The Wonderful World of Blogging

I know I said I was done for the year, but I couldn't resist passing on this article about how blogging can enhance your career. Pretty interesting stuff, although the majority of us may never achieve the level of success mentioned in the post. ("Sweet blog - want a job?" is not something you hear every day, although feel free to offer me a copywriting job and prove me wrong!) In fact, some bloggers end up like this (not pretty). Still, even if your blog never earns you a penny, at the very least it ups your cool factor on MySpace and exercises those writing chops on a semi-regular basis.

And while we're on the topic of blogging, check out The Writing White Pages' Top 10 Blog Posts for 2006. That's all for now. Happy New Year!

A Writer's Resolution

Since yesterday’s trek from Seattle to Boston took thirteen plus hours (gotta love holiday travel), I had ample time to reflect on a New Year’s resolution. I haven’t really made a resolution in recent years, because, let’s face it, most are lucky to continue past week three. But this year I thought I’d set a goal I actually intend to follow through on. *Drum roll, please...*

Write more strategically.

Now that I’m in the habit of writing most every day, the next step is to stick to projects that fit within my larger vision as a writer. Since the goal is to eventually write full-time (either as a copywriter or freelancer), that means prioritizing assignments that excite me creatively and could lead to bigger and meatier ones. It also means being more organized about following up with editors and keeping all my ideas in one spot.

Don’t get me wrong, writing for writing’s sake is fine (it’s why many people blog). Doing the occasional pro bono piece as a favor to someone you respect is good karma. But I spent a lot of time this year and in the past plugging away on articles just to get another clip that I don’t really need. And as I was reminded when I read Table Talk, it's just not productive.

Anyone have a resolution they’d like to share? Happy New Year to all, and see ya next year!

They like me, they really like me!

I’ve been writing for Young Money magazine regularly for the past two years, and they recently redid their website. I couldn’t help noticing that my 2004 article on Holiday Gifts tops their current list of most popular articles. Take a look.

I also got a shout-out in Deborah Ng's End of the Year Blog Round-Up. All in all, an excellent week.

Best Books of 2006

With 2006 drawing to a close, Publisher's Weekly, NY Times, and other major publishing sources are listing their top book picks of the year. Being an avid reader and lover of words myself, I thought I would compile my list with a twist: instead of limiting myself to books that were actually published in 2006, I've decided to include any books I read this year to give a broader sense of my literary taste. Here, in no particular order, are my favorite reads of 2006:

My Sister's Keeper. I practically devoured this 448-page novel about medical ethics and family dynamics in one sitting. Jodi Picoult's use of suspense and point of view are quite masterful.

The Namesake. We read this novel about an Indian-American family in my book club, and I liked Jhumpa Lahiri's prose so much that I rushed out to get her Pulitzer prize-winning book of short stories. Can't wait to see the movie with Cal Penn!

The Family Fortune. This book actually was published in 2006, and its an adaptation of Jane Austen's Persuasion set in modern-day Boston. Sure, it's light and fluffy beach reading, but I'd love to read more from Laurie Horowitz.

Unhooked Generation. In her 2006 non-fiction book, Jill Straus tackles the age-old question of "why are we still single?" I admit I was a little embarassed to be seen with a relationship book in public, but most of the women I know have read it and appreciated its frank analysis of modern dating.

Twentysomething Essays by Twentysomething Writers. This anthology is a must-read for anyone who's in that awkward phase between college and... adulthood. It tackles topics as diverse as parenting, working, and communicating via MySpace in the voices of fresh new writers.

'Tis the Season: Gifts for your Muse

If you're still trying to figure out what the heck to get the writer in your life, then here are a few suggestions:

Writing resources. My roommate, who has excellent taste, just got me The Best American Magazine Writing, which I plan to enjoy on my six hour flight later this week. Another favorite of mine is The Writer's Block, although admittedly I get more amusement from its unique shape than the ideas inside (still, it makes a lovely desk accessory). And a copy of The Writer's Market, aka the writer's Bible, will be greatly appreciated by any serious writer.

A blank book with a fancy pen. For the record, I probably have enough of these to last until at least 2010; however, I always appreciate a pretty journal. Personally, I've been eyeing this Vera Bradley notebook, but a smaller version like this travel journal is infinitely more portable (and practical) for writers on the go. Pair with a nice pen like this one, and you've a got yourself a great gift set.

Gift certificate for a writing class. Sure, its less personal than a book or journal, but chances are it will be well received. Media Bistro offers tons of classes across the country (many online), and in Boston check out Grub Street or one of the many adult and continuing education centers. If they don't offer their own gift certificates, then design your own offering to pay for a class once the recipient decides which one s/he wants to take.

Happy Holidays, and happy writing!

Ask and Ye Shall Receive

Last week I found a great little blog on writing called Ask Allison. I wrote in with a question about pitching magazine editors, and, lo and behold, she responded on the site! Read what Allison had to say.

And while we're on the topic of blogs, this one is pretty funny, too.

Writers on Writing: A Tale of Two Rachels

Today I got up at the crack of dawn (actually, 8:15, but it was Sunday!) to interview Brookline writer Rachel Solar. We first met at the Boston Younger Women's Task Force brunch back in November, and she's been a great resource for brainstorming ideas and getting editorial contacts. We agreed that Brookline is a great place for writers because there's so much going on and lots of quiet places to sit and write. The full article will appear in the March issue of Our Town Brookline magazine, but I wanted to pass on some of Rachel's favorite writers "hangouts":

• Brookline Booksmith
• Family Restaurant in Brookline Village
• JP Licks
• Infusions Tea Spa (in Allston)

Footnote: I blatantly stole this post's title from a writing class I took freshman year of college (aptly called Writers on Writing). The instructor, also named Rachel, was a pretty cool lady who later published a non-fiction book titled Foreign Babes in Beijing. We had no idea she lead such a fascinating double life! Actually, that would make an interesting article: "The Secret Lives of College Professors." Hmm...

