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
Friday, August 3, 2007
Thursday, August 2, 2007
In A Dark World
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
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
Thursday, May 17, 2007
My First Interview
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
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
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Having the Courage to Get Out There!
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
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
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Measuring Success
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!
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!
Monday, April 16, 2007
Coming Out of the Closet
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
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
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