Mel

What I learned in 2010: my first half-year in business

The last six months have been a whirlwind! I knew very little about running my own business when I was thrust into “accidental entrepreneurship,” but I have certainly achieved more than I expected — and I’m STILL learning. Unfortunately, I’ve discovered some things the hard way: “Friends” who are clients should have the same requirements as “stranger”...

Mel

FAIL

So, it’s obvious that I totally failed on my NaBloWriMo for this month. *sigh* But listen here: I am totally OK with it, as I have SUCH good news (ahem, published piece in January). And a couple new clients gained this week (*cough* more to come later). I’ve worked my little patooshie off (is that a word?). The ultimate goal of writing every day for 30 days was exactly that — to WRITE...

Mel

A short breath for the true beginning of fall…

What a whirlwind October! I find it nice, opening up to a Monday computer, on the first of the month, with no seriously impending deadlines. Relaxing. And containing more than one cup of hot chocolate. Also, that this month brings a lot of new opportunities ahead for me: Two magazine assignments — from two different publications A new client requiring new/revamped copy for their website Continuation...

Mel

In pursuit of a byline…

One of my intended goals for 2011 is to get a byline. I find that it’s nice every once in a while to see your name in print and exclaim, “I WROTE THAT!” And let’s face it, being published is a huge bonus for one’s writing career. In order to meet this goal, I’m getting a leg up (laptop up?) by researching publications and crafting pitches, with which I so obviously need...

Mel

International Freelancers Day

What sessions will you be logging into? SEO Copywriting with Brian Clark is right up my alley, and I think I’ll sign in with Dan Poytner’s “So You Want to Write a Book” (because that’s only been on my lifelong bucket list for oh, the last...

Mel

Settled & Back to Work

Boxes are unpacked, Rudy is back to his regular eating-and-sleeping habits, and we are well into our first week in our new home: Pittsburgh. It was certainly nice to take a week off before the move. Today, I’m fully back to working on a couple new Web copywriting projects and editing drafts for existing content, as well starting on a new social media account with fashion blogging in the mix. Bulk...

Mel

Goals are Goals are Goals. And meeting those is awesome.

Shortly after beginning the process to start my own writing business, I decided to finally take the leap and start training for roller derby. I considered it a few times over the last few years, but my social anxiety and time constraints with my prior career prevented that from happening. It’s an amazing thing, watching success unfold in more than one aspect of my life — what rewards you reap...