Interview with Tonya Howe

January 7, 2007

2. Why did you join AC?

Because I heard a saying, "Find a way to make money at what you love to do and you'll never work a day in your life." (Something like that) So, since I love to write, I was looking for ways to get paid writing. I found "Writing Up" first, but wasn't impressed, then I found "Helium" and it was okay, but then I found Associated Content and submitted an article and got $12.00 for my first article! With the other sites you have to have a minimum before you get paid. With AC you get three paydays a week!

3. Who are your favorite CP's on AC?

I have several in my favorites and am subscribed to them, so it's hard to pick. Amy Brantley is probably everybody's favorite, then there's Carol Bengle Gilbert, Charlene Collins, Herstory, Genie Walker, SmokeRise and Rebecca Haughn. I love to read their articles, but my very favorite is my 19 year old daughter, Tiffany Rial, a chip off the old block! Lol.

4. What are some of your favorite articles on AC?

I'm not sure if you mean my favorite articles I wrote or others wrote. I love articles about AC, and how to do things on AC, they are quite helpful. My favorite articles deal with spiritual issues, health, and nutrition.

5. What do you enjoy writing about?

Amos the teddy bear, I write a series about him and his antics and it's very enjoyable. When I was in a writing group the ladies could not wait to hear what Amos was up to each week! I also like writing stories for people, as gifts. I'm just thrilled to be able to make money writing no matter what I'm writing about!

6. How do you choose your topics for writing?

I don't always choose them, sometimes they choose me. If I choose them, it's because I heard about something that I thought would make a good article and interest people, or I felt passionate about, and want to share. I am very interested in health and have been working on a health series, which falls into line with my dream to become a doctor of naturopathy.

7. Do you think AC could be a part time or full time job?

Absolutely! Amy Brantley is proof of that! She even wrote an article about how she does it. I wish I had the self-discipline she has, I get side-tracked too easily.

8. Do you think AC could support a living?

Yes, again, I refer you to Amy Brantley, I believe she is doing just that, and I'm sure there are others who are as well.

9. What do you like about AC?

I like its professionalism, the fact that the content is quality and they pay fairly well. It makes a nice resume for a writer to just give their link to a potential employer to see their work. I also like the ability to make friends with fellow writers and communicate with them, not all writing sites offer this.

10. What don't you like about AC?

I think the logo could be better and we should get paid for our referrals and continue to get paid for them as well.

11. If you could change and make something better on AC, what would it be and why?

We would get up front money for referrals, plus a small percentage for what they get published, like on mylot, when you refer someone, you get paid for their activity forever. It would give us the opportunity to make a lot more money, not just on our own efforts, but on the efforts of others, thus creating residual income.

12. What advice can you give to writers on AC?

Read the guidelines. Promote your content. Read and comment on others and they will return the favor. Find a mentor and ask for advice.

13. What do you do when you are not writing for AC?

I promote my game site like crazy and I play games both online and offline. I read, and take pictures and walk with my dog, Cookie. I watch TV with my husband. We go to my parents and play games with them. When my daughter is home for a visit we go to garage sales. I love garage sales!

14. Do you have any pets?

As I previously mentioned, I have a dog, Cookie. I rescued her from certain death on January 25, 2008. Since then I've lost 34 lbs., so I'm not really sure who rescued who. I also have a couple of cockatiels, Bubbers and Figgy. They came with their names. I am feeding a lot of cats, none of which belong to me. One of them is my daughter's cat, she can't have it where she is living. The rest of them just showed up, that's the beauty of living in the country, I guess. You acquire a lot of pets.

15. Where is your favorite place in the world to go?

So far, I'd have to say the black hills of South Dakota. Maybe when I see other places I might like them better, but of all the places I've seen so far, I think that is the most beautiful. It's also where black hills gold comes from. I love black hills gold.

16. What are your hobbies?

Social Networking, (addicted to Facebook, Beliefnet and TeeBeeDee) Reading, Writing, Photography, Playing games, (Online and offline) studying languages, (brushing up on Spanish, learning some French), sewing corn, rice, and barley pillows, garage sales.

17. Who are your heroes in life?

My parents, who have always been there for me and helped me tremendously throughout my life and supported me even when I made decisions they did not agree with. Dr. Theodore Peter Kalogris, who invented a product that changed millions of people's lives for the better, including my own, and yes, I had the honor of meeting him and getting my picture taken with him, which was something he did not do with many people. My drug-free daughter, who finished school and is furthering her education with dreams of becoming a mortician.

18. Where is your favorite place or places to eat?

Big T's in Lawton makes the best Buffalo Burger. Fricano's in Alamo makes the best steak. Sam's Joint in Plainwell makes the best ribs. All three places make a wicked Long Island Iced Tea.

19. If you had a happy color, what would it be?

Purple! I love purple! When I wear it, I look my best and I feel my happiest!

20. How long do you plan on being on AC and why?

Forever! I love AC, I will never quit! AC provides an outlet for my passion, which is writing!