My last post revolved around needing work. I lamented about not having a writing job, wished someone would contact me, blah blah blah.
Someone shoot me.
Today, in the early morning I applied for a job and heard back from the employer almost instantly. Talk about being surprised! Not to mention happy, because even though it is a bulk writing position and the pay per article is low, I can really use the money. With three children, one in diapers, one who is just insane, and another about to enter public school kindergarten in the fall...yeah, I need it.
The woman is really nice and offered me as much work as I can handle. When I say as much work as I can handle, I mean it. Today I did a trial run of 5 keyword articles, but if I want it, I can get far more, PER DAY. It's a bit daunting, as some projects are 25 or more due in just a few days. That's something I haven't done before. But I did find out that if I push myself, I can do it. I had 5 articles finished in around 3 hours, including research.
Oh and in the middle of sealing the deal with the lady, I received another email for a gig to write a monograph. I am one of the few chosen to write a sample out of which they will choose a writer. I need to write this ASAP, as the writer will be chosen on Friday. Why am I so hyped? It pays nearly $3,000. For a budding freelancer, that is one hell of a clip under my belt and wad in my pocket.
Can you say school clothes? NICE ones?
The fun part of the whole episode today was the kids. My oldest surprised me, she was really well behaved. Her sister and brother on the other hand. OH MY GOD. I wrote the keyword articles with screeching, hitting, crying, and once the 10 month old bit me on the butt when standing by my chair. None of us was happy in the near 90 degree heat.
Normal day. Only I was in a rush to get some great work out to impress this woman. So, finally, all proud of myself for working through it all, I attached the last document to the email and sent it out. YAY! Finished. The house had taken on a strange silence around the time I had finished sending the email, so I turned to tell my husband I was done, and you know what I see?
A baby passed out on the floor like a drunken sailor with a bottle hanging from the corner of his mouth and his 2 1/2 year old sister snoring on the couch. I looked at hubby and asked,
"How DARE they? How dare they fall asleep when I am DONE? Not while I am in the middle of writing, but AFTER I finish?"
So, I did what any frustrated and mentally exhausted mother/writer would do. I stalked out of the house and jumped fully clothed into the pool. I feel much better now. Though I am terrified of if I can handle all this work.
Oh lord, I need to send some posts out to my gossip blog. YIKES!
**EDIT**
As soon as I logged out of here and logged into my email, thee was a request for an essay on caregiving for special needs in an upcoming book. YEEKS!
Rejection
Heard from an editor concerning a short horror piece. My experimental format threw them off and got the story canned.
Blah.
Though he liked the story, just not the format, which is encouraging and asked me to submit again. I may just rewrite it or churn out something new. I'm out of a job for the Virtual Assistant gig. Their site and emails kept going down, so I'd get five at one time and several days late. So, I need some income.
Been checking out the job blogs, so if I see anything promising, I'll post it. If I don't get the gig, maybe someone who needs it will! And if you know of some, let me know, I need it!
Blah.
Though he liked the story, just not the format, which is encouraging and asked me to submit again. I may just rewrite it or churn out something new. I'm out of a job for the Virtual Assistant gig. Their site and emails kept going down, so I'd get five at one time and several days late. So, I need some income.
Been checking out the job blogs, so if I see anything promising, I'll post it. If I don't get the gig, maybe someone who needs it will! And if you know of some, let me know, I need it!
Get Started Freelancing.
I'm not an expert on writing, I just know how to find places to break into the field. I have found so many tips on Absolute Write that I wanted to share. Here is a link that will take you directly to the Freelance Writing section. You might want to check out the forums, that is where I have met a ton of great writers who also share experiences and ideas.
On the forums you can find leads, advice, and support. I have joined the Monthly 'Just Hit Send' Challenges and it has really given me the confidence to strive harder. Without the folks in that circle, I would not be as confident as now. Yes, the ook I spoke about in my previous post boosted my morale, but those guys at the Absolute Write Water Cooler have my eternal gratitude.
