My Journey To Success

Prayer For Those on the Gulf Coast

2008-09-01T00:33:00.001-07:00

I would just like to say that our friends on the Gulf Coast are in my thoughts and prayers! I just can't imagine what the people of New Orleans must be feeling right now. Not even three years after Katrina and here we go again! I pray for your safety and that you return home to find everything intact!
To all of my family and friends in Baldwin County, Al - my thoughts and prayers for you as you face the storms from the east side of the hurricane! Be safe, loved ones!

Cindy

Personal Crisis as a Freelancer Cont.......

2008-08-25T17:52:00.000-07:00

Tips for Handling a Personal Crisis as a Freelancer

I think the most important thing is to evaluate the crisis - determine how major the event is in your life. When you make your own schedule, it is so easy to let a small crisis turn into a major event. Then again, if you are facing deadlines, you may not feel you can take the time you need to deal with a major event.

For many, the path they have chosen for their freelance career has always served as an outlet for them. Thus, writing, drawing, doing graphics - whatever your pleasure - can do more to help you heal than taking a break.

Here are a few ways that help me face a crisis:

1. Take one moment at a time. When facing a crisis, each moment can be drastically different. One minute, you might feel okay - the next, you might feel overwhelmed. Make the best of the moments in which you feel you can handle your work.

2. Take a break if you need to. Rather than push yourself when the creative juices are not flowing, take a few minutes (15, 30, an hour) and do something that relaxes you - or something that excites you. Take a walk with your kids, swim a few laps in the pool, relax in a hot bath.

3. Determine your obligations and make arrangements if you can't meet them. One of the most important aspects of working as a freelancer is keeping your word. If you find that a personal crisis will keep you from completing an assignment, get in touch with your client as soon as you can and explain the situation - although, this step should only be taken for a major event.

4. Find a support group. Many people who work freelance find that there is not a lot of support from family and friends. The reason is because most people don't understand making a living from home - that is just not the norm. Just as people overcoming drinking or drug problems or people trying to quit smoking or lose weight have found, a support group of like-minded individuals can go a long way in helping you to overcome both personal and professional crises.

5. Do your best. That's all any of us can do anyway. Just do the best that you can - and lean on your friends when you need to. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Ok, that's what I've come up with! If anyone else has any other ideas or tips, please feel free to leave a comment.

Later,

Cindy

Why I Became a Freelance Writer

2008-08-24T16:48:00.000-07:00

I know this is not the topic that I was supposed to do next, but I'll get back to that one. I ran across a discussion in the Absolute Write Water Cooler (a fantastic place for writers, by the way!) titled "Why Did You Become a Freelance Writer". There are lots of interesting answers. Here's mine:

I became a freelance writer because......

1. I was born with spina bifida and scoliosis. Combined, those two things made it hard for me to work, but I did anyway. Now, I have degenerative disk disease added to the mixture - and although I can do a lot, it was becoming harder to hold down a steady job. I could work months at a time with no problems, then suddenly a few months with severe problems, and it just became difficult to keep a job.

2. I LOVE to write! When I discovered that I could make a living doing something that I love to do, and do it on a schedule that my body allowed, it was one of the greatest days of my life!

The biggest problem I've had with my freelance career is, that unlike working for someone else where I don't have a choice of when I can work, having ADD and suffering from chronic depression has really made freelance writing a challenge for me.

I've been reading since I was 4 and writing since I was 5 - both have always been a passion for me, and writing has always been a type of therapy for me - so, now I get to do what I love the best - and pay the bills! Win-Win!

How You Handle Personal Crisis as a Freelancer

2008-08-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

Ok - so, I didn't make it the very next day. But at least I didn't wait several months. So, we are making progress, right? Of course we are!

A couple of days ago, one of my friends posed a question in the Absolute Write forum. As a freelancer, whether you are a writer, graphic designer, whatever you do as a freelancer, how do you handle a personal crisis? Do you keep going or do you take a few days for yourself?

One of the major benefits of being a freelancer is that you make your own schedule. You are the boss - you are in control. Well, most of the time, anyway. A lot of the time, there are deadlines looming.

