Unfortunately, "build it and they will come" doesn’t apply to blogging, as you can see from today's Will Write for Chocolate comic. If you want people to come, you have to create some buzz. Here are a few of the tips I’ve picked up along the way:
1. Add your link to all your profiles. This includes your email signature, your profile page on MySpace, Facebook, Yelp, AIM, and anywhere else. Its not too obtrusive, but people DO click on it out of curiosity. Also include the URL in your alumni notices, if appropriate.
2. Comment Early and Often. Commenting on other blogs in your niche is not only good karma, it’s also a good way to get noticed. Be sure to log into your blogger account or leave your URL so they can check out your site. Hopefully this will lead to item #3.
3. Create reciprocal links. Blogging is all about linking. Add like-minded bloggers to your blogroll and ask them do the same (leave a few comments first so they’ll know who you are). Clicking through blogrolls is a great way to discover new ideas and new bloggers. Also link to and comment on posts from those blogs that interest you.
4. Google/Google Alerts: Regularly google your name and your blog's name so you’ll know when people are mentioning you and leave a comment thanking them. It's how I found this blog. Try searching for both "links:MyBlogName.blogspot.com" and "My Blog Name." If that’s too time-consuming for you, then sign up for Google Alerts.
5. Register with blog directories. A few examples: BlogCatalog, BlogHer, BlogWise, DelightfulBlogs, and Technorati. If you’re just starting out, then these can also be a good source for your blogroll.
Here are some more ideas:
ProBlogger's How to Market Your Blog in 2007
Web Pro New's 25 Tips for Marketing Your Blog
And great ideas for your general marketing needs: InkThinker's No Frill Freelance Marketing
Anything I've missed?
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
The M-Word, Part 2
Those of who are already married can skip this post. It's not that I'm against weddings or marriage, but sometimes an unmarried gal just needs to get thing or two off her chest...
Some of you may remember my mini-meltdown earlier in the month when a friend from high school tied the knot (ok, meltdown is a tad melodramatic, more like quarterlife angst). Well, there's another wedding in February. It's in the Midwest, so I won't be attending, but the idea of my high school friends settling down already is a little... unsettling. I have enough trouble choosing a pair of shoes (and those are returnable): how am I supposed to make a commitment "til death do us part"? But at least I can take solace in these amusing little articles:
- Singled Out (check out Tango magazine, I'm hoping to pitch them later this year)
- Always a Bridesmaid (I love this blog about budgeting for young women - very smart advice!)
Monday, January 29, 2007
Writing on the Go
Just returned from a much-needed mini-vacay and discovered, thanks to StatCounter, that in less than a month, this blog has hit 1,000 page loads (a very happy birthday present)! I've been meaning to write a post on how to market your blog, but that will have to wait until I get settled and submit the two articles I wrote in the airport/on the plane (and which paid for this fun little soiree, I am loving my trusty laptop right now). In the meantime, feast your eyes on Media Bistro's Media Predictions for 2007.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
BONUS: 5 Q's with Kristen Fischer
I'd originally intended to post my 5 Q's feature twice a month. But after hearing about Kristen Fischer's upcoming book Creatively Self-Employed: How Writers and Artists Deal with Career Ups and Downs, I just couldn't wait another week (plus, I'm taking a blogging break this weekend and wanted to leave everyone with some inspirational words of wisdom). I found Kristen when her editor and next week's 5 Q's subject Kristen King posted about Kristen F's second book, What College Didn't Prepare Me For (if my life were a show on the CW, that would be the title). Here's what Kristen F. had to say about the creative life:
Urban Muse: Could you tell us a bit about making the transition from science major to freelance writer?
Kristen: Mine was a natural progression. After graduating and realizing I didn't want to wade through mud, I tried to find a job working in communications for an environmental company, but they all wanted field technicians. I thought about what I was good at, which was always writing, and wound up taking a job at a small weekly newspaper. Later on, I did go back and work for an environmental company, which gave me great technical/corporate writing experience. Now I also realize that while I may not really do much work with environmental companies, I'm still getting use of my degree. I actually do some freelance work for a few environmental consultants. I love having a background in something different--plus, a lot of field technicians can't write reports to save their lives, so my environmental clients need me. I use that angle to market myself and it works!
UM: Most of us are familiar with the querying process for magazines and newspapers, but how do you find copywriting clients?
K: You want me to give up my secrets? Haha. Persistence is key. I try to reply to ads and approach companies that I'm interested in working for. There's no set way, but after reading books by Peter Bowerman and Bob Bly, I realized that I was on the right track in finding the bacon! Also with copywriting you have to market yourself. I have a brochure, a website and other handouts that I give prospective clients. Some in my industry make mini press kits. I also use direct mail. It's more like a business where you market your capabilities overall rather than offering one idea up. Still, I hope to pursue more magazine work once my books take off.
UM: Do you have any tips on handling rejection?
K: I used to let it destroy me, which is why I self-published Creatively Self-Employed. I still get upset when I don't get a gig. But that's negative energy and I try to refocus my efforts. But if you have to burn your rejection letters to releaseyour anger, do it! I think after a while you see that there are so many opportunities out there that one rejection can't define you.
UM: When you're dealing with the number of sources and subjects that you used for Creatively Self-Employed, how did you keep them all organized?
