I recently posted on being rejected. At the time, it didn’t occur to me that there could be a chance of me ever being the rejecter. That opportunity came a few days later.
When I say I was the rejecter, I wasn’t really rejecting anything. What I was actually doing was changing my mind about something I thought I wanted to do.
I found an opportunity on a writing forum. It sounded like fun and something I could easily fit into my writing schedule, so I applied. I applied for two different topic positions, thinking I had a good chance at one and a not so great chance at the other. A few days later, I got the rejection email for the one I thought I had a chance at. No big deal. I’d just wrapped up the rejection post and figured I wouldn’t get the other one either.
Turns out, the people doing the accepting had a different idea because I got my welcome letter the next day. I went to the page to read the training tools and the welcome information and was quickly hit with the nasty feeling of dread. It wasn’t that the rules were hard to follow, nor was it anything different than what I’m already doing. It was partially the fact that even though I applied for it, I really had no idea what to write on the topics they were giving me. It was mostly that they wanted me to commit to 10 to 20 articles a month.
I’m somewhat of a writing commitment-phobe. I like to do it in my own time with no pressure (unless I’m putting it on myself). Short term commitment is fine. I’m okay with claiming assignments as long as I know that I can release them back into the wild if I need to. But considering I’m writing for two other platforms, trying to maintain at least 2 blogs, and working 40 hours a week, there was no way I was going to be able to kick out that many articles for this site, not if I still wanted some downtime now and again.
So I did what I probably wouldn’t have done in the past: I declined the position. It feels weird to decline a position I applied for in the first place, but it shouldn’t, right? People do that in the job world all the time if something doesn’t feel right them. Writing shouldn’t be any different.
Plus, I have a feeling they would have told me to take a hike after the first month when I fell way short of their expectations.
The feeling of relief I had after sending that email was huge, and I realized that most of what stresses me out is stuff that I take on when I really could have just said “no” and not worried about it. In this case, I can continue to write for the platforms I enjoy writing for, I can keep my blogs, and I can still have time to watch Doctor Who and knit a scarf every now and again.
“No” is a good word. “Nevermind” works just as well.
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Friday, May 27, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
The Upside of Rejection
Rejection sucks.
Even if the rejection is specific to one area of life, it gives me a feeling of overall unworthiness. I've cried over rejection in the past. I've also brushed it off outwardly and then went to drown my sorrows in a cigarette (back in my smoking days), alcohol (back in my drinking days) or food (I still eat, but I've avoided major binges for quite awhile now).
It's not possible to be a writer and avoid rejection. Well known and well published authors are rejected. Stephen King hung his rejection letters on his wall and almost gave up writing when he couldn't publish his first novel. Very few people are charmed enough to lay the golden egg of manuscripts each and every time they attempt it, and even small rejections can be painful.
Most of my submissions to Associated Content over the past few years have been accepted, but a several have been rejected for upfront payment, and a couple have been outright deemed unworthy for publication. It stings to know that something you thought it was good didn't make the cut. It's not easy to hear your work wasn't good enough ("I'm never writing again" mini tantrums have happened, though I'm ashamed to admit it).
I've grown a thicker skin and I've even learned to find the upside of rejection. Articles that don't make the cut with AC give me something to send to a different platform or give me a blog post I didn't already have. Rejections of larger projects generally come with feedback to help me improve my writing. You can't get rejected if you don't try something new and put yourself out there, so I've managed to even take pride in some of my rejections.
Most recently, I applied to be a movie writer for a gaming site. During the application process, I was really excited about applying and really wanted the job. I didn't get it. The rejection was very nice...the writing was good, they were just looking for someone with more experience. I had a moment of disappointment, but I avoided the whole "I'm not good enough to be a writer" scenario. To be honest, I felt relief, realizing only in hindsight that I may have taken on a little more than I could handle.
That's not to say I won't keep trying. It's in my nature to overschedule and deal with the consequences later. But I've managed to change my thinking to look at the brightside of the word "no."
Heck, someday I might even frame my rejection letters and hang them on my wall.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Writing Revisited
I’m going to go out on a limb and say that the fact that I’ve been posting regularly to this blog as long as I have is probably a record. Thank goodness for the power to schedule posts because I don’t know if I could keep up the pace of blogging every day on top of everything else I’m working to accomplish.
In general, I think I’m doing pretty well. My AC articles have tapered off a little bit, but my other articles are getting done and published. In fact, I’ve turned out a few that didn’t need any rewrites.
I’ve begun to lag on keeping track of hours and payments. With payments, I figure I can just access my stuff online when I need it. For hours, I usually just forget. As long as I’m still producing in some form or another, I’m doing the job I want to do. If it ever comes to the point where I am working from home doing freelance writing, I’ll have to be a little more diligent about it, but I think I’m still a long way from that.
Then there’s Script Frenzy. Tomorrow marks the halfway point of the month and I’m over halfway finished with my script as of today. I’m not formatting as I write, which makes it go a lot faster, but if I keep up this pace, I’ll be relaxing easy at the end of the month. I’m writing a romantic comedy, and I’m finally getting to the point of some humor. Finally. If I’d planned to do something serious, the thing would have been hilarious from start to finish.
I’m also picking up other little things to help expand my writing. I joined a new campaign through BzzAgent, which means I’ll get to write reviews on products I try out. I also applied to another gaming site to be a writer, though I haven’t heard back so they may have filled the position already.
In order to get more readers, I had a small drawing for new AC subscribers and will hold another one either the end of this month or next month. I gained quite a few readers in that time, so I’m at least on my way to reaching my 100 subscribers goal by the end of the year.