I think being a freelancer does make it harder on a person sometimes. For instance, if you have a 9-5 job, you are expected to be there barring a major event in your life. Being a freelancer, however, makes it easier to take a day off. The only problem is that it is easier to take a day off and if you are not careful, you could start taking days off at the drop of a hat.

Now, I'm not saying everyone would do that, but it would be a habit that would be easy to slip into. So, how do you determine when to take time off for yourself and when to keep going?

I'd love to hear some ideas from others on this subject. And, tomorrow, I'll talk about what I do to keep myself going when I would rather not. I suffer from chronic depression - and it is so, so easy for me to fall into the trap of taking time off or just simply staring at the computer. I think you can tell that from the long periods that lapse between posts.

Just leave a comment with your thoughts. I'd love to hear them!

Until next time,

Cindy

So Sue Me! Oh - sorry, broke writer here!

2008-08-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

Well, it seems that procrastination is the thing that I am best at! I want to write on my blog every day - but, something always happens. Always! Come on, give me a break! Can't the day have just 5 more minutes? Can't the kids do their own homework - without any help? Or feed themselves? I mean - jeez! What do I look like? The mommy?
Ok - so school has started and I have the whole day to myself. Yeah, right! What world do I think I live in? So, maybe - just maybe (crossing fingers behind back) - I will remember every day to post something to this blog. I know I have lots of things just rolling around in this brain that you guys want to read!

On another note:

My book, Reverse Mortgage: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply, is now published and ready for purchase! Just click on the words Reverse Mortgage and it will take you there! If you know anyone that is considering a reverse mortgage for themselves or a loved one, this book explains everything you need to know - the pros, the cons, who a reverse mortgage is for, and how it works. (Shameless, Shameless Plug!)

So, now that that is out of the way, I'll see you guys tomorrow! Will it happen? You'll just have to wait and see!

Peace!

Cindy

The Long Journey to Here

2008-01-14T12:03:00.000-08:00

Some people may not consider my journey a long one. After all, people have waited years and years before their first publishing credit. But, to me the journey has been long - I have waited for years behind the scenes. Everything I have done up to this point in my life has led me to "here".

I think the loss of that wonderful person I call Dad had a lot to do with my decision to 'get out there and get it done'. We are only given a short time on this earth - our success in life depends on what we choose to do with that time.

Once I made the decision to make a go of my writing career, there was no turning back. I am the type of person to just jump in - and look back and make readjustments later. If I want something - I go for it - no holds barred! That's just me. I have done this all my life - on the job, in my personal life. In every job that I have ever held, I have been promoted to management within a very short period - simply because I jump in head first and do what I need to do. And, that has brought me to where I am at this very moment - on the cusp of realizing my all-time, life-long goal!

So, let's take a minute and see how 2007 unfolded.

Okay......I made my decision. I had the World Wide Web at my disposal......lucky break, that one! Google search engine is a powerful thing when you need information. So, I typed freelance writing into the search engine......and off we go!

I researched sites for writers, read constantly for weeks on end, and finally landed at Absolute Write Water Cooler! Luck was with me once again. From my previous posts, you know how I feel about my home away from home! There I found the courage to just "do it"!

I began searching for jobs for freelance writers using every resource available to me - and when you have good friends willing to share resources, the search becomes a little easier!

I started out doing web content articles - had to have some starting point. And while, this turned out to be the lowest paying resource out there - $1-4 for articles of 400-600 words - I did accomplish a few things.

1. I made a little pocket change.
2. I sharpened my writing skills.
3. I attained references for future jobs.
4. I quickly learned that bulk, keyword article writing is not where I want to spend the rest of my life - but, it served it's purpose - and if I need money in a hurry, I have a resource. (Can you imagine writing 80 articles on Hannah Montana? Yeah - while your tweens watched the show in the background, even!)

Then, I discovered that I could write the same articles and get paid more money. So, I joined Constant Content and DailyArticle.com. Both of these websites allow me to submit articles and the articles are purchased by people who need content for their websites. So, I moved from $1-4 per article to $12-25 per article. Forward progress.