K: That's a really great question! I was good about putting the interviews directly into Word and then saving each file with the participants name. When I'd enter their information into the manuscript, I'd move the file into the "Used" folder. I also kept lists in-folders. My lists never originate in the same place (I have so many cute notebooks I write in) but I manage to use physical folders to make sure they stay put. Collecting releases was a nightmare. I have one phone line so when someone would fax I'd try to set up atime then switch the line over. The line would runacross my desk and then the regular phone would ringand it'd be a copywriting client or something like that. Then the person faxing would email about 10 times and tell me my fax machine wasn't working. I would get so agitated! I'm doing the same for my upcoming book, which is in a similar format. Thank goodness I have a publisher is collecting most of the releases for me.
UM: Last question... where is your favorite place to write and why?
K: My home office. I've made it a point to make it visually nurturing. I keep it clean and organized. I have a fabulous widescreen monitor. I hang up inspirational pictures and quotes. Burn candles and listen to XM Radio...that sort of thing. Otherwise, I love coffeehouses. Starbucks is cool if it's not super-busy. Otherwise, I go up the road to this little coffeehouse in town. They have a huge counter with barstools, where I penned most of my book.
UM: Thanks, Kristen. Good luck with your book!
Urban Muse: Could you tell us a bit about making the transition from science major to freelance writer?
Kristen: Mine was a natural progression. After graduating and realizing I didn't want to wade through mud, I tried to find a job working in communications for an environmental company, but they all wanted field technicians. I thought about what I was good at, which was always writing, and wound up taking a job at a small weekly newspaper. Later on, I did go back and work for an environmental company, which gave me great technical/corporate writing experience. Now I also realize that while I may not really do much work with environmental companies, I'm still getting use of my degree. I actually do some freelance work for a few environmental consultants. I love having a background in something different--plus, a lot of field technicians can't write reports to save their lives, so my environmental clients need me. I use that angle to market myself and it works!
UM: Most of us are familiar with the querying process for magazines and newspapers, but how do you find copywriting clients?
K: You want me to give up my secrets? Haha. Persistence is key. I try to reply to ads and approach companies that I'm interested in working for. There's no set way, but after reading books by Peter Bowerman and Bob Bly, I realized that I was on the right track in finding the bacon! Also with copywriting you have to market yourself. I have a brochure, a website and other handouts that I give prospective clients. Some in my industry make mini press kits. I also use direct mail. It's more like a business where you market your capabilities overall rather than offering one idea up. Still, I hope to pursue more magazine work once my books take off.
UM: Do you have any tips on handling rejection?
K: I used to let it destroy me, which is why I self-published Creatively Self-Employed. I still get upset when I don't get a gig. But that's negative energy and I try to refocus my efforts. But if you have to burn your rejection letters to releaseyour anger, do it! I think after a while you see that there are so many opportunities out there that one rejection can't define you.
UM: When you're dealing with the number of sources and subjects that you used for Creatively Self-Employed, how did you keep them all organized?
K: That's a really great question! I was good about putting the interviews directly into Word and then saving each file with the participants name. When I'd enter their information into the manuscript, I'd move the file into the "Used" folder. I also kept lists in-folders. My lists never originate in the same place (I have so many cute notebooks I write in) but I manage to use physical folders to make sure they stay put. Collecting releases was a nightmare. I have one phone line so when someone would fax I'd try to set up atime then switch the line over. The line would runacross my desk and then the regular phone would ringand it'd be a copywriting client or something like that. Then the person faxing would email about 10 times and tell me my fax machine wasn't working. I would get so agitated! I'm doing the same for my upcoming book, which is in a similar format. Thank goodness I have a publisher is collecting most of the releases for me.
UM: Last question... where is your favorite place to write and why?
K: My home office. I've made it a point to make it visually nurturing. I keep it clean and organized. I have a fabulous widescreen monitor. I hang up inspirational pictures and quotes. Burn candles and listen to XM Radio...that sort of thing. Otherwise, I love coffeehouses. Starbucks is cool if it's not super-busy. Otherwise, I go up the road to this little coffeehouse in town. They have a huge counter with barstools, where I penned most of my book.
UM: Thanks, Kristen. Good luck with your book!
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
The Waiting Game
"You must keep sending work out; you must never let a manuscript do nothing but eat its head off in a drawer. You send that work out again and again, while you're working on another one. If you have talent, you will receive some measure of success - but only if you persist."
~Isaac Asimov (1920 - 1992)
To my fellow Query Challengers who have sent their manuscripts and query letters out into the worlds and are eagerly awaiting word from their editors, check out this post from Diapers to Deadlines discussing response times. I know for me waiting to hear from an editor can feel like waiting for a guy to call after a really good first date. The waiting and wondering can be excruciating! (And yes, I've tried calling them, but I don't always like the answer, so sometimes its better to just assume they "lost my number." See "Maybe they're 'just not that into' me" post.) Actually, this week has been pretty darn good. I have four new assignments; however, two of them are from editors I've worked with in the past, so I was reasonably sure they would bite. Anyone else have good news they'd like to share?
~Isaac Asimov (1920 - 1992)
To my fellow Query Challengers who have sent their manuscripts and query letters out into the worlds and are eagerly awaiting word from their editors, check out this post from Diapers to Deadlines discussing response times. I know for me waiting to hear from an editor can feel like waiting for a guy to call after a really good first date. The waiting and wondering can be excruciating! (And yes, I've tried calling them, but I don't always like the answer, so sometimes its better to just assume they "lost my number." See "Maybe they're 'just not that into' me" post.) Actually, this week has been pretty darn good. I have four new assignments; however, two of them are from editors I've worked with in the past, so I was reasonably sure they would bite. Anyone else have good news they'd like to share?
