise choice and very profitable. It can be, but it can also be very frustrating, you can be cheated out of pay, articles can become lost or killed, certain rights become clouded, and so much more that it might make you hesitate when thinking about joining the ranks of online adventures. However, I believe the keys are to constantly re-create yourself and your work. 

Other inspiration is to generate long-term future goals and to have a rough idea of where you are heading with your passion. If something doesn’t work out, don’t be afraid to try something else. If you get one rejection letter or email, don’t stop until you get it published! To get this far in my online career, it has literally taken me much determination to stick with it all and create products that people want to purchase.

I have helped others with their writing careers, three of my Child Care Magazine freelance writers have gone on to write books in print, and yet, my success was not determined with money still. If I did not enjoy what I do, I most likely would have ended my writing and design career years ago, but I have lasted past that 2-3 year mark for most online businesses to survive and each day keeps getting better and better.

I still choose to donate my services from time to time to help others or write an article for a non-paying publisher, mostly because of the love or writing, but also due to the fact that I don’t base my work primarily on a monetary value. There is so much more to life than just writing for money, and I choose to give more than I receive.

Finally I leave you with my projects of late. Through my main company called DataWorkZ.com, I provide many services for many different people.

Over the past year or two I have branched outwards to include many websites within my network with specific needs in mind. eLogo.us, eBook Covers.us, ePhotographs.us, and other websites tailored specifically towards providing DIY entrepreneurs, authors, individuals, and/or webmasters quality creations for a lot less than most sites offer. Providing hosting for as low as $3.95/month and domain names under $10 a year is another of my DataWorkZ.com adventures that I enjoy wholeheartedly. Life on the net can be affordable and fun!

I appreciate the efforts and determination of those individuals who seek beyond what is commonly offered on the net and applaud them with tools and eBooks that they can use.

Most of my sites list the FREE eBooks that I have produced for the individuals and each of them carry instructions/rules that must be adhered to at all times for use. It is my way of giving back to the community and sharing some of my creative talent with others without a purchase price! Of course with my personal online portfolio (http://www.kriswilliams.us), you can also view much of my work as well.

I know there are others who have gone on to make a fortune or claim to make the most for a particular article, but for myself, I believe there is so much more to writing. It is not the simple words of an article or such a lines of a design, that demands a price tag, but it is the talent and creativity of an author and designer that defines a true work of art worth paying for.

Some speak for the truth of it all, and some speak for the financial gain of it all. For myself, I choose to be an author and designer speaking the truth of it all and this includes sharing my passion for writing whether it is being paid or not, perhaps this is just what sets me apart from the normal writers and designers on the web.

About the Author: You can find Kris Williams and learn more about her at KrisWilliams.us. Or, email her at KW@KrisWilliams.us!

©2006 Kris Williams. This article may not be reproduced in any manner whatsoever, in any form, for any reason, without the express, written consent of the author. Violators will be prosecuted.