In the meantime, research and apply for jobs......always searching for the next job. There are many resources available - some free, some not. The key is to always keep your eyes open for that next lead.

Craigslist is one the many resources I use. And, just as I do with anything else in life - I apply for writing jobs at full speed! This is how I came in contact with Southern Families Magazine - which has opened many doors for me.

When I saw the ad calling for writer's of non-fiction books by Atlantic Publishing, I felt I was ready for this step.....so, I took it. And, it has paid off! Did you notice my excitement in the previous post? Yeah, I'm still feeling it!

So, while 2007 has been a whirlwind year for me, I have enjoyed every moment of it. And, if you are reading this and thinking "Bulk articles for $2 per? Is she crazy?????" - well, maybe I am! But, it did play a role in getting me to where I am now....and only God knows where 2008 will lead me!

I am blessed to be able to share my journey with you!

Later,

Cindy

2007 - A Year in Review

2008-01-10T16:27:00.000-08:00

First of all, I would like to apologize to anyone who has been watching my blog for updates. Two of the biggest problems I have is procrastination and getting in over my head! By getting in over my head, I mean taking on so many projects that I have no time to breathe. But that is just the way I operate - if I want to do something, I just jump in head first and go for it!

So, how is my freelance writing career going? FANTASTIC! I am proud of the things I accomplished in 2007. It has been a lot of hard work - and a lot of fun! I have learned a lot and hope that the knowledge I have gained will make my freelance career even better in 2008.

Two Biggest Highlights of 2007

The first is becoming a staff writer for Southern Families Magazine. I started out by answering an ad for articles. I ended up with 4 articles in the premier issue - one a phone interview with country singer Sammy Kershaw! I couldn't believe it - one of my very first interviews as a freelance writer - and it was with someone famous! Not that I am star-struck by singers and other entertainers. I mean, after all - they are only doing what I am doing - pursuing dreams - but, I was thrilled about the interview! And, he was such a nice, down-to-earth person. He put me at ease the first few seconds we were on the line. So - thanks Sammy Kershaw - for being the wonderful person that you are!

My role as staff writer for Southern Families magazine has given me the opportunity to interview some wonderful people - people who really make a difference in the world - breast cancer survivors, people who devote their lives to providing for needy children - and one young man whose college football career is opening door for home-schooled children all over the United States.

Tim Tebow - 2007 Heisman Trophy winner from the University of Florida. In fact, he is the first college sophomore to win this distinguished honor in the history of the Heisman. Since the excitement of Tim Tebow being one of the most sought-after high school seniors, many states are working on passing bills that will allow home-schooled kids a chance to play sports for the school in the district they live in. This will open up many opportunities for children who are missing that one element of their school careers - the chance to participate in sports. Way to go, Tim!

I would just like to extend my appreciation to Danielle Morales, publisher of Southern Families Magazine for giving me this wonderful opportunity! I hope the future holds only good things for you and for Southern Family!

The second highlight of 2007 - and one that result in my first real-live published book - and resulted in my highest paying gig of 2007 - was the opportunity to write a non-fiction book for Atlantic Publishing. The book will be published in June 2008 and can be found on the Borders Bookstores website. Thanks, Angela, for giving me this opportunity!

While I am on the subject of Atlantic Publishing and Borders Bookstores, let me just take the opportunity to congratulate my good friend and fellow freelance writer, Jennifer Hollowell, who happens to be sharing my journey into the published world with her very own book (just click her name). CONGRATULATIONS JENN!!!!

The Best Place For Writers

And, now, I am going to shamelessly plug the forum that has meant the most to my freelance writing career - the place where you meet friends that will encourage you and give you the courage to do what you must in order to establish yourself as a writer. Whether you write articles for mags, novels, children's books - whatever you do as a writer - there is one community that you should be a part of - the Absolute Write Water Cooler!