All in all, I’m giving myself an A for effort and a B for quality. I just have to keep the momentum going.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Productivity Vs. Depression
Sunday depression has normally been the conclusion of an otherwise pleasant weekend. I know it's back to work the next day and I dwell on what I didn't accomplish over the weekend.
Weekends are supposed to be for relaxing, which is good in theory. I, however, tend to over relax, then feel guilty because nothing was accomplished. Even though I'm lazy by nature, I still beat myself up about what I didn't get done.
These past couple weekends have brought forth no Sunday depression. If anything, I've been feeling good about Sunday. I'm not dreading Monday morning, nor am I lazing around wondering where the time went. In fact, the last couple Sundays have been pretty good to me.
The difference in my weekends is that I'm spending time on both days writing. Since I changed how I thought about it, I know feel like if I can get writing time in and articles submitted, I'm utilizing my time well. If I log several hours, I don't feel as if my weekend was wasted. I feel good and ready to tackle the coming week.
I wonder if this is a sign of being a workaholic, if people can't live without that sense of productivity. If maybe their depression is also linked to how much they do and so to avoid that depression altogether, they just never stop "doing."
For me, I don't think I'm to that phase. First off, I get joy out of writing, even when I have to research, revise, and take criticism. Second, I'm still lazy. I just took two nights off in a row to do nothing but watch movies and play video games...not a characteristic of a true workaholic.
As long as I have something that keeps the Sunday blues away, though, I'm going to continue to use it.
The extra income and notoriety are perks too.
Weekends are supposed to be for relaxing, which is good in theory. I, however, tend to over relax, then feel guilty because nothing was accomplished. Even though I'm lazy by nature, I still beat myself up about what I didn't get done.
These past couple weekends have brought forth no Sunday depression. If anything, I've been feeling good about Sunday. I'm not dreading Monday morning, nor am I lazing around wondering where the time went. In fact, the last couple Sundays have been pretty good to me.
The difference in my weekends is that I'm spending time on both days writing. Since I changed how I thought about it, I know feel like if I can get writing time in and articles submitted, I'm utilizing my time well. If I log several hours, I don't feel as if my weekend was wasted. I feel good and ready to tackle the coming week.
I wonder if this is a sign of being a workaholic, if people can't live without that sense of productivity. If maybe their depression is also linked to how much they do and so to avoid that depression altogether, they just never stop "doing."
For me, I don't think I'm to that phase. First off, I get joy out of writing, even when I have to research, revise, and take criticism. Second, I'm still lazy. I just took two nights off in a row to do nothing but watch movies and play video games...not a characteristic of a true workaholic.
As long as I have something that keeps the Sunday blues away, though, I'm going to continue to use it.
The extra income and notoriety are perks too.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Slowin' My Roll
I tend to get a little excited about things and take on more than I can handle. I remember doing this in high school and the first part of college. I'd fill my schedule then realize that I'd probably made a mistake in not scheduling a break here and there. Eventually I got lazy and stopped doing stuff, and now anyone who knows me knows I tend to be a homebody and don't always accept every invitation that comes my way. (I also call it laziness, but that's just semantics).
When it comes to hobbies, I've always been one to throw myself head first into them and gluttonize on whatever happens to hold my interest at that moment. I've gone through weekends where I'll do nothing but read for two days straight. Not long ago, I was having knitting marathons that left my hands swollen and sore at the end of the day. Back in college, I would do nothing but write, so much so that I'd be up all night long working on some story or another that I was feeling passionate about at the time.
The problem with turning writing into a part time job is that I can't immerse myself as completely all at one time. Because I burnout fast, I need to learn to pace myself or risk screwing up my chance to turn this into something lucrative. Take this past weekend for instance. I wrote all day Saturday, which I enjoyed. I got to sit at Hastings, drink coffee and write at my own pace. However, after submitting three articles, instead of holding off until I'd done my rewrites and knew I'd have to write the next weekend, I started claiming titles like a madwoman.
Two days later, I realized there was no way I was going to do nine articles in a week while working a full time day job, visiting with friends at least one night, and keeping my sanity with an off night or at least some down time in the evenings.
The phrase "slow my roll" occurred to me in actual context, rather than the snarky way Jon and I use it most of the time. Luckily, both of my writing platforms allow me to release assignments, so that was the first thing I did. This made the dreaded re-writes about ten times easier and they went easier than I'd anticipated. With that under my belt, I took a break and played a video game...without feeling guilty.
While extra income is nice, it's not really worth losing my sanity or my love of writing. I've used the excuse for years that I haven't tried to make writing a job because I don't want to end up hating it. Now that I've taken that step, I need to also take steps to keep enjoying it. Article writing may not be the big rollercoaster at the local amusement park, but I want to be able to do it with a certain amount of motivation and enjoyment for the work I produce.
Plus, it would be nice to keep up the momentum for longer than two weeks.
When it comes to hobbies, I've always been one to throw myself head first into them and gluttonize on whatever happens to hold my interest at that moment. I've gone through weekends where I'll do nothing but read for two days straight. Not long ago, I was having knitting marathons that left my hands swollen and sore at the end of the day. Back in college, I would do nothing but write, so much so that I'd be up all night long working on some story or another that I was feeling passionate about at the time.
The problem with turning writing into a part time job is that I can't immerse myself as completely all at one time. Because I burnout fast, I need to learn to pace myself or risk screwing up my chance to turn this into something lucrative. Take this past weekend for instance. I wrote all day Saturday, which I enjoyed. I got to sit at Hastings, drink coffee and write at my own pace. However, after submitting three articles, instead of holding off until I'd done my rewrites and knew I'd have to write the next weekend, I started claiming titles like a madwoman.
Two days later, I realized there was no way I was going to do nine articles in a week while working a full time day job, visiting with friends at least one night, and keeping my sanity with an off night or at least some down time in the evenings.
