Writing Query Letters

I know, I know - I disappeared again. You're probably not surprised anymore, though, are you?

Well, if you're not getting sick of my occasional updates on the life of this particular writer mama, then please read on and don't give up on me yet. I promise that I will soon gain some consistency with blogging. It just might take a little while.

So where have I been?

Well, let me just say that this is definitely my most difficult pregnancy. You see, in addition to feeling just plain miserable due to all the medications I am taking every day, I also have to go to at least two doctor appointments every week. With two toddlers at home, it's been quite difficult to procure babysitters to fill in for me while I attend all of these appointments. Not to mention, I'm shelling out cash to cover my ever-rising co-pay for each appointment. However, I again must say how grateful I am that the baby seems to be developing just fine and everything is basically going pretty well. If the baby does not come sooner, I am scheduled for delivery on August 30th, so the end is in sight.

In addition, I have been taking Christina Katz's writing class, Pitching Practice, which has been a real learning process. In this six-week class, you write a query letter each week, which she reads and comments on (also providing two detailed critiques in Weeks 3 and 6), and you are given weekly workbooks to go through as well. I just turned in my Week 5 work, and feel like this class is a tough workout, but totally worth the cost and time-investment. In fact, I just wish that I had more time to spend on it, and I really don't want it to end anytime soon because I feel like I am finally starting to make some great strides.

Working on writing a query letter each week has been really good practice for me in sticking to a deadline. You see, when it comes to assigned articles and writing projects, I always turn them in early. But when it comes to marketing, it's much harder for me to stick to my self-imposed deadlines. I guess this is where I can see the importance of being disciplined if one wants to maintain a successful freelance writing business.

Am I the only one who has a hard time with staying on top of marketing? Can you offer me any insights or helpful advice for tackling this in a productive and efficient manner?

The Writing Life

Hiya Writers!

It's been too long again.

I know.

Instead of making excuses, I'm just going to 'fess up and say that I'm happy to be as busy as I have been lately. More work has definitely left me with less time to do some of the things I really enjoy, such as blogging, catching up with all my Twitter peeps, and having fun on Facebook. But, like I said, I really can't complain because I'm trying to get in as much writing as possible before the baby comes in August.

My portfolio has been growing steadily, I'm editing a book for someone and helping her craft a query letter for an agent, and also trying to spend some more time on copywriting projects. Crazy as it might sound, I really enjoy copywriting, which is definitely starting to increase my (much too small!) income.

I've been wondering: do many magazine writers also branch out to copywriting? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts and experiences in this regard!

I'm also considering adding a bit more to my plate soon by taking a couple classes. I am planning on signing up for Christina Katz's "Pitching Practice" class because I thinks it's time for me to start querying the glossies. I've met with some great successes writing for regional publications, but would love to see my byline in - and receive the check from - national magazines, too. Christina's class starts on May 12, and I am really looking forward to it. In addition to taking that class, I am also looking around for a good copywriting course. If you have any recommendations or suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it!

How has your workload been lately?

SO much to do!

Like always, life keeps going and I am running to catch up with it. For some reason, I just can't seem to get everything done the last few days. Laundry gets washed, but not folded. If I finally get around to folding it, there's not much likelihood of its making its way into the dresser drawers. This is just one small example. 

It just seems like so much is going on, there is no way to keep up! My husband is in the middle of possibly switching jobs, and that's a little nerve-wracking, especially with the way the economy is right now. Also, my baby sister just announced her engagement a few days ago! This one totally blew my mind - my little sister is getting married...in October. Well, I think it's going to take a little while for that one to sink in. Don't get me wrong, both of these big, life-changing things could be very positive things, but they're still big. Sometimes I just need a little while to adjust, I think. Oh well, we're keeping our fingers crossed about the job switch and we're excited about the upcoming wedding. 

With all of this going on, you would think that I would have more than enough material to write about...but for some reason, writing has been particularly hard for me this week. Maybe it's just all the rain. When it pours down here in SoCal like this, I always just want to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea. Maybe I'll get better about substituting my book for a notebook, and start enjoying my writing a little more. Who knows...it could happen. Actually, some days I really love writing...I think I've just been in a lazy mood, lately. 

With this being said, though, I still have been meeting my deadlines with my WPSS writing class. I have been learning so much from it, and am still really enjoying it! This week I have been working on my first How-To article. I will post more on that later, though. Well, it's back to the laundry for me.

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. :)