AC Writers Lynn Pritchett and Jaipi Sixbear Offer Healthy Advice to Their Readers

We are coming down the home stretch to the last non-fiction categories in my most intriguing AC writer series for 2009. This article completes the health-related section by highlighting Lynn Pritchett and Jaipi Sixbear.

Lynn has been writing for Associated Content for almost four years. Her fourth anniversary comes up in June.

She found the site because of a desire to donate a clunker car. "It lead me to Tricia Goss's article, "Where to Donate a Car in Tucson." I noticed AC had a $100 non-fiction story contest going on, requiring the title, "Best Mistake I Ever Made."

It was my first publication on the AC. There were several hundred entries. I won the contest, and decided to hang around awhile.

She goes on to say, "AC is unique in the online publishing community in the phenomenal support between and among the writers and the managers. Friendly competition is a rare seed in the world today, yet it is spread generously across the entire AC team, whether writer 'out-in-the-world' or manager in Denver or New York office.

However, AC's evolution of advertising on article and poetry pages is an on-going frustration. The animated ads are particularly irritating. When I am reading an article or poem, I want to finish reading it without a bright red 3"x 3" square floating around incessantly pushing a product. Having different sizes of graphics and animation cheapens what is otherwise a professional online magazine readers want to trust and enjoy reading."

She contributes articles in a variety of categories. They include Health and Wellness, News, Lifestyle, Arts/Entertainment and Society. She is hesitant; however, to call herself an expert. "I'll leave the 'expertise' definition up to AC managers' judgment."

As far as things she would still love to write, she shares, "Historical Fiction/Non-fiction, Crime Mystery and a Children's Book." I have no doubt she will tackle these at some point with her usual thoroughness, accuracy and dynamite talent.

Lynn says asking her to name her favorite AC writers is "an unfair question. I admire many of AC writers for a multitude of reasons. If I start a list, I can't stop with just 'some'. This question is like the bag of chips. I can't eat just one. Of course, I'm forever thankful to Tricia Goss because she introduced me to the AC just by being herself: Inspirational, talented, & humble."

She likes reading articles on "Religion, Books, Food, Humor, Music, Health/Wellness, News, History, Lifestyle, Op/Ed, Relationships, Local Events, Marketing Tips and Travel." She admits; however, that she could do without Celebrity News.

Her advice to new AC writers is the following. "Read and follow all the guidelines exactly as written for any publisher, whether for an online or in-print market. Writers' guidelines are not just suggestions. Guidelines are the job requirements. Most writing is rejected because of not following the writers' guidelines."

As for personal information, she shares, "I'm a happy camper. Just don't separate me from my family, writing & arts supplies, hot tea/coffee, or chocolate, unless you're prepared to tangle with mad mama bear."

In trying to choose pieces of Lynn's to highlight, I found so much I could have filled a book. However, I have to say that loved Lynn's historical telling of an African-American settlement in "Whispers." It is an enlightening piece that is also full of power and compassion.

In "What is the Proper Attire for an Informal Job Interview?" she shares valuable information and educates on an important subject for those seeking employment. She touches on another intriguing subject that many might not understand in"5 Signs of Early-Onset Childhood Arthritis."

As a long-time migraine sufferer, I appreciated her valuable insight in"Top 5 Migraine Treatments and Medications." The truth is there seems to bet little Lynn can't write. That's good for those of us who are her fans. We will never get bored.

Keep up the good work, Lynn. We love you!

My final writer in this category is a very special lady who goes by the moniker Jaipi Sixbear. She has been with AC since August of 2008.

"I actually signed up in October of 2007 at the insistence of my daughter, Lyn Lomasi, who also writes for AC. If it weren't for her insistent, yet loving guidance, I would have never gotten involved in this madness I love so much."

She says what she likes most about AC is "the fact that they give anyone a chance to succeed at writing online for a living." As for what she dislikes, she says, " I guess it would be people who constantly complain about the small things we AC writers have to put up with like glitches and such. These happen in every organization, even those as well run as AC. Sure, it's not perfect but it's the perfect place for me."

She hesitates to name an area of expertise. I can see why. Her articles are extremely varied as well as interesting and intriguing. Some are crucial to everyday life like "Job Burnout: A Survival Guide."

Others deal with issues that some individuals cannot recognize like in her piece "Love: Relationship or Obsession." Still others offer insight on important subjects like "Why Parents Don't Talk to Kids About Sex."

She sometimes encourages a different way of thinking such as in her article entitled"Age and Wisdom VS. Youth and Beauty." She also inspires with pieces like "Take Control of Your Life - Stop Binge Eating Now."

While nominated in the health category, Jaipi could have just as easily been highlighted in several others. Her interests are eclectic and she has the talent to back each of them up. Still she says, " as for expertise, you will have to ask my readers. I do love writing easy everyday helpful tips to get people through life.

My parents were frugal and old fashioned. The things my Mom could do with simple household ingredients were amazing. I'm fascinated by the fact that there is a natural cure for just about any problem you have and obsessed with antioxidants and other good nutrition as natural cures."

She goes on to share, "I really do wish I was as good at plot lines, characters and dialogue as some of my fellow AC writers. I'm afraid the great American novel alludes me. It's just too darn long. I do think I'm an OK poet and actually have plans to put a bit more poetry on AC next year. For now though, I really enjoy helping people with my quirky little articles."

As for her favorite AC writers, she promises, "I could never, ever list all the AC writers I like. There are just too many extremely talented people here. For poetry I like Allene Newberg Bilodeau. For humor, you can't beat Frank Mucci with a stick. Well, you could, but he'd probably get really mad and chase you down the street.

When it comes to articles with helpful tips I like Crystal Ray, Lisa Carey and Renee. Saul Relative has the market cornered on news and celebrities while Sylvia Cochran is the one I seek out for unusual thought provoking angles. She also knows "how to" do everything.

If you need to know about parenting, read Lyn Lomasi. She was raised by a really clever Mom, not to discount her own extensive parenting experience." That's just a few though. She insists she could never list them all.

As for her favorite reading categories, Jaipi says, "like most AC writers, I have a pretty long day of writing so I have to pick and choose what I read. When I'm short on time, I read humor because it gives me a much needed break from my own writing. Next I like helpful hints and how to.

In the non-virtual world, my favorite classic author is John Steinbeck. I also like Stephen King and reading the labels on bathroom products for fun. I like articles and other literature that isn't full of stuffy language and things that have to be interpreted. I just don't have time to translate everything I read. In other words, keep it short and sweet, I'm a busy girl."

Her tip for new AC writers is "educate yourself. Type writing into the AC search tab. What comes up? Tons of articles by experienced AC writers who know how to make this a lucrative proposition."

She also suggests, "don't get stuck in your old habits. Learn and grow as you write. Even if you are not looking to make money here, these people will teach you more about writing for the web than you care to know."

For personal information, she shares, "I'm a pretty simple girl. I believe in doing what you love and loving what you do. I spent a lot of miserable years working for and trying to please unappreciative people. My life is far from perfect, but I can finally say I am truly and completely happy.

My friends and family are the absolute most wonderful people on this earth. I'm not rich and likely never will be. I get to really help people and I get to do it in the way that suits me best.

For a final word of advice, she offers "don't take yourself so seriously, nobody else does." That is great advice for all of us - - new or old.

Check back shortly for the next non-fiction category - - history - - with Saul Relative and Norman Rubin.