The phrase "slow my roll" occurred to me in actual context, rather than the snarky way Jon and I use it most of the time. Luckily, both of my writing platforms allow me to release assignments, so that was the first thing I did. This made the dreaded re-writes about ten times easier and they went easier than I'd anticipated. With that under my belt, I took a break and played a video game...without feeling guilty.
While extra income is nice, it's not really worth losing my sanity or my love of writing. I've used the excuse for years that I haven't tried to make writing a job because I don't want to end up hating it. Now that I've taken that step, I need to also take steps to keep enjoying it. Article writing may not be the big rollercoaster at the local amusement park, but I want to be able to do it with a certain amount of motivation and enjoyment for the work I produce.
Plus, it would be nice to keep up the momentum for longer than two weeks.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Self Promotion Saturday
Happy Saturday, my little band of blog readers. Hope the week was good, that dreams were made, eggs were broken (for delicious french toast, of course), and life made the lemonade for you.
It was a fast week for me, though I have to admit I fluffed off more than I probably should have. I took two nights off in order to watch Tangled and play "Saw" on the XBox, which isn't going so well since I can't seem to manuever in the dark or get through crazy closing blades. But who doesn't need a night or two off, right?
"Sucker Punch": Sexy Images Make Up for Lack of Substance - We went and saw "Sucker Punch" last weekend. For a movie, it was just okay. Then again, maybe I was just tired since we went to the late showing. However, the scene with the giant Samurai set to Bjork's "Army of Me"? Epic.
Five Tips for Preparing for an Outdoor Wedding - I wrote this one around the time when I was actually planning for an outdoor wedding. I opted for the courthouse ceremony instead, but I think the tips are still valid. Maybe. Hopefully.
Six Sources for Creative Writing Material - Yesterday kicked off the start of Script Frenzy, so in honor of the 30 day event, this is an article I wrote a couple years ago when I was harnessing the power of my creative muse for some serious fiction. Or not so serious fiction, depending on how you look at it.
Also, Miss J. Peach was the winner of the Starbucks card! She doesn't have a Blogger account and so isn't a follwer here, but I lured her into my super scary cult of article followers. I plan to hold another drawing next month, so let me know if I can add you to the drawing bin.
It was a fast week for me, though I have to admit I fluffed off more than I probably should have. I took two nights off in order to watch Tangled and play "Saw" on the XBox, which isn't going so well since I can't seem to manuever in the dark or get through crazy closing blades. But who doesn't need a night or two off, right?
"Sucker Punch": Sexy Images Make Up for Lack of Substance - We went and saw "Sucker Punch" last weekend. For a movie, it was just okay. Then again, maybe I was just tired since we went to the late showing. However, the scene with the giant Samurai set to Bjork's "Army of Me"? Epic.
Five Tips for Preparing for an Outdoor Wedding - I wrote this one around the time when I was actually planning for an outdoor wedding. I opted for the courthouse ceremony instead, but I think the tips are still valid. Maybe. Hopefully.
Six Sources for Creative Writing Material - Yesterday kicked off the start of Script Frenzy, so in honor of the 30 day event, this is an article I wrote a couple years ago when I was harnessing the power of my creative muse for some serious fiction. Or not so serious fiction, depending on how you look at it.
Also, Miss J. Peach was the winner of the Starbucks card! She doesn't have a Blogger account and so isn't a follwer here, but I lured her into my super scary cult of article followers. I plan to hold another drawing next month, so let me know if I can add you to the drawing bin.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Self Promotion Saturday
I’m still waiting on two recent articles to be approved through AC, but they’ll hopefully show up on my Associated Content page soon.
In the meantime, I’m going to leave you with these little gems.
A Walk in Spring – This was from the AC Assignment desk . It’s a short story about spring. Not sure how springy it feels, but I kind of had fun writing it.
Product Review: Dragon Chow Dice Bags – Fellow gamers, if you want a cool looking dice bag, then check out Dragon Chow. I met the owner through Twitter and decided to finally break down and buy a new dice bag for Jon and I.
Blogging: Exhibitionism for a New Generation - My first ever AC article. Some of the stuff is still relevant.
I set two goals this past. The first is to have 300 published articles on Associated Content by the end of 2011. The second is to have 100 subscribers on my Associated Content page. So to help me get going on the second one, I decided to have a small contest. Anyone willing to subscribe to my page will be entered in a drawing for a ten dollar Starbucks gift card. Now I know ten dollars isn’t a lot, but it is a coffee and a snack with a little bit leftover. I’d like to have future drawings as well, but I’m starting out small.
If you want to be entered into the drawing, here’s what to do:
1. Leave a comment saying you’ll subscribe.
2. Send a message to my personal email at mystressmanda@gmail.com. Put SUBSCRIBE ME in the subject line. I’ll add the email you use to my mailing list and you’ll get a notification whenever I publish something.
3. If you’re already an AC user just go to my page and click Subscribe.
I’ll draw on March 30th for the gift card and send it via email to the winner.
Rock on!
In the meantime, I’m going to leave you with these little gems.
A Walk in Spring – This was from the AC Assignment desk . It’s a short story about spring. Not sure how springy it feels, but I kind of had fun writing it.
Product Review: Dragon Chow Dice Bags – Fellow gamers, if you want a cool looking dice bag, then check out Dragon Chow. I met the owner through Twitter and decided to finally break down and buy a new dice bag for Jon and I.
Blogging: Exhibitionism for a New Generation - My first ever AC article. Some of the stuff is still relevant.
