Meet Y!CN Contributor Dan Reveal

Dan Reveal has agreed to answer some questions that I am putting to him. Before I introduce Dan to you, please read this article, Strange Times at Associated Content.

Dan just completed his first year as an Associated Content Source in May of 2009. As of this writing Dan has published 113 articles and has received 12,552 page views. Dan writes on a variety of topics. He offers a number of informational type articles. However, Dan's true love seems to be in producing creative writing and poetry. His poetry specialty is writing Christian spiritual poems. Dan is a very talented writer. Dan is also one of the most supportive Associated Content Sources. Dan lets it be known that he likes to read creative writing and welcomes the opportunity to read other peoples work. In my own experience, I reached out to Dan regarding some creative writing pieces I had written. He was very prompt in reading my articles and offering his comments. He has continued to encourage and support me in my short time with Associated Content. I can tell from the comments of other Associated Content Sources that many people feel the same way that I do. I am sure I speak for more than just me, when I say thank you Dan for all that you do. Now, Dan it is your turn to let us know a bit more about you.

1. Have you always enjoyed writing?

For the most part, I have always enjoyed writing as long as I could pick the topic. This isn't always the case in academic writing.

2. Who have been your biggest influences in fueling your desire to write and in developing your skills as a writer?

My biggest influence would be my former professor, Jim Pennell, who teaches at the University of Indianapolis.

3. How did you discover Associated Content?

I remember coming across it when I was looking for freelance writing websites.

4. Do you publish articles for other online sites or in print?

I've written for academic sites like Essaywriters.net, but right now Associated Content is my main one.

5. Have the articles that you published more recently out performed your first few published articles?

I think I've gotten better with keyword density, so the more recent ones have done better. Also, I've had the help of others who have promoted my writing.

6. Do you have any articles that standout with exceptionally high or low page views?

The page views have steadily risen, but the poem called "The Angel's Song" went very high.

7. Which of your published articles on Associated Content are your personal favorites?

I like to write both academic and creative things. I think I like them all pretty much the same. I want to discover what other people are interested in the most.

8. After having passed your first anniversary with Associated Content last month, how would you describe your overall experience as an Associated Content Source?

I look at this as a community of writers. I have met many wonderful people here. It's been a good time.

9. How has your writing evolved over the course of just over one year of writing and publishing with Associated Content?

I think I've become more focused regarding titles and keywords.

10. Where do see yourself on your second and fifth anniversaries with Associated Content?

I'd like to be like Crystal Ray, for example, who told me she has so many page views that she can work full time as a writer.

11. How do you come up with ideas for articles for Associated Content?

Sometimes I will just read other people's articles and try to add some other angle to them. This lets me link back to this person's article and hopefully gets them more page views, too. I also just write what I know, which is what most people have told me to do.
Again, I've benefited from lots of nice people here.

12. Do you have a written list of article ideas that have you have yet to write?

I've written a list of life experiences, and then tried to write articles based on the uniqueness of this. I have about 5 titles waiting to be written. I'm not as prolific as others are, but I keep learning from them.

13. How long does it typically take you to write an article for Associated Content?

It depends. The last one I wrote about writing songs for a band came out in about 10 minutes. This is the best kind because it makes me feel like I can write more and more. Then again, sometimes I struggle with the sentences. It can take longer.
.
14. Which Associated Content Sources do you like to read the most?

Again, it depends. I think the best writers are the ones who tend to specialize on certain topics...medicine, politics, religion, etc. You can see my favorites list and see all the ones who are specialists. But I really think of certain people as friends as well. We all help each other which makes Associated Content fun.

15. Do feel as though you have bonded with anyone within the Associated Content Community?

Definitely! They know who they are...(smile)!

16.. What has given you the greatest satisfaction so far in your twelve months writing and publishing with Associated Content?

I had actually registered with AC long before I ever wrote anything. I just kept reading the rules. I was afraid of making mistakes. So one of the things which has been fulfilling is to just be more able to take chances. The advice is: write and maybe people will notice...take the chance.

17. Have you had experienced any disappointments in writing and publishing with Associated Content?

Not really. A couple of things I wrote were rejected for upfront payment, but I should have known that it would. The rules are pretty easy to follow.

18. What do you like best about writing for Associated Content?

As another writer said, "Good luck fellow loner!" This is after I'd asked him for advice. While I really do enjoy the messages I get from others, I'm basically happiest when I'm sitting at the computer, working alone. I like people, I just like to work alone.

19. What do you like least about writing for Associated Content?

I have nothing against Associated Content. I just have to work harder to earn more money. I like that the potential is limitless.

20. What are your greatest frustrations or challenges in writing for Associated Content?

Again, my frustrations have to do with me not being as prolific as I could be. Associated Content is a fine outlet for writers. I think many people have proven this.

21. Do you ever get writers block and if so what do you do to overcome it?

If I get writers block, I just try to be spontaneous--writing down random sentences which might trigger an article. I probably know more than I realize. I just have to let it come out.

22. Is there some type of significance to that piano that use as your avatar?

The white piano is a tribute to John Lennon and his "Imagine" mentality. I just want to be a nice guy.

23. What are some of your interests outside of Associated Content?

I write songs and watch movies. Again, these are kind of solitary activities.

24. What are your favorite memories outside of Associated Content?

My grandmother died on Christmas Day. I have memories of childhood. I have dreams of being safe as a child, and then I have to wake up again.

25. Is there anything else that you would like to add to this interview?

Just to extend my "Best Wishes" to you, Han, and to anyone who reads this. Thank you for this interview!!

Here is a link to Dan Reveal's Source Page:

Dan Reveal