If you have dreams of becoming a writer, this is the place to be! We have fun and we work - and then we have more fun! We encourage one another, we celebrate each achievement - no matter how small or large - and we challenge one another to do the hardest part of becoming a published writer - taking that first step and getting your work to someone for their approval or rejection. And, don't worry - you learn that rejection is just a part of the game - and one acceptance makes up for a pile of rejections. Come on over and visit us - we'll teach you to be PROUD of those rejections!

I think I've rambled enough for one day - don't know how much excitement I can take at one sitting - but be sure to tune in tomorrow when I share how I got to the point I am at - the pitfalls, the mistakes, the sweat, the tears, the times when I typed for 48 hours straight and couldn't even make a fist because my fingers were swollen so badly! All the pain that leads to all the glory!

So long and God Bless,

Cindy

Persistence is the Key

2007-08-03T21:20:00.000-07:00

What is the key to success? There are actually several - but, one of the most important is persistence. According to Merriam Webster's, persistence is "the act of persisting" - persisting is " to go on resolutely or stubbornly in spite of opposition, importunity, or warning", "to be insistent in the repetition or pressing of an utterance (as a question or an opinion)".

To succeed in anything in life - whether it be business or personal - persistence is one of the most important keys. A child who dreams of becoming a professional baseball player is persistent - he will usually begin at an early age - practicing, doing the same thing over and over until he is confident that he has the task mastered. Once the task is mastered, he will continue to practice, adding more complicated tasks. Everyone around him knows what his goal is - they can't miss it - because he is persistent in his pursuit of the dream. He excels in high school, maybe earns a scholarship to college, and then is drafted into the "Big Leagues". Did talent alone get him to this point? Of course not, one of the things that made turned this child with dreams into a talented and successful professional is persistence.

Freelance writers can have very lucrative careers - with persistence. Some of my friends on the Absolute Write forum have been discussing this very thing over the last few days - have a look for yourself:

http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72361

If your dreams are to have a successful freelance writing career, a look at some of the things that other writers have accomplished can inspire you to take the steps necessary to make that dream a reality. And, persistence is the key. Don't just apply for one or two jobs - apply for fifty. Don't just apply for jobs that you are comfortable with - you may find a whole new set of opportunities by stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. You never know what you can accomplish until you try.

So, remember - Be persistent and be successful!

Cindy

In A Dark World

2007-08-02T08:27:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I have posted an entry - procrastination is one of the side-effects of depression that can cause the most trouble for the person suffering from depression. For the past couple of months, I have been battling this dark world - and am finally trying to bring myself back into the light. Sometimes, it is easier just to let it take over - but, that is not something that I want to do - so, here I am - trying to get started again.

Although I have not been posting to my blog as regularly as I should have, I have continued to work on my freelance writing career. And, some very exciting things have happened!

I have my first publishing credentials for Southern Families Magazine - a new magazine focusing on family life and issues in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Look for the first issue in stores located in these states! For a glimpse of the magazine, visit the website at http://www.southernfamiliesmagazine.com/current-issue.html

Once I got through my first interview (the article appears in the magazine above), I had the opportunity to do another interview - this time the interviewee was a certain famous country music star. Talk about exciting! Wow! I know he wondered what the pause was at the beginning of the interview - but, that me me - excited and afraid to even speak for about 4 seconds. But, I am a talker - that didn't last long. And, the interview went well - and can be seen in an upcoming issue of Southern Families Magazine.

I feel like the luckiest writer in the world! Have you ever just happened to be in the right place at the right time - and it seemed like everything just fell into place? Well, my dream has always been to become a published writer - and Southern Families magazine has given me that opportunity! Thanks to my editor, Apryl, for being so great and making my dream a reality!

I have also been working on freelance jobs here and there - not nearly as much as I would like, so I think now is the time to tell this darkness to get out of here and leave me alone. I have goals to accomplish and dreams to fulfill! So, I am going to take it one day at a time and one step at a time - and keep my eyes on the light!

Later!