I set two goals this past. The first is to have 300 published articles on Associated Content by the end of 2011. The second is to have 100 subscribers on my Associated Content page. So to help me get going on the second one, I decided to have a small contest. Anyone willing to subscribe to my page will be entered in a drawing for a ten dollar Starbucks gift card. Now I know ten dollars isn’t a lot, but it is a coffee and a snack with a little bit leftover. I’d like to have future drawings as well, but I’m starting out small.
If you want to be entered into the drawing, here’s what to do:
1. Leave a comment saying you’ll subscribe.
2. Send a message to my personal email at mystressmanda@gmail.com. Put SUBSCRIBE ME in the subject line. I’ll add the email you use to my mailing list and you’ll get a notification whenever I publish something.
3. If you’re already an AC user just go to my page and click Subscribe.
I’ll draw on March 30th for the gift card and send it via email to the winner.
Rock on!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Writing Event: Script Frenzy
We're about a week away from April, and some of my fellow writers may know that April is Script Frenzy month. If you're not familiar, you may know of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) which takes place every November. If you're not familiar with either one, here's the scoop.
The goal in November is to write a 50,000 word novel in one month. The event takes out the work of editing and worrying what sounds good and what doesn't. You just write your little heart out and work out the details later. I've done this in the past and I've won in the past, but I gave up in 2010 due to time factors and computer restraints (Jon and I were sharing, so it was harder to get sufficient laptop time).
Script Frenzy is NaNoWriMo's little sister event. The goal? Write a 100 page script in 30 days. This can be a script for a play, movie, or graphic novel. This year, I'm going to write a romantic comedy screenplay. This seems to be the genre that most of my fiction writing defaults to and so should give me the boost I need to complete the project.
It's hard to explain to people who loathe writing why this is fun, but it's all about creating. I love being the ruler of my own world for a little while. I engage myself with my characters, get emotional, and watch as they develop...because most writers will tell you that once you start writing, your characters tend to have plans you didn't anticipate. It's fun, and having a deadline adds a dose of excitement to it.
After the Frenzy is over, some people will edit and submit their work to be published. Others will hibernate the work and proudly display their winner's badge. I'm not sure yet what I'll do. Probably the latter, because I tend to be lazy when it comes to the final product of my work.
If there are any writer's out there who want to give it a shot, let me know so I can add you to my friends list.
Good luck and happy writing!
The goal in November is to write a 50,000 word novel in one month. The event takes out the work of editing and worrying what sounds good and what doesn't. You just write your little heart out and work out the details later. I've done this in the past and I've won in the past, but I gave up in 2010 due to time factors and computer restraints (Jon and I were sharing, so it was harder to get sufficient laptop time).
Script Frenzy is NaNoWriMo's little sister event. The goal? Write a 100 page script in 30 days. This can be a script for a play, movie, or graphic novel. This year, I'm going to write a romantic comedy screenplay. This seems to be the genre that most of my fiction writing defaults to and so should give me the boost I need to complete the project.
It's hard to explain to people who loathe writing why this is fun, but it's all about creating. I love being the ruler of my own world for a little while. I engage myself with my characters, get emotional, and watch as they develop...because most writers will tell you that once you start writing, your characters tend to have plans you didn't anticipate. It's fun, and having a deadline adds a dose of excitement to it.
After the Frenzy is over, some people will edit and submit their work to be published. Others will hibernate the work and proudly display their winner's badge. I'm not sure yet what I'll do. Probably the latter, because I tend to be lazy when it comes to the final product of my work.
If there are any writer's out there who want to give it a shot, let me know so I can add you to my friends list.
Good luck and happy writing!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Share the Love Sunday
Yesterday was all about promoting myself. Today, I want to share the blogs, writings, etc. of other people I follow. I don't have a huge following, but I do follow some awesome people with fun blogs, so check them out!
Scraps of Life - Sarah makes me want to scrapbook. I have yet to try it, but the things she creates are adorable and I love looking at her pages. Not only is she talented and creative, but her daughter makes the cutest model for her creations.
Adventures of a Silly, Silly Girl aka Sassypants Knitter - I heard Fru's podcast before I read her blog, whether she's talking or writing, this girl is so cute! She's a fellow knitter who also crochets, games, and motivates with her fitness journey. I recommend both her blog and her podcast.
Domestic Chaos - Ashley is a mother of a two year old who embraces her duties and attitudes towards parenting to the fullest. She's a strong advocate for breastfeeding, and her honesty is striking. She's also a freelance writer who's working on becoming a novelist. I have first hand knowledge of her fiction and she's an amazing writer.
I'll be doing more of these in the future, so if you'd like me to check out your blog (if I'm not already reading it) and give you a shout out, give me the link in the comments, or email me at mystressmanda@gmail.com. I'd love other suggestions as well, and don't be afraid to just say "Hey! I want to be promoted!"
Scraps of Life - Sarah makes me want to scrapbook. I have yet to try it, but the things she creates are adorable and I love looking at her pages. Not only is she talented and creative, but her daughter makes the cutest model for her creations.
Adventures of a Silly, Silly Girl aka Sassypants Knitter - I heard Fru's podcast before I read her blog, whether she's talking or writing, this girl is so cute! She's a fellow knitter who also crochets, games, and motivates with her fitness journey. I recommend both her blog and her podcast.
Domestic Chaos - Ashley is a mother of a two year old who embraces her duties and attitudes towards parenting to the fullest. She's a strong advocate for breastfeeding, and her honesty is striking. She's also a freelance writer who's working on becoming a novelist. I have first hand knowledge of her fiction and she's an amazing writer.
I'll be doing more of these in the future, so if you'd like me to check out your blog (if I'm not already reading it) and give you a shout out, give me the link in the comments, or email me at mystressmanda@gmail.com. I'd love other suggestions as well, and don't be afraid to just say "Hey! I want to be promoted!"
