It’s 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday and I’m trying not to scream. Four hours ago I had two articles accepted by a site that helps connect writers to clients who need things written. A third was rejected for a lack of two commas, but should be accepted the second time around.
This is a huge deal for me since this site–which I still won’t be naming just yet–could help me earn a lot of money. More than that, it was the first real piece of validation I’ve received. That little nudge which says I’m not just wasting my time.
I don’t need someone to pin a little badge to my chest reading “I R A RITER,” but damn it feels good that someone did.
Then an hour ago an article I wrote for Yahoo! Voices was accepted and published. It’s not Rolling Stone, but it’s a credit. A credit! An editor looked at my stuff, suggested a change, I made the change, and now what I wrote is up there on someone else’s site.
Not my site, and not a friend’s site, but a site run by people who can afford to be as picky as they choose. And they chose to publish a story I wrote about how I’ve killed every potted plant I’ve cared for.
Freelancing consumes the bulk of my time lately. Researching it, I mean. Sure, I’m writing, but most of my day finds me peering at my monitor, digging through one site or another. Sites offering guidance for queries, sites about AP Style, and sites about the various legal and licensing migraines freelancers have to suffer.
I’m keeping to my goal of writing at least one freelance piece each day–most days I average three–but that research bit is murder.
And finally it feels like it’s all worth it.
Congratulations! There’s nothing like validation! Enjoy the rush…and come on and visit some blogs today!
MY ROW 80 CHECK-IN POST
Thanks. I’m still riding pretty high, even a couple days later.
Jeff recently posted..I’m Officially Published (Wednesday ROW80 Check-In)
Congrats on the two articles, and on the Yahoo! article as well. Seems like you’re on a roll.
I hope so. It feels like a good start. It’d be nice if it kept on moving.
Jeff recently posted..I’m Officially Published (Wednesday ROW80 Check-In)
Congratulations!
I have a problem with killing plants as well (I just don’t know WHY), so I’ve made it a personal challenge to keep three of them alive at work. They hang out right behind my monitor on a shelf… so when I’m working, I can see them out of the corner of my eye. It’s kept me honest, and reminded me how goals are supposed to work.
It’s so awesome that you’ve seen such a tangible return on your freelance work!
Dahnya Och recently posted..Respect, Promises, and a Check In
I don’t even dare to try caring for another plant. It feels hideous of me to even think of buying any with the track record I have.
Jeff recently posted..I’m Officially Published (Wednesday ROW80 Check-In)
Congrats! That’s excellent news!
Thank you. It’s the best news I’ve had in a while, and hopefully more is on the way.
Jeff recently posted..I’m Officially Published (Wednesday ROW80 Check-In)
Congratulations on all those articles! That’s so exciting!
christina recently posted..*Insert witty post title here*
Thanks!
Jeff recently posted..I’m Officially Published (Wednesday ROW80 Check-In)
Congratulations, Jeff! Such good news
You might not NEED a badge, but I’m sure it feels wonderful. Keep up the great work!
Lauren Garafalo recently posted..ROW80 Check-In – July 18, 2012