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Maybe they're "just not that into" me
Have you ever gotten an email like this?
Dear Susan,
Thank you for sending your idea to X Magazine. Unfortunately, we are not accepting new writers/just assigned that story/currently experiencing funding issues/not interested at this time. I will contact you immediately should things change.
Sincerely,
Editor Ellen*
If you're like me, you were initially psyched to get a personal response. But as you read between the lines, you suspected that you've just received the classic brush-off. Editor/writer relationships are not that different from boy/girl relationships in that overanalyzing messages for hidden clues is pretty pointless. To quote the now legendary Sex and the City episode that spawned an almost-as-successful book: "He's just not that into you."
For more on deciphering the messages of editors and agents, check out Agent Obscura's post about "Things Agents Say." Nadia writes in the comment section that she posted the entry in a NyQuil-induced bout of sarcasm, but if you read her blog on a semi-regular basis, you know that brand of sarcasm is her trademark.
*Not an actual email, written purely for demonstration purposes.
Dear Susan,
Thank you for sending your idea to X Magazine. Unfortunately, we are not accepting new writers/just assigned that story/currently experiencing funding issues/not interested at this time. I will contact you immediately should things change.
Sincerely,
Editor Ellen*
If you're like me, you were initially psyched to get a personal response. But as you read between the lines, you suspected that you've just received the classic brush-off. Editor/writer relationships are not that different from boy/girl relationships in that overanalyzing messages for hidden clues is pretty pointless. To quote the now legendary Sex and the City episode that spawned an almost-as-successful book: "He's just not that into you."
For more on deciphering the messages of editors and agents, check out Agent Obscura's post about "Things Agents Say." Nadia writes in the comment section that she posted the entry in a NyQuil-induced bout of sarcasm, but if you read her blog on a semi-regular basis, you know that brand of sarcasm is her trademark.
*Not an actual email, written purely for demonstration purposes.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Tasty Tips for Food Writers
If, like me, you're craving some food-related clips but don't know where to start, then check out Media Bistro's How to get your first food writing clip. The awesome Allison Winn Scotch of Ask Allison also cooked up some tips on breaking into Cooking Light a while back. Here are a few food-related mags to get those creative juices flowing (you can see where my grocery dollars go):
Can you smell success?
Can you smell success?
Friday, January 19, 2007
Dealing with Disappointment
Queries submitted in the last eight days: 16
Rejections received in the last eight hours: 2
I'd say this calls for some wine and yoga (although not necessarily in that order). Yes, I did get an acceptance email just the other day and one of the editors explained that she'd just assigned a similar story, but rejection still stings. Period. Lest anyone worry that I’m actually going to spend the weekend in a merlot-induced haze, here are a few ideas on how to cope with disappointment (because today it was me, but who knows what might happen tomorrow?):
Buy yourself some bling. Ok, I'm just kidding on this one, but if you can afford a new diamond pendant, then more power to you. In my moment of weakness, I opted to browse Amazon for some upbeat, (hopefully) career-enhancing reads.
Space out your queries. I blatantly disregarded this sage bit of advice, and now I'm a cautionary tale about a writer who pounded out a dozen queries over a two day blitzkrieg. It is far wiser to pace yourself so that you won't come home to a mailbox stuffed with rejection letters. Over time you'll have articles in every stage of the process, which will remind you of your success.
Fugged about it. Easier said than done, I know. Before I got really focused on querying, I'd send out a couple pieces, forget about them, and be pleasantly surprised a month later when I got an acceptance letter and writer's agreement. Step away from the iMac from time to time, and you'll be able to keep things in perspective.
Write a snappy comeback. No, not something snarky and malicious that will get you on every editor's black list. Try this: "Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. Here's another idea you might consider..." Often I've had more success on my second try, and hopefully you will, too.
Have a Plan B. For the record, this one has nothing to do with reproductive rights. It's much simpler than that: keep a list of other publications that might be a fit for your fabulous idea, and you won't get bogged down by a few rejections.
Rejections received in the last eight hours: 2
I'd say this calls for some wine and yoga (although not necessarily in that order). Yes, I did get an acceptance email just the other day and one of the editors explained that she'd just assigned a similar story, but rejection still stings. Period. Lest anyone worry that I’m actually going to spend the weekend in a merlot-induced haze, here are a few ideas on how to cope with disappointment (because today it was me, but who knows what might happen tomorrow?):
Buy yourself some bling. Ok, I'm just kidding on this one, but if you can afford a new diamond pendant, then more power to you. In my moment of weakness, I opted to browse Amazon for some upbeat, (hopefully) career-enhancing reads.
Space out your queries. I blatantly disregarded this sage bit of advice, and now I'm a cautionary tale about a writer who pounded out a dozen queries over a two day blitzkrieg. It is far wiser to pace yourself so that you won't come home to a mailbox stuffed with rejection letters. Over time you'll have articles in every stage of the process, which will remind you of your success.
Fugged about it. Easier said than done, I know. Before I got really focused on querying, I'd send out a couple pieces, forget about them, and be pleasantly surprised a month later when I got an acceptance letter and writer's agreement. Step away from the iMac from time to time, and you'll be able to keep things in perspective.