There is nothing like joining up with other writers to really expand your horizons. So my second tip on getting started in the world of freelancing or writing in general is to find a forum or join a writer's group offline if possible. I highly recommend the Absolute Write Water Cooler for the best groups of writers anywhere.
And if you join up, let me know! My handle is SouthernFriedJulie, drop me a PM!
On the forums you can find leads, advice, and support. I have joined the Monthly 'Just Hit Send' Challenges and it has really given me the confidence to strive harder. Without the folks in that circle, I would not be as confident as now. Yes, the ook I spoke about in my previous post boosted my morale, but those guys at the Absolute Write Water Cooler have my eternal gratitude.
There is nothing like joining up with other writers to really expand your horizons. So my second tip on getting started in the world of freelancing or writing in general is to find a forum or join a writer's group offline if possible. I highly recommend the Absolute Write Water Cooler for the best groups of writers anywhere.
And if you join up, let me know! My handle is SouthernFriedJulie, drop me a PM!
So I'm Behind/Writing Tips
I know I haven't posted in a few days. In an effort to absolve myself, I shall offer some real tips in this post for newbie writers. I mean the seriously brand spanking new, don't know where to find a thing, writers.
You're trying to get started and you have no clue. Don't worry, all of us have been there. If you're interested in the freelancing part, then I can help you. We'll move on to novels as I move on in my quest.
The very first thing you should do as a budding freelance writer is to buy "Make a Real Living As A Freelance Writer" By Jenna Glatzer. Normally, I don't go in for books on how to make a living, because most are just self promotions. "I did this, I did that, look at me" sort of thing.
Not this book. Jenna Glatzer gets right in your lap and talks to you. While reading this book, I almost felt like she was there, talking to me over a cup of coffee. I've not yet read a book on a subject with this type of friendly and down to earth HELP. Yes, it's full of honest to goodness help for the starting freelancer on up to intermediate. The advice in this book would be good even for the advanced writer.
Before reading "Make A Real Living As A Freelance Writer" most of my applications to jobs were pretty dry. I know now I came across as a total novice. The day after I finished the book, I wrote my very first query to a national magazine. A 'glossy' as it's called by most freelancers. I also wrote one for a local family magazine, with a response in a few hours.
Will I tell you if I was rejected? Sure, I will. But it was a request for the full article! I'll let you know how it goes from there.
So, take it from me, someone who has been trying to break into the freelance markets for a very long time, this book will give you the advice and help you build the confidence you need to start making a living from your writing. The site will give you links to places to find the book, but I purchased mine on ebay for a great price!
In my next post I will continue tips for the very new writer for freelance.
DISCLAIMER:
I have not been approached or compensated for this review in any way. This is my opinion only, your mileage may vary, but I doubt it.
You're trying to get started and you have no clue. Don't worry, all of us have been there. If you're interested in the freelancing part, then I can help you. We'll move on to novels as I move on in my quest.
The very first thing you should do as a budding freelance writer is to buy "Make a Real Living As A Freelance Writer" By Jenna Glatzer. Normally, I don't go in for books on how to make a living, because most are just self promotions. "I did this, I did that, look at me" sort of thing.
Not this book. Jenna Glatzer gets right in your lap and talks to you. While reading this book, I almost felt like she was there, talking to me over a cup of coffee. I've not yet read a book on a subject with this type of friendly and down to earth HELP. Yes, it's full of honest to goodness help for the starting freelancer on up to intermediate. The advice in this book would be good even for the advanced writer.
Before reading "Make A Real Living As A Freelance Writer" most of my applications to jobs were pretty dry. I know now I came across as a total novice. The day after I finished the book, I wrote my very first query to a national magazine. A 'glossy' as it's called by most freelancers. I also wrote one for a local family magazine, with a response in a few hours.
Will I tell you if I was rejected? Sure, I will. But it was a request for the full article! I'll let you know how it goes from there.
So, take it from me, someone who has been trying to break into the freelance markets for a very long time, this book will give you the advice and help you build the confidence you need to start making a living from your writing. The site will give you links to places to find the book, but I purchased mine on ebay for a great price!
In my next post I will continue tips for the very new writer for freelance.