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Self Promotion Saturday
Saturday seems like a good day to share some of my other writings with anyone who reads this blog. Most of what I'm going to share will be articles I've written for Associated Content. However, during writing events, like Script Frenzy or National Novel Writing Month, I might share some fiction for feedback and/or calls for beta readers should I move forward with anything I write.
Feedback is good, and even if you just want to skim the article, page hits are awesome!
Lords of Acid and Angelspit come to Kansas City - This article was just published this week and was from the concert I attended with a friend of mine last week. The concert was alot of fun. I was introduced to Lords of Acid in college, so I was familiar with their music. Angelspit and their opening act, Radical G, were both new to me, and I found that I really liked their music.
The Lunar Eclipse - I remember writing this on a whim when I lived in Oklahoma City right before the occurrence of a lunar eclipse. It involved a little bit of research and finding out some interesting factoids about the phenomenon.
Sault Ste. Marie, MI - Sault Ste. Marie will always be a place I think of with love. I went to college there and stayed for several years after, and I still miss the summers. This was one of my first articles written for AC.
I'm always looking for new subscribers at my content page as well. Thanks for reading!
Feedback is good, and even if you just want to skim the article, page hits are awesome!
Lords of Acid and Angelspit come to Kansas City - This article was just published this week and was from the concert I attended with a friend of mine last week. The concert was alot of fun. I was introduced to Lords of Acid in college, so I was familiar with their music. Angelspit and their opening act, Radical G, were both new to me, and I found that I really liked their music.
The Lunar Eclipse - I remember writing this on a whim when I lived in Oklahoma City right before the occurrence of a lunar eclipse. It involved a little bit of research and finding out some interesting factoids about the phenomenon.
Sault Ste. Marie, MI - Sault Ste. Marie will always be a place I think of with love. I went to college there and stayed for several years after, and I still miss the summers. This was one of my first articles written for AC.
I'm always looking for new subscribers at my content page as well. Thanks for reading!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Shameless Self Promotion
It's been awhile since I've done this, but I figured I'd try it again. It's mostly an effort to keep myself on track when it comes to writing and getting myself out there. It might reek of spammy spam, but please don't feel like you have to click on anything I share.
For a little background, I've been writing articles for a few years now through Associated Content. I dabbled in Triond but kind of put that to the wayside and started with Demand Studios (submitted my first article for editor review tonight, in fact). Most of my AC income comes from page views, so the more people who read my stuff, the higher that amount is. Also, even though I don't usually like to draw attention to myself, writing is one of those areas where I kind of like showing off. This doesn't mean all my stuff is good, but I appreciate readers and feedback.
When I self promote, it'll probably be with old articles and stories I feel I want to share, but I'll also post new things I publish on AC as well. I hope this doesn't come across as annoying, and if it does, I just ask that you bypass the post. However, if anything strikes you as interesting, please feel free to click the link and check out the article.
Five Basic Steps for Buying an Airplane
Dream House - A Short Story
Slow Cooker Recipe: Nacho Cheese Chicken
For a little background, I've been writing articles for a few years now through Associated Content. I dabbled in Triond but kind of put that to the wayside and started with Demand Studios (submitted my first article for editor review tonight, in fact). Most of my AC income comes from page views, so the more people who read my stuff, the higher that amount is. Also, even though I don't usually like to draw attention to myself, writing is one of those areas where I kind of like showing off. This doesn't mean all my stuff is good, but I appreciate readers and feedback.
When I self promote, it'll probably be with old articles and stories I feel I want to share, but I'll also post new things I publish on AC as well. I hope this doesn't come across as annoying, and if it does, I just ask that you bypass the post. However, if anything strikes you as interesting, please feel free to click the link and check out the article.
Five Basic Steps for Buying an Airplane
Dream House - A Short Story
Slow Cooker Recipe: Nacho Cheese Chicken
Monday, January 3, 2011
January Resolutions
It's a brand new year and everyone is making their 2011 resolutions. I don't normally make resolutions, because then I just feel bad when I give them up in February. However, I have decided to do something this year in celebration of the year 2011 (which has yet to actually prove if it's going to be one to celebrate or not).
A few weeks back I was doing weekly goals and updating about them. I fell off that wagon, but cramming a list of things into a week tends to be kind of overwhelming. I decided to take the goal idea and merge it with the concept of resolutions with a monthly resolution list. This isn't to say I can't reuse resolutions, it just breaks the longer term things up into bite size goals that might be easier to achieve.
I've got my list of January Resolutions made already, and most of them are hobby related. Some are time sensitive and some are ones that I will hopefully carry over into the next month. Some are just for fun.
Write DnD game for Tengaicon
Walk 20 days for 30 minutes for the January 2011 Fitness Kickoff Challenge
Finish the first three books in the Codex Alera series by Jim Butcher
Finish Lego HP
Watch two horror films from my Netflix queue
Track everything spent in the checkbook
Write 4 content articles
Log 15 hours on ChaCha
Write and schedule blogs on a three times a week basis. I'll be pulling old ones from my old blogs in order to get rid of them this year.
Get going as a consultant for Passion Parties.
I'll also be taking a mid month road trip to help some good friends of mine move from Michigan to Oklahoma, attending a small fiber festival close to hear and enjoying a day of gaming at the above mentioned Tengaicon.
It's going to be a pretty busy start to the new year.
Bring it on!
ALF
A few weeks back I was doing weekly goals and updating about them. I fell off that wagon, but cramming a list of things into a week tends to be kind of overwhelming. I decided to take the goal idea and merge it with the concept of resolutions with a monthly resolution list. This isn't to say I can't reuse resolutions, it just breaks the longer term things up into bite size goals that might be easier to achieve.