Write a snappy comeback. No, not something snarky and malicious that will get you on every editor's black list. Try this: "Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. Here's another idea you might consider..." Often I've had more success on my second try, and hopefully you will, too.
Have a Plan B. For the record, this one has nothing to do with reproductive rights. It's much simpler than that: keep a list of other publications that might be a fit for your fabulous idea, and you won't get bogged down by a few rejections.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
5 Q's with Yee-Fan Sun
First in my new interview series is Yee-Fan Sun, the Harvard-educated hipster behind DigsMagazine.com and author of First Digs:The Quasi-Adult's Guide to Decorating with Style---Without Blowing Your Budget.
Urban Muse: I can tell from the activity on the forums that your site has a pretty loyal following. Could you tell us how you developed an audience when you first launched the website?
Yee-Fan: I came up with the idea for Digs late in 1999 and launched in January of 2000...Within a couple of months, I was contacted by the now-defunct ChickClick.com about joining their network, [which] not only introduced me to new individual readers, but increased my search engine rankings, too.Sometime during that first year the dot-com bubble burst; ad revenues soon plummeted, sites started shutting down left and right (including ChickClick.com eventually), and I found myself with a site that was generating increasingly respectable amounts of traffic, but earning way less money than it had when we'd been starting out with... I think two things allowed me to keep Digs going when a lot of other great sites were closing up shop. First, I was running the entire site by myself, with very very little overhead... Second, Digs had started building up a small but pretty loyal community through the message boards, and getting emails and hearing boards members talk about how much the site meant to them was amazing additional incentive for me to keep Digs going.
UM: Kudos on the book. How did that get started?
Y: I had been approached about doing a book by various people in the past, but for a long time, I just didn't feel ready to tackle such a large-scale project. An amazing woman named Judy Linden contacted me a few years back, and the combination of good timing and the fact that we had an immediately comfortable rapport just started the ball rolling. Judy helped me figure out what the book was going to be about, collaborated with me on the proposal, did all the work of actually shopping out the proposal to publishers, and dealt with all the contract negotiations.
UM: You've been doing the ezine for several years now. How do you continue generating fresh content after all this time?
Y: Moving around as often as I have has certainly helped in coming up with ideas for the Lounge section of the website (which is centered on decorating and maintaining house); I feel like I'm always in the process of setting up house again ... good for inspiring new articles, not sogood for my sanity perhaps!Seriously, though, I'm constantly worried that I've finally run out of ideas for new articles, but somehow, someway, eventually, something always comes up. Digs pretty much reflects the things I'm most obsessed with in my own life -- finding cool furnishings (for cheap), cooking good meals (for cheap), entertaining friends and family (for cheap), chilling with a good book or interesting DVD (inherently cheap). I also steal shamelessly from what I see my friends and my younger brothers dealing with in setting up their own places.
UM: Since you work from home, could you share a few tips on staying motivated?'
Y: People are always asking me this! I do think that developing good work habits helps a lot. For one thing, I keep pretty regular work hours despite the fact that there's no external factor influencing me. I also find that self-imposing deadlines on myself can be helpful; for instance, I decided early on that Digs would feature a new article every Monday and every Thursday, and having those dates set ensures that I have to produce at a pre-determined schedule. Mostly, though, I think the best motivation is just knowing that if I don't do this work, no one else will!
UM: And now, the question that I'm sure is on everyone's minds... what is your favorite reality TV show?
Y: True but totally embarrassing fact about me: a long, long time ago, in a galaxy not so far away, I sent in an audition videotape for a certain MTV show often credited with launching the reality-TV craze. Like a gazillion other wannabe reality TV stars, I was roundly rejected. It's possible I'm still a little bitter, but whatever the reason, I can't seem to get into any of the reality shows.
UM: Thanks, Yee-Fan... Be sure to check back on the first and third Thursday of every month for more insight into writing, publishing, and beyond.
Urban Muse: I can tell from the activity on the forums that your site has a pretty loyal following. Could you tell us how you developed an audience when you first launched the website?
Yee-Fan: I came up with the idea for Digs late in 1999 and launched in January of 2000...Within a couple of months, I was contacted by the now-defunct ChickClick.com about joining their network, [which] not only introduced me to new individual readers, but increased my search engine rankings, too.Sometime during that first year the dot-com bubble burst; ad revenues soon plummeted, sites started shutting down left and right (including ChickClick.com eventually), and I found myself with a site that was generating increasingly respectable amounts of traffic, but earning way less money than it had when we'd been starting out with... I think two things allowed me to keep Digs going when a lot of other great sites were closing up shop. First, I was running the entire site by myself, with very very little overhead... Second, Digs had started building up a small but pretty loyal community through the message boards, and getting emails and hearing boards members talk about how much the site meant to them was amazing additional incentive for me to keep Digs going.
UM: Kudos on the book. How did that get started?
Y: I had been approached about doing a book by various people in the past, but for a long time, I just didn't feel ready to tackle such a large-scale project. An amazing woman named Judy Linden contacted me a few years back, and the combination of good timing and the fact that we had an immediately comfortable rapport just started the ball rolling. Judy helped me figure out what the book was going to be about, collaborated with me on the proposal, did all the work of actually shopping out the proposal to publishers, and dealt with all the contract negotiations.
