A six month online writing course that can kick off your online writing career and personal brand
Every quarter, we ask Hubbers to answer one question about our performance so we can get a good idea of whether or not we are successfully pursuing our goal of being the best place to publish online. Before I go into detail about the HubPages Apprenticeship Program, I ask that you take 20 seconds to fill out
this short survey. It can help us a great deal.
Now to the fun part! This Monday (after a humorous
April Fools post),
we introduced the HubPages Apprenticeship Program on our blog. The HubPages Apprenticeship Program is a rigorous six month online writing course in which Hubbers are given up-front financial bonuses, special lessons, customized feedback, and team support.
The Apprenticeship Program is designed to help promising writers build a strong online portfolio and brand, develop a following, and begin to make significant earnings from their Hubs. Enrollment in the program involves a significant amount of work and study, but can make a huge difference in one's Hubbing career.
Each month, a new Apprenticeship team of 30 Hubbers starts the program. We currently have two classes running, and are accepting applications for the next team, which will begin the program in May.
For tips on applying to the program, check out the Pro Tips section of this newsletter. For more information on the program and its perks, requirements, and lessons, stop by
our Learning Center guide. To read some testimonials from Apprentices who have just finished their first month in the program,
stop by the blog post.
How to make beautiful non traditional Easter egg decorations that last long after all the jelly beans are gone. Instructions for blowing out the eggs, silk dyeing, hand painting and making decoupage hanging egg ornaments.
Gas prices are soaring, the average car owner is being held to ransom every time you fill the tank. No longer is the car considered a luxury, people need their personal transportation, so how can you ensure that you are not wasting gas. These small but highly effective tips will help you to gain more miles to the gallon, therefore less trips to the gas pumps.
The Hawaiian Islands are part of the Sandwich Islands archipelago, which spans from the Northwest region of the Pacific Ocean to the Big Island of Hawaii. The islands were formed over a hot spot in the mantle that continuously pushes magma toward the crust’s surface.
"Music has charms that soothe the savage beast" but can it heal the beast as well? Music can help you relax, and it can help you fall asleep...you would think that just these are healthful benefits. Let's take a closer look at music and it's effects on our health and well being and see what the actual health benefits of music really are.
Ever wanted nails that arent too odd but arent just the standard plain varnish for everyday use? this look is right for you it is versatile and can be used for everyday use if your a bit quirky like myself or for an event such as a party or a night...
The Teddy Bear was named for United States President Theodore ("Teddy") Roosevelt. This article explains why the bear was named after the president and provides information about the history of the Steiff and Vermont Teddy Bears.
It has become very common to reach out for a cola or a fizzy drink when we are thirsty or during hot weather, hoping that they will quench our thirst, refresh and cool us. But do they really do what they are supposed to do? To find out, read on...
Some people love Passover -- the matzo ball soup and brisket, the long evenings with family at the seder table, and the freshly cleaned house. Others (realists like me) have to work a little harder to get over the stress that comes with all that...
If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then the nose must be the gateway to memories. Some of the most memorable smells are the home smells we have come to associate with a warm, inviting and relaxing home environment. The sense of smell is one of the strongest triggers of mood and memory, taking you back to childhood or setting the mood for romance. Welcome your guests by selecting scents, or combinations of scents such as vanilla and lavender that evoke the feeling of warmth and relaxation.
This is the weekly Roundup Hub for the HubPages HubNuggets Program, answering the literary question "What is the Secret of becoming a HubNugget?" We highlight our Newer HubPages Members with recent samples of their best writing and ask you to vote for your favorite one in each of three categories. All this and a fun story to tie it all together!
A discussion of extreme frugal living, and its connection to hoarding and an extreme minimalist lifestyle. How does a minimalist and a hoarder use frugality to its extreme? Discusses a quilter's stash, and how it can be considered to be hoarding by some people.
The black-footed cat of southern Africa is a small, solitary and energetic animal and a fierce hunter. It’s a beautiful creature, but its population is in trouble.
The Old Testament of the Holy Bible contains many life stories. None is more dramatic than the love affair between Gomer and Hosea. He loved her. She did not love him and was unfaithful time after time.
How to find north with out a compass. These methods are an idiots' guide to finding help and how to use basic outdoor survival skills to reaching help.