I've got my list of January Resolutions made already, and most of them are hobby related. Some are time sensitive and some are ones that I will hopefully carry over into the next month. Some are just for fun.
Write DnD game for Tengaicon
Walk 20 days for 30 minutes for the January 2011 Fitness Kickoff Challenge
Finish the first three books in the Codex Alera series by Jim Butcher
Finish Lego HP
Watch two horror films from my Netflix queue
Track everything spent in the checkbook
Write 4 content articles
Log 15 hours on ChaCha
Write and schedule blogs on a three times a week basis. I'll be pulling old ones from my old blogs in order to get rid of them this year.
Get going as a consultant for Passion Parties.
I'll also be taking a mid month road trip to help some good friends of mine move from Michigan to Oklahoma, attending a small fiber festival close to hear and enjoying a day of gaming at the above mentioned Tengaicon.
It's going to be a pretty busy start to the new year.
Bring it on!
ALF
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Secondary Jobs
Considering I slept in until 2 today and suffered with some bad back pain, I still managed to get some things accomplished in the realm of what I'm starting to think of as my secondary jobs. Doing these jobs makes me wonder if I would ever have the motivation to actually try working from home. I know a few people who do it, and I'm envious that they find the self drive to get anything done.
I like my little secondary jobs, but I don't think they'd ever pay the rent, at least not with what I'm doing right now. The first of my secondary jobs, and one that I've been doing for several years, is as a content writer. I started with Associated Content shortly after I moved from Sault Ste. Marie as a way to bring in a little extra income. It wasn't alot of income by any means. I think the most I ever got for an upfront payment was ten dollars. But over time, I've built up a nice little portfolio of articles, and the page view payments have been nice, bringing me an extra thirty to forty dollars a month. More recently, I've started writing content for Triond. When I first started at that site, I gave up after a few articles, realizing that I was only pulling in about 3 cents per month. Recently, I revisited and realized that I needed to change my outlook a little bit. When you find what people are searching for, you can get alot of page views by tweaking your topics. I can still write about what I want and get a few cents per article if I promote what I'm writing (thank you Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr). In a couple weeks, I've gone from 3 cents a month to 54 cents a month. It's not alot, but it's proof that my articles are being read and that the more I write, the better chances I have of bringing in money.
The second "secondary" job is as a ChaCha expeditor. I gave this a try after hearing some people talk about it. Again, this isn't a job that's going to make you rich, and it can be tedious. But it can also be addictive if you're in the right frame of mind. For anyone who's ever lost two or three hours on Yahoo! Answers, it's the same idea, only you're making a couple cents for every question you answer. There are other jobs at ChaCha, including generalists/specialists and voice expeditors, and the different jobs pay at different rates. A couple friends of mine are generalists/specialists (a job I don't envy because I've seen some of the questions we expeditors send them...). ChaCha only pays at $150 which seems like a bum deal, but if it's not money you're counting on as part of your budget, then the pay cycle doesn't matter so much. I have yet to receive a payment from them, but I'm getting there. In fact, I've already decided that this "unbudgeted" money is going towards the eReader I want (as long as everything else is paid up at the time).
I have this fantasy of working from home in my pajamas, but realistically, I'm not sure if I could give up my 8 to 5. Besides the stability of having a steady paycheck, I need an outside source of motivation. While I can self motivate for a short time, I tend to lose interest in things really fast. Those of you who've known me for awhile know that I've gone through other writing phases only to drop off after a few months and remain silent for as long as a couple years. While ChaCha is great while I'm working toward a goal, if I don't keep that in mind, I won't commit any time to answering questions.
It may be possible in the future to try to work from home, but right now I'm going to continue working by day, writing and ChaCha-ing by night. Also...and I'm not going to say much about it at this point...after the New Year I'm going to be trying out another business venture with a friend of mine. It's not something I ever thought I'd do, nor am I sure I'm going to last long term, but I'm willing to take the risk for it. Trust me...once it happens, everyone will know about it.
On that note, it's time to go get some sleep in prep for my day job. Everyone have a happy Monday and a great week!
ALF
I like my little secondary jobs, but I don't think they'd ever pay the rent, at least not with what I'm doing right now. The first of my secondary jobs, and one that I've been doing for several years, is as a content writer. I started with Associated Content shortly after I moved from Sault Ste. Marie as a way to bring in a little extra income. It wasn't alot of income by any means. I think the most I ever got for an upfront payment was ten dollars. But over time, I've built up a nice little portfolio of articles, and the page view payments have been nice, bringing me an extra thirty to forty dollars a month. More recently, I've started writing content for Triond. When I first started at that site, I gave up after a few articles, realizing that I was only pulling in about 3 cents per month. Recently, I revisited and realized that I needed to change my outlook a little bit. When you find what people are searching for, you can get alot of page views by tweaking your topics. I can still write about what I want and get a few cents per article if I promote what I'm writing (thank you Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr). In a couple weeks, I've gone from 3 cents a month to 54 cents a month. It's not alot, but it's proof that my articles are being read and that the more I write, the better chances I have of bringing in money.
The second "secondary" job is as a ChaCha expeditor. I gave this a try after hearing some people talk about it. Again, this isn't a job that's going to make you rich, and it can be tedious. But it can also be addictive if you're in the right frame of mind. For anyone who's ever lost two or three hours on Yahoo! Answers, it's the same idea, only you're making a couple cents for every question you answer. There are other jobs at ChaCha, including generalists/specialists and voice expeditors, and the different jobs pay at different rates. A couple friends of mine are generalists/specialists (a job I don't envy because I've seen some of the questions we expeditors send them...). ChaCha only pays at $150 which seems like a bum deal, but if it's not money you're counting on as part of your budget, then the pay cycle doesn't matter so much. I have yet to receive a payment from them, but I'm getting there. In fact, I've already decided that this "unbudgeted" money is going towards the eReader I want (as long as everything else is paid up at the time).
