$20.29 and Climbing

That is the thousand (let me up that amount to a million) dollar question? Does this adsense thing really work? Can a person possibly make money writing hubs, blogs, or whatever your particular format may be called? In answer to the above questions I simply, resoundingly respond, "Yes." On the heels of that, however, I must immediately add, "It may take some time. But with a lot of patience and the ability to follow instructions I believe the sky's the limit."

I have been submitting hubs on Hubpages for two months now and have banked (well, not exactly until I hit the $100.00 mark) a whopping $20.29. Is that applause I hear? I'll never forget the day I checked my adsense account just after I'd started and saw I had made a penny. Now some may laugh at this but to tell you the truth, I got excited over that penny. To be sure that may not seem like much, but I'm one of those who realize that pennies make dollars over time. I've read many articles on this subject from those who certainly have more experience at this than I do and have surely made more than I. However, I wanted to offer some tips for those who, like me, have not yet hit the big money nor has Donald Trump called you to do lunch or asked for a loan.

Here's what I intend to do as I slowly but surely build a solid income stream through my writing.

1. Keep publishing quality hubs

You are first and foremost a writer and as such don't settle for less than your best. Keep working toward improving your writing skills. Write. Write. Write. You have a story to tell and information to share, so don't meander at the mezzanine of mediocrity or pander at the pool of popularity - write with excellence. Don't try to be someone else or copy someone else's style. Learn to celebrate your giftedness and let that shine through your writings.

Know your material well and paint the picture by crafting your words so well that the reader will be captivated by what you have to say. One of my favorite authors of the 21st century is a master at this. T.D. Jakes knows how to craft a sentence and paint word pictures that make you feel as though your are on the pages of the book living the story with him.

2. Learn all you can about adsense and other affiliate marketing

Again, there are those who have been there, done that and gotten several t-shirts. Read what they have to say about it. There are many wonderful writers on Hubpages who have dealt with this subject in great detail and you could learn much from them. Make sure you've signed up with adsense and amazon to name a few and follow their prompts. I have spent hours online reading and reading some more about monetizing your hubs or blogs. On my journey toward more than $20.29 I plan on continuing to be an avid student and hopefully a quick study learning from those who have been successful. Go onto your "account page" and log on to "Hubbers" and "Hubs" and you will find some absolutely great information that will empower and inform you regarding making money through adsense.

3. Be Patient

Now that is not one of my better qualities. However, it is one that is absolutely necessary if you intend to make money using adsense as one of your income streams. Learn to celebrate the penny. Don't waste time with the all-too intrusive thing called "frustration." We've all experienced it at some level I'm sure. But don't allow it to drive it's tent pegs down and camp out at your computer. It serves no useful purpose. Rather, patiently and purposefully continue to do what you know to do strategically and intentionally. Anything worthwhile is worth the wait. That may sound a bit like a cliche' but it's the truth nonetheless. Waiting is not inertia or doing nothing. It is actively engaging in the process of a journey that holds great reward for those who don't give up.

4. Enlarge your borders

There are so many wonderful opportunities and resources for the writer today. Don't be locked in a time warp and restrict yourself to being a "cookie-cutter" writer. Much of what I write is motivational and inspirational by design. However, I also want to someday write a novel. I would love to write a pastoral training manual for interns just beginning the ministry. This is just the beginning of some of my goals as an author. Completing a manuscript for a book "Dare To Dream Again" is also in the making. If I intend to accomplish all of these things I must of necessity enlarge my borders and expand my horizons.

$20.29 may not sound like much to many people, but with every hub, every day, every comment, every add viewed, every thumbs up that number will grow. I am convinced that adsense does indeed make sense (cents, too). For those of you who have banked more than that I congratulate you and applaud your hard work and patience. To those who, like me, are plugging away at it one hub at a time I celebrate your efforts and want to encourage you to remember the difference between good and great is - commitment. Keep your focus on your assignment with the prize in view - $20.29 plus much more.