Imagine, that the firs computers filled the whole room. Now we have computers such small that they can be put in our pocket. Explore the evolution of computers and find out what technological achievements allowed computers to become as powerful as we have them now.
Did the Spanish really find El Dorado? Some say the Chibcha people held the key to the City of Gold. Learn about the Spanish quest for gold and the Chibcha legend of El Dorado. You might just find a hidden treasure.
How to Apply for the Apprenticeship Program - And Get Accepted
Because only 30 new Hubbers are admitted into the Apprenticeship Program every month, competition for a position is stiff. To increase your chances of getting accepted into the program, keep in mind that we are looking for:
Hubbers with a demonstrated ability to regularly publish high-quality online articles (either on HubPages and/or elsewhere)
Hubbers with an AdSense account who are enrolled in the HubPages Earnings Program
Hubbers with a demonstrated interest in writing and publishing online
Hubbers whose Hubs are well-written and feature proper grammar and punctuation
Hubbers who are supportive community members and team players
Hubbers who are eager to learn new skills and respond to constructive feedback
One reason why we are looking for Hubbers who have demonstrated an ability to regularly publish online articles is because each Apprentice is expected to publish at least eight high-quality Hubs per month. Anyone who fails to do so is kicked out of the program, so we are hesitant to accept people who have not already proven that they can meet our minimum requirements.
If you have not regularly published online articles before, consider taking a couple of months to regularly publish Hubs on your own before applying for the Apprenticeship Program. You will be better prepared to begin, plus we will be more likely to accept your application!
When you are ready to apply,
visit the Apprenticeship tab under My Account. From there, you will be prompted to submit your Hubbing interests, links to online writing samples, and a couple other details. We hope you will consider submitting an application.
We believe the Apprenticeship Program can make a huge difference for the right kind of Hubber!
Don't have time for the Apprenticeship Program? Do some independent study in our Learning Center!
http://hubpages.com/learningcenter/contents
Every week, 18 Hubs are nominated by a special team of Hubbers to compete in the Weekly HubNuggets Competition. These Hubs are written by new Hubbers, and are presented to the community in a special round up Hub. After the community has time to vote for their favorite nominees, nine winners are chosen, awarded with special Accolades, and featured in the weekly newsletter.
This week,
Patty Inglish, MS rounded up the nominees while also
revealing the secret to getting nominated. Now that the community has voted and the polls have closed, you can view the winners from the Holidays and Celebrations, Business and Employment, and Technology Topics below!
I have always looked forward to Easter each year because it marks the season of Easter Peeps! Those adorable marshmallow critters that can't help but make you smile. Where do these little guys come from? Read this and find out.
Decorating a birthday cake at home can be quick and easy provided you have the right supplies and a little imagination. This articles describes the supplies and materials needed to create a beautiful, professional looking cake at home. It also gives decorating tips and links to useful related websites.
This thiry-something guy is in a real funk. Finally fed up with the dictators he works for he decides he wants to start his own pizza shop. He discovers a unique way to make his dream become a reality.
This Hub advises candidates to take control of their interviews and not feel like the interviewer has all the power. It also, outlines questions that should never be asked during a job interview.
I have been an Apple iPhone owner for several years now. I started with the iPhone 3gs and I was instantly hooked. I kept that phone for years. I used it for work and for personal use. When the iPhone 4 came out I couldn’t afford an upgrade. I...
Position your new or old website for success by hiring the best people and knowing how to leverage their knowledge. Follow the steps in this article to get started!
PDXKaraokeGuy, From Portland, Oregon, 579 Fans, 164 Hubs, Joined 21 months ago
Tammyswallow interviews PDXKaraokeGuy
A dedicated writer discusses his work
Thanks for taking the time to chat with me. You write on a large area of subjects. First question: could you tell us about yourself and what you like to write about the most?
