Kauai, Here I Come

I'm taking a vacation.

A real, genuine vacation.
Sadly, I realized yesterday that the last time I took a full week off it was 1998! How sad is that? Typical American - but no more. I've made a commitment to TWO vacations every year from here on out. I also have big plans to play like the Europeans do and take 6 weeks of vacation - you know - after I'm a millionaire.

That being said - in honor of my vacation - I encourage each of you to do one thing that you would normally do on a vacation. Get a pedicure, a massage, don't check your email for a day - something incredibly indulgent and just for you.

Because, c'mon - you deserve it.

And to soothe your cold, tired self, check out the great place I'm headed - Po'ipu Beach in Kauai. Also, you can view the lyrics (and maybe download) my theme song for my trip.

I plan to report back after Feb. 12th with pictures and amazing stories of meditation, insights, and a whole new attitude on life. How's THAT for a vacation goal?

Much love!
Heather

Back From the Dead

I'm back. I was knocked out by an ugly cold virus that is circulating the Portland Metro area. Luckily, I survived. Wednesday night, I wasn't so sure I would, but now I'm feeling like a human being again. Today, I even had the energy and interest to put on clothes and shower. Now, that's progress. And...I can get back to writing.

Right now, I'm working on a few articles for Business Images of the Portland Region - a new business pub through the Portland Business Alliance. First issue comes out in May, so stay tuned. I'll be sure to post a link to the pub once it's out.

In the meantime, keep writing. I'm grateful to be back at it again and hope to bring exciting new resources your way - very soon.

--H

Music You Can Write To

Working from home is awesome. I adore it. My days feel like my days. My writing is simply part of it. But, working from home can get very, very quiet. I'm not one of those people that can have the TV on in the background (or I'll end up watching Judge Joe Brown all day) or listen to Top 40 hits (who gave Paris Hilton a record deal?!).

I've since discovered - and by discovered I mean, my boyfriend sent me the link - to SomaFM's Groove Salad. I'm new to the ambient music scene, but I LOVE it. The music is upbeat, mellow and there are no lyrics - so you don't end up typing "hit me baby one more time" instead of your important copy or magazine article.

Check it out. You can write to an uber cool soundtrack.

--H

My Favorite Links

Check out some of my favorite resources for writing blogs, articles, or grabbing inspiration:

Amazon.com
Perfect for finding books to reference in blogs or creating your book wish list.
FreelanceSuccess.com
Excellent resource for writers. The magazine database is helpful and the forums are incredible. Writers respond right away and are super helpful.
WomeninPublishing.com
Amazing networking resource, also post jobs, and members have online profiles.
Craigslist.org
Check out "writing/editing" to snag fun freelance gigs.
WritersWeekly.com
I've subscribed to this newsletter forever. It has good job leads, interview requests, and warnings on pubs that don't pay. Plus, tips from other successful freelance writers.
HayHouseRadio.com
Feeling down? Uninspired? Filled with self-doubt? Then listen in - this station always makes me feel better. And not just because the call-in's are sometimes so that pathetic it makes me feel better about my own life... ;)

Have some other fabulous resources? Leave a comment - I would love to check them out.

--H

The Artist's Way...

Sometimes writers get into ruts (not me, of course - just, you know, those OTHER writers). The perfect anecdote for becoming unstuck, is to pick up Julia Cameron's book, The Artists Way. This workbook, inspires, encourages, and motivates.

Currently, I'm taking my time reading and working through The Vein of Gold, another Cameron gem. One of my favorite aspects of these books is that every page features a quote from another writer. It's cathartic to know that other writers struggle with the written word.

Cameron, herself, has an incredible story - battling alcoholism, being married to Martin Scorsese, awesome success, and personal woes. I'm also reading (okay, you're on to me, I have roughly 6 books going right now) Cameron's biography, Floor Sample. It's delicious - especially for writers - be sure to check it out.

This blog post became all things Julia Cameron. Not a bad way to go, really.
Enjoy the evening!

--H

Book Proposal & Other Ponderings

Well, I did it.
I submitted my revised book proposal. Wow.

A lot. Of. Work.
I'm not kidding here. 37 pages later and I'm exhausted (ok, I'm exaggerating a bit). But, more importantly, I'm pretty proud of myself.

Non-fiction book proposals are intense, but bring tremendous clarity. Many agents will even provide you with an outline or a sample.

Interested in connecting with agents or publishers? Check out Women in Portland Publishing - that's how I met my agent. See, I told you networking works. :)

Trust me, people, the incredible book deal is next. Just wait and see. I'll tell you all about it right here.

And with that, I'm going to take a nap.
--H

Ode to My Voice

After a false new year start (I'm proclaiming a do-over starting next week) filled with some tough rejections and lots of jagged writing, I penned this free verse poem last night. I had to share, since I dig it:

I've lost my voice
Have you seen it?
It's muddled up in passive voice & forms of "be"
It's crouched beneath my lovely axed leads & queries

I've lost my voice
Do you know where it might be?
Underneath the nails of a wiry editor or
Clasped firmly in the calloused hands of a creative director

I know not
I only wish for my voice

I've lost my voice
Any idea where I should look?
Perhaps in my Moleskin journal or
The tattered pages of my poetry book
Is it there?

Crumpled beneath rejection emails and red pen
I find my voice
It's a little off kilter,
A bit fuzzy,
But still sharp as a whip
It makes me laugh and smile and most of all
Feel proud

So I dust my keyboard and mouse off one more time
And start again.

Here's to writing, editors, red pen, and copywriting! :)
--H

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

And now - after a month of parties, wine, and amazing food - we are back to work.
Can you feel it?

One of my resolves for my writing business (and it IS a business) is to attend at least 2 networking events a month.

This week I'll be attending a PDX Mindshare event at Souk.
I'm also plan to attend events for Women in Portland Publishing and the Portland Advertising Federation (for copywriting gigs).

Why? People need to know you and you need to know people. No matter what your business, networking is invaluable. As a writer, it connects me with others and many times results in referrals. I've also made some incredible friends through networking events.

What's your New Year's resolution? Share it here!

Cheers,
H