Focus, focus, focus

Ok... I've had some great events come about lately. As I wrote, I am now a professional photography artist. I believe that once you are making money for what you do, you are professional. I don't know if this is true, but in my world, it is. I am in on an online art gallery! Yay! Plus, I already received my first order!

Aside from that, I got a job. A joby job. You know, one where I get paid regularly for my work? I am the personal assistant to the owners of a local landscaping/garden design company. This is very cool. The guys are awesome, I get to learn about trees, hardscapes, plants, how to make professional landscape blueprints and so much more! The best part? I work from home! No more daycare for the kids. Well, that is, except if I pick up a second job. I'm not sure this one is going to be quite enough, but not only is it a start, but it's fun and will be a large chunk of what I need to make. So yay!

Now, writing... I've been holding off. I am still in this part that I've been babbling about for a few weeks. I write a couple sentences here and there, but something about it is holding me back from just pouring on the words. I don't know if it's a boring part for me? Is it that I'm struggling between being too vague and too detailed? I try not to over analyze why I'm slow going. Then I think too much about the why and not what I need to be thinking about... the story. So, I'm working on it, and just like when it's happened before, I'll get that break through point and have that overflow of words again soon enough. I can feel it, and that's what matters.

Photos!

I know this isn't about my writing, but it's something I take pride in. I'm a beginner photographer as a hobby. However... recently, I had a gallery owner ask me to put some of my photos up on her online gallery. There's only a few up as of now, but I'll be putting more up. Also, she'll be putting up a shopping cart soon. So... here's the links to the site.

To the site: www.bodyandsoulsalongallery.com

Directly to my page: http://www.bodyandsoulsalongallery.com/body_and_soul_colleen_nye.htm

Awesome!

So I just an email yesterday from Woman's Day. They asked me to submit 2 or 3 sample blogs on a specific topic. I did. Now, I'm anxiously waiting to see if it's what they're wanting. Ok... a little ahead of myself here. I believe they're looking for some every day people to blog on their site daily. So, I inquired. They responded. Now I'm waiting to see if I get picked. I also believe it's a paid gig. So... here's to hoping! Between the paid thing and another thing that I wrote for a writer's resume, I'm super excited.

Dance Off with the Star Wars Stars 2008

Because I need a station break and am going to show what a dork I am.

Today

I don't know why, but for some reason I'm a bit stuck. Wait... that's not right. How should I describe it? It's more like being in a truck in really deep mud. I am moving forward in the book, but it's slowly.

I am at a part where I have so much that I know I want to put in, but I'm trying to be sure I don;t stay too long on something menial or make it tedious. So... I keep writing a paragraph or two and them distracting myself to clear my mind so I can come back with a clear thought. It's worked in the past. Here's to hoping it works this time. :P

Although, I did get out and took some pretty cool pictures today. One of which is on here.

Back at it

Hello all. it's been a while, and I apologize for that. However, I'm back at my writing and more than ever. The first book is finished and polish. I'm working hard on the second book. I'm also getting some freelance writing jobs. And I'm wanting to tell you all about each of them.

First off... Freelancing. I love it. It's fun. I've applied to a few freelance companies, and I've gotten some work. It's still very sporadic, but I am hoping I get more work soon.

The second book is coming along. As of tonight, I am on page 127 and chapter 7. It's been a blast so far. I have to admit, I hadn't written in four months. Between the holidays, getting really sick with pneumonia for over a month, my divorce going through and a few other things going on. I know... excuses, excuses. However, I took a break and am back to writing full force.

The first book you ask? I'm so glad you asked! I have been sending out queries to publishing houses and literary agents. I received a response from one agent. It was a no, BUT from what I understand, they will critique your submissions. I didn't get that. She said they were not looking for that style of book, but I should keep looking. She said someone is looking for that style of writing and to keep it up. So, that's got to be good. I've got a journal I've started for places TO query and places I have and when and what the response is as I get responses.

So... here we go again. I am happy you're coming along with me on this trip!