Well, for starters, I’m a college student and a freelance writer. I’m working towards my PhD. with aspirations to be a college professor and a highly regarded author. I hope my writing entertains folks, makes them think, makes them laugh, and helps them learn. These are my passions. Religiously, I’ve recently began calling myself an “agnostic Christian”. What that means to me is, I believe in the tenets of Christianity, but not the way it’s currently practiced by the masses or taught by the modern church. I have a relationship with Jesus Christ, but, beyond that, I’m not sure what’s true and what’s not. Nobody does, if they’re honest with themselves. Faith is faith. If it relied on proof, well, it wouldn’t be faith. A lot of this comes out in my writing. I’m admittedly a searching soul. As such, much of my writing—from my poems to my short stories—has to do with seeking the truth. I write a lot about my childhood—I’m really big on nostalgia—my dogs, my wife, music, film, literature, current events and the occasional theological piece. I also love Portland, Oregon. It’s where I grew up and where I live now. It’s such an artsy, eccentric city. A stroll down the street could inspire any number of poems, stories and articles. My passion is poetry, but I’ve been known to dabble in everything from short and long form fiction, to essays, to film and art analysis.
You have several excellent Hubs on music. What are your favorite groups and how do they influence your writing?
Music has always been a huge part of my life. My dad is a musician and he played professionally when I was growing up. I wanted to be a rock star when I was younger, before I opted for the equally profitable career as a writer. I have been in bands off and on for fifteen plus years. Music inspires much of what I write. Two stories I published on the hub, “Styrofoam Plates” and “Lime Green Buddah” were influenced by music. Styrofoam Plates is the name of a song by Death Cab for Cutie and the story kind of follows the lyrical content of that song. The first draft of Lime Green Buddah (which was also published in the February issue of EFiction magazine) was actually written in a recording studio last summer when I was waiting for my turn to record.
As a kid, I used to read the lyrics in all the liner notes of all the cassettes I owned. I learned how to write a lot of my early poems and songs this way, and, I’ve always had an ear for rhythm and metrical verse, even though I tend to write mostly free form poetry.
I grew up in the 90’s, so I really love the music of that era, even though, musically, a lot of it isn’t very good: Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pliots, Sponge, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Oasis, Sonic Youth, Big Wreck, etc. I also really love hip hop, blue grass, big band, dance, r & b, blues, all kinds of extreme and heavy music, and classic rock. I adore the hair metal, arena rock and pop of the 80’s. I saw Pat Benatar a year or so ago and she was amazing. Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Circa Survive, Queen, Tom Waits, Ryan Adams, Akon, Anberlin, Glen Hansard, Elvis Costello, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Thrice, Eminem, etc. I could go on for hours, but that might bore readers. Read my music Hubs if you really want to see what I’m listening to lately. Not to mention countless local and indie bands…
I constantly have music on in my home office, so, it permeates everything I do.
In "Finding a Red Thread," you take your reader through the process of reviewing and revising Hubs. Tell us about your educational experiences and how they helped you become a great self editor.
First of all, thank you for the compliment. I have a hard time editing, actually, because I think everything I write is either totally brilliant or totally crappy. It took me awhile to realize the joys of revision. The initial rush or creation is great, but, to take that initial rush and shape it and mold it, is truly incredible. I guess that’s the first step. Learn to enjoy revising and learn how to do it. Also, read your work out loud. You’re more likely to notice awkward sentences, grammar issues and weak points if you hear yourself read it. I do poetry readings several times a month and usually after I’ve read a poem out loud, I sit down and take a pen and begin crossing things out, changing words, making notes for possible changes. It’s really helpful and works for all types of writing. I could really keep editing my work in perpetuity, so, I have to sometimes just say “Okay, this is the best it’s going to get” and stop.
I also recommend workshops and/or writers groups. I’ve written a couple of Hubs about it and I can’t emphasize their importance enough. To grow as a writer, you need to subject your work to other people and you need to be open to the constructive criticisms and suggestions they offer. Your work is ultimately your work, but if you’re with a group of likeminded individuals in an edifying environment with fellow writers that you can trust, getting their opinions and thoughts can’t hurt. It is invaluable.
You’ll also find that, after several workshops, even if you’re unable to get your work to a workshop, you’ll be able to read your work with a critical eye and imagine what a workshop would say.
Also, do NOT edit as you write. Set aside separate times for editing and writing.
You have a large following on HubPages. What is your secret to developing such a large fan base and what keeps your viewers coming back?