UM: You've been doing the ezine for several years now. How do you continue generating fresh content after all this time?
Y: Moving around as often as I have has certainly helped in coming up with ideas for the Lounge section of the website (which is centered on decorating and maintaining house); I feel like I'm always in the process of setting up house again ... good for inspiring new articles, not sogood for my sanity perhaps!Seriously, though, I'm constantly worried that I've finally run out of ideas for new articles, but somehow, someway, eventually, something always comes up. Digs pretty much reflects the things I'm most obsessed with in my own life -- finding cool furnishings (for cheap), cooking good meals (for cheap), entertaining friends and family (for cheap), chilling with a good book or interesting DVD (inherently cheap). I also steal shamelessly from what I see my friends and my younger brothers dealing with in setting up their own places.
UM: Since you work from home, could you share a few tips on staying motivated?'
Y: People are always asking me this! I do think that developing good work habits helps a lot. For one thing, I keep pretty regular work hours despite the fact that there's no external factor influencing me. I also find that self-imposing deadlines on myself can be helpful; for instance, I decided early on that Digs would feature a new article every Monday and every Thursday, and having those dates set ensures that I have to produce at a pre-determined schedule. Mostly, though, I think the best motivation is just knowing that if I don't do this work, no one else will!
UM: And now, the question that I'm sure is on everyone's minds... what is your favorite reality TV show?
Y: True but totally embarrassing fact about me: a long, long time ago, in a galaxy not so far away, I sent in an audition videotape for a certain MTV show often credited with launching the reality-TV craze. Like a gazillion other wannabe reality TV stars, I was roundly rejected. It's possible I'm still a little bitter, but whatever the reason, I can't seem to get into any of the reality shows.
UM: Thanks, Yee-Fan... Be sure to check back on the first and third Thursday of every month for more insight into writing, publishing, and beyond.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
The M-Word
One of my good friends from high school got married last weekend. She and her husband just bought their first house, and my mom sent me the wedding announcement from our hometown paper (thanks for the nudge).
It seems that my twenty-something friends are dropping faster than Paris Hilton drops her AmEx card. Whatever happened to the Sex and the City years? (Yes, I know it's fiction, but it was a huge commercial success). Even The NY Times sides with me on this one, but nonetheless many of my friends are heeding the sirens’ call of wedding bells and babies.
I was starting to feel really, really old. But then I saw their wedding photos on facebook and decided that we are still very young and hip (at least according to our profiles).
It seems that my twenty-something friends are dropping faster than Paris Hilton drops her AmEx card. Whatever happened to the Sex and the City years? (Yes, I know it's fiction, but it was a huge commercial success). Even The NY Times sides with me on this one, but nonetheless many of my friends are heeding the sirens’ call of wedding bells and babies.
I was starting to feel really, really old. But then I saw their wedding photos on facebook and decided that we are still very young and hip (at least according to our profiles).
Monday, January 15, 2007
Life is Beautiful
Despite a few set-backs (oversleeping, having to restart my computer when it froze, waiting on sources for quotes), I’m pleased to report that today’s little productivity experiment was a success. I finished most of a feature article, researched sources for another article, surpassed my query quota for the month, and even fit in two loads of laundry. I spent the whole day in sweats, and there was no TV-watching or facebook-checking. As a bonus, I got another birthday present (this styling laptop case) and found a ton of old works-in-progress (WIPs) I thought had been lost in the Great Laptop Transfer of 2005. In celebration, I leave you with this cute little comic from Debbie Ridpath Ohi's Will Write for Chocolate.
Schedule, Schmedule
Since I have the day off from my day job (thanks, Dr. King!), I planned on spending the day finishing some writing projects and getting those query letters out. I'm an obsessive list-writer, so here's what I had down for today:
9:30-10am: breakfast and blogging
10-11am: query letter writing
11-11:30: phone interview for article in progress
11:30-12: incorporate quotes into article
12-12:45pm: lunch and reading blogs
12:45-1pm: clean-up and take out trash
1-3pm: complete articles in progress
3-3:30pm break
3:30-5pm: more query letter writing and research
The forecast called for snow, so I should have been free from distractions and ready to buckle down and write. But things got off to an inauspicious start when I overslept (hey, this girl needs her beauty sleep). Here's how I predict the rest of the day will go:
10:30-11am: blogging and reading of blogs
11:15am: what phone interview?
11:28-12: phone interview and incorporating of quotes
12:02-12:15pm: pondering if I have new messages on facebook...
12:16-12:22pm: checking facebook
12:30: still on facebook
12:33: lunch!
1:05: call from the bf (what? its long distance, so we need our phone time)
1:33: still on the phone...
2:01: finally start query letters
You get the idea... Now let's see if I can prove myself wrong!
9:30-10am: breakfast and blogging
10-11am: query letter writing
11-11:30: phone interview for article in progress
11:30-12: incorporate quotes into article
12-12:45pm: lunch and reading blogs
12:45-1pm: clean-up and take out trash
1-3pm: complete articles in progress
3-3:30pm break
3:30-5pm: more query letter writing and research
The forecast called for snow, so I should have been free from distractions and ready to buckle down and write. But things got off to an inauspicious start when I overslept (hey, this girl needs her beauty sleep). Here's how I predict the rest of the day will go:
10:30-11am: blogging and reading of blogs
11:15am: what phone interview?