"Well, it's been a long (and interesting) day..."

I went to the bank for a roll of quarters and left with a CD (not the musical kind). I was offered a regular spot as "go-to list girl" for Sheckys.com. And although they weren't able to use the idea I pitched originally, Next Step Magazine has just assigned me a piece about college myths (you know, things like "these are the best years of your life" and "you MUST major in bio if you ever want to go to med school"). It just goes to show that when get up in the morning you never know what the day will bring. And once you get a response from an editor (even if its a no), you should keeping pitching.

News of Another Muse

When my copy of 20something essays by 20something writers (good read, by the way) arrived a few months back, I was thrilled to see that it included an essay by my former writing instructor Kathleen Rooney. Sure, it was about her posing as a nude artists' model, which is not something you generally picture your writing instructor doing, but if anyone could pull it off, its Kathy. I always looked forward to chatting with her on the B-line after class, when she would entertain me with funny observations and anecdotes from her MFA program and life in general.

Well, despite moving out to the West Coast, I'm pleased to report that Kathy has kept at it with a poem in the December issue of Absent mag and the launch of Rose Metal Press (which is having a book party at Grub Street in the spring). And to think I knew her when...

Can't Win 'Em All

In the last 48 hours, I've gotten one rejection and one acceptance (well, technically, we're still negotiating but it sounds promising). Even with assignments coming in fairly regularly, it still stings when you spend weeks tracking down an editor's email, crafting the perfect pitch letter, and attaching your meticulously edited 800-word personal essay, only to recieve a terse "not interested. overdone." It's better than a silent rejection, but it shows why many people write queries before the actual essay.

I've never believed in outlining or pre-writing - I like to dive in headfirst and start freeing all my ideas (I'll edit later). I also find that it takes me in unexpected new directions if I let myself riff on an idea, rather than mapping it out or using bullet points. On the bright side, I have a very polished personal essay that might be perfect for some other publication. Now the challenge is to find some place that appreciates the rambling humor of a newly minted career gal. Any takers?

For fellow writers also in this predicament, this article about "Avoiding Burnout" is worth a look. It's by a very prolific freelancer named Kristen King.

One for the clipbook

I admit I had a lot of fun researching and writing this list of Boston's veggie-friendly restaurants (you can guess whose idea that was). Its nice to see my original concept appearing mere days after my pitching it. Wait... are those vegan meatballs or the real thing? I know, I know - such a perfectionist!

Calling all Muses!

Thanks to BlogsbyWomen, I discovered a really intriguing exhibit at the International Museum of Women. They are accepting essays, photographs, videos, and more from twenty- and thirty-something women worldwide examining the question: "What Defines Your Generation of Women?" Unfortunately, some of the deadlines have passed, but they're still accepting submissions for the topics of Image & Identity and Motherhood, among others. Check it out.

Would a blog by any other name...?

I admit it, I'm a perfectionist. My roommate has been hearing about this mysterious blog for a few weeks now, but I've refused to actually share the url with anyone (OK, except my mother) until I had the concept fully developed. Being in marketing, I wanted to create a brand that would reflect my creative, multi-faceted personality. I wanted to find a name that people would remember without having to scroll through all their favorite places (I am on your favorite places, right?).

Thus The Urban Muse was born. Well, sort of. Technically, this is the blog formally known as Tales of an Urban Redhead. And before that it was Musings of an Urban Redhead. And for a few (very brief) moments it was Musings on the Green Line. But then I thought, what if I moved to Cambridge or (God forbid) Cleveland someday? I'd already have to change my mailing address, did I want to deal with changing my blog address, too? I decided it was best to leave things geographically ambiguous. (Sad but true - I also deliberated this long over the AIM screenname that I've since outgrown. In college, choosing a cool sn seemed almost as important as choosing the right courses so I could graduate.) I think it's safe to say that I will be in some urban area for the foreseeable future, so there you have it.

Six Figure Writers' Tip of the Week

In researching other writers' blogs, I came across SixFigureWriters. The premise is pretty simple: five writers attempt to earn a combined income of $100K+ in 2007. It sounds a tad bit ambitious to me, since most only freelance part-time and several are relatively young like I am, but I'll definitely be watching their progress over the next year.

I just signed up for their e-newsletter, and it included a tip of the week. I agree with the "don't sell yourself short" spiel, but I'm also a believer in writing about things that you enjoy writing about to build a portfolio of clips that will lead to bigger and better (paying) gigs. Anyone care to chime in?

Coming Attractions

My mom used to say that I'd spend hours and hours as a kid with my butt glued to the dining room chair making up stories and getting pasty from lack of sunlight. I guess not much has changed in fifteen years...

Thanks to a writing class at BCAE kick-starting my creativity again (the real world has a nasty habit of getting in the way), I've been writing up a storm the last couple of months. I have a regular gig ghost-writing for Sheckys.com. And stay tuned for articles in Digs Magazine, Savvy Miss, and The Middlesex Beat. It's been nice to have extra cash for the holidays, and Christine Junge, my instructor at BCAE, has been great about critiquing my ideas via email. Seriously, take her class on freelance writing!