I have this fantasy of working from home in my pajamas, but realistically, I'm not sure if I could give up my 8 to 5. Besides the stability of having a steady paycheck, I need an outside source of motivation. While I can self motivate for a short time, I tend to lose interest in things really fast. Those of you who've known me for awhile know that I've gone through other writing phases only to drop off after a few months and remain silent for as long as a couple years. While ChaCha is great while I'm working toward a goal, if I don't keep that in mind, I won't commit any time to answering questions.
It may be possible in the future to try to work from home, but right now I'm going to continue working by day, writing and ChaCha-ing by night. Also...and I'm not going to say much about it at this point...after the New Year I'm going to be trying out another business venture with a friend of mine. It's not something I ever thought I'd do, nor am I sure I'm going to last long term, but I'm willing to take the risk for it. Trust me...once it happens, everyone will know about it.
On that note, it's time to go get some sleep in prep for my day job. Everyone have a happy Monday and a great week!
ALF
Monday, October 26, 2009
One Week Until NaNoWriMo – Thoughts and Plans
Less than a week to go until National Novel Writing Month kicks off and I’m still excited for it. What makes this any different from just writing a story? I don’t know. I think it’s a mix of the hype surrounding it and the fact that so many other people are taking part in it. It’s also the chance to create something. Let’s face it…this story could be totally awesome, or totally horrible, and you really don’t know until you get to the end. Of course, even if it’s totally horrible, there could be potential, and potential is a huge aspect when it comes to writing.
Last year’s project was a fluffy romance. This year I’m going to attempt a mystery of sorts. I’ve admitted to my writer’s group that I feel overwhelmed at the prospect of writing a mystery, so for me to attempt it is going to be interesting. It’s going to be a mystery/supernatural/romance about a security firm owned and ran by vampires in a world where vampires are just another part of society. The main story involves the head of V-Sec Industries acting as bodyguard to a local heiress who’s been leading a double life to escape her family’s expectations. She starts receiving threatening letters, so her father hires V-Sec to keep her safe.
That’s the general outline, anyway. I have a few aspects figured out in my head but the story will most likely take its own shape as I write it. I was inspired not only by basic vampire lore, but by aspects of the Southern Vampire/True Blood world. My biggest inspiration as far as the mystery/action part of the plot comes from Suzanne Brockman’s Troubleshooter series. I’ve only read two of them, but they are fabulous. I’m not even trying to reach her level of talent, I just want to see if I can do something fun with my muses.
This past weekend, I came close to changing my concept. I was watching a documentary about “Deep Throat” (the film) and had a spark of an idea for a new story. However, I’ve decided to let that one simmer for a little while and revisit it if it keeps nagging at me.
If anyone else is doing NaNoWriMo, you can add me as a friend if you’d like. I’m “mystressmanda.” If you’re not sure but want to check it out, you can go here and poke around or sign up. The point is to write 50,000 words in a month. Think of it as a month long free writing exercise with the potential to turn into something fantastic.
I may be posting my story on this blog, but I’ll be sure to title it with “NaNoWriMo” or something of the like so you can skip if you want. Constructive criticism on what will essentially be a rough draft is always welcome.
Last year’s project was a fluffy romance. This year I’m going to attempt a mystery of sorts. I’ve admitted to my writer’s group that I feel overwhelmed at the prospect of writing a mystery, so for me to attempt it is going to be interesting. It’s going to be a mystery/supernatural/romance about a security firm owned and ran by vampires in a world where vampires are just another part of society. The main story involves the head of V-Sec Industries acting as bodyguard to a local heiress who’s been leading a double life to escape her family’s expectations. She starts receiving threatening letters, so her father hires V-Sec to keep her safe.
That’s the general outline, anyway. I have a few aspects figured out in my head but the story will most likely take its own shape as I write it. I was inspired not only by basic vampire lore, but by aspects of the Southern Vampire/True Blood world. My biggest inspiration as far as the mystery/action part of the plot comes from Suzanne Brockman’s Troubleshooter series. I’ve only read two of them, but they are fabulous. I’m not even trying to reach her level of talent, I just want to see if I can do something fun with my muses.
This past weekend, I came close to changing my concept. I was watching a documentary about “Deep Throat” (the film) and had a spark of an idea for a new story. However, I’ve decided to let that one simmer for a little while and revisit it if it keeps nagging at me.
If anyone else is doing NaNoWriMo, you can add me as a friend if you’d like. I’m “mystressmanda.” If you’re not sure but want to check it out, you can go here and poke around or sign up. The point is to write 50,000 words in a month. Think of it as a month long free writing exercise with the potential to turn into something fantastic.
I may be posting my story on this blog, but I’ll be sure to title it with “NaNoWriMo” or something of the like so you can skip if you want. Constructive criticism on what will essentially be a rough draft is always welcome.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Fear of Rejection
The rejection isn’t about people or social settings. I do have social anxiety, but this was more about the fear of putting pieces of myself out there, things I love to do, with the chance that they’ll be rejected. The two main examples are knitting and writing.
I haven’t been knitting long, a few years for standard knitting and a few months for purling and some “extras.” I’ve made some neat stuff, including the Alien Illusion Scarf for Jon and a couple of multi-colored hats. They’re not the best made things, but I ‘m sure they’re better than the potential product of a baboon with knitting needles and some yarn. I have a couple scarves which are actually pretty and at one time, I’d really wanted to put them on etsy. I even set up a store.
