October JHS

Skyraven · Oct 2, 2009

Hiya writers! Wow, I didn't ever think I'd be able to get one of these started but, here it is.
My goals are just to write something daily and post my accomplishments so far.
As of today's date:

I posted a review at Momslikeme for a kid's play.
I posted yesterday about my blogging anniversary both at The Freshman Writer (happy bday Freshman Writer!) and my portfolio.
I received a rejection from About.com for the Teen Advice guide position.

So, that's it from me. What are your goals for October?

Nancy · Oct 2, 2009

Thanks for opening this thread, Sky.

After spending the first 5 months of 2009 dealing with a family medical issue, I've been playing catch up. This was the year I was going to expand into new markets, etc. and significantly increase my writing income. I've had some success, but am now looking to 2010 to achieve those goals. Having said that, this month I'm shooting for:

Continuing new co-blogging gig. Started last month and doing Oct. as another guest blogger month.(See link below)
Finally had word ("contract is in the mail") that I'm doing a monthly column in a magazine to which I regularly contribute, starting in Jan. 2010. Yay! Now I have to think of a name for it and submit the first one this month.
Going to pitch another fine craft magazine.
Going to pitch a big glossy with a piece on 3 creative women.
Look for assorted new freelance work, including copywriting, which I've gotten away from, but enjoy.

jenngreenleaf · Oct 2, 2009

I'm not entirely sure if I'm going to create my OCD-JHS goals list or not this month. Part of me wants to, but another part of me doesn't for some odd reason. I'll hold this place, though, incase I change my mind. Which, I usually do.

We'll see. Lots on my mind, so it's been HARD focusing on work. Usually going into "work-a-holic" mode cures what ales me, but not this time. Again, we'll see what happens.

Here's some stuff I've done so far this month:

Slacking: The Writing Experiment
10,600 into cookbook project
Day Off From Writing
Projects That Write Themselves: if any of you have the time, I would love to hear from you in the comments section.
My Boys Are Magazine Editors
Getting Ready for Another Family Get-away!
FTC: Reviewers Must Disclose ALL Information
Start writing book: Learning How to Say No
Preliminary Research: New Book Project
Happy (Rainy) Wednesday!
Hittin' the Dusty Trail Tonight
Preparing for NaNoWriMo
Thoughts About Writers Retreats
Thoughts About Artist Retreats
We're Almost Halfway Through the Month
I don't remember following you . . .
I've Nailed My NaNoWriMo Plot
Simple Joys
4 Books for Research, 2 for ME
Time to Snuggle Up!
One Fall Tablescape Complete!
NaNoWriMo Can't Come Quick Enough!
Looming Looms on the Horizon
More NaNoWriMo Thoughts
Yep, It's a Monday
I Keep Forgetting Yarn!
Happy Hump Day! Let's Write!
Character Profiles and Templates
The Internet is Broken
Sketching Ideas
Baking, Writing, Cleaning
Speaking of NaNoWriMo
Birthday Parties, Halloween, Harvest Festivals Galore!
Literary Themed Halloween Costume Ideas
Less Than a Week & Counting!
I Forgot the Pumpkins
My Mom's Hobby
Do You Want a Fan Base?
Happy Halloween, Everyone!

Nancy · Oct 2, 2009

We'll save your place, Jenn. Take a deep breath or two... :Hug2:

jenngreenleaf · Oct 2, 2009

Thanks, Nancy, that means a LOT!

Skyraven · Oct 2, 2009

I second what Nancy said.

lol. You'll get back on track mama Jenn.

Well I posted at my parenting site about halloween fun at the Bronx Zoo.

I still have to do the two reviews for the parenting site so I need to get cracking. I just don't like writing at night. I feel so drained at the end of the day. And given my day job, its no wonder! lol

Symphony · Oct 2, 2009

Well, I'm going to go for the same as September - 15 JHS. I'll be really pleased if I manage to hit that. I'm also setting a target of 100 words a day. It's not huge and I'll hope to do more, but that's going to be my minimum for now. I want to stick to goals that I know are going to be reachable! I've set up my own blog now but finding this amazingly hard - the one thing I thought would be so much easier? So I'm simply going to aim for 10 blog entries. And if I meet all those I'm going to be one very happy bunny.

Good luck with all your goals, everyone.
Symphony X

Matt Willard · Oct 4, 2009

My client has set up a new deal with me, and he says he'd foward my email to another guy he knows that's looking for writers. Here's hoping that goes through, so I can get some multiple sources coming in. In the meantime, I'm planning to expand my marketing efforts by an hour. Three hours writing, three hours marketing. Gonna try this week to expand on the blog (which has been suffering as of late) as well as work on this in-depth ebook I've brainstormed about. Bit different from my usual fare, but worry not-even while I'm trying to make a point, I'll seek to entertain you at the same time.

jenngreenleaf · Oct 5, 2009

I took the day off from writing yesterday to recharge a bit, and just focused on my family and the house. I found a bunch of photo frames I had forgotten about, so I'm slowly assembling a "family photo" wall in our living room.

Yesterday helped a lot, and now I'm gearing up for a GREAT month. Staying positive. (hubby's next doctor's appointment isn't until the 20th, so we're staying positive about that as well - they would've called him in sooner if something bad came up in his test results . . . right?)

Katiecakes · Oct 5, 2009

I'm new to the forum, but think I should jump in as it might give me a little kick in the pants.

My goals:

Pitch 3 cooking/gardening articles that I already have worked out - one is even written
Look for new freelance work
Work on my book proposal for a cooking/crafting idea

SouthernFriedJulie · Oct 5, 2009

Katiecakes said:
I'm new to the forum, but think I should jump in as it might give me a little kick in the pants.

