Resources, Part I

Founding President Cathy Plum stressed at our last meeting that YOU CAN MAKE A CAREER OUT OF WRITING, and she could not be more right. It is important to know that as a writer, there are infinite opportunities available to you.

If you want to learn more… then pony up $139 for 8 sessions of Writing for Publication with Cathy Plum! The course is being held at Macomb Community College’s South Campus, on Mondays from 6-9 pm, beginning 25 October until 13 December of this year. This woman knows her stuff, and every ounce of her assistance is in complete earnest. The bonus of taking a course like this is the personal support. If you have the money, I highly recommend it.

The internet is also a helpful tool. I’ve been casually looking around for free things (there’s nothing I love more!) and found a few interesting sites:

• Poewar.com is an online “Writing Career Center.” Along with an extremely informative blog (that I am quickly growing addicted to), it also provides actual job listings for writers. You don’t even have to pay money to apply. This is a gold mine, baby. Check it out!

• Writingcareer.com has a lot of resources. I haven’t taken the time to really peruse this one, but I did download a free e-book on freelance writing that sounded really interesting. This site includes articles, blogs, even a resource link with a list of writing-related links! This is definitely worth checking out.

• Writing Careers for the 21st Century includes more in-depth definitions on a select few, but I found this independent article really helpful.

Important things to remember...

1. Apply yourself. Do not get discouraged if something (or multiple things) doesn’t go your way. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and try, try, TRY AGAIN.
2. Most professions out there are “fickle.” You are not the only person in this type of situation. If you love it, you will do it. You CAN do it.
3. Before paying for any type of online writing resource, get a second opinion… at least. PLEASE… and thank you.
4. ATTITUDE… is crucial. Love yourself, love your work… but don’t get arrogant. Stay grounded. Being narcissistic can and will hurt you.
5. Don't be afraid.

Go forth, and write something.

I'll leave you with this Judy Garland quote: “Be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else.”