Guess what hasn’t made it on etsy? I keep thinking it’s because I’m too lazy to do it. I’m too lazy to find the right angle and lighting to take a picture and oh goodness, even though I’m already on the computer for hours at a time, those extra clicks would just take too much out of me. But seriously? I’m pretty sure I’m just worried they won’t sell and that I’ll have wasted the time doing it and I’ll feel slapped in the face because no one will want my stuff.
I know that sounds ridiculous. People list things on there all the time that doesn’t sell. I follow some people on Twitter who relist regularly, and Craftastrophe has proven that people sell things for a lot of money that look like a can of paint and some cement threw up after a wild night at the bar. I know I’m not the only one who’s ever had something that no one else wanted.
Maybe it’s because I have no confidence in what I make.
Then there’s my writing. On any day, I’ll tell you that I love to write. On a good day, I’ll say that my writing isn’t too bad. On a bad day, or any day that I’m on the verge of writing a query letter or sending in a manuscript, I’ll say that my writing is horrible, there’s no way anyone would publish it, and there’s no point in even trying. Granted, there are a few more steps to sending in a potential novel than listing a handmade item on etsy, but I think my mind processes it the same and says “I don’t want to be rejected.”
My co-worker made a good point. “Either you never try and nothing happens. Or you try and something might happen.” It makes sense in that context, so how come I can’t get my head and emotions around it?
Conclusion drawn: At some point, I have to suck it up and just go for it.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
NaNoWriMo
I love NaNoWriMo.
NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. The point is for any would be author to take one month to write a novel of 30,000 words or more. If you do it, you win, simple as that. No one critiques or proofs your work. If you want to go back and proof and submit, you can since it’s still your work. The point is to write freely and see what happens.
I’ve done this for two years. Last year I worked on a story set in Sault Ste. Marie that I had an absolute blast with. Of course it’s been shelved for a year, waiting for proofing and a re-write, but I still remember enjoying the writing process of it, and I think I’ll even like it when I go back and review. To be honest, I don’t remember what I wrote in 2006 and I’m not sure why I missed 2007.
I have my concept picked out for this year’s NaNo. The challenge is going to be to NOT start until the first of November, but to let the ideas simmer. It’s actually an idea I started awhile back and then gave up on. I’m sticking with the idea but changing the basic outline. I will be jumping (back) on the vampire bandwagon for this one (even though I failed to ever revisit my college vampire stories), and I will also be attempting a mystery of sorts.
I think we have a group here in Manhattan, KS, but I’m trying to get a few people I know and work with to join up too. To sign up, go here (even if you don’t live in Manhattan, KS) and give it a shot. Okay, I know not everyone likes to write, but it’s still kind of fun, it’s only one month out of the year, and it makes for an interesting challenge.
NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. The point is for any would be author to take one month to write a novel of 30,000 words or more. If you do it, you win, simple as that. No one critiques or proofs your work. If you want to go back and proof and submit, you can since it’s still your work. The point is to write freely and see what happens.
I’ve done this for two years. Last year I worked on a story set in Sault Ste. Marie that I had an absolute blast with. Of course it’s been shelved for a year, waiting for proofing and a re-write, but I still remember enjoying the writing process of it, and I think I’ll even like it when I go back and review. To be honest, I don’t remember what I wrote in 2006 and I’m not sure why I missed 2007.
I have my concept picked out for this year’s NaNo. The challenge is going to be to NOT start until the first of November, but to let the ideas simmer. It’s actually an idea I started awhile back and then gave up on. I’m sticking with the idea but changing the basic outline. I will be jumping (back) on the vampire bandwagon for this one (even though I failed to ever revisit my college vampire stories), and I will also be attempting a mystery of sorts.
I think we have a group here in Manhattan, KS, but I’m trying to get a few people I know and work with to join up too. To sign up, go here (even if you don’t live in Manhattan, KS) and give it a shot. Okay, I know not everyone likes to write, but it’s still kind of fun, it’s only one month out of the year, and it makes for an interesting challenge.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Sharing
Besides my previous dabble in fan fiction (which I may or may not do again in the near future), I hadn’t really shared my writing with anyone since college. Sure, I posted my NaNoWriMo for people to read, but there’s a difference between entertaining the internet and getting actual feedback for something.
Last night was our Writers Meeting and I was armed with one of my current writing projects, a fun fluff story/novel called “Highest Bidder.” Romance is one of my favorite things to write, not only because I’ve read so much of it in my life, but because the actual act of writing it is fun for me. I love all that cutesy mushy gushy type stuff, and this is the genre my past few writing projects have centered around.
The only thing that makes this one different is the importance of dialogue, and I was a little worried about conversation overkill between my characters. I’m proud to say though that my work was met with positive feedback, some great constructive criticism, and some good laughs. While the humor played out in my head as I was writing it, I was highly pleased to see that it translated to other people.
Once I get this done, I may take on a few beta readers for feedback. Who knows? Maybe I’ll even try to get this one published.
Last night was our Writers Meeting and I was armed with one of my current writing projects, a fun fluff story/novel called “Highest Bidder.” Romance is one of my favorite things to write, not only because I’ve read so much of it in my life, but because the actual act of writing it is fun for me. I love all that cutesy mushy gushy type stuff, and this is the genre my past few writing projects have centered around.
The only thing that makes this one different is the importance of dialogue, and I was a little worried about conversation overkill between my characters. I’m proud to say though that my work was met with positive feedback, some great constructive criticism, and some good laughs. While the humor played out in my head as I was writing it, I was highly pleased to see that it translated to other people.
Once I get this done, I may take on a few beta readers for feedback. Who knows? Maybe I’ll even try to get this one published.
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