Wednesday, July 30, 2008

It's BIg News- I am officially published online!

Well, it's official. I am a published author with a byline! As freelance commercial writers, most of the work we do is work for hire. That means, we do the writing and someone else does the owning. Someone else's name goes on the words we sell and that's just fine. It's the nature of the work we do and we get paid to do just that. But I am here to tell you, there's really nothing quite like seeing your words on a site with your name as the credited author.

So, to shamelessly continue my fifteen minutes, here's the site: www.life123.com and go to the beauty and style articles. You'll find me all over the place.

Hey, read the articles and rate them fabulously. When I get rich and famous- you know, well-fed and all- I'll tell 'em I know you and get you a gig! (Actually, they're hiring writers right now, but make sure you read lots of my stuff anyway!

Teresa

Friday, July 18, 2008

Finishing a long-term gig

Hi there! I just finished up a long-term project. I've been working with this client for several months, helping with content for a soon to launch website called Life333. While it will be very exciting to see all of my work online, I am a bit sad at seeing this gig come to an end. Money aside, (OK, I will really miss the money!) but I will also miss working with this editor. She has been generous and more than fair and always a delight to hear from. So how do you feel about seeing a long term gig come to an end? I know that at times it can be a huge relief, but do you have times where you hated to see it end? Do you have any good suggestions for persuading a client to find a new project for you? I was able to stretch this one a bit by pitching some ideas. How about you? I would love to hear some input on this one! In the meantime, keep plugging away! Have a great weekend- take some time off and go have some fun! (And then get back to your keyboard!)

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Learning a Lesson From the Economy

Other than the war, it's all everyone is talking about: gas prices, grocery costs, layoffs and unemployment. With gas over four bucks a gallon, everything is taking a real bite. Prices are rising constantly, but not a lot of folks are getting pay raises, are they?

I believe that we create our own reality, to a large extent. Whatever we spend out time and energy on, will dominate our thoughts and therefore our behavior. If we are stuck in the rut of worrying about everything that is really out of our control anyway, we are going to live out that negativity in every part of our lives.

I decided I wasn't going to worry about it. I'm a freelancer and I've been a single mom for 27 years. I've been dead broke more times than I care to remember. I have a car in the driveway with gas in the tank, I have enough groceries that I'm still 30 pounds heavier than I would like, and my teenager just got home from 10 days at Bible Camp. Hmmm, there doesn't seem to be too much lack around here.

Before I made the decision to let go of what I can't control, I worried because I saw a bit of a slowdown in work. Once I let go and decided to spend my extra time working at things like bidding more jobs than I used to and playing around with my creative writing skills, I suddenly realized that the work started coming back in the door.

I heard from a client that I hadn't heard from in a while, I got some extremely nice comments from a couple other clients, as well as offers to pitch them some ideas and I picked up some extra work from my very first client, who has also been an amazing mentor for me in this crazy world of freelancing. (By the way, her name is Sue LaPointe and you should check out her blog- after mine of course. It's on my blog list!

The point is, I learned a lesson from the economy problems. When things are getting a bit tough, the more you focus on them, the worse it's going to get. When you let go, things start looking up sooner than you think. I think they call it "Let Go and Let God"- and I actually learned that lesson a long time ago from some friends of mine. I think they also call it K.I.S.S. (Keep it simple, stupid!) Yep, same friends.

So give up already! You've been broke before and you probably could stand to lose a couple pounds too. The freelance writing business is thriving. Now, get to work!

Teresa

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Independence Day

Hi everyone,
I haven't been around lately- took a little sabbatical up in Northern Minnesota and soaked up the beauty for a few days. Now, it's back to work- with a holiday coming. Friday is the 4th of July and what a perfect opportunity to celebrate the independence of working for yourself. We are so fortunate to live in a world that allows us to freely communicate and express ourselves, no matter what the subject matter. Not everyone is so lucky, so I try to remember to be grateful for what I have.

What are you celebrating this 4th of July? Here in the U.S. we acknowledge and celebrate our freedom and what our forefathers did to secure that freedom. I like to slow down and get a bit more personal with my thanks. I have a brother and some nieces and nephews who have spent time in the armed services, including Iraq. We have learned to be extremely grateful for their lives and their service. Many of us have family and friends who are or have been overseas fighting and whether we agree with the war or we don't, we need to be thankful to these brave men and women who risk their lives on a daily basis. Salute to all of you!

I am grateful for each one of my readers as well. Starting a blog can feel overwhelming and scary, and I appreciate all of you and your comments. Have a great fourth of July- no matter where you live! Every day is a good day to be thankful for all of the blessings in our lives.

Stay safe and have a wonderful holiday!
Teresa