Secondly, if you exercise the option from the writer at let's say 30.00 you can hold the stock as long as you want. Your cost basis will be your initial option price plus your exercise price and then you can hold for long term.
If you sell the options you'll pay either LT or ST taxes depending on how long you held them. Figure in the premium you can obtain to see if this is worth it.
As a side note I would suggest you call your broker to make your intentions clear.