DISCLAIMER:
I have not been approached or compensated for this review in any way. This is my opinion only, your mileage may vary, but I doubt it.
8 Things
This is for Jen. If she lived closer to me, I'd strangle her instead.
I'm going to post 8 random things about myself. Then I am supposed to tag 8 other people. Right now I am only tagging 3, but by the end of the day I should have 5 more.
1. I met my husband on the internet.
2. I have a thing about zombies.
3. I am so terrified of thunderstorms/tornadoes, I used to calm myself by packing and unpacking an emergency bag during one. I have made my husband drive us 15 miles to a 'safe' place before one hit at 3 am.
4. I organize the potato chips I eat by size and breakage factor.
5. When I wash dished by hand, they have to be put into the sink this way: plates, saucers, bowls in the center. Silverware, left hand side. Cups around the outer edge and on top to be washed first. No exceptions, I literally will freak and redo the whole thing.
6. I just barely missed being a cop.
7. My daughter has an [now] unidentified special need. They're not sure if she is high functioning autistic, or what.
8. I hate most people around me.
Ok, so now that I am done, I am tagging others. If you're tagged, just write 8 random things about yourself in your blog and tag 8 other bloggers.
So far I'm tagging-
John- Look Me In The Eye
April
and
Wyntermoon
I'm going to post 8 random things about myself. Then I am supposed to tag 8 other people. Right now I am only tagging 3, but by the end of the day I should have 5 more.
1. I met my husband on the internet.
2. I have a thing about zombies.
3. I am so terrified of thunderstorms/tornadoes, I used to calm myself by packing and unpacking an emergency bag during one. I have made my husband drive us 15 miles to a 'safe' place before one hit at 3 am.
4. I organize the potato chips I eat by size and breakage factor.
5. When I wash dished by hand, they have to be put into the sink this way: plates, saucers, bowls in the center. Silverware, left hand side. Cups around the outer edge and on top to be washed first. No exceptions, I literally will freak and redo the whole thing.
6. I just barely missed being a cop.
7. My daughter has an [now] unidentified special need. They're not sure if she is high functioning autistic, or what.
8. I hate most people around me.
Ok, so now that I am done, I am tagging others. If you're tagged, just write 8 random things about yourself in your blog and tag 8 other bloggers.
So far I'm tagging-
John- Look Me In The Eye
April
and
Wyntermoon
Users and Abusers
I have to say, I really enjoy and look forward to the Freelance Writing Jobs blog. I use it often and I know others who do as well. It's a wonderful resource for those of us looking for work. Jobs are gathered from all over and one of the main places they are found is Craigslist.
So, what's my problem?
The best jobs will be flagged within minutes of being posted. These aren't spam posts, they're honest to god real jobs. It seems that there is a trend among some to flag a job they're interested in to cut down on competition.
Sad.
Are these people so worried about their skills that they feel they can't hold their own against others who apply? Obviously. Being a freelance writer is hard enough without this type of behavior. Writers should support one another instead of blocking someone who may be more qualified, who knows, that person you took the job from may have needed it more.
And what if you're one of the many who flagged something only to find out you didn't get the job? Flagging jobs over and over by the same employers who are offering great opportunities will eventually get that person banned from posting. So, double whammy...no job for you now and no job for you later.
Get a grip on yourself. Stop flagging great jobs. Work hard and learn to send great queries. It doesn't take more than a bit of work. If you're already freelancing, then you should have enough confidence to actually compete instead of cheat.
So, what's my problem?
The best jobs will be flagged within minutes of being posted. These aren't spam posts, they're honest to god real jobs. It seems that there is a trend among some to flag a job they're interested in to cut down on competition.
Sad.
Are these people so worried about their skills that they feel they can't hold their own against others who apply? Obviously. Being a freelance writer is hard enough without this type of behavior. Writers should support one another instead of blocking someone who may be more qualified, who knows, that person you took the job from may have needed it more.
And what if you're one of the many who flagged something only to find out you didn't get the job? Flagging jobs over and over by the same employers who are offering great opportunities will eventually get that person banned from posting. So, double whammy...no job for you now and no job for you later.