My goals:

Pitch 3 cooking/gardening articles that I already have worked out - one is even written

Look for new freelance work

Work on my book proposal for a cooking/crafting idea

Welcome to AW and to the Freelance forum!

jenngreenleaf · Oct 5, 2009

Katiecakes said:
I'm new to the forum, but think I should jump in as it might give me a little kick in the pants.

My goals:

Pitch 3 cooking/gardening articles that I already have worked out - one is even written

Look for new freelance work

Work on my book proposal for a cooking/crafting idea

to AW and to the challenge! I'm looking forward to kicking you in the pants....er....getting to know you around here!

Nancy · Oct 5, 2009

KatieC:

My favorite niece is a Katie. I like you already.

No pants kicking from me. I am only accountable unto myself and vice versa or something like that...

Skyraven · Oct 5, 2009

Welcome Katiecakes!
Symphony - great goals!
Jenn - we all need to recharge. I know I do given my day job and (non-writing related item coming) my break-up with my new beau.

Its given me good journal fodder though. I've been writing in it consistently for a few days now. We'll see where that gets me.
I've been referred to an editor by a fellow writer. Its for a parenting site and for pay! Woohoo! Money is nice. I can save up for the ipod I want to buy for my birthday. Have to get it myself seeing as I no long have a boyfriend to buy it for me. lol I have to laugh because I'll cry if I don't. Okay end of spiel and boyfriend chatter.
I really need to get cracking on reviews and blogposts. I've been keeping up with momslikeme just about everyday except this past weekend. So far so good for the month of October. Journaling quite a bit. Other than that not doing much writing.

Later writing pals.

Carole · Oct 6, 2009

Oh, how fun! I guess I can say that I'm new to this forum, too, if not new to AW. I only recently started posting here and looking for freelancing advice. I hadn't thought about October goals. Now I am.

Spend my writing time doing something beneficial instead of writing ridiculously long emails to friends and family. (I do tend to go on and on. You hadn't noticed, right?)
Actively look for markets that could be interested in my work.
Pursue that alternative newspaper--It was only after re-reading the email I received that I something struck me. The editor I contacted was (hopefully is) fine and dandy with the idea of my own column, as long as my material suits the publication. If what I sent doesn't fit, I intend to have a backup plan!
Find that old black & white photo of my mom sitting at her desk at the Logan Banner in the early 60s, have it enlarged and framed to go on the wall across from my desk. She's the reason I was born with the writing bug.
Spend Facebook time OFFline and writing instead. My hubby just found gainful employment again (WHEW!) which means I will have 2-3 weeks at a time alone to just write when I feel like it. Boo for being alone, but yay for gainful employment and finding my groove again.

jenngreenleaf · Oct 6, 2009

HAPPY!! I just landed a book deal for a title that is really near and dear to my heart - Learning How to Say No - it's SO fitting with a LOT of what I've gone through my entire life. I can't wait to get started! The publisher is drawing up the contract now, so I'll be able to get the project rolling tomorrow!! ::happy Snoopy dancing::

Nancy · Oct 6, 2009

Congrats, Jenn. Good news!

Nancy · Oct 6, 2009

New bloggy up. See link below. Have a productively awesome day!

jenngreenleaf · Oct 6, 2009

Nancy said:
Congrats, Jenn. Good news!

Thank you!!!! :snoopy:

Skyraven · Oct 6, 2009

Congratulations Jenn!!!! Woohoo!

I've decided to take part in Nanowrimo to write a non-fiction parenting book.

It'll be my first time.

jenngreenleaf · Oct 6, 2009

Skyraven said:
Congratulations Jenn!!!! Woohoo!
I've decided to take part in Nanowrimo to write a non-fiction parenting book. It'll be my first time.

Thanks, Heiddi!!! :Hug2:

I blogged about it a little if anyone's interested. I think it's a great idea to use NaNoWriMo to roll out your parenting book - I hope you blog through your progress because I know people would love to see how you're doing (ahem..me).

tjwriter · Oct 6, 2009

I applied to be the Evansville New Moms Examiner on Sunday. I know the pay's not upfront, but the topic is something I love, so I'll enjoy writing about it anyway.

And to keep it easy on myself, I toss out the goal of two AC articles. (I consider these practice.) I know that I need to work on my ending paragraph. My closes always feels so choppy to me.

Skyraven · Oct 6, 2009

Jenn - Yes ma'am I will do it on my portfolio site. I usually post personal writing projects there rather than on the Freshman Writer. Though I might do that just to inspire FW readers. (Ahem - you!)
tjwriter - Way to go on the JHS. Let us know when you're live so I can link to your site from my page.

I also had to turn down an invitation to a family documentary screening and panel because its in the middle of a work day. I sent an email back requesting an interview with the doctor who developed the series. We'll see what response I get.

JenNipps · Oct 8, 2009

It looks like everyone has great goals. I might post some for the rest of the month after I get back home next week. If not, you can count me back in for -- gulp -- November.

Dang, this year is FLYING!!

jenngreenleaf · Oct 14, 2009

::crickets::
Where is everyone?
::crickets::
It's scary in here all alone!!!

October JHS

What happened to my LIFE?!

Masquerading as normal...

Here to network and learn.

Masquerading as normal...

Here to network and learn.

What happened to my LIFE?!

Inquisitor of Zork

Here to network and learn.

Hidin' the bodies

Here to network and learn.

Masquerading as normal...

What happened to my LIFE?!

How 'bout some ether?

Here to network and learn.

Masquerading as normal...

Masquerading as normal...

Here to network and learn.

What happened to my LIFE?!

Here to network and learn.

Emerging Anew

What happened to my LIFE?!

Have you JHS today?

Here to network and learn.