Getting in the Way

Hectic as things have been around here, I am proud to say that I have actually continued working ahead with my writing! In fact, I have written my first list article, and if I do say so myself, I think it's not bad at all. 

Although, I have to admit that I have noticed a way of thinking and acting that has been holding me back: I start something, realize that it's not as good as it could/should be, and decide that I can't move on until I perfect it. When that happens, I usually end up frustrated because it never seems to reach the level of perfection that I am aiming for. I realize that I just have to keep on writing and cannot stay working on that one piece forever...after all, practice makes perfect. I know that the more I continue to write, the better I will get at it...but it sure is frustrating sometimes. Anyway, it was good that I noticed this recurring pattern because now I have at least acknowledged the fact that I am holding myself back by doing that, and I now have the opportunity to get over it, and keep moving forward. 

In addition to my enlightening moment of self-realization, this past week has been extremely draining...in every way. Both of my babies are sick...the worst they've ever been. On top of that, my husband and I have also been sick, which means that when I'm up all night with uncomfortable, coughing, sneezing, crying munchkins, I am also coughing, sneezing, and sometimes feel like crying. But I am relieved that they are finally starting to look a little better (a week later!) Hopefully, the end is in sight! 

All in all, I think this has been a good week for me. It's kind of funny, but it seems like the more I do, the more I can do. Sounds ridiculous, I know. But what I mean is that some days go by where I feel as though simply playing with the kids and getting meals on the table is all that I am capable of. But then there's days where I am determined to do that and get the laundry done, pay the bills, and finish some writing projects...once I make that decision, suddenly I get everything done and more! Not always - believe me, there are days when I definitely fall short. But sometimes...and those days are really great!

Start Writing Tips

So I am now in my second week of the Writer Mama's WPSS class.  Everything is going well. I think that Christina Katz is a great writing teacher and am just so excited that I am able to take one of her classes. She makes everything so do-able, providing practical steps to success as a freelance writer...and in my case, as a work-from-home mom. 

Last week, I learned about writing tips. They're quick, short, and really quite easy to write. So I can proudly state that I have now written and submitted my first tip to Parents magazine. Whether or not they accept it is a different story, but I am nonetheless quite proud of my small success. 

Also, I have to mention that while some magazines pay for tips, some do not. I know that Parents has previously paid $25 for tips, but in the most recent issue, it does not mention the $25 payment. So...if and when I find out whether they are still paying for tips, I will let you know. 

If you want to learn more about tip writing, just study a recent issue (and a few back issues, if possible) of some of your favorite magazines (or any magazines that you are interested in writing for). Study the style, tone, length, and subject matter of the tips, and then try drafting some of your own. Make sure to write the tip to fit the magazine. After writing your tip, try submitting. You just might get a call or email from an editor. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, at least. 

One great source for learning more about tip writing is Christina's book, Writer Mama.  

Good luck with tip writing! 

Still Here

Hiya Writer Mamas!

I just wanted to let you know that I'm still here...I've been working away and will soon post an update on my progress. I think that taking this writing class was exactly the motivation that I needed to finally start submitting! I can now say that I highly recommend taking a writing class to any aspiring writers.  Well, back to my homework.  I'll be in touch!

Taking A Writing Class

Things have been so hectic around here that I haven't actually taken the time to just stop and think about my progress from last year, let alone set goals for this new year. I will do that soon, though. Just not yet.

I have decided, though, to take a writing class - something that I think will be extremely beneficial for my writing career. I have been wanting to take the class for a while now, but have only hesitated because of the cost and because I wanted to make sure that I took it at the most opportune time. 

I have begun to realize that the perfect time will never come because life just seems to get busier by the day. And as for the cost, I did have to budget and save for a while, but I'm sure that it will be well worth it. 

My first class begins tomorrow and I am SO excited to begin! Christina Katz, the author of Writer Mama and Get Known Before the Book Deal, teaches the class via email. I have learned so much just from reading her book, Writer Mama, that I can't wait to see how much more I can learn from taking her class. 

The class is called Writing and Publishing the Short Stuff (for Moms). From what I gather, Christina focuses on teaching the basics of writing "short and sweet." This sets a good basis for any type of writing that I may want to pursue in the future.  The way I see it, if I can start small then maybe I can finish big.  So for now, I am beginning this new year with anticipation, looking forward to seeing how this step will help me advance on my journey as a writer mama. Wish me luck! I'll post updates on my progress in the class. :)

Happy New Year

I'm only two weeks late in wishing everyone a Happy New Year! The holidays had me so busy, and then the holiday aftermath (i.e., taking down the tree and decorations, cleaning after all the relatives went home, etc.) was enough to keep me occupied for the last week and a half.

Have you noticed that kids make the holidays so exciting...and busy, hectic, a little stressful?! Not to complain, but just getting ready to go to our family's annual Christmas Eve party was a whole feat in itself - we showed up more than two hours late! While saying this, I have to mention that last Christmas was SO amazing because we had our son to share it with...and this Christmas was even more amazing since we had both our son and our daughter to share in the joy of the holiday! 

I do think it only fair though, to say that the whole holiday experience is SO different when you have kids than it was before them. In all honesty, children, or in my case, a toddler and a baby, make the holiday experience so meaningful and just plain wonderful that I wouldn't dream of having it any other way. BUT believe me when I say that it is with a small sigh of relief that I put away the last of the Christmas decorations. 

Now that the holidays have come to a close, I have decided it is time to hit the ground running and get back to work. Good luck as we embark on the journey of this new year!