The Long Journey to Here

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