Cindy

My First Interview

2007-05-17T14:45:00.001-07:00

Well, today I pushed that fear aside, dialed the telephone - and conducted my first official interview. And, guess what? There was no monster at the end of the line - just a real, breathing, normal person just like me! Wow!
When you decide that you are going to be successful at something (anything) - there are going to be many first steps for you to take. You cannot decide that you want to be successful - and wake up the next morning at the top of the ladder (don't I wish!). So, don't let the first steps keep you from reaching out and going for the gold!
Wipe the sweat from you brow - forget about how nervous you were before your first steps (well, maybe Mom and Dad were more nervous), your first day of school, your first ride on your bicycle without someone hanging on, and your first kiss. Forget that! Just remember how proud of yourself you were - and how nothing terrible actually happened to you - (well, depends on who your first kiss was with). But, you get what I mean - push the fear aside - and just take that step! I promise you will live to tell the tale!
And, the interview actually went well - it helped that the interviewee(?) was excited about the topic we were discussing and wanted to get the word out, but it was absolutely not the nightmare that I had envisioned - and, now I am one step closer to my dream. Just like that - one step closer!

Have a wonderful and creative day!

Cindy

Having the Courage to Get Out There!

2007-05-15T14:05:00.000-07:00

Being a writer, artist, or any other creative spirit can be hard on your nerves. Most creative spirits are harder on themselves than their critics - and so, it takes a lot of courage for a writer to take the first step - getting out there and presenting their work to an audience. It has taken me 41 years to get the courage to show my work to anyone other than family members - and yes, this is probably an ego thing - because how many family members are going to come right out and tell you that your writing really sucks? Even when they think that, they probably keep it to themselves in order to spare your feelings.
For years, my Mom and Dad have encouraged me to "do something" with my writing - but, fear held me back. Fear of not being accepted, fear of not producing work that people would like, just plain FEAR! I have always been one to expect more of myself than other's expect of me - and, I don't like to present anything to the world if it is not perfect (which, I have finally realized is not going to happen!). But, before I could do anything, I had to conquer this fear. Or at least put it in it's proper place - which is in the background.
So, now I am ready - and look out world, because here I come!!! This has been an exciting couple of months for me. Here is a recap:

In April, I submitted my children's book to 10 publishers - 2 rejections so far.

May has been a very busy month:

Submitted bids for 4(6)(10)(14) freelance jobs/ heard back from one and am awaiting the results of my audition article. (still waiting to hear about the audition article)

Submitted my entry for the May Freelance Contest.

Sent a query to a publisher of a magazine - liked my proposal - asked for the story - submitted the story - he loved the story (Yay!!!!) - wants me to do a series - details are being worked out - this will be my first PUBLISHED article (Did I say, YAYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Submitted 2 Queries for articles

Submitted 2 Articles

Had an interview on the phone today with the editor of a new regional magazine that is coming out in June - received first assignment and if she likes it, it could lead to a full-time writing job with the magazine!!!!!!!!!!!!!

21/25 - and getting more exciting by the minute!!! and more exciting and more exciting!!!! I don't know if my heart can take all of this excitement!!!

This is a copy of a post made in one the best resources for freelance writers on the Internet - the Absolute Write forum. This is a GREAT place for writers to share ideas and encourage one another on our journey - I would definitely recommend it to anyone involved in writing of any kind. There is only one drawback - it is addicting!!! Here is the link:

http://absolutewrite.com/forums/index.php

So, as you can see - I am conquering that fear one step at a time - and it looks like I am in for one heck of a ride! Or, at least I hope so!

So, for all creative persons in the world - I would like to send out a challenge - push that little voice that is holding you back into the back ground - and get out there and show the world what you've got!!! I, for one, look forward to seeing it!

Have a happy and creative day!

Cindy

Measuring Success

2007-04-17T03:36:00.000-07:00

I said in my first post that this is my journey to success. But, how do we measure success? Is it measured by how much money you have - or by your attitude whether you have money or not? Is it measured by how many books or articles you have published - or by the fact that you used your talents and are proud of your work - no matter who sees it or doesn't see it? Is it measured by the possessions you own - or the fact that what few possessions you do own, you worked hard to get them? Is it measured by how many people you stepped on while climbing to the top of the pile - or by the fact that whether or not you ever get to the top of the pile, you have treated everyone around you with the respect that they deserve?

