From Bunny Slippers to Business Plans
It’s been quite the week. I’ve welcomed a news crew into my home. Gotten started on my career coaching certification program. Upped my posting frequency. Drawn up some lofty goals. And all while coming down with something I fear is the flu. Here’s hoping I can keep up with everything I have planned for myself. At least if I crack under, you’ll have these writers to turn to:
In the weeks since Brazen Careerist launched their new and improved site, I’ve discovered anew how fabulous it can be to have a dedicated network of bloggers all gathered in one place. Several posts of mine have been featured on the site, bringing greater traffic to my blog. I’ve been learning about new blogs, and meeting new bloggers. And then there are the groups.
Which brings us to this post. Rebecca Thorman of Modite recently created the Monthly Goal Meet-Up Group, in which members post about the next month’s goals on their blogs, and then look back at how they did the month before. After the post goes live, they then head on over to the group page and post a link back to their blog. It’s a way to be held accountable, and also a means of keeping on track with your own self-expectations.
So here it is. My first monthly meet-up post:
[Illustration by Deanna Staffo, via TONY]
Hey there you guys. I thought I’d just quickly indulge in a little bit of shameless self-promotion by linking to my latest two published pieces.
Yesterday, CNN sent a camera crew to my house so that they could interview me for a segment on compulsive shopping. They had seen an old article of mine on Tango, and thought I would be the perfect interview subject. I experienced sweaty palms and extreme dry mouth as I attempted to sound coherent in front of the lights, camera, and crew. I worried that I was shouting in my attempt to be vivacious, but I couldn’t stop myself. I was oddly perky as I gave the guys a tour of my condo, pointing out frivolous purchases in a voice that didn’t exactly express my regret. I was an anxious mess. [Read more…]
What a week. I made headway on my book proposal and started my career coaching certification program. And this weekend, I’m visiting the last huge chunk of wineries in NJ for my regional magazine piece. I feel pooped, but it’s a good kind of pooped. What helped and inspired me along the way? Check it:
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My husband and I are…different.
He is rational, while I am emotional. He is cautious and conservative, while I preach the necessity of taking risks in order to move forward. He worries about immediate income — ensuring that we don’t go homeless or hungry — while I give him an ulcer by concerning myself with the future.
Last night, our differences sparked a major argument.
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For the entire month of August, I worked 14-hour days: I blogged, did essay rewrites, researched and interviewed up a storm for several story assignments, and proofread direct mail copy.
The only thing missing was the self-marketing, which is why — as I finish up a ton of projects — I have nothing new on the horizon (nothing concrete, anyway).
No matter how much talent you have, you won’t succeed without a business-side sensibility. So. How can I get it all done? After the jump, the way my days should run: [Read more…]
Ah…the end of another rollercoaster of a week. On the frustrating end, I’ve continued to get mixed signals from a client who doesn’t know what he wants, forcing me to consider walking away forever. On the more exciting end, I’ve decided to recast the ebook I’ve been working in into a book proposal, and plan to send it around to agents by the end of the month (someone: threaten me with an awful punishment so that I don’t flake out). Plus, I have pieces coming out in both Time Out NY and NY Press in the coming weeks, and I’ve finally received my starting materials for my career coaching certification program (!!!). Oh, and I’m about leave on a trip to South Jersey, which will serve as both vacation and research trip as my husband and I visit a number of wineries in both the Atlantic City and Cape May areas. Whee!
Before I go, though, here’s this week’s link love:
I’ve been freelancing full time for about two years now and, since leaving book publishing, my lifestyle has changed quite a bit:
I’ve felt healthier, probably because I no longer construct entire meals out of vending machine snacks, and because I take the time to work out several times a week. (Not only that, but I’m avoiding the petri dish that is the corporate office.)Â [Read more…]
The Vulnerability of Writers
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Oh, writers.
We already have it tough enough, what with being our own worst critics and all.
Unfortunately, launching our words out into the world also opens us up to the criticism of others, criticism that can be either constructive or just plain cruel.
[Read more…]