The most important element to gaining a following is by producing quality, interesting content. I know that’s cliché, but it’s true. Also, HubPages is a social network. The difference between HubPages and, say, Pinterest or Facebook, is that HubPages pays you for being social. I make a point to read and leave insightful comments on several Hubs a day. It keeps my profile in the feed and may prompt the writer of that Hub—or other commenters—to come by and check out one of my hubs and, if they like what they read, follow me. On top of that, if anyone leaves a thoughtful comment on one of my Hubs, I will always follow them and read and promote several of their hubs. You want to be genuine but, at the same time, sharing is caring. I’m friends with many of my fellow Hubbers on Facebook, and this helps build a friendly as well as a professional relationship. Being active and social is secondary to writing quality content, but both are important to gain readership.
Also, submitting links to sites like Digg, Blogger and StumbleUpon helps get my work seen by folks who otherwise might not.
Do you write anything outside of HubPages? Where can we find your work?
I’m always writing and submitting. I write pretty regularly for Wizzley and my blog. I’ve also been published in EFiction magazine twice and am going to be published there again (My poem “Dispatch”) I think in May. I’m awaiting rejections from several other magazines. I’m also putting the finishing touches on a poetry book and still trying to decide whether to self-publish or seek out an indie publisher. I’ve also been working on a novel for four years and hopefully that will be finished and published sometime during my lifetime. My Wizzley and blog links are on my HubPages profile.
What are your short term and long term goals as a writer. How do you plan on reaching your goals and who is your inspiration?
As a user in the EEA, your approval is needed on a few things. To provide a better website experience, hubpages.com uses cookies (and other similar technologies) and may collect, process, and share personal data. Please choose which areas of our service you consent to our doing so.
This is used to provide data on traffic to our website, all personally identifyable data is anonymized. (Privacy Policy)
HubPages Traffic Pixel
This is used to collect data on traffic to articles and other pages on our site. Unless you are signed in to a HubPages account, all personally identifiable information is anonymized.
Amazon Web Services
This is a cloud services platform that we used to host our service. (Privacy Policy)
Cloudflare
This is a cloud CDN service that we use to efficiently deliver files required for our service to operate such as javascript, cascading style sheets, images, and videos. (Privacy Policy)
Google Hosted Libraries
Javascript software libraries such as jQuery are loaded at endpoints on the googleapis.com or gstatic.com domains, for performance and efficiency reasons. (Privacy Policy)
Features
Google Custom Search
This is feature allows you to search the site. (Privacy Policy)
Google Maps
Some articles have Google Maps embedded in them. (Privacy Policy)
Google Charts
This is used to display charts and graphs on articles and the author center. (Privacy Policy)
Google AdSense Host API
This service allows you to sign up for or associate a Google AdSense account with HubPages, so that you can earn money from ads on your articles. No data is shared unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy)
Google YouTube
Some articles have YouTube videos embedded in them. (Privacy Policy)
Vimeo
Some articles have Vimeo videos embedded in them. (Privacy Policy)
Paypal
This is used for a registered author who enrolls in the HubPages Earnings program and requests to be paid via PayPal. No data is shared with Paypal unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy)
Facebook Login
You can use this to streamline signing up for, or signing in to your Hubpages account. No data is shared with Facebook unless you engage with this feature. (Privacy Policy)
Maven
This supports the Maven widget and search functionality. (Privacy Policy)
We partner with Say Media to deliver ad campaigns on our sites. (Privacy Policy)
Remarketing Pixels
We may use remarketing pixels from advertising networks such as Google AdWords, Bing Ads, and Facebook in order to advertise the HubPages Service to people that have visited our sites.
Conversion Tracking Pixels
We may use conversion tracking pixels from advertising networks such as Google AdWords, Bing Ads, and Facebook in order to identify when an advertisement has successfully resulted in the desired action, such as signing up for the HubPages Service or publishing an article on the HubPages Service.
Statistics
Author Google Analytics
This is used to provide traffic data and reports to the authors of articles on the HubPages Service. (Privacy Policy)
Comscore
ComScore is a media measurement and analytics company providing marketing data and analytics to enterprises, media and advertising agencies, and publishers. Non-consent will result in ComScore only processing obfuscated personal data. (Privacy Policy)
Amazon Tracking Pixel
Some articles display amazon products as part of the Amazon Affiliate program, this pixel provides traffic statistics for those products (Privacy Policy)
Clicksco
This is a data management platform studying reader behavior (Privacy Policy)