11:28-12: phone interview and incorporating of quotes
12:02-12:15pm: pondering if I have new messages on facebook...
12:16-12:22pm: checking facebook
12:30: still on facebook
12:33: lunch!
1:05: call from the bf (what? its long distance, so we need our phone time)
1:33: still on the phone...
2:01: finally start query letters
You get the idea... Now let's see if I can prove myself wrong!
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Interview Outtakes
Yesterday I met with some of the young moguls behind Dormaid for an article I’m writing. It seemed like your standard story about college students who launch a business until the CEO emailed me that morning to confirm our meeting, which tipped me off that these guys really have their act together (I don’t think I’ve ever had an interview subject send me a confirmation). I hopped on the bus, waited in traffic, then called to say I was running late. "No problem," said Mike the CEO. "We’ll send a car to pick you up."
Mike and Rob’s apartment, a.k.a. corporate headquarters, was surprisingly clean for a group of college boys (ok, not so surprising when you consider that they run a very lucrative cleaning business for the college market), and I was pretty impressed. Ever the gentlemen, they offered me water in one of those big red cups that are used for beer pong (very classy, guys). Their maturity and enthusiasm for the business quickly won me over, but of course these guys are pros at winning over the freshman mom demographic. Hey, it’s not everyday I get chauffeured around by cute, young entrepreneurs from Harvard (just kidding, Ben, I’m still partial to the men of Penn). Stay tuned for the feature article later this spring...
Mike and Rob’s apartment, a.k.a. corporate headquarters, was surprisingly clean for a group of college boys (ok, not so surprising when you consider that they run a very lucrative cleaning business for the college market), and I was pretty impressed. Ever the gentlemen, they offered me water in one of those big red cups that are used for beer pong (very classy, guys). Their maturity and enthusiasm for the business quickly won me over, but of course these guys are pros at winning over the freshman mom demographic. Hey, it’s not everyday I get chauffeured around by cute, young entrepreneurs from Harvard (just kidding, Ben, I’m still partial to the men of Penn). Stay tuned for the feature article later this spring...
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Ready, Set, Query!
Armed with the 2007 Writer’s Market (an early birthday present), I’m ready to start the 2007 Query Challenge. Even without joining the challenge, I would have tried to write as many queries as possible to push my writing to the next level, but now that I have a support system of other writers and my competitive streak to keep me motivated, the plan is to be even more productive this year.
So far I’m finding tons of new-to-me publications in the Writer’s Market (thanks, Mom!). For instance, who knew that there were whole magazine devoted to hepatitis, beer-brewing, and paint horses? I had no idea! But a few key magazines seem to be missing... like where’s Budget Travel, Domino, and Cookling Light? They could be listed in the online edition, so I won’t waste any more time getting started...
So far I’m finding tons of new-to-me publications in the Writer’s Market (thanks, Mom!). For instance, who knew that there were whole magazine devoted to hepatitis, beer-brewing, and paint horses? I had no idea! But a few key magazines seem to be missing... like where’s Budget Travel, Domino, and Cookling Light? They could be listed in the online edition, so I won’t waste any more time getting started...
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Let's give 'em something to blog about
Since I've gotten more serious about this blog and writing in general, I've been finding a ton of super-talented writers online and through various writer's groups. They all have a ton of great ideas and advice, and I'd love the chance to pick their brains about how they got started, where they find inspiration, and whether they watch The Apprentice or Survivor (I'm all about The Apprentice, but more on that in another post). Then it hit me - I could synthesize all this great information, make more writing contacts, and help other young writers by making it into a regular feature on my blog.
So, starting next week, I will be profiling a writer or other muse twice a month. My first thought was to title it "20 Questions with Writer X," but who really has time to answer 20 questions? I'll keep it short and sweet at 5. All you aspiring writers, feel free to post your burning questions below and I'll be sure to include them in my top 5. And if you happen to be a fabulous up-and-coming writer who would like to be featured on this blog (and promote your upcoming projects), please leave a comment or email me. In the meantime, why not revisit my post about the fabulous Rachel Solar?
So, starting next week, I will be profiling a writer or other muse twice a month. My first thought was to title it "20 Questions with Writer X," but who really has time to answer 20 questions? I'll keep it short and sweet at 5. All you aspiring writers, feel free to post your burning questions below and I'll be sure to include them in my top 5. And if you happen to be a fabulous up-and-coming writer who would like to be featured on this blog (and promote your upcoming projects), please leave a comment or email me. In the meantime, why not revisit my post about the fabulous Rachel Solar?
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Tools of the Trade
Liz Strauss posted a blogger’s treasure trove: post ideas for the entire month of January! Lately I’ve had no lack of things to blog about, but we all struggle with writer’s block from time to time. Following Liz’ lead, today I’m featuring free online tools for bloggers/writers: StatCounter, Copyscape, and Profnet.
The first two look like stylish accessories for your blog, but they offer more than just a pretty icon. StatCounter offers free web tracking, so you’ll know how many hits you’re getting per day (both page views and unique visitors), plus the referral link, the country of origin, and more. I warn you, though, it’s pretty addictive.
Copyscape helps writers search for duplicate content, so you’ll know in a matter of seconds if your words are being used elsewhere.
