Article Published: How To Stop Greed

My article called “How To Put A Stop To Greediness” was published this morning. At first, I had plenty to say about greed in families and in the corporate world. Unfortunately, I couldn’t extend myself in this article since the article was written for a family oriented website. I had to retain many of my thoughts and suggestions, but one day I will blog about greed in its entirety – the way I see it.

If you have a moment of course, please read the article. Feel free to comment there or on here, vote and share. I would love to read your input and engage in conversation. I appreciate the support! ;)

How to put a stop to greediness

Keeping Active With Writing

I do not remember the last time I was so busy. There is so much to do, but I am not complaining. I am grateful to have the opportunity to do what I enjoy – something I wish I did sooner rather than later in life. Anyway, writing has been the ultimate experience. It’s fun and enjoyable, but requires an enormous amount of focus, determination and hard-work. I am learning this as each day passes.

Just yesterday I signed up for two more articles due next month, but I hope to have them done sooner. I have to draw up a draft for my second short story – the story I plan on submitting for a writing contest or possible magazine publication. I have to complete some notes pertaining to my second novel before I forget the details. I have to submit my resume and credentials to companies seeking freelance writers. Let’s not forget blogging – I love blogging. And then, I have a potential writing offer – assisting someone in writing their biography. I was just asked yesterday evening. Yay! Okay, I refuse to get too excited because nothing is set in stone, but I am keeping my fingers crossed that it all works out for the best. This is a huge opportunity, which I am grateful for. Even if it doesn’t evolve into anything, at least I was considered.

Boy, am I one happy gal. Writing has made a huge, positive impact in my life because I am actually doing something I love.

Possible Writing Position and Short Story Submissions

I’ve spent a few hours this morning searching for magazines who are accepting short stories. I found three who are currently accepting. Of course they have their deadlines, so that means I must get in gear. I want to take a different approach with my writing. I want to create short stories and submit them for contests, awards or just to appear in a magazine. I will be high on happiness if my work appears in a magazine. Anyway, on the days I am not working on my second novel, I will be working on my second short story. I will not publish this particular one. I plan on using it for contests, etc.

Then, in the mist of searching for short stories submissions, I found a magazine who have several groups formed. One of the particular groups are located in my area and are looking for a writer for their magazine. Do you know how quick I jumped on that opportunity? Very fast. I sent an email with all my contact information. Now, it’s a matter of waiting for a response. I hope this works out well. I would love to write for my area.

I have to say that these few hours were the best hours in a while. I love when things start to come together or at least have potential of coming together. :)

Update on Fiction Novel #2

The past three weeks I spent researching for my second novel. It’s important that I create a story as believable and entertaining as possible. As part of my research, I interviewed the two ladies whom inspired this story. I’m super happy I was able to conduct the interviews. They provided me crucial information and were extremely open with their life stories. It was a fantastic experience. Thanks to their assistance, I currently have what I believe to be a good opener; something I was having trouble with for quite some time.

As I mentioned in a previous post called When Music Influences The Writing, I will continue using Queen’s music for my novel – the same novel I keep writing, deleting, writing and deleting. Anyway, according to the interviews, Queen’s music was very much liked and had a huge impact in their lives. Any time I write a piece in the novel, I will have Queen playing in the background. I need all the inspiration I can get. I hope to make my second novel better than the first.

A Second Chance: From Book To Television

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Last year, my wonderful editor for A Second Chance assisted me in creating a book treatment for my novel. I wanted – and still want – to develop a movie based on my book. I spent several months searching for the right production company to join forces with me, but to not avail. I decided to give it a break for a while. Well, time is up because I recently got the urge to pursue my hunt for a production company willing to work with me. This morning I saw on the news that it’s that time again for the Tribeca Film Festival; and it inspired and pushed me to revisit what I consider an important project. I want to send a message to women in abusive and turbulent relationships. I know this mission is not going to be an easy one. But, if I truly want this television movie to come true, I have to get in gear and not give up.

Squeezing In Some Writing Time

Today I have two long meetings. I have very little to do with them. Nevertheless, I must be present. I may not have the time to blog, but I hope to squeeze in some time for my writing.

I am currently working on the first chapter of my second novel – yet again. Perhaps I can begin creating a good chapter one opener. Then this evening, I plan on devoting several hours to the book. Fingers crossed. Enough slacking. It’s time to write. ;)

Future Indie Authors, Do Not Give Up!

Do not give up is obviously easier said than done. Giving up sounds so much easier. There’s no stress involved. You do not have to ask the following questions:

1 – Will I have enough funds for my cover, professional editing, publishing?

2 – Do I have the marketing skills to promote my book?

3 – Will I attract readers?

The questions go on and on. It’s not easy for me. I am NOT looking for pity. I am fully aware that being an indie author takes hard work and determination. Nothing comes easy. I have support from family and friends. However, I do have a handful of people who call themselves supporters, but are not. The can’t write a review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble or on my blog. I guess it takes too much time to write a few sentences – whether you cared for the book or not. At least write something. Some don’t even address it. They don’t share my links with others. They say I “support you” or “let me know what I can do for you”. But, the bottom line is it’s all talk, no action. Nevertheless, it’s fine with me. I can’t force anyone to do anything they choose not to do. I see it as business, not personal. Plus, I’m not going to give up simply because I have five or six true, honest supporters by my side. I will eventually get to where I want to get. It’s all a matter of time and with continuous hard work.

I had the pleasure of meeting a cool guy – a screenwriter – on Twitter. We became Facebook friends soon after. I was lucky to read one of his screenplays, and I was immediately blown away. The screenplay was funny, witty and intelligently written. He has tons of screenplays and many potential offers, but unfortunately the offers fall through. He’s discouraged. Who wouldn’t be? However, giving up something you love and enjoy to do is plain silly. Rejection cannot take over the goals you have for yourself. Many of his supporters cheer him on and voice how important it is to continue writing. The right time will come. He’s still writing – with a touch of disappointment. I hope one day his dream comes true. I wish one day my dream comes true – more supporters, more readers and an opportunity of a lifetime.

Future Indie Authors, don’t let the harsh times bring you down. It’s extremely difficult out there. If you honestly want to pursue a writing career, push forward. As they say – where there’s a will, there’s a way. ;)