Many people measure success in different ways. Some do not feel successful unless they outdo everyone around them - larger house, more expensive car, designer clothes, higher paying job, latest gadgets that ring and sing, the best of every material thing. To, me - the fact that material possessions are the only way someone can feel successful means that in all actuality, this person does not feel successful, but wants you to think he/she is.

Now, don't get me wrong - there is nothing wrong with rewarding yourself for your hard work. I mean, I would love to have a nice house and a nice car - a vacation in Rio or a Caribbean cruise. But, I don't need these things to measure my success. My success is measured in other ways.

I have three lovely daughters - well-mannered (in public, anyway), well-rounded (active in sports and actually care about making good grades), productive (aware that anything they obtain requires effort on their part - and I don't just mean the effort it takes to ask for it) members of society. They are also conscious of the world around them - they are eager to help others in need, they were willing to sacrifice their own possessions for those who lost theirs in Katrina, and they are always eager to do little things to help our neighbors.

Of course, we do have our typical little squabbles - and sometimes, even the little cheerleader head of the class attitude - but, they are in their growing years and that is perfectly normal. The baby of the family who is eleven years old something thinks that she is "all that" - but, she loves everyone - she just is going to have that "if you've got it, flaunt it" attitude! And, there is the normal sibling rivalry - but, when it comes down to the wire, they stand together as a unit.

I have been married for almost sixteen years - through the rough times and the good times, through the well times and the sick times - and we support one another through it all. Through all of the times when our personalities clashed because we are both quick-tempered, opinionated, and have the need to "be the boss" and run the show! But, we are still here - together, as a team, a partnership, a unit.

I get to write - whether or not it ever gets published, I get to write. And, my writing has brought comfort to my family members in times of pain, in the form of poems written especially for a loved one who has passed on to the next phase. I am so proud that my poems are read at the services of these beloved family members - not because they are being read in front of many, but because, hopefully, something I say about the loved one will bring comfort to those closest to that person.

I am not a published author - but, I am working toward that - and whether or not I am ever published, I know that I have done my very best and taken steps towards that goal rather than just wishing upon a star.

Am I successful? Maybe not on your terms, but on my terms, I am successful - and proud of what I have accomplished with the help of my family and friends! Here's to our success - yours and mine!

Coming Out of the Closet

2007-04-16T08:41:00.001-07:00

There are many reasons to come out of the closet - for me, the Internet has brought me out of the closet in order to share my writing! I have been writing since the age of 4 - but, only for myself and my family. Now, at forty-one, I have decided that I am brave enough to share my writing with the world! And, it feels great!
Writing, for me, has always been just something that I did - just for me, just for fun, sometimes just to help me get through the day. But, deep down, my biggest dream has always been to be a published author - actually to be on the New York Times Bestsellers List - but, if I never make that list, just being able to share my writing with others is accomplishment enough!
This, then, is my journey out of the closet with my writing. I am at the beginning of a journey that should have began many years ago - but, it is never too late to get out there and make things happen! I hope that you enjoy sharing the journey with me - and I would love to hear from you!
My current projects include:

A children's book that is very special to me - manuscripts have been sent to publishers and I am breathlessly waiting to hear the results - whether the results be rejections or acceptance - each experience will be a learning curve in my journey!

I have completed the first draft of an adult novel - and am currently working on the second draft in hopes that this will be the manuscript that I use in my search for an agent.

I have outlines for a second adult novel that I am excited about and can't wait to get started!

And, I have been doing some freelance, ghost-writing, that is not very gratifying for my writer's ego, but does bring in money to pay the bills!

If you would like to see a few examples of my writing, I invite you to check out some of the articles that I have written:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/27124/cindy_holcomb.html

I also welcome any comments - and would love to make some new friends! After all, family and friends are what makes the drudgery of earning a living bearable!

Later!

Cindy