Get a grip on yourself. Stop flagging great jobs. Work hard and learn to send great queries. It doesn't take more than a bit of work. If you're already freelancing, then you should have enough confidence to actually compete instead of cheat.
Verizon Bites.
Well, I was unable to update for so long due to Verizon not being able to have a tech get out here. Seems a box on the phone pole was cracked which killed our service. The tech who finally came out 'patched' it, so I don't know how long the service will be on. It's annoying considering I do all of my work online.
Man, I can't wait until we switch to cable. I have been lobbying for it for months, but to no avail. After this go-round with Verizon, though, it was proven that we really need cable net, not just TV.
I sent out a few more queries. One was an actual pitch for an article to a national glossy. Will let ya know how it goes. Two posts up at Fatback and Collards under my pen name, Valkyrie. And, uh...the site is truly NSFW.
Man, I can't wait until we switch to cable. I have been lobbying for it for months, but to no avail. After this go-round with Verizon, though, it was proven that we really need cable net, not just TV.
I sent out a few more queries. One was an actual pitch for an article to a national glossy. Will let ya know how it goes. Two posts up at Fatback and Collards under my pen name, Valkyrie. And, uh...the site is truly NSFW.
Ghosties go BOO!
I decided to start a contest over at my website. If you're into the paranormal and want a chance to win something 'haunted', go on over and register, then enter the contest. This is the first contest with a prize other than forum credits we've run.
I'm thinking of adding some click ads to the site to try and generate enough cash to keep it from being a finacial pit. Or offering the Ghosttec Supporter accounts again. With Supporter accounts I could run exclusive contests and such. Don't know.
We were going to have some t-shirts printed up, but I don't want to end up with a stock of unsold shirts. What a mess.
Duh, I forgot to link to it. Ghosttec.
I'm thinking of adding some click ads to the site to try and generate enough cash to keep it from being a finacial pit. Or offering the Ghosttec Supporter accounts again. With Supporter accounts I could run exclusive contests and such. Don't know.
We were going to have some t-shirts printed up, but I don't want to end up with a stock of unsold shirts. What a mess.
Duh, I forgot to link to it. Ghosttec.
Sore Wankies Aren't Fun.
My son had another visit to the pediatrician today. Daddy took his baby boy, then came back triumphant, a wide smile pasted on his face. He had brought a yellow slip of paper back with our son's 'stats' written down. I guessed he didn't want to forget and have me uninformed. He had adhesions on his little wee which the doc had to push back the skin. His little wanky is red and sore. yes, he's circumsised, but it can still happen.
My litle boy is now up to 22 1/2 pounds, 29 1/2 inches tall, with a 48 cm head. His doctor proclaimed him to be in perfect health and perfectly proportioned for a year old. Which brings me to this...
My son is only 9 months old. Ha! I remember the nurse from his first doc's office. Little Robbie was underweight, but gained in size so dramatically she told my husband, "Well, you wanted a football player, now you just have to feed him." Yikes! Her prediction is coming to life. My little boy eats everything his sisters do, down to having to hold half sandwiches in his little hands, along with whatever side they are having.
Talked to my mother and told her about Robbie's visit. She was proud, but also seemed preoccupied. Seems that her and my stepfather have been discussing finding a place for her to stay. As in, nursing home place. She's 56, but diabetes has wreaked havoc on her health for years. A lot of this comes from self neglect, but much is due to(i feel) my stepfather's family.
A bigger group of real, live bavkwoods inbreds I've never seen. I don't feel like delving into it much because the people literally make me feel ill. Though, I will say my mother's husband knows her health, yet leaves her alone constantly. She slips into low insulin states often, a few of which she had no help for hours.
So hubby and I decided she should come up here to NY and live with us. It would benefit her immensely. Where she lives now, she can't drive her scooter-chair for fear of wild dogs and bad drivers. No sidewalks, no places to go close by. Here in the city she'd be safer and better taken care of. I've made it clear that if she is leaving her home, there is no other choice but to come here. I worked as a CNA [certified nursing assistant and rehab tech] in nursing homes and I refuse to let her go to one I cannot be at constantly.