And thanks to Christine Junge for mentioning Profnet in her freelance writing class at BCAE. Its a great resource for finding expert sources on a variety of topics. Note to bloggers: there are very few of you registered as expert sources, so you could generate some interest that way. Do you have any tools you'd to share? Feel free to post below!
The first two look like stylish accessories for your blog, but they offer more than just a pretty icon. StatCounter offers free web tracking, so you’ll know how many hits you’re getting per day (both page views and unique visitors), plus the referral link, the country of origin, and more. I warn you, though, it’s pretty addictive.
Copyscape helps writers search for duplicate content, so you’ll know in a matter of seconds if your words are being used elsewhere.
And thanks to Christine Junge for mentioning Profnet in her freelance writing class at BCAE. Its a great resource for finding expert sources on a variety of topics. Note to bloggers: there are very few of you registered as expert sources, so you could generate some interest that way. Do you have any tools you'd to share? Feel free to post below!
Monday, January 8, 2007
Here's to the Ladies who Rent
Sometimes it seems like my friends have a new job, apartment or boyfriend every time I talk to them. I wondered what makes people our age so fickle, and then I realized that in the last two years, I've had three jobs (one of which was a promotion, thank you very much), three apartments (one of which was a temporary sublet), and an undisclosed number of boyfriends (a lady wouldn't kiss and tell, after all). Thus, I felt pretty qualified to write an article called Big Ideas for Small Spaces about maximizing space in that tiny starter apartment.
The piece was partly inspired by an interior decorating class I took at BCAE last summer, but given my recent domestic drama, I think its best that readers take these merely as suggestions. I also added some clips to my blogroll, so check out my other articles if you feel so inclined.
The piece was partly inspired by an interior decorating class I took at BCAE last summer, but given my recent domestic drama, I think its best that readers take these merely as suggestions. I also added some clips to my blogroll, so check out my other articles if you feel so inclined.
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Mortifying!
Ever since I read about Mortified, the new book/stand-up act that uses real people’s journal entries from childhood as fodder for comedy, I’ve been curious to reread my own journal entries (and maybe take a stab at the Boston show). Since I spent Christmas at my parent’s house, I brought back several volumes of my middle and high school diaries. And believe me, it’s plenty mortifying to read. Here’s a highlight from middle school:
"We got into our first fight, and it was the most miserable few hours of my life... The same guy that asked A out last week asked me out and, of course, I said no, because I knew that if it wasn’t a joke it had something to do with getting rejected by A and I don’t want her rejects! He admitted that it was a joke and the same with A and said what losers we are. I don’t remember what I said, but I wish I had chewed him out."
Miraculous how little has changed in ten years.. .
"We got into our first fight, and it was the most miserable few hours of my life... The same guy that asked A out last week asked me out and, of course, I said no, because I knew that if it wasn’t a joke it had something to do with getting rejected by A and I don’t want her rejects! He admitted that it was a joke and the same with A and said what losers we are. I don’t remember what I said, but I wish I had chewed him out."
Miraculous how little has changed in ten years.. .
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Domestic Drama
Disclaimer: this post is not writing-related (except that I'm writing it here).
As you may remember, I was in the dark (literally) last night as I tried to write. I couldn't get the glass dome off and I knew my landlord wasn't about to rush over to help, so today I bought this lamp at Bed, Bath & Beyond. Later my roommate and I tried to change the burnt out bulb in her room, and just as she removed the last screw, the glass dome nearly hit her on the head before shattering on the rug. This reinforced my conviction that I'd just put $20 to good use.
But wait... there's more... I was rearranging furniture and deciding where to place my stylish new lamp when I discovered that my battered secondhand desk from Craig's List wouldn't budge. I removed all the contents, only to realize that last fall when I had tried to super-glue it back together and prolong its life, I had actually super-glued it to the floor. Genius! Ladies and gentlemen, don't try this at home.
As I write this from the overpriced apartment that I fell in love with last summer, I can hear a mouse scratching inside the wall, taunting me for my stupidity, and my lamp smells like its decomposing . I think its time for a drink.
UPDATE: When I got home from a friend's birthday celebration later that night, those lightbulbs in my lamp, the ones with the "10-year guarantee," burned out after less than an hour and plunged me into darkness again. What a scam!
As you may remember, I was in the dark (literally) last night as I tried to write. I couldn't get the glass dome off and I knew my landlord wasn't about to rush over to help, so today I bought this lamp at Bed, Bath & Beyond. Later my roommate and I tried to change the burnt out bulb in her room, and just as she removed the last screw, the glass dome nearly hit her on the head before shattering on the rug. This reinforced my conviction that I'd just put $20 to good use.
But wait... there's more... I was rearranging furniture and deciding where to place my stylish new lamp when I discovered that my battered secondhand desk from Craig's List wouldn't budge. I removed all the contents, only to realize that last fall when I had tried to super-glue it back together and prolong its life, I had actually super-glued it to the floor. Genius! Ladies and gentlemen, don't try this at home.
As I write this from the overpriced apartment that I fell in love with last summer, I can hear a mouse scratching inside the wall, taunting me for my stupidity, and my lamp smells like its decomposing . I think its time for a drink.
UPDATE: When I got home from a friend's birthday celebration later that night, those lightbulbs in my lamp, the ones with the "10-year guarantee," burned out after less than an hour and plunged me into darkness again. What a scam!
