2007 - A Year in Review

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