With the inlaws here, it will be an interesting turn of events. Stay tuned.
My litle boy is now up to 22 1/2 pounds, 29 1/2 inches tall, with a 48 cm head. His doctor proclaimed him to be in perfect health and perfectly proportioned for a year old. Which brings me to this...
My son is only 9 months old. Ha! I remember the nurse from his first doc's office. Little Robbie was underweight, but gained in size so dramatically she told my husband, "Well, you wanted a football player, now you just have to feed him." Yikes! Her prediction is coming to life. My little boy eats everything his sisters do, down to having to hold half sandwiches in his little hands, along with whatever side they are having.
Talked to my mother and told her about Robbie's visit. She was proud, but also seemed preoccupied. Seems that her and my stepfather have been discussing finding a place for her to stay. As in, nursing home place. She's 56, but diabetes has wreaked havoc on her health for years. A lot of this comes from self neglect, but much is due to(i feel) my stepfather's family.
A bigger group of real, live bavkwoods inbreds I've never seen. I don't feel like delving into it much because the people literally make me feel ill. Though, I will say my mother's husband knows her health, yet leaves her alone constantly. She slips into low insulin states often, a few of which she had no help for hours.
So hubby and I decided she should come up here to NY and live with us. It would benefit her immensely. Where she lives now, she can't drive her scooter-chair for fear of wild dogs and bad drivers. No sidewalks, no places to go close by. Here in the city she'd be safer and better taken care of. I've made it clear that if she is leaving her home, there is no other choice but to come here. I worked as a CNA [certified nursing assistant and rehab tech] in nursing homes and I refuse to let her go to one I cannot be at constantly.
With the inlaws here, it will be an interesting turn of events. Stay tuned.
Links!
I've added a section that will link to blogs of great writers. To visit them, just scroll down and check out the links section of my sidebar. You will find a variety of inteesting reads and more will be joining shortly.
Happy 4th!
Today I've already done a bit of work with the Virtual Assistant job and posted an article to AC. Needed to do what I could before the festivities. I am enjoying the VA job, it's easy to do and I make a nice bit of pocket cash.
Ok, so what I call pocket cash is really diaper money, but hey, who cares?
Been trying to think of something interesting and helpful to place in my other blog. I need to think of something no one else has. Maybe I'll post some grocery shopping hints.
But, back to writing. I think I already posted that my profile is up on the blog I applied for. I'm pretty stoked about it, hopefully soon I can be like a friend of mine and pay all of my bills with blogging money. I'd like to pitch a blog to b5media, but I'm not sure what I'd post about.
I am also thinking of starting an opinion blog based on my one 'bitch' persona. I'm not sure blogger is ready for that, though.
Ok, so what I call pocket cash is really diaper money, but hey, who cares?
Been trying to think of something interesting and helpful to place in my other blog. I need to think of something no one else has. Maybe I'll post some grocery shopping hints.
But, back to writing. I think I already posted that my profile is up on the blog I applied for. I'm pretty stoked about it, hopefully soon I can be like a friend of mine and pay all of my bills with blogging money. I'd like to pitch a blog to b5media, but I'm not sure what I'd post about.
I am also thinking of starting an opinion blog based on my one 'bitch' persona. I'm not sure blogger is ready for that, though.
Collaboration
Talked to my cousin for a while today. She's probably my favorite family member, but I don't think she knows that. Well, Donna, you have a link here and if you're reading, now you do know!
We discussed writing a book together, based on our lives. I thought at the time that merging them into one main character would work, but now I am kinda on the idea of actually writing ourselves.
This is going to involve some deep delving and I don't know if I am ready to drag up a lot of my life. I was very happy to leave it behind.
Will update as it comes along.
We discussed writing a book together, based on our lives. I thought at the time that merging them into one main character would work, but now I am kinda on the idea of actually writing ourselves.
This is going to involve some deep delving and I don't know if I am ready to drag up a lot of my life. I was very happy to leave it behind.
Will update as it comes along.
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