Freelance Frustration
I've been doing a lot of writing recently for a certain website, but I'm still waiting for a check I invoiced last fall (and content has been live for a while). I've gotten checks from them before, so I know it's legit. However, it's been over a month of pleas (me: "could you check on it again?") and promises (them: "it's in the mail"), but still no check. What do you, my fellow writers, suggest I do? Should I keep pleading? Should I hold off on future assignments until payroll is resolved? Or should I kiss that money goodbye and move onto other projects?
I'm also a little annoyed that my overhead light burned out and the fixture is firmly glued shut, but hopefully a call to my landlord will fix that (or baring that, a trip to Bed, Bath & Beyond for new lamps).
Lessons Learned
Not giving away any specifics and jinxing it, but there's an exciting project in the works. A while back I submitted what I considered my magnum opus (in 800 words or less) to a column in a well-known newspaper. I was immediately rejected and felt pretty foolish for wasting so much time on an idea that may never see the light of day (or the inside of a newspaper). Fast forward several weeks and I had another idea. It seemed silly, so instead of devoting weeks to it, I wrote a quick teaser and sent it off. BAM! Now I have the editors' attention and the go-ahead to flesh it out.
The moral of the story: don't spend too much time writing an entire article before confirming that someone may want to print it. Don't dismiss an idea that may have potential, even if it seems silly (your first idea often isn't your best idea). And DO continue pitching an editor after they reject you. I've gotten several assignments that way. They send me a courtesy email saying "not a fit for us," then I respond with, "OK, but how about this?" Works like a charm.
The moral of the story: don't spend too much time writing an entire article before confirming that someone may want to print it. Don't dismiss an idea that may have potential, even if it seems silly (your first idea often isn't your best idea). And DO continue pitching an editor after they reject you. I've gotten several assignments that way. They send me a courtesy email saying "not a fit for us," then I respond with, "OK, but how about this?" Works like a charm.
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Another Good Day
Today I awoke to an email from an editor wanting me to turn around a new article in ten days. I had to turn it down so I could finish other projects, but then this evening I heard from another editor with a different request that I quickly snatched up. It's nice to know that all that relationship-building I learned in my college PR classes is paying off. Rather than endlessly pitching, I'm being pitched to. And it's a refreshing change, although I know I still have a lot of queries ahead of me.
I also discovered a new favorite blog by googling myself (yes, it's a verb now, deal with it). Beth in Ireland gave me a shout-out in her blog called Shenanigans. American girl meets Irish boy and moves to Dublin to become a writer... I must say, I'm very intriqued. (Unfortunately, that never happened to me when I studied in London, but my roommate has a similar love story unfolding across the pond very soon, and I hope she keeps her promise to start a blog of her own.) I also thought her article on Creating a Unique Workspace was pretty interesting. Personally, I just discovered See Jane Work, which has some very cute office supplies.
I also discovered a new favorite blog by googling myself (yes, it's a verb now, deal with it). Beth in Ireland gave me a shout-out in her blog called Shenanigans. American girl meets Irish boy and moves to Dublin to become a writer... I must say, I'm very intriqued. (Unfortunately, that never happened to me when I studied in London, but my roommate has a similar love story unfolding across the pond very soon, and I hope she keeps her promise to start a blog of her own.) I also thought her article on Creating a Unique Workspace was pretty interesting. Personally, I just discovered See Jane Work, which has some very cute office supplies.
The Importance of Writing a Simple Ending
I'm a huge fan of Newsweek's "My Turn" column, which features a funny, often poignant personal essay written by a different reader each week. I've even submitted a few of my own, but so far no luck. I thought this week's column on The Importance of Being Neighborly is particularly well-written. The author's use of detail really evokes her neighbor's personality:
"I pegged Bill right away as one of those fiftysomething counterculture types who'd tried on the 1960s and found a fit for life."
Her description of Bill is so vivid he could be standing in my garage (if I had one). However, what really got me was her ending. I won't spoil it, but it's one of those perfectly phrased conclusions that writers spend days, make that years, trying to finesse. It's not overly sentimental or contrived, and it doesn't hit you over the head with a message. It just ends with a clear, simple image that makes the reader smile.
"I pegged Bill right away as one of those fiftysomething counterculture types who'd tried on the 1960s and found a fit for life."
Her description of Bill is so vivid he could be standing in my garage (if I had one). However, what really got me was her ending. I won't spoil it, but it's one of those perfectly phrased conclusions that writers spend days, make that years, trying to finesse. It's not overly sentimental or contrived, and it doesn't hit you over the head with a message. It just ends with a clear, simple image that makes the reader smile.
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Writer's Resolution, Part 2
Now that you've read my New Year's resolution, take a peek at what others are hoping to accomplish in 2007:
Ask Allison: The Year that Was
Becky Motew: Goals for the New Year
Deborah Ng: Goals, Resolutions and Dreams... Oh My!
Kiwi Writer: My Writing Goals 2007
Swan's Blog: Resolutions for 2007
The Budget Fashionista: TBF Readers: You're Da Bomb!
Here's to setting (and surpassing) those high standards!
Ask Allison: The Year that Was
Becky Motew: Goals for the New Year
Deborah Ng: Goals, Resolutions and Dreams... Oh My!
Kiwi Writer: My Writing Goals 2007
Swan's Blog: Resolutions for 2007
The Budget Fashionista: TBF Readers: You're Da Bomb!
Here's to setting (and surpassing) those high standards!
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